Hello From Montana!

You may be wondering–she is writing posts in November and December about trips she took last May and June! What’s up??

Well, after a six-week stay and quite a bit of quality-of-life considerations, I decided to move back to Montana. The move happened the end of September 2025. Now trying to catch up writing about great trips to Utah and western Colorado, but first I needed time for reflecting on the past six years in Colorado Springs. Now beginning to meet folks here, see where I can volunteer or help out, and today dealing with more normal weather (snow). The weather for the last week has been crazy unusual. I think the East Coast got our weather as we “enjoyed” nearly 70 degrees–in February!

So, to where exactly did I move? Glad you asked. A community nearly dead center north/south/east/west in Montana. A town of about 6,200 people and the county seat of Fergus County: Lewistown.

Welcome! Let’s take a look around . . .

SNAP*Shot: Ouray’s Cascade Falls

Ouray, Colorado, sits just inside the San Juan Mountains along US-550. There are gorgeous views and many streams flowing to the Uncompahgre River on the west side of town. Not to mention the rock amphitheater surrounding the town. This morning we are hiking to Cascade Falls. It is a two (2) minute drive from Main Street on the east side of town. Can’t beat that commute! Like most every road and trail in Ouray, it is UP this way!

Definitely watch your step

SNAP*Shot: Comb Ridge

About eight miles west of Bluff, UT, US-163 cuts through a stunning monocline called Comb Ridge. This fold in the earth’s crust, developing 65 million years ago, is similar to folds we’ve seen and especially the Waterpocket Fold in Capitol Reef National Park. How do these rock folds develop? It is all about tectonic plates. What kind of plates? Let’s go . . .

geology can be challenging but fun!

SNAP*Shot: Atlatl Rock

Near the western entrance of Valley of Fire State Park we find dark red Aztec sandstone. In the red rock nooks and crannies campsites are available and at this outcropping’s northern end is Atlatl Rock. Home to petroglyphs about 4,000 years old carved by unknown ancient tribes. Yes, these peoples lived sometime around 2,000 B.C. and we can only imagine their thoughts through their art. Let’s go!

Come on, this is amazing.