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.