What a beautiful day! Time to explore Jewel Basin, 15,349 acres in the Swan Mountains, west of Glacier National Park in northwest Montana. The Jewel is dedicated to hiking–no bicycles, no horses, and nothing motorized–boasting 27 alpine lakes and 35 miles of trails. Twin Lakes is a five-mile round trip excursion that I can’t resist, so let’s go!
I visit California twice a year to spend cherished time with family and friends, but some of the richest experiences evolve from visiting and walking the Pacific coast. I love the mountains, but the ocean has a call all its own, and I’m hearing that call. Moss Beach, Half Moon Bay, Capitola, Monterey, Carmel, Big Sur–sweeping landscapes with waves crashing against boulders and cliffs that are respites to many sea birds. Growing up on the East Coast we went “down the shore” to beautiful sandy beaches, but on the West Coast we have to hunt for sandy beaches which may already be claimed by seals or sea lions. Today we are going to Big Sur, known for its stunning views along Highway 1. Welcome to Andrew Molera State Park in the Santa Lucia Mountains. Come on–my best friend and I look forward to you joining us on our walk to the coast.
It’s a beautiful day just north of Seeley Lake in northwest Montana, but the clouds are getting thicker as we drive to the Morrell Falls trailhead. Picture perfect cumulus clouds with patches of blue give us hope of sun rather than rain on our hike today. Then again, the saying in Montana is if you don’t like the weather, wait a minute. Heeding the warnings and the fact it is still spring in the Rockies, let’s grab the bear spray, our packs, and go!
Snow birds. Different possibilities present themselves. If you watch birds and anticipate winter visitors or migrating beauty, Snow Geese, Trumpeter Swans or Bohemian Waxwings may come to mind. If you live in the north, you may dream of heading far south during the coldest of days. However, if you live south, you experience invasions of pale northerners for periods from two to six months. Perspective really is everything.
Then there’s me. With family in Florida’s panhandle, a chance to visit loved ones at a time of year when warm, sunny days offer respite from the brown, drab view outside my window, especially this year when snow is scarce. It is time for a short trip that warms the heart and soul, offering green landscapes and very different walks.
https://joycarlough.smugmug.com/Florida/i-vv8KMSS/A
