The Power of Water and Stone

©2015 Ken W. Hall

©2015 Ken W. Hall

©2015 Ken W. Hall

©2015 Ken W. Hall

We marveled last sunday at the power, sound and fury of the Madison River water flowing from the dam at bear trap canyon.  Ken said it was the first time he had ever seen all the gates open at the same time.

I love sitting on large boulders especially when they are surrounded by rushing water.  Like a magnet I moved swiftly to a great spot that put me in the energy of the moving water while sitting comfortably on a solid rock that would not move.

The sound of the waves was so loud that is all you could hear.  I sat for a long time as Ken captured image after image of anything that caught his eye.

The weather began to get warmer and the sun began to shine more last weekend.  Temperatures this week reached as high as the low eighties.  Today the high is expected to be sixty-nine.

We will play in the dirt and plant the flowers we found this week.  I am loving being outdoors feeling the warmth of the sun.

Firehole

©2014 Ken W. Hall

©2014 Ken W. Hall

©2014 Ken W. Hall

Few are aware that the headwaters of the fabled Madison River, the river on which we live, is the conjunction of the Gibbon River and the Firehole River in Yellowstone National Park.

Recently I, along with two special friends named Ricard Lessner and Chuck Feldman, journeyed to the Firehole in search of elusive trout. The Firehole is fed by numerous geyser runoffs of steaming mineral laden waters. In the summer it is amazing while in the winter it is other worldly.

The three "buds" each caught trout but my catch of the day was when I opted fly rod for camera and waded through a Millers caddis hatch to the far side of the river. When the ford was complete I was greeted by a small bird. The welcome party for my arrival included the small feathered friend putting on quite a display on a fallen tree reaching out into the Firehole. My catch of the day was when the bird focused on a single Millers caddis and let instincts fly…and it appears in the image that the caddis flew as well and lived another day.

And so is Life in Yellowstone and the Firehole River. Magic and mystique reign supreme in these hallowed waters so graciously gifted by Creator.

                                                                               - Ken W. Hall

Our weather is getting hotter.  It was 57 degrees this morning and will reach the mid to high eighties this afternoon.  What makes it warmer for us is that most of our buildings do not have air conditioning since we only require it two or three months out of the year.  I do love the warmer weather and am enjoying every moment.

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.

The Robins are Here

©2014 Ken W. Hall

©2014 Ken W. Hall

©2014 Ken W. Hall

Yesterday our yard filled with Robins.  Temperatures have been in the twenties to forties all week.  The snow is melting and you can see a few blades of green grass trying to surface.

Ken went to the river yesterday.  Most of the ice from the gorging has melted.  There are only a few patches and the remnants hanging onto the banks.

Everyone is talking about the challenges of having the snow melt so quickly.  Friends report rivers flowing through their yards and now the mud.

We are under a winter weather watch today with the possibility of 2-5 inches of snow. Right now it is raining.

Ice Fishing on Ennis Montana Lake

© 2014 Ken W. Hall

It was cloudy yesterday with occasional snow pellets falling when we drove to check out Ennis, Montana's lake.  There were two groups of ice fishermen digging through the ice.  One group was constantly interrupted by their dog wanting them to throw a stick.  It was very entertaining to watch.

I was a little surprised to see ice fishermen.  As you can tell the ice is melting and has areas where geese are gathered to fish through the open ice.  Under the bridge the Madison River is flowing and a couple of fishermen had their poles lined up fishing off the bridge.

The high yesterday was thirty-five degrees above zero.  Today it was twenty six when we got up and now it is forty with very strong winds.  Gusts were predicted to get as high sixty-five miles per hour.

A Little Snow

© 2014 Penny Hall

I took this photo yesterday when I went for an afternoon walk through downtown Ennis.  It was a little breezy but the sunshine was awesome.

The day began with ice covered roads.  Wednesday afternoon it snowed about an inch and left a good bit of moisture.  The ice was gone by early afternoon when temperatures rose as high as forty degrees.

More and more of the ice on the Madison River is giving way to open channels for the water to flow freely.  It is a fascinating process to watch.

With temperatures above normal it feels a lot like springtime.

January in Ennis, Montana

©2014 Penny Hall

As I stood looking over the Madison River this morning the gorge reminded me of the interesting changes in weather this winter.  The early deep freeze produced the ice and now temperatures this week are predicted to remain above normal for this time of year.

It was twenty-five this morning and now it is close to forty.  We experienced a couple of light snowfalls this week.  It is snowing lightly now but the mountains are getting most of the snow.  In Ennis it remains rather pleasant for January.

2014 Greetings from Ennis, Montana

©2014 Penny Hall

Happy New year from Ennis, Montana.  2014 is here and today the wind is ushering in a new storm.  Although December brought several days of below zero temperatures our holidays were nice and travel was easy.

The Madison River gorged during the sub zero temps and is beginning to open up a few pathways.  I took this photo from Lion's Park a few days ago.  Water from the gorged river flooded the park.  I could cross both bridges but ice prevented me from walking further.

As I traveled to the office this morning just before 8:00 AM it was nice to see so many cars parked along main street.  The local cafe's were filled with customers.  That is a great start to the new year.

It was thirty degrees when I got up at 5:00 AM.  The weather man predicts rain and snow today.  Sub zero temps are expected for a couple of days at night.  Then
 it should warm back up to the twenties and thirties late next week.

Watching the national news I feel blessed to be here.  Compared to other places in the United States we are experiencing a milder winter so far.

16 Degrees Below Zero

©2013 Ken W. Hall

©2013 Ken W. Hall

It was 16 below zero when I got up this morning.  As I write I can hear Ken telling me it is 12 degrees below now.

Yesterday was the big Christmas celebration day for Ennis, Montana.  We went out at noon to have lunch at True Value and Radio Shack.  They were serving lunch for $1 with all proceeds going to the local food bank.

We were surprised to find both business owners cooking and serving hot dogs outdoors.  It was about eleven below zero and the parking lot was full .  Later in the afternoon Ken attended the Christmas stroll where he reported downtown was packed with people.  They even had people on the annual hay ride.

Ken did not have his camera with us at noon to show you but we did drive over the Madison River to see if it had gorged.  Just as we thought ice was stacked up causing the river to overflow its banks and pour out into the surrounding pastures.

I am ready for a warmer shift in the weather.

Boy Is It Cold Outside!

©2013 Ken W.Hall

©2013 Ken W.Hall

©2013 Ken W.Hall

It was six degrees below zero when we woke this morning.  Ken went out in house slippers and no coat to capture this sunrise image before it passed.

The week began with forty degree temperatures on Monday afternoon followed by high winds, rain, then snow.  The high for the rest of the week is expected to be 2 degrees with the lows at night 16 below zero.

The roads are covered in ice and are likely to stay that way for several days.  The sun is shining brightly as I write.  I hope it stays that way.  It makes it feel warmer.

With these temperatures the Madison River is sure to gorge.  Stay tuned for pictures from Ken.  He is already anticipating a photo shoot of the Madison.

I am grateful to be warm and cozy indoors.  It looks like it may be warming a bit by Sunday to ten degrees above zero.  It is amazing how much better it feels when temps are above zero.

Changing Weather

©2013 Ken W. Hall

The weather is changing.  It has been below normal in temperatures with rain, mountain snow and now strong winds.  What a week.

Ken captured this lovely image Friday evening.  We went to the camp ground after dinner to visit the Madison River.  The sun was peeking through a few small patches highlighting areas at the base of the mountains.  It is so beautiful to behold.

Temperatures dipped as low as thirty-two one morning and highs in the mid fifties.  It must be the winter teaser to get us ready for winter.

A Sunday Drive

©2013 Ken W. Hall

Sunday morning we decided to get out and enjoy the beautiful weather.  We took a leisurely drive through Jeffers and around the lake.   Although a bit breezy it was nothing like the past couple of days.  The electric blue sky and sunshine were a welcome sight.

The birds returning for the season seemed to greet us at every turn.  Among them were osprey, pelicans, red wing black birds and a yellow headed black bird.

Lots of fishermen were out on Ennis Lake and in the Madison River.  It was a perfect day to enjoy the outdoors.

Temperatures this week were cold in the mornings.  Some days in the low teens.  There were lots of clouds this week and a small amount of rain.

The past couple of days everyone was complaining about the wind but this morning it was much quieter.  Highs this week ranged from forty to sixty degrees.

Signs of Spring

©2013 Ken W. Hall

©2013 Ken W. Hall

It was forty-six and breezy this morning when we took a walk by the Madison River.  We walked through cloud after cloud of insects.  The meadowlark and geese greeted us with grand songs of spring time.  The aspen trees are budding and the wild iris' are waking up.

We drove through the campground to see what changes the gorging made this winter.  There appeared to be less of an adverse impact than last year.  The beaver dam survived.  All the ice has melted along the river banks and the water is clear and beautiful.

The wind is picking up speed and the clouds are getting darker.  The weather man is predicting two to six inches of snow this evening.  The land will be grateful for the moisture.

A Walk at Lions Park

© 2013 Ken W. Hall

© 2013 Ken W. Hall

© 2013 Ken W. Hall

Yesterday the sun was shining and the temperatures were near forty.  Needing to get out and walk I asked Ken to take me to Lions Park.  I hoped enough of the walking area would be free of ice so I could walk safely.

There were a few areas free of snow and ice but a large portion of the park remained under ice from the gorging of the river.  Ken captured some lovely images during our glorious time outdoors.  The Madison River renews my energy.  No matter what happens it always manages to flow.

This morning we woke to snow falling.  I shoveled about three inches of light powder off the deck.  Now the sun is shining.  It was twenty degrees this morning and looks to be about thirty degrees now.  I love how the snow sparkles in the sun like diamond dust.

A New Dawn

©2012 Ken W. Hall

This amazing sunrise greeted me my first morning home after the doctor worked on my eye.  It was a spectacular sunrise and it felt so good to be home.

The skies here in Ennis are always beautiful but the colors change with the seasons and become more interesting and intense in the winter.

I cannot begin to express my gratitude for all your kind and loving words of support and prayers.  I am deeply touched and filled with gratitude.  Who knew so many people were following my little blog?

The eyesight journey continues.  With the help of modern technology I am able to do more and more tasks.  The gas bubble is getting smaller and I am slowly increasing my time on the computer.  I dusted off an old blog called "Changing Focus" where I will share more about my eyesight journey.  The next step is to get back to selling and creating more art as soon as the bubble is gone.

The weather here in Ennis is rather mild for us.  Temperatures are in the teens and twenties at night and increasing to the mid to high thirties in the day.  This week we enjoyed some wonderful days with sunshine.

I was surprised to hear on the news that Bozeman has moved more snow this year than usual.  There have been a few bouts of snow and really cold temps, but not too bad for us.

Ken took me for a drive yesterday to visit my beloved Madison River.   The only evidence of gorging is the ice that clings to the banks.  The river itself is flowing freely within its banks.

I will keep you posted.  Sounds like it could be an early spring.

Refuge After The Storm

Image © Ken W. Hall 2013

Across the Madison River and some 4 miles outside Ennis lies Jeffers, Montana, settled in 1864 at an elevation of 4,940 feet…the Episcopal Church.

It snowed Sunday and again on today Tuesday. How many prayers, how many snow flakes would you guess?

A question more relevant might be, "Which prayers brought which snow flakes."

We know for sure your prayers have been a significant part of Penny's healing of the eye. She continues to progress and offers her thanks and blessings.

- Ken

  The Husband

Observing Mother Nature

©2012 Ken W. Hall  

©2012 Ken W. Hall 

©2012 Ken W. Hall 

"Today she teased me and she spoke. Mother Nature lured me into her reality. I drove thru light snow into the campground and was instantly greeted by raucous calls of the magpies.  At the water's edge I sat and wondered how many snow flakes and how many ripples make a day like today a reality. No answer so I drove out only to find my usual route back to the highway impaired.

Magpies were frantically feasting on a deer carcass obviously left by hunters. Screaming, talking and ripping morsels that would warm bodies in the coming hours. How long do morsels last in these  temperatures…seconds, minutes, hours? No matter She always feeds her own does Mother Nature. I drove on.

I rounded the bend and glanced at flashing feathers dancing on the beaver damn. Something known only to the magpies was lodged in the tangle of limbs, leaves and rocks at waters edge. It was quite this ballet of feather, snow and ancient traditions. The dance stopped and I drove on to the highway.

A quiet 'Thank You' to Mother and I was done and I headed back to the studio."

                                                                                                                                                -- Ken W. Hall

The above trip took place last week along the Madison River.  Today it was windy and fifty degrees when we woke.  Rain followed and continues to fall off and on.  The rain is much needed here.  Our weather predictions for this week include higher than normal temperatures.  We are truly blessed.

15 Degrees This Morning

©2012 Ken W. Hall     ken.bearfeather.com

It snowed yesterday after Ken captured this image from the banks of the Madison River. A small dusting remains on the ground this morning.

We woke to fifteen degree weather.  When Ken went out to feed the birds you could hear the crunch of the icy snow under his feet.

Our cat Mystic normally stays out for an hour or so in the mornings.  Today he was out less than ten minutes.

The sky is blue and clear.  Temperatures are lower than normal and expected to only be in the forties for the high today.

Fall Along the Madison River

©2012 Ken W. Hall          ken.hall@bearfeather.com

Ken just sent me this lovely image from our walk along the Madison River yesterday.  It was windy and in the forties.  I noticed the colors were beginning to fade and the leaves were falling.  It felt good to spend time with the river.

This morning it was in the forties again with lots of wind and clouds.  We were blessed with some much needed rain.  Then the sun came out.  Right now it is sixty degrees and looks like it will be an awesome sunset.

A Stormy Saturday

Photo by Penny Hall

Photo by Penny Hall

Yesterday our first Farmer's Market opened for the season.  It was a great market with one exception.  The storm blowing through created a bit of a challenge for some of our tents.

As artists we have quite an investment in our merchandise and outdoor events always create a risk.  Wind, rain and hot sun can damage our merchandise in the blink of an eye.  So, after holding onto our tent for a couple of hours we gave in and placed our art back in its boxes out of harms way.  I trust next week the weather will be kinder and we will have a new and improved plan.

Fortunately the huge down pour of rain held off until early afternoon.  We were blessed.

Today it is in the low sixties.  The clouds are hanging low and the mountain peeks are rising above them.  It is such a lovely sight to behold.  The above photos were taken a few minutes ago along the Madison River.

Someone said snow is in the forecast for mid-week.  This season is starting out to be very different from last year.