South to Quake Lake

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

Photo by Ken W. Hall

"High country snows change the looks of the area surrounding Quake Lake. Ice on Quake probably averages between 20"-26" currently. The high country snows also drive big horn sheep down the mountain sides in order to find food and refuge from extreme cold. The herd captured here has ewes, young from last spring and the solitary patriarch of the clan. Regal and solitary he stands near the herd under constant vigil."

"This time of year the Madison River wears a cloak of snow covered banks, ice encrusted rocks and boulders, and a vibrant blush of red willow. Even though conditions are harsh she continues her rapid journey down the Madison Valley to the confluence that becomes the mighty Missouri River."

                                                                                                                 --  Ken W. Hall

Yesterday was a spectacular day so Ken and his sister traveled south toward Quake Lake.  Today it is cloudy and windy with predictions of up to four inches of snow.  Temperatures remain in the teens and twenties at night with daily highs in the thirties and forties.

Mother Bear and Her Cub

Ken traveled down toward Quake Lake a few days ago. Stopped vehicles lined both sides of the highway.

Pulling over to investigate Ken found this mother bear and her cub having lunch. He heard a loud sound like a tree falling. It was the mother ripping apart a fallen log to dine on the grub inside.

We continue to have rain and thunderstorms. Night temperatures have the feel of fall and range in the forties and fifties. Daytime range from low seventies to mid eighties.