In the wild setting of the East slope of Bighole Peak, spending six hours on the trail is well worthwhile, at least for me.
My companion to the East was my old friend Mount Baldy:
To the Northeast and across a small valley was the one hundred and fifty square miles of the Chippy Creek fire. As you look at the mountains against the skyline, all but the one to the far right were burned in the fire.
To the Southeast lies the valley in which the small town of Plains is located.
Also to the Southeast the red hillside in the distance is an open ridge covered with huckleberry bushes which have already turned color.
This photo looks back down the divide itself, where the trail is hidden in the trees.
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Beautiful shots, as always. I really like the muted blues and greens in the last one.
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Comment by wolf — August 30, 2007 @ 8:01 am
Yes, I like that one too. The light was just right at that angle and that time to bring out all of the colors.
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Comment by montucky — August 30, 2007 @ 8:19 am
Beautiful images Terry, it’s no wonder you are so fiercely protective of this place.
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Comment by Bernie Kasper — August 30, 2007 @ 2:12 pm
It’s a beautiful country, Bernie. I feel very deeply that we must preserve what’s left of it.
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Comment by montucky — August 30, 2007 @ 3:14 pm
I honestly think I should be in better shape just to look at these photos. Actually hiking the area would, undoubtedly, create severe cardiac problems.
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Comment by Pinhole — August 30, 2007 @ 7:51 pm
I have to say the whole time I was driving thru Montana I kept thinking about you.. I could not help but look up at every single mountain and wonder if you’d tackled that one and and if so how many times. These are beautiful shots Terry. It seems while I was in the pass the birds migrated. Did yours? The only sounds I hear is silence everywhere I go. I went wandering myself just yesterday and today but took no photos. Everything changed so much I’m getting used to it once again. My favorite photo is the third – fabulous shot.
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Comment by aullori — August 30, 2007 @ 8:34 pm
Pinhole,
Yes, being in shape helps on the trails. I wanted so badly to get in the hiking this summer that I really worked for it. It has paid off! The cardiac problems now come from grouse exploding right at my feet.
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Comment by montucky — August 30, 2007 @ 9:39 pm
Lori,
I just wish I could climb every mountain in Montana! Life is too short. I believe that the outdoors is viewed best from high places.
We still have birds, but different ones. Our swallows have all gone. My true favorite, the Chickadee is always here though, summer and winter. I make sure that they have food available during the winter!
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Comment by montucky — August 30, 2007 @ 9:46 pm