Stormy Sunlight - Mission Mountains, Polson, Montana

Stormy sunlight highlights the Mission Mountains - mm-mmmmm! (And a double dose over Polson Bay!)

Stormy Weather - Flathead Lake, Polson, Montana

Stormy skies in the weekend forecast - but Flathead Lake is a boon to the soul in any weather. Add to the horizon stretching view a sumptuous, scrumptious patio dinner at Mrs Wonderful’s Cafe and you have the recipe for a perfect Friday night in western Montana. 

Twilight Reflections - Placid Lake, Montana

 "It seemed to her in her solitude that she had always sat on this step, in this twilight, with this contentment."  -from A Prairie Heritage: The Early Years by Vikki Kestell

Mountain Shadows - Mission Mountains Near Arlee, Montana

Mission Mountain views - or those of any of Montana’s mountain ranges - never get old. Just when you think you have a level of familiarity, shifting sunbeams and shading clouds reveal layers and canyons previously unnoticed. It’s like a whole new view with any change in timing or weather. 

Cookies On Fitbit - Missoula, Montana

 Hmmmm.... cookies or running?....such a difficult choice - - - NOT!

(Here's a tasty thought: Buy cookies from Mary the mountain mama, then hustle around the corner to Sweet Peaks for the most amazing ice cream and - voila! - best ever ice cream sandwiches, with a double scoop of mountain references, no less! That SHOULD dial up some extra Fitbit numbers...)

Rain-washed View - Flathead Lake, Montana

Enjoying morning coffee and the rustic hospitality of the US Park Service. (Let’s hear it for car camping! Woot woot!) Yesterday brought much-needed rain to the region so, thankfully, the only smoke I smell today is via my cozy campfire.

Diminished Visibility - Missoula, Montana

Visibility is down to 3 miles at the Missoula, Montana, airport, but I think it's even less as you head to the east side of town. Despite the unhealthy fug, we are thankful to not see flames on the mountains bordering town and continue to pray for communities with far greater fire-related concerns.

 

Hazy Horizon - Bitterrroot Valley, Montana

Mountains fading into wildfire smoke...lately, we're just glad to see ANY mountains! But those masks are handy now for more than just social safety...