Smoky Golfing - Toward Lolo, Montana

Please pray for the fire situation in the West, which is affecting much more important daily aspects of life than the local golf games. 

(I think I heard a shocked gasp somewhere in cyberspace: More important than golf?) 

Nighttime photos posted by others illustrate more dramatically that this is a dire situation and we crave rain.

Heirloom Tomatoes- Missoula, Montana

I'm seeing red today - and yellow and interspersed swathes of green: all the best colours of heirloom tomatoes from the Missoula Farmers Market. 
I'm feeling healthier just looking at them!

92% Totality - Missoula, Montana

92% totality is still pretty bright! 

Looking through our NASA-approved glasses, we could safely see the "banana sun", as predicted for our city. Daylight dimmed a bit, and the temperature dropped noticeably. I remember that it got very dark and quiet during the 1979 eclipse, so general expectation was for more darkness, or at least mysterious gloom. Good to know that a mere 8% of our sun's wattage is rather impressive!

No Barrier at All - The Teller Trail, Corvallis Montana

"What have we to do this day, more pressing than the call to wander. " Pat R

"Dear old world', she murmured, 'you are very lovely, and I am glad to be alive in you."

- L.M. Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables (Anne of Green Gables, #1

Thanks to guest blogger Pat Richards for sharing views and thoughts from her Montana wanderings!

To see other far-flung paths Pat's feet have trod, take a peek at JourneysWithGod.com.

Smoky Sunset - Missoula, Montana

The Lolo Peak fire is still going strong, filtering smoke into the Missoula valley and making for some dramatic sunsets. And we are still praying for more rain.

Dark Side Of The Xylophone - Missoula, Montana

Typically, this view of the xylophone's underside would only be seen by inquisitive toddlers - and curiously crouching photo snappers.

Golden Blooms - The Teller Trail, Corvallis, Montana

"Why must people kneel down to pray? If I really wanted to pray I’ll tell you what I'd do. I'd go out into a great big field all alone or in the deep, deep woods and I'd look up into the sky—up—up—up—into that lovely blue sky that looks as if there was no end to its blueness. And then I'd just feel a prayer."

- L.M. Montgomery, from Anne of Green Gables #1

Horn Section At Intermission - Symphony In The Park, Missoula, Montana

While the musicians are away at a well earned intermission break, the camera must play at finding odd aspects amidst Missoula's 13th annual free Symphony In The Park.