Montana Outdoors

March 20, 2014

A second chance

Filed under: Montana — Tags: , — montucky @ 10:25 am

Baldy Roadless area

Photo taken in the Baldy Mountain Roadless area at about 7000 feet (Photo taken in October, 2013)

Spring Creek

Spring Creek flowing beneath the cedars several miles below Big Hole Peak (Photo from May, 2008)

Rock Lake

Rock Lake in western Montana’s Cabinet Mountains Wilderness (Photo taken in August, 2013)

Thanks to the knowledge and skill of a brilliant orthopedic surgeon and his surgery team, an excellent hospital staff and the ongoing effort of a superb physical therapist, I will, in a few more months, be able to again visit places like those in the above photos. For the technology and the people who make it all work I am very thankful!

I am very grateful also for all of the good wishes and encouragement from all of you who have visited and participated in my blog. It has meant very much to me. Thank all of you!

I’m now able to sit at the computer for more than a couple of minutes at a time and will be able to slowly begin responding and visiting all of you again and resume posting on Montana Outdoors. I expect that it will be into July before I can post new photos taken on any new forays into Montana’s wild places, but there are plenty of un-used photos in my library that I will post in the interim.

83 Comments »

  1. Congratulations on your recovery! Great to have you back. Here’s to more adventures in western Montana!

    Like

    Comment by aarontheisen — March 20, 2014 @ 10:30 am

    • Thanks Aaron. By late summer I hope to be hiking aggressively again and that makes me happy beyond words!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:05 pm

  2. So glad you’re back and recovered to the point where you can join us here again. Have thought of you often, Terry.

    Like

    Comment by seekraz — March 20, 2014 @ 10:33 am

  3. Missed you and glad you’re back – you’ve been on my heart for weeks now.

    Like

    Comment by Homestead Ramblings — March 20, 2014 @ 10:45 am

    • Thank you! I’m very happy to be back again. It will be wonderful to resume communication with everyone!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:09 pm

  4. Lovely to see you, it is wonderful that you are encouraged and making a recovery. God is great. Many blessings, Vivian

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    Comment by Where God Takes Me — March 20, 2014 @ 10:53 am

    • Thank you Vivian. I am so thankful to have a second chance to spend my time in the beauty of the wild country and bring photos and stories back for everyone to see. It’s a wonderful world that we have to live in!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:10 pm

  5. So glad to see you back and to hear that your recovery is going well. You have been missed πŸ™‚

    Like

    Comment by Colleen — March 20, 2014 @ 11:38 am

    • Thank you Colleen! I have been amazed at the capability of modern medical technology, and even more amazed at the ability of the body to take advantage of the help!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:12 pm

  6. so happy to hear that you are happy with your knee replacement, promises of wandering in your new future when the world overflows with color and life!
    it is wonderful to see these images that hold much more color than my white world with fresh snow today.

    Like

    Comment by Tammie — March 20, 2014 @ 11:41 am

    • Thanks Tammie. I am simply joyful that I will again be able to visit the beautiful back country that surrounds us. We have had only traces of snow in the air here, but the higher mountains around have received new snow just about evey night lately.

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:15 pm

  7. That’s such good news! I am very glad to hear it. Take it easy on yourself although I am sure you are very eager to get out and into the hills! It’s wonderful to see your photos again. Welcome back! πŸ™‚

    Like

    Comment by Jo Woolf — March 20, 2014 @ 2:12 pm

    • Thanks Jo. One of the most difficult things about re-hab is having the patience to understand that it happens at its own pace and I can only help the process. It is slow but steady and by late summer I will again be on the high trails.

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:17 pm

  8. Well, I’m doing a little happy dance over here on the other side of the country just to see you back! I missed you and your gorgeous photos.

    Like

    Comment by Mama's Empty Nest — March 20, 2014 @ 2:28 pm

    • Thank you! I have missed you and everyone as well. It is good to be able to resume blogging!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:18 pm

  9. I’m happy the surgery went well montucky, that’s super good news ! I’m glad to see a post from you with your wonderful photos. Welcome back and take good care of
    yourself πŸ™‚

    Like

    Comment by Jocelyne — March 20, 2014 @ 3:11 pm

    • Thank you Jocelyne! It’s great to be back active again and I know I will appreciate the beauty of our wild country even more than before now that I have another chance to be there!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:21 pm

  10. Great news Terry glad it went well and you will continue to be able to hike and share your work with us !!

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    Comment by Bernie Kasper — March 20, 2014 @ 3:13 pm

    • Thanks Bernie. I am happy beyond words that I can continue to enjoy the world far from the cities!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:22 pm

  11. So glad to hear things are going OK. Hang in there! hugs

    Like

    Comment by Beth — March 20, 2014 @ 3:21 pm

    • Thank you Beth! The worst is over now and there is a lot of great things to come!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:22 pm

  12. Welcome back. I’ve missed reading your blog and seeing the photos of your beautiful state and am glad to hear that you’re well. I wouldn’t rush the hiking-give those knees plenty of time to heal!

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    Comment by New Hampshire Garden Solutions — March 20, 2014 @ 4:10 pm

    • Thanks! You’re right about not rushing. The re-hab is a gradual process. The body though has a built-in warning system: if I overdo a bit it gets quite stiff and sends me a clear message to back off a bit.

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:24 pm

  13. Oh, I’m sooooo excited to see you back! Great that all went well and you will be back in the saddle again soon.

    Like

    Comment by Candace — March 20, 2014 @ 4:32 pm

    • Thanks Candace! It has been (and still is) an amazing experience. I typically have a lot of reservations about the process of technology and all of the places that it tends to take us, but there are clearly huge benefits to the advancements in medical technology.

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:28 pm

  14. Welcome back!

    Like

    Comment by TheDailyClick — March 20, 2014 @ 4:39 pm

  15. I was just hinking last night about how much I miss your posts, seeing your adventures. And here you are! I’m so glad. It’s good to see the world again through your eyes. So glad for your recovery and ever onward to the mountains in July.

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    Comment by Teresa Evangeline — March 20, 2014 @ 4:52 pm

    • correction: I don’t know what hinking is, I was thinking … πŸ™‚

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      Comment by Teresa Evangeline — March 20, 2014 @ 4:53 pm

      • I know… my typing sometimes gets out of sync with my thinking too.

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        Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:32 pm

    • Thanks Teresa! I am so happy to be back and I plan to use my second chance well to visit the beautiful wild places and display scenec from them for everyone else to see. I will be grateful for every step I take!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:30 pm

  16. No hurry, Terry on the hiking..We’ll be patient and let you mend slowly.. Lol!Take care and as always, wonderful photos!

    Like

    Comment by Roberta — March 20, 2014 @ 5:17 pm

    • The timing has been perfect for me Roberta. In this region the deep snow will cover the high trails until well into July and by then I will be in pretty good shape to again visit those places.

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:33 pm

  17. Glad to see you’re ‘back on deck’, Terry, if not fully 100%.

    Just take it slow & easy.

    Love the images above. The Spring Creek photo is particularly lovely as you seem to have caught a few sparkles from the sun. Just the right shutter speed too. I find some waterfalls or rocky stream images have the shutter speed just a wee bit too slow and the water flow looses all reality (in its smooth lines). I think you’ve got it just right. Looks to be about 1/30-1/40? Was my guess close?

    Like

    Comment by Vicki — March 20, 2014 @ 5:44 pm

    • Thanks Vicki. Yes, I’m learning to have patience with the recovery process and it’s coming along very well. I’m getting excellent help and advice from an outstanding physical therapist.

      The photo was taken at 1/6 sec, at f9, ISO 64. It’s always difficult to photograph in that deep canyon because it is very dark there under tall cedars. Sometimes I get lucky.

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:39 pm

  18. It’s such a delight to have you back with us, along with your marvelous photos. You have been missed. It’s good to know that you’re well along the path of recovery. The hiking will happen in due time. As you’ve mentioned before, you have plenty in your archives to keep us amused while you’re regaining your strength and agility.

    Like

    Comment by shoreacres — March 20, 2014 @ 6:40 pm

    • Thanks! This has been an amazing adventure and I’m so thankful that it has been possible. I am very grateful for your support and that of so many others as well. In the crazy world of today there is nothing that even comes close to the experience possible through blogging!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:45 pm

  19. Glad to hear a good medical report and good to see you back.

    Like

    Comment by Debby — March 20, 2014 @ 6:47 pm

    • Thanks Debby! I am very happy about the whole thing and the new chance to do what I love the most!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:46 pm

  20. Welcome back Terry. I found myself thinking of you today, so it was quite a surprise and a pure delight to see some news from you. And good news at that!

    Like

    Comment by jomegat — March 20, 2014 @ 7:10 pm

    • Thanks! I’m very happy to be able to return and later to continue my visits to the back country. This has been long and painful, but oh, so worthwhile!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:47 pm

  21. So happy to hear you are on the mend. Take care and don’t over do.

    Like

    Comment by anniespickns — March 20, 2014 @ 7:13 pm

    • Thanks Annie! I have a great therapist who keeps me in control on the exercise and I owe him a great debt!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:48 pm

  22. Welcome back. Good to ‘see’ you.

    Like

    Comment by Lynn Millar — March 20, 2014 @ 8:36 pm

    • Thanks Lynn! It’s wonderful to be back on both feet again!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:49 pm

  23. Welcome back… nice we get to see some of your archives! Happy Spring!!

    Like

    Comment by kcjewel — March 20, 2014 @ 9:02 pm

    • Thanks Jewel! I have plenty of archives, but I’m anxious to see if I still remember how to take pictures. I did get a photo of a buttercup a few days ago, but from a position that certainly wasn’t a thing of beauty! Spring is struggling to take over here right now, and the variety it brings is something really special.

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 20, 2014 @ 9:51 pm

  24. Welcome back Terry, so glad you’re on the mend – I’ve missed your wonderful photos and tales of hikes. All the best

    Like

    Comment by Mike Howe — March 21, 2014 @ 4:43 am

    • Thanks Mike! It’s very good to be getting active again!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 21, 2014 @ 8:30 pm

  25. Living in Florida but I drift into the mountains of Montana whenever I see your posts. Thanks so much, and get well soon.

    Like

    Comment by Benny Shaw — March 21, 2014 @ 5:08 am

    • Thanks for leaving a comment Benny! We have had a real winter this year and our mountains are covered in deep snow (about 150% of the normal). I’ll be ready to visit them by the time that snow finally melts!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 21, 2014 @ 8:32 pm

  26. You’re back! I look forward to your crisp, clear mountain views, and have missed them! Best wishes for a speedy and pain-free recovery.

    Like

    Comment by Sue — March 21, 2014 @ 9:36 am

    • Thanks Sue! Things are progressing quite well now and I’m sure looking forward to being back on the trails! After all of the snow this winter, the forests next summer should be gorgeous!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 21, 2014 @ 8:34 pm

  27. Glad all went well. Pay attention to your PT and you’ll be back on the trail in no time ( advice from a retired PT!) Those mountains must miss you as much as you miss them.

    Like

    Comment by Bo Mackison — March 21, 2014 @ 7:41 pm

    • Thanks Bo! I’m very fortunate to have an outstanding PT working with me now. He is making a huge difference for me! The mountains are calling!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 21, 2014 @ 8:36 pm

  28. What a great variety of beautiful photos. I am glad that You are back; I missed Your posts. Best wishes for speedy recovery.

    Like

    Comment by Sartenada — March 22, 2014 @ 4:59 am

  29. Hi Montucky, I really cheered when your comment showed up on my blog this AM! I had been checking your blog pretty regularly for new posts – so happy you are doing pretty well and will be up and at ’em hiking this Summer. Good! Have a pleasant afternoon and a wonderful day tomorrow!

    Like

    Comment by wildlifewatcher — March 22, 2014 @ 11:47 am

  30. My God I’ve missed your photos! So glad to hear you are recuperating nicely. You’ll be singing “Happy Trails” before you know it!

    Like

    Comment by WildBill — March 22, 2014 @ 2:34 pm

    • Thanks Bill! I’m sure you especially can understand how grateful I am for getting a second chance! I will not waste it!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 22, 2014 @ 9:33 pm

  31. Congratulations on the new knee. By the results achieved by all the folks I know who have undergone that procedure, you’ll be back on the trail like a much younger man in not too much longer.

    Like

    Comment by Dave at collinda — March 23, 2014 @ 7:24 am

    • Thanks Dave. I’m certainly looking forward to being back on the trails again. This has been long and painful, but I’m sure well worth it all.

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 23, 2014 @ 9:43 pm

  32. Congrats on a successful procedure β€” and here’s to a speedy recovery, so you can get out on on your bionic parts and enjoy your gorgeous wilds!!

    Like

    Comment by FeyGirl — March 23, 2014 @ 7:55 am

    • Thanks FeyGirl! I’m very grateful that is has all been possible!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 23, 2014 @ 9:44 pm

  33. Great news and welcome back, Montucky!

    Like

    Comment by Watching Seasons — March 23, 2014 @ 8:18 am

  34. Glad to see you are doing well Terry and I think these images are beautiful as well !!

    Like

    Comment by Bernie Kasper — March 24, 2014 @ 11:01 am

  35. Exsquiste!

    Like

    Comment by The Editors of Garden Variety — March 24, 2014 @ 1:20 pm

  36. IΒ΄m really glad that you are back again ! … IΒ΄ve missed your blog and your amazing photos … IΒ΄m glad that you recovering so well after the knee operation … // Maria πŸ™‚

    Like

    Comment by mariayarri — March 25, 2014 @ 3:33 pm

    • Thank you Maria! It’s good to be moving better now, in time for the start of spring!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 25, 2014 @ 9:13 pm

  37. Gorgeous! I’m traveling to Montana in September, your pictures have me even more excited! Greetings from Belgium, Tine

    Like

    Comment by Fractions of the world — March 27, 2014 @ 5:39 am

    • Thanks for visiting! You have chosen a very good time to visit Montana. I hope you will enjoy your visit!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 27, 2014 @ 1:52 pm

  38. Glad you are back! Those first steps are hard but so glad to hear you will be able to do what you love again!!

    Like

    Comment by skouba — March 29, 2014 @ 4:44 pm

    • Thanks Stacey! I’m very glad too. It will be worth all of the pain!

      Like

      Comment by montucky — March 29, 2014 @ 10:14 pm

  39. I did not know you hard a surgery, montucky, I have been away from my blog for a while. Your news are encouraging though and I send you my best wishes for a prompt recovery. Take care.

    Like

    Comment by isathreadsoflife — April 23, 2014 @ 12:47 pm


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