Osprey, Trout and Moose

©2014 Ken W. Hall

©2014 Ken W. Hall

It is a beautiful Easter Sunday.  We took a walk along the Madison River near Eight Mile Fishing Access earlier this morning. 

As we were approaching the access Ken noticed this Bull Moose sun bathing on a small island in the middle of the river.  Camera in hand he headed out down the river to see if he could get a few shots.

Just as we began to make our way to the river's edge this magnificent osprey flew overhead and put o quite a show.  Ken immediately noticed the trout he held in his talons.

By the time we reached the moose he was not in the mood for a photo shoot.  Ken managed this one quick shot before he rose and headed across the river diapering into the safety of the willows.

It was forty degrees at six this morning and now it is fifty-nine.  The wind makes it feel colder but the sunshine is a welcome sight.

I wish you a blessed day.

Photo

Photo by Penny Hall

Photo by Penny Hall

Photo by Penny Hall

 

Saturday morning we opened our booth at the Farmer's Market.  This year the market is in the parking lot of Valley Bank.  It is always fun to visit with old friends and make new ones. 

I love the home grown meats, fresh produce, fresh baked breads, pies and goodies as well as some home made salsas.  Local craft persons show their new creations and non profits offer helpful information.  It is a fun event complete with local entertainment.

This morning we took a walk along the Madison River.  The wind was silent as we strolled along admiring the tall grass and beautiful variety of blooming plants and flowers.

Snow remains on the mountain peaks.  But, I noticed the water is clearing up.  In some places you can see the rocks.  Fisher persons are out and reporting the fish are definitely biting.

It was in the forties when we woke this morning.  We are expecting temperatures in the nineties early part of the week.

Cloudy Day

It was in the mid thirties when I got up this morning and is thirty-four right now.  As you can tell from the photo I took at the campground the clouds are rolling in.  There were several hunters camping out.

The highs have been in the high thirties to mid forties.  The wind has blown everyday since I posted on Tuesday.  I finally had to spray my bowls inside.

There are a few patches of ice and snow left on the roads in town but not much.  A new storm is moving in and we are to get a few flakes tonight.

Soaring At Ten Feet Elevation

Ken just emailed me this photo he got the same day of my last post. Here is what he had to say about the image:

"Soaring at ten feet elevation I was transformed between worlds. Is it this planet, another planet or another universe? With the feeling I have it really does not matter."



Like I said before, the ever changing river in winter is an amazing sight to behold when the river gorges.





Photo by Ken W. Hall, title: Soaring at Ten Feet Elevation

Swirling Water

If you are reading my posts on a regular basis you may be wondering why so many images of the gorged river. It is difficult to explain how awesome it is to watch this incredible process.

It only seems to happen here at the bridge in Ennis. Even the photos I post do not give you a true picture of what it is like to stand beside this river of ever-changing ice and water.

I found an open pool that has formed a water vortex. Chunks of ice popped up, circled around the surface then disappeared under the water current. The occasional cracking of large sections of ice interrupted the sound of swirling water like a loud gunshot.

Temperatures this week have been much like last week. We have enjoyed a couple of awesome days with bright sunshine and only a light breeze. Those are the days you get outside to play.

The second photo I took at eight mile yesterday is of a lovely design that caught my eye. Mother nature is such an amazing artist.

Eight Mile Opening

I visited Eight Mile fishing access this week to see what was happening with the river. The rushing water had carved this ice shelf that must be at least five feet high. It is located at the boat ramp.

It was seven degrees yesterday morning and the high was in the twenties. A new snow storm is expected today.

The few days last week that were like spring weather caused us to long for spring. But, winter is letting us know it is not over yet.