Is It Really February?

© 2015 Ken W. Hall

© 2015 Ken W. Hall

When I returned to Ennis I was surprised to find things so different for this time of year.  I wanted to connect with the Madison River and figured I would have to go to Lions Park since my favorite campground is usually closed due to gorging and ice.

To my surprise the campground was open and access to the river was easy.  There were a few puddles of melted snow on the road in and out but that was about it.  The river was flowing free of ice.

The local news reported that the Bozeman Golf Course opened two months early because the conditions are more like spring than winter.

Ken wanted to take a drive around Ennis Lake yesterday.  Ice fishing appears to be over since the only ice on the lake is slush.  Large portions of the water are completely clear.

We drove into Bear Trap Canyon and on the way out Ken stopped to admire this magnificent eagle.  He put on quite a show for us.

The temperatures have been in the thirties and forties at night and in the forties and fifties during the day.  Yesterday it was fifty-seven degrees, sunny and breezy.

Is it reality February in Ennis?

Eagle On The Mountain

©2014 Ken W.Hall

This Eagle caught Ken's attention Sunday morning.  I love the majesty of the eagle.  We are so blessed to live in the Madison Valley where we have the pleasure of seeing them often.

The birds are letting us know spring is here.  A pair of sandhill cranes were spotted doing their mating dance.

Temperatures have been lower than normal for this time of year.  It has been twelve degrees in the mornings with highs from thirty to the mid forties.  We are expecting snow and rain this week.

Flying Eagles

Photo by Ken W. Hall    Title:  Flying with My Brother

"Today I flew with my brother, he with wind and wing and I in my mind."
--- Ken W. Hall

We saw our first robin on the way to the lake yesterday.  The day before Ken captured the above photo of an eagle in Jeffers.

The lake is slowly thawing.  We could see open water in a few spots.

As we traveled into bear trap canyon we passed several fishermen getting in some time on the Madison river before the run off begins.  It was windier in the canyon than in town but by the time we returned home the storm was creating heavy winds in town.

Temperatures were close to forty when we left for the lake.  Once at home temperatures began to drop and the snow fell.  It was a beautiful snow fall that looked to be about one or two inches.

It feels so good to see signs of spring after a long winter.