Here Come the Deer

Tuesday was an awesome fall day. We woke to 23 degrees. Throughout the day the sun shown bright and by mid afternoon the temperature had reached 74 degrees.

During the day I encountered a large group of deer hanging out in town. I think I counted twenty-three in the group.

It is normal to see deer wandering through town this time of year. The thing that is unusual is the size of the groups. I remember seeing as many as six or seven together in town but never a group this size.

Our Sunday Outing

Sunday morning it was 23 degrees when we got up. It was such a gorgeous day we decided to take a walk. Heading out the door a blast of wind convinced us a drive was a better option. So, we took a nice drive around the lake.

Two bald eagles greeted us as we drove through bear trap canyon to the spillway. We saw lots of deer, antelope and ducks along our journey.

Ken stopped long enough for me to get this shot of the canyon. Yes, the photos in this blog are mine. But, I think from time to time Ken might allow me to use a few of his images. I will let you know when I use his but I am certain you can tell the difference.

Annual Hunters Feed

Friday we joined our friends downtown on Main Street for the 23rd Annual Hunters Feed. It welcomes the hunters and gives locals who have been busy all summer a chance to chat and catch up.

Local retailers cook up their favorite wild game recipes and offer samples. Everyone is given a ballot to vote for his or her favorites.

Among the dishes we sampled were Bail Out Chili, Sarah Palin's Moose Stew, Elk Loin Sandwiches, Cranberry and Duck Sausage Pizza, and Antelope Lumpia.

Pictured here are the owners of the Ennis Trading Post sharing samples of their delicious Elk Stew.

The Beaver Is Back

Wednesday afternoon Ken and I took a break and went for a long walk through the campground. The sun was shining and the wind was blowing. People were out fishing, hiking and enjoying the outdoors.

A fellow walker informed us that the beaver is back. He was here a couple of years ago but the river gorged and he lost his home.

We stopped to investigate. He appears to be attempting to cut down a huge cottonwood. We will have to check in on him from time to time to monitor his progress. I will keep you posted.

The Fog Rolled In

Monday morning the fog rolled in and settled in the valley. It is such a delightful thing to watch. Ken was out the door early with his camera to capture the magic on film.

By noon the fog had lifted in town. You could see it lingering at a distance with the tips of the mountains poking through what looked like puffs of cotton candy.

Tuesday it was cloudy all day. Tiny snowflakes and ice pellets fell off and on throughout the day but were barely noticeable.

I Love This Time of Year

I love this time of year. Saturday and Sunday were spectacular. We woke to temperatures in the low forties and enjoyed highs in the low to mid seventies.

Outdoor activities were a priority. When I went for my Saturday morning walk I noticed the fly fishermen were out early.

Ken raked the leaves in the yard while I sewed curtains for our new home.

We enjoyed eating lunch on our deck and watching Mystic, our cat, exploring his new territory.

After the Storm

It's Friday morning and the temperature is 42 degrees. They are predicting a beautiful weekend.

Wednesday morning only a few patches of snow remained after the storm. As I arrived at Lions Park to walk I was delighted to find it surrounded by young people supervised by several adults. While I watched one boy caught a huge fish. Everyone gathered round him to watch and celebrate as photos were taken of the big catch of the day.

I asked a couple of the students if it was a field trip but the answers were vague. Whatever the purpose it was wonderful to see so many young people enjoying themselves.

Winter Storm

Just as we were admiring the beauty of the fall colors a howling winter storm rolled into our peaceful valley. The weather men warned us, but no one seemed to believe them until it hit.

Snow and wind blew for three days. The lowest temperature drop was 16 degrees. I think the highest was near 40 degrees.

One long time resident reported Norris hill was the worst it has ever been.

I don't remember this kind of storm in October. We sometimes get snow but I don't remember it ever being like this.

What are the winters like?

If you visited the peaceful Madison Valley in the spectacular big sky country of Montana you probably asked someone, “ What are the winters like?” My husband and I answered that question by staying one winter in 2000 and never left.

Each summer as we talk with visitors and summer residents the question always seems to find its way into the conversation.

So, for my old friends, new friends and those I have yet to meet, I am creating this journal.

I invite you to join me on a journey through winter. I will share my Montana moments through words and images as an artist living life in rural Montana.

We begin in mid-October of 2008.


Follow me and find out what the winter is like.