Mountain Water Irrigation, Stevensville, Montana

Ever since Marcus Daly dreamed up the Big Ditch in the late 1800s, summer irrigation has been a critical element of farming in the valleys of Montana's Bitterroot Valley.

Green Wingnut, Missoula, Montana

Upon moving to Montana in grade seven, I was introduced to wingnuts as a form of entertainment on a long walk to school. The seeds fall in abundance from maple trees that stand sentry on the more picturesque streets of many Montana towns. You basically scoop them up and throw them up in the air, then watch, mesmerized, as they spiral down to the ground. Through impatient testing, I've learned you can fling green ones aloft all summer long, but won't delight in their twirling flight of descent until they're fully dry in autumn.

Wee Mushroom Trio, Hamilton, Montana

If you were a wee mousie, taking the shortcut home, this might be an impressive sight to encounter. Or if you were wee Alice in Wonderland, you might start nibbling on one of these little mushrooms, hoping to grow taller.

Blue Wildflower, Polson, Montana

Flower closeups always leave me amazed at the intricate details of craftsmanship - the perfect little culicues, the fringed edges of each petal.
When you stop to smell the roses, don't forget to also treat yourself to unexpected visuals.

In Clover, Polson, Montana

This rendition of clover was among a stand of varied wildflowers growing on the edge of Sacajawea Park, which is along the shore of Flathead Lake in Polson, Montana.
Apparently, it is known as Alsike Clover or Swedish Clover, and formally known as Trifolium hybridum.

Flathead Lake-Side-Walk, Sacajawea Park, Polson, Montana

If you’re ever in Polson, Montana, and need to while away part of a day, start at Sacajawea Park, on the west shore of Flathead Lake. After walking through the park, you can continue south along the shoreline on the lake side of town, then climb a little hill to downtown Polson and finish your ramble with a superior meal at the Old World Delicatessen.

Dock of the Bay, Flathead Lake, Polson, Montana

This snippet of dock is just below Fiesta en Jalisco restaurant on Flathead Lake in Polson, Montana.
I was somewhat mesmerized by the contrasts of line and texture and colour - the efficient curves of the cleat, the straight lines and grey scale of the weathered wood against the sinuous wavelets in the green green water.

Puff of Weed, Polson, Montana

In my recent ramble Flathead Lake, Montana, some of the sights were of the wild flora variety, like this weed seed puff.