Winter White Berries, Missoula, Montana

So, any forest traipsers know the identity of these white berries? We ruled out mistletoe because rumour has it the kissing berries grow up high in trees, plus they're parasitical, and don't look quite like the plastic varieties sold in stores.
It would also be good to know if they're edible or poisonous, in case one ever was starving in the forest in winter.
Of course, if you were starving in the forest in Greenough Park, you're within a half hour hike out for a burger and heavenly fries at Five Guys. But if it were some other, non-urban forest, you might stay hungry until Search and Rescue finds you, but they'll probably only offer something on the tasteless side of nutritious. Which is why it's preferable to take your nature in local doses.

Update: 12/28/12: Per the comment below, here's link for info on the Snowberry!

Update: 7/5/2017: Click here for  a crazy-long list of what you CAN safely eat in the forest, thanks to a heads up from author/editor Colin at basisgear.com.

Happy Christmas Decor, Missoula, Montana

Merry Christmas!


























(This Christmas ball reflects an eye-catching outdoor decor: the homeowners hung shiny glass balls on their front yard shrubs.)

All Is Calm, Missoula, Montana

"All is calm, all is bright...." The Boone and Crocket Club, once the railway station, stands guard over evening walkers along the Clark Fork River in Missoula, Montana.

Hole-y Fence, Missoula, Montana

Since the walking trail near our neighborhood runs next the railroad tracks that are next to Southgate Mall (i.e. amazing Montana scenery is not up close and personal), it's a perfect place to notice odd details. In an era of clearing growth for ease of construction, I appreciate this fence-builder's attention to detail and desire to preserve a good tree.

Greenough Park in Winter, Missoula, Montana

Our darling daughter found a Pinterest idea for a crafty Christmas present for her daddo, which required photos. She preferred a nature background, so off we went to Greenough Park - nature in the city's back yard. A hundred years ago, one of the park's great attractions was a bear cage - with a resident bear. Great things to see - and poke a stick at - on a Sunday afternoon stroll.

Aging Flower Power, Missoula, Montana

Flower photos are typically taken at bloom’s peak, but different details of beauty are discovered if you take a later look.
As I get older, I notice and appreciate more the varied loveliness in people, and often find time has not ravaged but rather revealed. Laughter and sorrow impart warmth and graciousness that gently outshine smoother, less-travelled faces.
Youth can possess a fresh charm but is not the end-all definition of beauty.

Winter Twilight Reflections, Bitterroot River, Montana

You'd never know to look at the river that US Hwy 93 S is directly left of this view, and busy with end-of-day traffic. Such is the delightful dichotomy of Montana - even in a city, the nearest peace-inducing vista is right out your window.

Weathered Tight, Missoula, Montana

Mildly ironic how weathered is this weather station shed near the Bitterroot River in Missoula, Montana.