I am privileged to live in western Montana, close to the wilderness and roadless areas that I love so much, and I’m thankful that I am still able to venture up into them and spend much of my time there.
Most of the photos that I post are of scenes that cannot be seen from from roads or highways. There is a very beautiful world out there in the wild country and it is my wish to make it visible, by words and photographs, to those who are interested in enjoying it.
It seems that many folks have all but forgotten that we are part of that natural world and that ultimately it sustains us in both body and spirit. My hope is that we will have the wisdom and the discipline to preserve it for future generations, for once the wilderness has vanished, mankind will soon vanish as well.
Yes…. such the gift of awareness that you have. It brings a smile just reading your words. Imaya
Comment by journeyintosoul — March 16, 2007 @ 12:52 am
Imaya,
Thanks for the visit! I’ve been reading your weblog and enjoying it thoroughly. I think we share much in the awareness of the natural world and our roles in it.
Terry
Comment by montucky — March 16, 2007 @ 9:51 am
This site is fantastic! Thank you very much for all your lovely pictures and words. It really hits the spot for a girl who grew up in Northwest Montana and is currently stuck fast in Southern Maine. I will be back often.
Comment by ehme — July 24, 2007 @ 1:09 pm
ehme,
Thanks for the visit and your kind words. You will always be welcome.
Comment by montucky — July 24, 2007 @ 2:15 pm
I agree with Ehme and Imaya. I just started blogging and this is the first time I am commenting and tagging a site. Its a beautiful world we have and beautiful it will be only if we learn to appreciate and take care of things.
Its a long way from Montana to the Philippines (where I live) but we are One somehow.
Thanks for sharing the pictures and the beautiful writings…
Your site is beautiful and awesome!
Comment by mystic828 — July 31, 2007 @ 6:33 pm
Thanks you, mystic828! Yes we have one beautiful world: we just live in different parts of it. I’m pleased that you enjoy seeing something of Montana’s beauty and completely agree that the natural world should be cherished and cared for. Somehow modern man seems to be losing that concept.
Comment by montucky — July 31, 2007 @ 7:04 pm
Thanks for the reminder that true beauty lies outside of the urban rat race. Love your photography. Definitely reminds me of my one true love…..nature.
Comment by forehandwinner — August 18, 2007 @ 1:17 am
Thanks for the visit, forehandwinner. I’m always encouraged by someone who shares my love for the natural world!
Comment by montucky — August 18, 2007 @ 7:28 am
I just found your site and have to say it is beautiful. Great info and photos about our wonderful state. I have a hunting supply and information site that also originates in western Montana.
Thanks for the beauty you have brought to this hunters eyes.
Frank
Comment by Frank — September 3, 2007 @ 6:28 pm
Thanks for visiting, Frank. I’ll check out your site. Good to hear from a fellow Montanan!
Comment by montucky — September 3, 2007 @ 8:05 pm
Great blog – Not sure how I found it, but I added it to my homepage. I just returned to Montana after living in the dreaded city for six years. It feels good to breathe again. Great pictures – great input about our fabulous state.
Comment by SneauX — September 25, 2007 @ 11:33 am
Welcome back to Montana! I certainly know how good that feels. I won’t forget how good it felt to take another state’s license plat off my Jeep and put on a Montana plate!
Comment by montucky — September 25, 2007 @ 11:46 am
Thanks for a lovely blog. Photos are fantastic!
Comment by twoscamps — November 23, 2007 @ 8:21 pm
Thank you for visiting, twoscamps! I’m glad you enjoyed seeing some of this part of Montana.
Comment by montucky — November 23, 2007 @ 9:53 pm
Hey there Montucky. Someone on our staff recently came across your site and shared it. Beautiful photos and writings about wilderness, forests and critters. Nice work and keep shooting and writing. Best of luck. And thanks for the link to the WildWest Institute site as well.
Comment by Matthew Koehler — November 26, 2007 @ 8:44 am
Matthew, thanks for taking the time to visit and leave a comment! I’ve found many good things on the WildWest website and appreciate it very much! I visit there often.
Comment by montucky — November 26, 2007 @ 2:52 pm
Hello Montucky, I apologize. I just put your RSS flickr on My blog, coz I love the all picture that you take by your camera. I hope you aren’t objection with my action for it.
Thanks before and best regards.
Comment by Fakhrurrozy — December 1, 2007 @ 9:55 am
Fakhrurrozy,, I’m very pleased that you like the photos of Montana. I put the photos on flickr for the enjoyment of anyone who is interested.
Comment by montucky — December 2, 2007 @ 10:01 am
Your pictures are stunning!! I love Montana, even though I have not had the privilege to see it in person. Your writing and pictures make that love all the stronger. Thanks.
Comment by erin38 — December 28, 2007 @ 8:58 am
Thanks for visiting erin38! It’s always like taking a breath of fresh air to see that others love this country too, and especially someone who hasn’t even been here. I will try to present it well!
Comment by montucky — December 28, 2007 @ 9:18 am
Hi there, love that ‘header’ image/view on the top of your blog… where IS that exactly???? Where are you standing? Public or private trail? Cheers, c
Comment by canadada — December 29, 2007 @ 10:10 am
The view is of the peaks in the Cherry Peak roadless area in the Coeur d’Alene Mountains of western Montana. The photo was taken from an old Forest Service access road at the east edge of the roadless area. The road is closed to vehicles but it is kept usable for emergency access, it’s hikeable and provides a good access to the roadless area itself. This spot is about 5 miles from the gate which closes off the road.
Here is a link to the Cherry Peak area in the Roadless Area Database: http://www.roadlessland.org/map.php?id=1655
Comment by montucky — December 29, 2007 @ 11:54 am
Great photos
Comment by Chris NS — December 30, 2007 @ 4:59 pm
I like your pictures and thought you might be also interested in visiting my photo blog with one new picture every day:
http://kedarphotography.wordpress.com/
Kedar, Zurich
Comment by kedarvideo — January 22, 2008 @ 1:29 pm
Your blog is going to be answer I give people when they ask why I want to move to Montana. (I currently live in Maryland, but my escape plan has me breaking out to freedom in about two years.)
Thanks so much!!
Comment by Sara — February 6, 2008 @ 1:24 pm
Sara,
Thanks for visiting! I hope your freedom comes as you wish it to! Montana can use more folks that love the country and the wild nature of it instead of those who want only to exploit it. You will be very welcome here!
Comment by montucky — February 6, 2008 @ 4:05 pm
Comment by bibomedia.com — March 5, 2008 @ 12:59 pm
Terry, these are spectacular photos. What’s your policy on re-prints for publications? Here at the Clark Fork Coalition (www.clarkfork.org), we are seeing many photos capturing the stunning scenics in the Clark Fork watershed. Any chance we might have your permission to use some of your photos in our publications? Thanks, Terry.
Comment by Karen Knudsen — March 18, 2008 @ 12:40 am
Karen,
I would be pleased to give my permission to the Clark Fork Coalition to use any of my photos in your publication! I very much appreciate the work you folks are doing and will be happy to support you in any way I can.
Comment by montucky — March 18, 2008 @ 8:43 am
Hooray! Thanks so much, Terry.
-Karen
Comment by Karen Knudsen — March 18, 2008 @ 9:26 am
Great site. Great pictures and a great presentation. I love the poems which are included. Very nice.
Comment by kurt — March 30, 2008 @ 5:24 am
Thank you for the visit and comment, Kurt! I really appreciate getting feedback!
Comment by montucky — March 30, 2008 @ 4:29 pm
Have you peeked at the pictures in the entry I put up today? I think you’ll be amused to see that some parts of Kansas aren’t flat like paper… *smile*
Comment by katkmeanders — April 15, 2008 @ 9:15 am
Yes I did, Kat. That looks like an area I’d like to explore. There’s a lot of variety there to enjoy!
Comment by montucky — April 15, 2008 @ 9:54 am
I love all your photos! They are very moving!!
Thanks
Comment by kjbur — May 8, 2008 @ 12:30 am
Thanks, Kjbur! Outdoors in western Montana is a beautiful place to be.
Comment by montucky — May 8, 2008 @ 7:49 am
Just found your blog through the tag surfer…very lovely photos! I will add you to my blogroll and be back for plenty more visits!
Comment by R's Musings — May 21, 2008 @ 9:17 pm
Thanks. I’m pleased that you enjoy seeing some of the back country of Montana! Thank you for visiting!
Comment by montucky — May 21, 2008 @ 9:40 pm
Wow! Just wow! I’m pretty much speechless. I found your place through R’s Musings. Thanks R! …and thanks montucky!
Comment by Tabbie — May 24, 2008 @ 7:42 am
Thanks for visiting, Tabbie! After visiting your blog, it looks like we have a lot in common!
Comment by montucky — May 24, 2008 @ 8:35 am
New camera! Blog entry incoming. *smile* Check your e-mail (the one you put up when you commented at my blog) for album links in the meanwhile, not sure how many pictures I’m going to put up here.
Comment by katkmeanders — June 2, 2008 @ 1:03 am
Ok, swing by and look. *smile*
Comment by katkmeanders — June 2, 2008 @ 7:52 am
Kat,
I’m so pleased that you got the Nikon! You’ll have a great time with it! Hope you got my email.
Comment by montucky — June 2, 2008 @ 10:30 am
*nod* Got it, replied. *smile*
Comment by katkmeanders — June 2, 2008 @ 11:14 am
I have enjoyed looking around your site and especially at your photography! I am a photographer too and am heading off to Montana tomorrow. Thanks for the beautiful pictures and words of wisdom!! I wholeheartedly agree! By the way, what do you shoot with?
Comment by Lezlee — June 3, 2008 @ 9:40 pm
Thanks for the visit, Lezlee! I hope you have good weather for the trip and enjoy your time in Montana!
My camera is a Kodak Z712IS. Nothing fancy, but good to take on long and some times difficult hikes.
Comment by montucky — June 3, 2008 @ 9:59 pm
Hey Montucky-
Very nice blog. My name is Jason A. Hendricks. I am the Recruiting Director for Skinny Moose Media–one of the world’s largest outdoor media networks, as well as Editor for U.S. Outdoors Today. I am interested in perhaps talking to you about joining our blogging team. We offer free domains, free blog hosting, and a full technical support team, a great community of like-minded individuals who believe in the value of the great outdoors. Since you currently blog with wordpress, this would be a very easy move–with everything transferable. We also offer advertising opportunities on your blog that wordpress.com just will not allow.
If you would like more information, please feel free to personally email at theadventurist@cliffhanger.com. I am currently trying to round up a team of 50 bloggers, one to represent all 50 states–if anyone else reads this and blogs about the great outdoors and their given state, feel free to email me, as well.
Cheers-
Jason A. Hendricks
Recruiting Director
Skinny Moose Media
Comment by The Adventurist — July 6, 2008 @ 12:01 am
Hi there! I love your photos and have passed your blog onto my dad. I am wondering if you have a gallery where photos may be purchased? I would like to use a couple of your photos since I grew up in Plains. Thanks!
Comment by Dee — August 7, 2008 @ 8:22 pm
Post Script: I forgot to specify I am asking about a digital gallery where they can be purchased as I would like to use them in layouts and such.
Comment by Dee — August 7, 2008 @ 8:24 pm
Thanks for visiting, Dee! I’m sorry, but I don’t really have a gallery set up or any system to sell my photos. There have been quite a few conservation non-profit groups that I have allowed to use them for their publications, and they download the photos from Flickr and credit me in the publications.
Comment by montucky — August 7, 2008 @ 9:32 pm
Hello Montucky;
I love your photos. I want to know if the chokecherries around Flathead lake are ripe yet? Can you help me out with that one? Its been a few years since I’ve been back and I want to travel back in time to find some ripe ones. Is now a good time or is next week better?
You can email me at grant.smith@c-techind.com
Thank you so much.
Grant
Comment by Grant smith — August 15, 2008 @ 2:34 pm
Grant, I just sent you an e-mail with what I know about the cherries. Essentially, I think another week would be much better.
Comment by montucky — August 15, 2008 @ 4:41 pm
Great stuff man! I too enjoy this state more than anything in the world, and I’m constantly proud at those who share it with everyone…keep up the good work.
Comment by Jackson — August 18, 2008 @ 8:55 pm
Posted the *BIG* spider pictures, and will (probably) be making another post. You have to see the size of the thing to believe it.
Comment by katkmeanders — August 19, 2008 @ 4:33 pm
Thanks for the support, Jackson and thanks for visiting!
Comment by montucky — August 19, 2008 @ 8:15 pm
Katk, Im glad to see you posting again!
Comment by montucky — August 19, 2008 @ 8:15 pm
Thanks for the gorgeous reminders of why we need to live responsibly. We’re adding your site to our blogroll!
Comment by stepupmissoula — August 27, 2008 @ 8:53 am
Thanks for stopping by and commenting, and I appreciate your linking to me! This is indeed a beautiful part of the country and everything we can do to remind folks of that certainly has to help!
Comment by montucky — August 27, 2008 @ 4:28 pm
Terry Glase:
From June-Sep 1966, I was stationed on Big Hole Lookout out of Plains, MT. After viewing your July 2007 photos of Big Hole LO, my heart breaks at the neglect of that LO, but the scenery is still wonderful.
Chad
Comment by Chad — October 5, 2008 @ 11:05 am
Chad,
Thanks for the visit! I love that old lookout, too! I sent you an email with the URL for my Flickr site where there are more photos of the old cab.
Comment by montucky — October 6, 2008 @ 9:24 am
Hello from New York. Montana is a beautiful state.
Comment by mike — January 2, 2009 @ 2:09 pm
Hello, Mike! Thanks for the visit!
Comment by montucky — January 2, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
i hope this is not a stupid question but… i have always been a slight believer in the paranormal and supernatural.
i wanted to know your thoughts on this. have you ever had any experiences where you might have encountered bigfoot/ sasquatch?
if not ,do you believe the creature exists?
Comment by michael — January 26, 2009 @ 2:09 am
Thanks for visiting, michael!
I have not encountered any presence or evidence that I thought might be of a bigfoot/sasquatch. My experience has been mostly in this fairly small piece of western Montana. I have not encountered evidence of other animals, for instance wolverines, although we know they do exist, and certainly wouldn’t be able to say that bigfoot does not. I consider it possible that they are here, but have never seen any conclusive evidence of that. Man is, at best, only a casual visitor to the wilderness and certainly does not know about everything that may live there, particularly one that might have a relatively high intelligence and who doesn’t wish to be detected.
Comment by montucky — January 26, 2009 @ 10:13 am
Hello from Bigfork, MT! Love your photographs.
Comment by Rena — February 19, 2009 @ 9:34 am
Hello Rena! Thanks for the visit, neighbor!
Comment by montucky — February 19, 2009 @ 10:50 am
i have recently have had a large life change. i am hoping that i can take a break and find myself since i feel really lost. i think that the best option may be to get a little time alone away from others for a while.
i am wondering how i can live like you or be in the position you are in. i mean, how did you get to inhabit where you are now?
a little bit of time alone for introspection and meditation would be nice right now.
Comment by michael — February 23, 2009 @ 2:46 am
About 15 years ago I moved from a large city to a rural area of Montana where I grew up as a “leap of faith” that I could make it work. It did, although it has been a struggle. Now I’m able to spend most of my time outdoors because I’m retired. Not wealthy by any stretch of the imagination, but not exactly in poverty either. Over all, my wife and I, even living on a fairly tight budget, are very happy to be here and would not consider going anywhere else.
Comment by montucky — February 23, 2009 @ 9:36 am
I don’t remember how I came across your photos on Flickr and am glad to have found your blog as well (I’ve been slow on the uptake, I guess). We’re in Southern California, but my guy’s most favorite place in the world is Glacier National Park. He took me a few summers ago, and I can see why he returns time and again. We so enjoy the wide-open spaces. If it weren’t for the mild winters that we love here, I think we’d be planning a move up your way, too! I’ve been enjoying these photos of yours and hope to return sometime soon to do more hiking, take more photos and do more sketches. Thanks for sharing!
Comment by Wendee — March 30, 2009 @ 7:02 pm
Thanks for the visit, Wendee! I understand how folks can fall in love with Glacier: I live about a hundred miles from there. This is a wonderful area in which to live, although I think the winters are a couple months too long. I just hope the people of Montana will have the wisdom to protect what’s left of this wild country for those who will come after us.
Comment by montucky — March 30, 2009 @ 9:15 pm
Thanks for some touching photography…I grew up in Hot Springs and it was amazing to be able to recognize so many of the subjects…brought back so many great childhood memmories…from boy scout trips to Baldy lake to seeing actual pictographs from hundreds of years ago (which sadly are not being preserved properly)…I will continue to be a huge fan of your work…thanks again…
Comment by M. Gill — April 1, 2009 @ 5:26 pm
I’m pleased to help bring back some pleasant memories! Thanks for the visit!
Comment by montucky — April 1, 2009 @ 7:37 pm
Good morning Montucky, this morning is the first time I’ve stumbled onto your phenomenal photography, thanks to Sara, who suggested I might just fall in love with your blog. Indeed, I have. I have loved nature and her beauty all of my life. She is one of the friends that I miss the most since severe MS confined me in an urban nursing home six years ago. Today, I strolled a while in wonder, making friends with the magic ones that people your photographs. Didn’t know quite how much I’ve missed them until I felt tears trailing down my face. Can’t think of lovelier, more unexpected gift. Thanks!
Comment by Rev Julia — April 29, 2009 @ 11:01 am
Thank you for visiting and your wonderful comment! It makes me very happy to know that you have enjoyed the photos.
Comment by montucky — April 29, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
That’s a very lovely purpose to your blog and, you’re right, we take it all for granted most of the time. It’s true…that it’s only a small planet.
Comment by Candace — June 10, 2009 @ 2:08 am
Thanks for visiting, Candace. I wish more folks could see the things that I’m able to see in the wild country. It would help them better realize just how fragile this world is and how dependent we are on the undeveloped areas for our very existence.
Comment by montucky — June 10, 2009 @ 8:08 am
Hi Montucky- your photos of roadless areas are really fantastic and we would love to use some of them on our site to educate our visitors on these areas. We are a nonprofit law firm that represents conservation groups in court to protect public lands, and we have been actively involved in the roadless rule for many years now. Can you write me back and let me know if we can use some of your photos? Thanks!
Comment by Ray — June 23, 2009 @ 6:08 pm
Hi Montucky. Just found your site and have enjoyed what I have seen so far.
I look forward to reading more, both new psots and from the archives, very nice.
Comment by DaveABirding — August 13, 2009 @ 11:08 am
Thanks for stopping by, Dave! I hope you enjoy the blog!
Comment by montucky — August 13, 2009 @ 10:38 pm
I just found your blog, and I couldn’t agree more. I’m most happy when I’m out in nature, taking in the sights, smells, and the peace. I live in W. South Dakota, and have been to Montana throughout my life. Love it! Beautiful photos here!
Comment by Jann — August 13, 2009 @ 12:02 pm
Thanks for visiting, Jann! I think the human spirit needs a frequent connection to nature to be replenished. We are, after all, part of it. Good to hear from a neighbor!
Comment by montucky — August 13, 2009 @ 10:46 pm
Beautiful website! Reminds me of when I lived in Ennis and in Livingston.
I’m putting together a website all about scavenger hunts and wonder if you would be interested in me providing you with a guest blog post or a couple of links to outdoor scavenger hunts. I think this would be a valuable resource for your visitors.
My site is: http://www.scavenger-hunt-guru.com
Thanks for considering the idea.
Cheers.
Comment by Rebecca — September 17, 2009 @ 6:11 pm
Your photography is breathtaking. Well, I guess your roadless bits of Montana are what are breathtaking, but you capture it so beautifully. I live in a large city, so this is totally different world from mine.
I also appreciate that you reply to the comments left her – which is why I am adding mine. So many photobloggers don’t acknowledge comments, which I find sad.
Comment by VioletSky — December 9, 2009 @ 5:12 am
Thanks for the visit and the kind words, VioletSky! I appreciate comments very much and the feedback is important to me.
Comment by montucky — December 9, 2009 @ 11:12 am