Two Bear Cubs Flocking in a Tree...Beats watching all the Conventions

Tetons Sunset...Horst Kelly Photographer

Not much to report in the last 24 hours...except that I'm having the time of my life exploring the area and not being able to tie it in a neat package and put a bow around it.....it is truly an amazing place with a personality personal to the "Tetons"...and I suppose thats what makes this trip so special....each place has had the same impact on me....

The fire up north at Moran is playing havic on photography as the wind has shifted as is now blowing toward the west and the haze here makes L.A. look like a crisp environment...plus there is also cloud cover with a 40% chance of rain...I was going to extend a day, but with the weather I think I will leave tomorrow and head down Rt. 191...destination for Saturday is Vernal Utah...we'll see how well that works.....

Today I got up early to try and get the ironic Morman Barn....when I was driving to it it appeared that I had hit the jackpot for photo ops...some high cloud cover over ther Tetons...which will be neat in that early morning light..well it was not to be...but I got a number of shots and here is one...no enhancement as my notebook has enough struggles just tying to download them from my memory card....My understanding is that there usually is a cast of thousands trying to get the perfect "barn Shot", but today only three of us....

Morman Iconic Barn...Horst Kelly Photographer

Next I went looking for Elk and/or Moose...I found neither, but to my surprise and delight I found 2  bear cubs in a tree...though it was difficult to get a good shot of them...I did manage a couple..but the memory of that experience is there forever, and what a memory it is to see to wild baby bears playing with eachother in the trees!!!

Horst Kelly photographer

I'll try to get another series of sunset shots, also going to gas up, run the genny to charge all my stuff, may try some early morning photo ops and leave about 0830.....Have a GREAT weekend and hug your favorite bear...Horst sends

Keep a Knocking but you can't come in...Come Back tomorrow......

The day started around 0500 this morning...a crisp 45 degrees...a hot cup of coffee is always a good wake up..my plan today was to go to Oxbow Bend and then travel south on the Teton Park Road while I still had some early morning light. So what is Oxbow Bend...It is said to be one of the truly great landscape photo locations in North America....regularly featured on the cover of travel, nature and photography magazines...and is a magnet for all of us photo buffs...not that one of my photo’s will appear in a “Gallery”...Got there before 0600 and folks started arriving soon after....I found my spot, though I like to mix it up...I dared not give up the spot I had...as I pack of “gnarly” photographers would surly stake claim to my spot....what a great site it was...you are at a spot where the Snake River bends and has created a still body of water that is perfect for creating a mirror effect....and if you are lucky enough to have some clouds...well, its like winning the “mega lottery”....I will go back tomorrow prior to hitching up.

Teton Range..What a great wake-up....Horst Kelly Photographer

Then it was off to see what photo ops I could find on the Teton Park Road....and a short side trip to Jenny Lake.....wow is all I can say....

A side road led me to the Bar Flying U Ranch established by J. Pierce Cunningham(came from New York) in the 1880’s ...it’s a self guided tour of about half mile..all the structures are gone except the cabin they lived in...a nice side trip......

Got back to camp around one and decided to do some laundry and eat lunch.....after that did some reading as to what my game plan was for tomorrow..I am enjoying the Tetons....There is a 7500 acre fire about 10 to 15 miles southeast of here in Moran...they have closed some trails, but so far no immediate danger....I showed a photo of it yesterday....

Now for all you photo types...recall my encounter with a bear a week or so ago..and my decision to walk away and live to write another daily entry to my blog instead of trying to get the shot of the day....as I was doing my laundry, I got the Jackson Hole newspaper and there on page 8 the following story appears..

“The grizzly stares at the camera with a look that appears ominous in the LAST photo snapped by Richard White just before the animal mauled him to death in Alaska’s Denali National Park....the photo is among 26 snapshots of the male bear taken in a 8 minute span....bear was about 40 to 50 yards from White”.....and that same story can probably be told with Bison, Elk, Moose, etc....’nuf said...

Horst Kelly Photographer

Todays dinner will be breakfast...bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, country gravy ....and some fried bread(toast)....until tomorrow...safe journeys, thanks for stopping by...Horst

A new day ...couldn't get my 3g to be 3g and so no posting on 08-28-12.....it's now 29 Aug....decided to sleep in a little longer as I was only traveling 40 something miles south to the Gros Ventre CG....very relaxing drive and got here about 1000 hours.....a totally different setup then Colter....first no pull thrus...and it appears the campground was orginally set up for tent camping....they do have loops, but the back-ins are a challenge...I guess my Irish luck was with me today and I had not problems, though a tree on each side only left about a foot and a half of clearance...went I had backed in my Xterra was at the front of the slot across from me....and after unhitching I had to park perpendicular  to the Casita.....But no harm no foul!!

Oxbow Bend Horst Kelly Photograher

Did some morning photo shoots and then went to Jackson Hole....wow, quite a town....and the prices..they appear higher then what I experienced at Aspen or Vail....a slice of salmon at the market was $21.00...same as what I get at Heb in Texas for 6 or 7 dollars....speaking of prices I hit my first $4.00 a gallon gas ...in fact it was $4.06.......I did find gas here a bit cheaper at $3.86....

Enough of the minual crap...this place is my picture of "Heaven".....thus todays title...when taken in conjunction with yesterdays title, "Keep a Knocking but you can't come in...come back tomorrow and try it again"....Every time you think you've captured the heart of the Tetons, it presents something new and different....I am a LUCKY Man, to have had these experiences and exposures with this great country and the great people that have a similar interest....to venture and experience....

I will close for now and try to get this posted...this evening's menu consists of ribeye, hashbrowns(leftover from last night). salad, sweet corn on the cob, on the barbie of course...and some great beverage...Thanks for looking in...Horst sends

"Knock, Knock, Knocking on Heavens Door"....Tetons

Forest Fire Tetons ...Horst KellY photographer

I had decided not to hitch up until this morning, as there was no rush....and then it started raining...but the Rain Gods where with me and it stopped about 0430....made coffee and sat outside to watch the sun come over the Yellowstone horizon...no photo ops...but a serene start to what will be a truly wondrous day of traveling....took my time hitching the mare to the wagon..and strolled out of the campground about 0800...

One last shot of Yellowstone..Horst Kelly Photographer

I took the  shortest route to the Tetons going through Yellowstone on Rt 191 south....I asked about any "Passes" and the attendent informed me that there where two....pulled the team over and spoke to the Xterra...in a kind and gentle manner...not to stress and to tell me if she needs to pull over....all went well...one pass was  about 8800 feet the other 8400 feet...a far cry from Wolf Creek in Colorado.....went through 3  Continental Divides...thats a record for one day....and then down to the Tetons....

View from my Lunch Diner seat..Horst Kelly Photographer

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I was in awe...hence my title...I truly felt I was knocking on Heavens Door.....I got to Colter's CG..set up..though I had a slight hiccup...but all is well... I hope...its a pull through site...genny can run from 8 to 8..they do have a shower in the Visitors Center and water and a pit toilet about 50 feet away....its in a middle of a forest, tall pines...picnic table, and firepit....I am one Lucky Person...

I decided to to do some scouting for photo ops...seems the best time for most things is early morning....I stopped at the Jackson Lake Lodge....WOW...when you walk into the lobby...the view of the Tetons...they have  windows about 2 stories high with the lake and the mountains as your backdrop...

Horst Kelly Photgrapher

Decided to have lunch at one of the numerous "grill joints"...asked for a window seat right at the base of the Lake....what do you think??
After lunch drove around, came back...had a brat and local beer for dinner and now will try yo post and watch the sun set....Thanks for stopping by...Horst sends

Yellowstone....what a pleasant surprise

Horst Kelly Photographer

Left Helena around 0730...it was windy and the miles seemed to go on forever.....got here around 1pm ...when I had stopped at a gas station about 50 miles from Yellowstone I met a young man getting “stuff” to go fly fishing...we started chatting and I asked him if there where any CoE or BLM campgrounds between where I was and Yellowstone...and if they where on the river...he said there was a place about 20 minutes south called Twin Forks....no cost and great site....I thought I hit all the numbers on the Mega Lotto....but it was not meant to be...I searched for about 45 minutes and never could find it...so option two was Bakers Hole CG...I think a NPS run CG....$14 for seniors...and it had electric and water stations...decided to stay two nights...leave the 27th....

Horst Kelly Photographer

My only Bison Herd...Horst Kelly Photographer

I was pleasantly surprised that the Park was not nearly as crowded as 10 or so days ago when I came down from Bozeman......I drove around a little while and decided I would do the loop the next day...

Look close at bottom a small rainbow...Horst Kelly 

photographer

It now the 26th....Got up 0530..had my coffee and stated out around 0700....my route was to head north to Norris, east to Canyon Village, north to Tower-Roosevelt and east to roam around the Lamar Valley....then backtrack to Mammoth Hot Springs and head back to the West Yellowstone...the weather was chilly when I started, but soon turned into a perfect day....what a mix of vistas...from mountains to water falls to prairies...and everything in between....and The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone does hold its own with the other “Grand Canyon”.... the crowds did pick up but nothing to the extent that I witnessed before, and I would say the vast majority of the folks I ran into were European....

I got back around 3pm, spent an hour or so walking the town...looking in the shops..and decided to get some chicken fried rice for dinner from one of the local Chinese places....got back ate decided to see if I can get a blog off....hopefully it will work...will then prepare for the Tetons......

Yesterday I had decided to just spend the night here...I'm glad I changed my mind...it turned our to be a great gem, a very positive adventure!!!!!  Thanks for stopping by...Horst sends

A New Friendship is Made

Behind but not due to lack of adventures...as I recall when I last left the Blogging community I was in West Glacier about ready to head south to Seeley Lake area..but Rob called saying he just arrived at East Glacier and wanted to know if there was anyway to share a campfire for an evening....to me that's what these trips are all about...no direction, no cemented destination, no expectations...I think Jerry and Wanda do that best...so I told Rob I'd be there before noon the next day and hopefully I'd get a site at St. Mary's CG.....

Rob and Horst...the original "Grumpy Old Men"...haha

I did arrive before noon and not only did they have some sites available...but they had a site right next to his...see what happens when you don't make plans.....no expectations...just rewards....what a life.... I unhitched...and for the next hour or two introduced ourselves and what do you know...we have a like background in the field of Aerospace...then of course our interests in photography, nature and this Great Country.....I needed to go to town and get some petrol for the Genny... he needed to eat lunch...got back and off we went...since he had been here before, and he had decided I could be a trusted agent, Rob showed me some of his secret places  for photography and enjoying nature....

We ended up at Logans Pass...the wind must have been kicking up at 40+ miles an hour aand the temps where turning cool...we started to climb...at one point we stopped to look at the magnifient view and Rob put in a GRAND Nutshell...he said, I don't go to church all the time but being out here is my place of  place to  interact with my Maker ...this is when I truly feel close to Him.....well said Rob....

One of Rob's spots....Horst Kelly Photography

Now for the "Ugly" news..about 3/4's of the way up my ankle started giving me fits again...and I had been putting ice on it, taking advil, and wrapping it up..this morning before leaving, the ankle felt good and I decided all was well...no more ice, wraps or advil.....call me stupid....so I made the decision to go back down...I told Rob he needed to go up and find his "Goats"....and the day ended great....I now will go back to ice, advil and wrapping...

The day went by too quick..but it was quality time and a new friendship was hatched....

Horst Kelly Photographer

This morning I got up around 0600, had my coffee, hitched up and Rob and I said our goodbyes ..until next time....and there will surly be one..

This morning from campsite...Horst Kelly..Photographer

Decided to drive to Helena...it was very windy and raining on and off....tomorrow my destination is Yellowstone...will try it one more time... then off to the Tetons.....until next time...thanks for stopping by...Horst

A Great Last Day and a maybe a Regroup...stay tuned

The day started out not looking good for photo opportunities...rained during the night and began to drizzle right after I left to see what shots I could manage  to get....decided I would try the McDonald Waterfall again...and use the Japanese Route(reference yesterdays Blog)...and what do you know..a pulloff and five second walk down the hill...what a concept...there're making life far to easy these days....

McDonald Falls

Early AM..Overcast..McDonald Lake..Horst Kelly Photographer

Though overcast, the rain stopped for a while and I shot the Falls with a different lens and a new level of energy...after the Falls I was wandering on the Sun Road trying to find a new adventure...I saw a sign... Lake McDonald Lodge......since I had nothing better to fill the time I turned in...WOW..what a great place..its a Alpine village...grocery/gift store, lodge, cabins, I think they even have a youth Hostel...tours, cruises,..sits right on the northern edge of the Lake..Magnificent views...

 Toured the area and took some pics...sat and people watched for a half hour or so...alot of foreign tourists...both from Europe and Asia....great little find....

Started raining again, so I decided to go to Colimbia Fall and visit a Grocery store...got some items for the next leg of my journey...came back to camp and started looking at where I was going to camp tomorrow...I remember that Jerry and Wanda, of Eggrolling Blog,  had a great campsite somewhee around Seeley Lake...its only 140 or so miles south...but then, whats the rush....Jus tgot an email that Buddy Rob is at St. Marys...haven't connected yet by phone.....I may try to bet back to St. Marys for one night if they have an opening and then just retract my tire marks down to Bozeman and  head to the Tetons that way.....so I'll call the reservation in a minute and we'll see what my options are..I'm all ready to hitch up and head to wherever... I think I'll do sweet corn again to night and a brat....with a "Dunkel Bier".....say tuned for the next adventure...Happy Trails...Horst

One section of McDonald Lodge...Horst Kelly Photographer

McDonald Falls..Horst Kelly Photographer

Until the next adventure...Happy Trails...Horst

There's Always a Shortcut...Buns, Buns and more Buns

Decided today I would go to McDonald Falls, which is about 13 miles up the road and then on to Polebridge for some of those "Cinnamon Rolls"...Soooo after some coffee and cereal I was off to the Falls..A book I have on Photographing Glacier gave me very specific instructions....and I quote "Immediately beyond the head of the Lake, a paved road turns left, Shortly, it crosses a bridge spanning McDonald Creek. A small pullout is located across the bridge. The Trail travels upstream to the falls.  the hike is short, and the images are special"...pretty straight forward to me..

Dense woods to Waterfall..Horst Kelly Photographer

The trail is in a very dense wooded area...so I got my handy-dandy bear spray...and started a chorus of "when the saints come  marching in and the bears go marching out"...it was a well marked trail has some elevation to it and the last bit whines down to the river...30 minutes or so I was there...did work up a sweat, but it felt good, and I was happy ...crossed a small wooden bridge over the river and set up for a photo shoot....about 5 minutes into looking for the best angle, I hear a bunch of foreign chatter...nope, not bears....it was a bus load of Japanese tourists all with there cameras in hand, ready to shoot....where in the hell did they come from....turns out there is now a pull off on the main road..and a 30 second walk down the hill brings one to the same place it took me 30 minutes of huffing and puffing and keeping bears at bay to get to.....if I had stayed on the road and gone another 100 yards or so I could have avoided the "denise forest" with all those hungry bears...I sat there and laughed for I don't know how long.....I felt like the guy that had been on the deserted island for years only to find out that 100 yards down past the clearing  was Miami...

McDonald Falls..Horst Kelly Photographer

I wasn't happy with the photo's so I'm going back tomorrow with a different lens and try again....and maybe do the forest walk, just for old times sake..haha

Decided to go to Polebridge, since I read so much about it...it's 25 or so miles from the campground..not the best road in the world...but what captured my attention was the burnt trees...I would say in parts 90 percent of the forest was burnt....stopped and read that in 2003 they had 5 or so different fires at Glacier....what a tragedy..

Got to the  town of "Polebridge"...a main building 3 or 4 others and a gas pump....but the "buns"   wow...I bought Bread, a Cinnamon roll to go and a Jalapena roll to eat on the way back...downed it with a old time root beer... it was worth the trip...Jerry, I took a photo of the gas pump just to let you know gas prices haven't gone up since you where here a month ago...unlike the rest of the country...ha

The Gas Pump...price same as a month ago...haha

Horst Kelly Photographer

Got back to camp just as it started raining..plan to do a little grilling...until next...Happy Trails, thanks for stopping by..Horst

Mmmm, Mmmm...GOOD

Another Perfect Day...can't believe they just keep coming!!!

 I want to acknowledge my Friend Rob...you will see his Blog site to the right ...its Casita Adventures' Galleries...First his travel journal is second to none, his photo's are spot on, for those that own Casitas, his modifications are to drool over....and his approach to his current path to living life well is a great testament to his character....take a minute to meet this fellow adventurer.....

What a GREAT morning ...woke up around 0430...had a cup of my java...sat outside and watched the darkness fad away and morning light try to climb over the Eastern Peaks of Glacier.....crisp, clear and.....I'm hungry...had one small batch of "Service Berries" left from East Glacier, so I made some oatmeal, added a little milk, brown sugar and my berries....now that's a "Breakfast of Champions".......

Another try at silky waterfall...Horst Kelly Photographer

Decided to venture to Apgar Village...that's where one end of the McDonald lake is...try my hand at some early morning lake shots...I found that the color was not turning out correctly...all blue...there was a good amount of haze which I think is coming from the fires in Idaho...maybe thats causing the blue tint....so next I decided to do a small portion of Going-to-the Sun-Road from west to east....for you folks coming here there is construction on the road.... resurfacing...the later in the day, the longer the delay.....what great vistas...totally different from the east side of Glacier...I'm guessing its the amount of rain....and the river that runs parallel to the road...wow...wish I could park Ms Casita right down there....stopped a few times and tryed my hand a some "silky" water pics...still not right...but moving in the right direction...I think.....
Came back to the camper..did some cleaning, got my shower token..and thought I'd drive to WhiteFish, about 25 miles West...a town one of my close Air Force Buds  was raised in....he got an appointment to the Air Force Academy from that high School....I always kidded him about who his competition was...a grisly and a good goat..... the town has turned    into a kinda "artsy/crafty" town...not saying thats bad..and  a wholesome town....as it pertains to fitness....

Where I want Ms. Casita parked...Horst Kelly Photographer

Got some provisions...boy are prices higher than in good old Texas.....came back to the campground and have been veggin ever since...plan on grilling a hamburger, onions, mushrooms....and having another Big Sky IPA Ale....thats all folks...ok, may listen to Bob Segar and Eric Clapton while sipping some JD....say good-nite Tonto....

Travel Day...to Fish Creek CG..West Glacier

This will be a short post today as it was a travel day...did get up around 0430...wanted to see if I could catch one last photo or two....It has been a great stay and the time went by way to fast...but I guess that means there will be a next time....got back round 0730...hitched up...had one last cup of coffee sitting at the picnic table...saying good-bye to St. Mary's...and my favorite early morning high...Goose Island....

One last photo East Glacier....Horst Kelly Photographer

Drove to Browning, filled the tank and headed west on Rt. 2....by 1130 hours I was pulling into West Glacier..and by 1230 had set up at Fish Creek CG, next to Lake mcDonald....called my Sweetie to let her know I arrived safely and that I was going to scout around.....BTW, this campground is way better then the one at St Mary's...its in the middle of a pine forest.....the temp is way lower and very relaxing..same amenities as St Mary's...no electric, do have generator time, and a token shower system...and for the AARPS its $11.50 per day....

The drive down here from Browning was a very pleasant and  scenic adventure...wanted to pull over several times but didn't have room.....crossed the Continental Divide...about 5000+change... feet...the marker was on the other side of the road...so had to pass it by...kinda like my luck with gas stations.always on the other side when you need one!!!!

Ok...another Last Photo...Horst Kelly Photographer

Now for a little clarification...one of my Buds called about yesterdays "Bear" post...concerned about how close I was...I was about 70 to 100 feet away...I did not feel an immediate threat unless of course it was a mommy and I was between her and her young'un, which I was pretty sure I wasn't...I guess if it had woken up  having a bad hair day...I could have become its "outlet"...my main concern was not to be stupid enough to take a photo and for some reason have my "flash" go off and spook the bear.....just wanted to clarify that I wasn't arms length away...

Until the next post..Happy Trails....hoping to read some Blogs and find out where everybody is at!!!!.Happy Trails...Horst

AH..sweet memory...Living well is my Perfect Cure
That's All Friends....

Bears...Beer...and Advil....Great to be Alive

This morning was filled with excitment......I was looking foward to the "Grinnell Challenge"...having reviewed the post and seen the photo's Rob had posted...in the last couple months I had been waiting for this day.....and here it was...I downed my coffee...made a couple sandwiches...water, camera, charged batteries,  brandy...no just kidding....and I was off for the 15 mile or so drive to the trailhead.....and there I was...stapped my handy knife, bear spray and waist pack on.....I was ready...let the games begin....

Grinnell Hike...Horst Kelly Photographer

...and what a hike it was...Rob was correct in describing the serene and majestic area this hike was taking me through.....lakes, Mountains, meadows, and everthing in between..path about 2 or 3 feet wide...heavy folliage in areas....and...what is this...oh yes bear poo on the trail...lots of it....I sang, I gave speeches, I recited the Gettesburg Address...I sang 99 Bottles of bear...or I mean beer on the wall....and all in vain, more on that later.....

The hike was going great ...I was enjoying it so much that I forgot about the photography side of this hike....at about the 4.0 mile mark it happened...I have been concerned throughout this trip about my knee holding up...had it scoped/reparied last year and all has been fine since then...well it wasn't my knee that caved in, it was my right ankle....a injury/surgery  that happened 44 years ago...and Bam it started swelling like a watermellon...I have advil...took 3....where is the brandy when you need it....nothing helped and I decided to not further harm or injury it I would make my way back.....which took 3 times as long...but I made it and am now tring to get it in shape for my next adventure...

Another Grinnell...Horst Kelly Photographer

Am I dissapointed...yes, do I regret it...NO...and I will try it again sometime in the future...It was the best hike of this trip by far.....oh, you wanted to know about the bears.....long story, long...I encountered three ...yes 3...2 Blacks and one Grizzly...the Ranger had said they have been all over this area recently....back to the story... first it was three separate sightening...two of them where in the high brush...the first never even noticed me...the second one glanced at me..neither one was an opportunity for a photo op.....and then the 3rd....as I was walking, it was almost like he was waiting for me and popped out...now there is a photo op...but probably my last one...I had my bear spray locked and loaded....my first stupid thought, can I click a few photo's off and still shot the spray.....I knew the distance he was from me and I knew my limitations...I clapped , and slowly started walking backwards.....He gave me one last look and probably thought...bet his pants are wet..grinned and meandered off in the brush....I waited a bit...and a bit more...saw him way down the hill and started a chorus of "Raw Hide"...

And Another...Horst Kelly Photographer

What an experience....I did have a beer when I got back...its five o'clock somewhere.....I went out again to try and get some waterfall shots...never tryed to get them to look sliky like Jon has done..so I thought I'd give it a try...long way from his great shots...but I'll keep trying....

Need to stop as tomorrow is my travel day to the West side...got to clean the camper, Xterra, organize and get ready....next stop Fish Creek Camp Ground...Happy Trails...Horst

First Try...More to Come...Horst Kelly Photographer

The End.....Horst Kelly Photographer

ps...Rob...Could you email your blog...I don't have it on this netbook...I  want to add it to my Blog list on my Blog , plus read and comment to your journey......my email address it on my blog page...thanks Buddy...

  

Many Glacier...one more try

Want to aplogize for the sloppy post yesterday...trying to work a netbook with a 3G smart phone  that is performing at 1G out in the wilderness..and post photo's is not working very well...and most of the time the photo I want to post isn't the one posted...There has to be a better solution....I guess I should look into Live Writer....whatever that is...

Goose Island Horst Kelly Photographer

Woke to another nice crisp morning...in the mid 40’s and no wind....cranked up the stove, coffee, cereal with those fresh picked “service berries”, and I’m ready to meet the World...ok...ready to go back to Many Glaciers ...without the morning fog....and what a majestic sight it was....and at that time of the morning (0600) I was the “Solitary Man”...no one else within miles.....which was do to change any moment ....and it did....but I had my moment, and got some shots...hopefully one is worth saving.....drove all the way to the end, where there is a campground and gift shop.....explored for a while and then returned to my base camp...have decided to try and tackle Grinnell Glacier hike tomorrow...I want to thank Rob for manipulating me into this....while he is taking photo's of the largest "hair ball" in Kansas...ha !!...the hike should prove to be interesting....looking forward to it though......if I don’t post within 3 days, call the authorities...haha..

Many Glacier area Horst Kelly Photographer

Its now dinner time and I'm going to fix a Salmon Patty, a salad...and have a piece of French Bread..and water it down with a Brew from Missoula Montana....called "Moose Drool"...a brown Ale, I think....after that I will do some research on Grinnell Glacier/Lake hike and make sure I have myself organized...here I go again with those "lists"....

Short post...next installment should be interesting...even if done from the local emergency clinic..ha...Happy Trails....Horst

Many Glacier Area.. Horst Kelly Photographer

Goose Island at 0600...Horst Kelly Photographer
Thats all folks.......

Goose Island and Two medicine...and the World is Alright

It’s the evening of the 15th.....since my last post not much has happened...it continued to rain or have a heavy overcast...I decided to go to the “Two Sisters” café, Pub and or Restaurant...The two sisters where no where to be found....the place was filled up...a very selective menu to include the lunch special of Brook trout and rice pilaf....$15.95.....I chose the two sisters burger with all the fix ins and extra crispy fries...it was very tasty...or and a micro brew...of course....which made the event just about perfect....ok one more brew and it was the perfect lunch....

Horst kelly Photographer

Came back, did some house maintenance and then wen looking for photo ops....still overcast...took a few pics....and found out I have “select berries” right outside my camper...good to eat, do have seeds but nothing major...they look like blue berries.....got myself a bowl full and will have them with my cereal...got ou the artic sleeping bag as it is suppose to get down in the 30’s tonight.....though I can run the propane heater, I’m going to test how comfy this Casita stays......

Woke up around 0500...its 41 degrees...kicked on the stove top to heat some coffee and the temp. jumped right up there....got cleaned up and was on my way to catch some morning light...first stop, Goose Island which is only a short distance from the campground...it was a bit nippy out...maybe a should have stashed away some brandy....its what we do on the golf course......so it must be ok for hiking...heha!.....when I got to the location there where already 3 other photographers at the site...we all set up our location and what a great palette of colors covered Mother Natures Canvas.....I’m coming back tomorrow and hope to get it right.....

Next stop the Many Glacier area...or so I thought...I drove around for more than an hour and the fog was so thick, you couldn’t capture a beached whale if it was at you feet....option 2 ..the Two Medicine area....I took Rt 49.....I’m here to tell you that route is not for the timid if you driving TO Two Medicine area.....there are no guard rails and there are some drops that could have been used in the final scene of the movie “Thelma and Louise”.....I continue to challenge my fear of heights, and I don’t think I’m winning.....yup another occasion for Brandy......but the views are second to none...and the icing on the cake is when you make it to the bottom and witness what's in front of you.....here is a photo...it doesn’t do it justice...but I think you can get an idea of its magnificence and grandeur...... it’s a place like this when I ask myself...why do people feel the need to go Overseas.....you can’t duplicate this anywhere...not even the Alps...I know...I spent my early childhood there......

Two medicine..Horst kelly photographer

From there I left and was preparing myself for the return trip and somehow I took a wrong turn and was meandering my way on a level road to East Glacier Park.....and what do I see...a golf course.....my, my, my.....they must sell Brandy there....anyway I continue on to Browning...find a Radio Shack and pick up some memory cards.....head back to the campground and am ready to use the wok and call my lovely bride......I think I’ll start a campfire this evening have a Irish Red (beer)....and make believe it’s a Brandy...till tomorrow....Cheers Horst

Glacier....But Sooooo much more

It’s the 15th...arrived yesterday around noon....about 200 miles...drove north on I-15 awhile...from there it was Rt 287 and 89....not too many towns....the roads where not bad....up and down hills and pretty soon I entered Blackfeet Indian Nation...need to educate myself somewhat on the history of the Blackfeet....after setting up I ventured on the “Going to the Sun” road...heading west....what great scenery...and lots of people...it appears that photo opportunities are early morning not mid afternoon...though I did manage to take about 100 shots....I turned around at Logan pass....came back and went to Many Glacier area...north from my camp about 12 or so miles...then another 15 or so miles...square mile for square mile....Glacier has to be right up there as the most captivating photography experience that I have ever had...its like a kid being in a old time candy store for the first time.....you don’t know what to get...id someone told me I could only take one photo...what would it be.....that would be an impossible task.....

Horst Kelly Photographer

Got back and was going to make something on the wok...however the wind really picked up and within 15 minutes the rain started....so I had a sandwich and some soup....did run the generator...worked great...spent the rest of the evening trying to figure out what to do tomorrow...

Its now early AM the 15th...rained most of the night...is overcast and foggy.....so I sit here writing this Blog...plus I have a rear tire problem....will see hoe fast its losing air.....hopefully there is a place that can fix a flat...though I do have a can of that “tire fix it stuff”...just in case...currently running the generator to charge all the computer related stuff.....

Horst Kelly Photographer

I am now at the Library...thanks to Rob telling me about faclities at Browning...I'm going to try and load a couple photo's and post this short Blog.....Soory about the photos...my thumnails on the external drive are so small, I wasn't sure what I was selecting...plus photo's where taken mid-day...not the best time...oh well...for your viewing pleasure...Horst sends

Another Day Closer to East Glacier....And Thanks to A Great Guy...

Since I now have a somewhat limited internet I thought I would read a few Blogs and look at The Casita Travel Trailer Forum...new posts...and what did I find... a more than I deserve commentary about my trip from a super person I have never met in person....but have bugged over the last several months via email....not only about his trips, but also about Casita stuff....Thank you Rob....you are a friend....I am slowing down...so hitch up the old mule and make tracks to the Great Northwest...also like to thank everyone for their postive comments on the Casita Forum....we are family!!!!Speaking of Casita's..I've only seen 3 on the trip thus far...Did see a vintage Boller at Bozeman...have had a good share of "oh isn't that CUTE" from the ladies of those monster...whatever they are...can't call them campers......I suppose one could call them "Hilton on wheels"....wonder if they come with room service or if thats an after market purchase.....

Devils Elbow...Horst kelly Photographer

Today I just looked around Helena...went to Lowes to purchase some ant bait ...seems I've gotten a few in the camper...there are about as small of ants as I've ever seen....but as old Barney Fife use to say...got to nip it in the bud.....so ts not been a very productive day...but its been fun....what I'm going to try to do is post a bunch of photo's...hopefully it will work....thanks for stopping by...and Happy Trails...Horst
Its now Monday 13th Aug and I am at McDonals trying to post this...and add some photo's....to day will be prepare for departure day.....some more checking the town out...find the state capital building...

Horst Kelly Photographer

Would like to give BLM a plug...the facility at Devils Elbow is great, clean, well managed, friendly and 10 bucks a day ..of course if you are a senior only five dollars...did I mention views..second to none..if KOA had this place there would be charging 40 dollars a day..and change the ambiance....ok, lets try to post some photo's   next stop St. Mary's campground, East Glacier...Happy Trails..Horst

Horst Kelly photographer

Horst Kelly Photographer

Thats all folks...Happy Trails...Horst

    

No Internet for a while..But Life is better than Good....

Since I haven't logged on in 3 or 4days, I will summarize...and try to post some photo's...I am in Helena...will stay until Tuesday and make the 200 miles  and some to St. Mary's ....I'm at a GREAT BLM campground ...5 bucks for us seniors...on a Lake/Missouri River....Bozeman was also a very nice stop......here goes a summary.....

Bozeman campground storm approaching

Yesterday( Thursday 9 Aug) I got backlogged, got lazy, got some bear photo’s and prepared for todays departure...so no posting for 9 August...and I will be late on 10 August post since I am at a BLM site known as Devils Elbow....right on a canyon Lake.....I was lucky to get a site as its Friday...and its fishing country...I pulled in before noon and only 2 sites were left...needless to say neither where on the water....but its only 20 yards from the water and 1000+foot cliffs on the other side...no electric, do have pit toilets, and some water around here someplace...but do I care...my battery is charged, using propane on the Frig. and Ms. Ginny my team electric source when “boon docking” is full of gas and ready to charge anything requiring a little juice...life is good...unless the propane runs out, the generator doesn’t start and a snow storm blows in.....

BLM Helena Campground

I plan on staying here for a couple days since my plan is to be at Glacier on Tuesday the 14th and its less than 300 miles from here...I’m learning from my Southwest trip not to rush this journey...no photo ops today...but I get some bear photo’s...close and personal with a telephoto lens....do not disturb nature...for they will always win.... it was a great experience....A lightening show came last nite...and lasted for a few hours...too much rain to get out to shot lightning shots.....

Got up today my usual early rise, but didn’t leave until well past 0800...spoke to some young kids...no, young adults, that are scouts from Massachusetts, and came here to do some voluntary forest work...they are on there way back...about 20 of them...both male and female....it was a nice exchange/experience...and gives one hope that there is a next generation coming along with great values and high morales ....

Its now 11 August and a great early morning it is...I decided to walk this AM, plus they have some hiking trails....great walk/hike...some wind but the temps. where in the low 60’s...perfect for me....came back and made some oatmeal, cleaned up and took a drive to see what was in the vicinity...it was majestic to say the least...I am right on the Missouri river...but about 2 miles up it vanished, and a was not parallel to a”brook”..about 10 feet wide..running pretty fast and on both sides by mountains...the Smokey Mountain variety...and what appeared to be permanent residents...not just summer cottage's..numerous horse ranches...and all beside the brook...and nowhere to pull over to capture the moment on film...but that’s ok...I probably couldn’t have done it justice.....

Decided to make a run to Wal-Mart in Helena....found out their auto service is open on Sunday from 0700-1900...will get an oil change before I head out....came back to the camp...and now just relaxing.....got finished cleaning up a bit...think I’ll grill a pork loin Filet this evening...with mushrooms and some canned beets...see how that plays out...Did not grill my pork loin, I thought I would try my toaster oven/convection oven...and it really came out tasty....surprised myself...enough left to have several sandwiches...relaxed the rest of the evening..decided to stay here another 2 days...there doesn’t seem to be any campgrounds from here to Glacier, at least not the route I’m taking....oh , well there is one...cost $39.00 and lousy reviews...since I’m only 200 plus change away from St. Mary’s...it should be any easy drive...plus here its only $5.00 per day......will try to find a wi-fi place tomorror and post this...and maybe some photos....Happy Trails...Horst

ps...Here I sit at McDonalds posting this Blog ready to post some photo's...and I had transfered 99% onto my external drive...so no bear photo's....will will be back tomorrow and post a varity of photo's...