Land Layers, Missoula, Montana

One thing I’ve always loved about these tightly knit western Montana mountains is how the changing light reveals distinct layers of the land. The intensity of colour and form fades with the distance increase from where you stand, and the eye draws gradually, calmingly, to the far horizon and high blue sky.

Work Diversion, Missoula, Montana

I Meant To Do My Work Today
by Richard Le Gallienne (1866-1947)

“I meant to do my work today -
But a brown bird sang in the apple tree…
And the wind went sighing over the land,
Tossing the grasses to and fro….”

(Read the full poetic list of good excuses here.)

Vacancy:Seasonal Mountain Home, Missoula, Montana

Vacancy: Mountain cottage - available immediately.  
Secluded neighborhood.
Cozy seasonal digs for the close-knit family. 
Enjoy mountain sunset views from the front porch.

Open To The Sky, Blue Mountain Recreation Area, Missoula, Montana

‘Tis the season in which I avoid forest trails, due to the reemergence of ticks
, migrating slowly upward with the snow line. A lot of people can deal with removing ticks from their person, but I can’t abide the sneaky beggars; they give me the heebie-jeebies for days.  Just writing about it makes me feel a little itch on my leg, now my neck…(shudder!). Hence the dedicated avoidance tactics. Thankfully, Missoula
’s near-to-town Blue Mountain Recreation Area includes a selection of wide, trampled trails for traipsing across open grassland - nary an overhanging branch in sight, no grass brushing your feet or legs. All the benefits of fresh mountain air minus lingering creepy-crawlies. I can live with that until a hot summer week pushes the ticks into an altitude above my adventure level.