Montana Mania

Last winter, I visited my friend Kyle in Montana. Our plans included skiing, hot springs, and snowshoeing.

The skiing was great. I took lessons on one day, but they really didn't seem to help much. I have come to the unfortunate conclusion that downhill skiing is just not my thing. It's nice for the first couple of runs, but unless you're really able to spend a lot of time at it, it's really not very challenging or exciting.

The scenery was beautiful, though!

And Kyle loves skiing! And he was extremely experienced and able to handle anything...even backwards...downhill...holding a camera!

My favorite part of the entire trip, though, was the snowshoeing trek up to a former fire watchtower, West Fork Butte. These former watch towers are now used to house overnight travelers on the mountain. The hike up was long and arduous. There were times when I thought I could not force my legs to take another step.

The snow was extremely deep and the Moose tracks were evident everywhere, although we never actually saw one.

Finally, we arrived near the summit and the sign directed us up toward the peak.

Kyle gathered firewood for enough fuel to get us through the night. My reward was a warm fire, good food, and the most comfortable bed I've ever slept in!

The hot springs are another attraction on the trip to Montana. They are actually located just across the border in Idaho, I believe. Kyle walked down to test the temperature on these pools and they were perfect!

The view was a little hard to stomach at times...

But the overall experience is satisfying indeed!

On the return trip, rather than picking my way carefully on foot, I couldn't resist sliding the nature slide. 

When we met these girls and showed them the video, they returned to their car to gear up and do the same thing.

Another bonus of the Northwest? Ding Dongs in foil wrappers! Yes, there is a difference! I emailed this photo to Shaina and receive the reply..."You better bring me some of those!"

The Ding Dongs didn't last long. I think I ate a whole box full on my return trip.

I can't wait to go back!!