Tag: sunrise

SNAP*Shot: Vibrant, Unique Western Larch

Posted on by Joy

When autumn arrives, it is time to head north to savor the unique and beautiful Western larch, called tamaracks in western Montana. Our first stop in Swan Valley is a marvelous view of Swan Peak, the second highest peak in the 99-mile Swan Range. Swan Peak stands at 9,289 feet, with the highest peak only 67 feet taller.  Swan Valley ranges from 2,000 to about 2,500 feet giving us a spectacular 6,000+ foot rise to mountain tops. This time of year the mountains gleam with the tamaracks’ autumn gold. Let’s explore the grandeur of these glowing yellow trees of the North.

Western Larch, tamaracks

So much more to see . . .

Beauty, Diversity, Partnerships Commingle at Ninepipes

Posted on by Joy

We only have one day to explore Ninepipes National Wildlife Refuge. The weather is not too promising, but such is spring in Montana. Over the course of the day we may see sun, then rain, then sun, then clouds. An ever-changing landscape, but the birds are consistent. Waterfowl, songbirds, and raptors alike are nesting and beginning to raise their next generation.

We are 18 miles south of Flathead Lake, the largest natural freshwater lake west of the Mississippi in the lower 48 states, with over 200 square miles of water and 185 miles of shoreline. The refuge sits in the Mission Valley with the Mission Mountains east and the Salish Mountains west, but the center of our attention is the 1,672 acre lake in the middle of the refuge surrounded by many smaller ponds.

Entrance to Ninepipes is right across the road from the Lodge. You can see a bit of light above the grass line which is the lobby/restaurant entrance. Let’s explore a while before breakfast. It is a bit before 6am and the birds are calling as the sky brightens. Let’s see what surprises we find at sunrise!

Mission Mnts sunrise

So much to see . . .

Back At You! Walking Along the Missouri River

Posted on by Joy

Hello everyone! It has been a hectic four plus months and I’ve missed you! Yes, I’m still alive, still taking pictures, and still heading into the wilderness. The biggest change is I’ve gone back to school working toward a second Master’s degree. OK, this is a lot of work, and since I’m retired I sometimes ask: WHY? Well, because I’m a life-long learner and can’t help myself.

So in my crazy, busy, demanding new school life, I “escaped” one morning to visit a place I love close by. We have walked here before, Missouri River Headwaters State Park. This day I arrived before sunrise to soak in the pre-dawn beauty, the glorious sun coming over the mountains, and the autumn landscape.

Come on along . . .

SNAP*Shot: Winter’s Sunrise

Posted on by Joy

Sunrise is a good news/bad news scenario in wintry Yellowstone. The bad news is that it is extra cold before the sun comes up and winters in Yellowstone can be colder than -40° although -25° might be more usual. Still, that is pretty cold! So the good news? Well, the sun doesn’t come up until about 7:40am unlike summer when it rises at 5am! OK, later start time, colder weather–not a bad trade off since we can add layers under out coats. Let’s bundle up and head out. We’ll have breakfast when we get back.

Thirty minutes before sunrise, as the sky begins to brighten, we have gorgeous muted colors all along the western horizon. Be sure to keep your skin covered, it’s cold out here!


No slouching, let’s get out there . . .