Changing Weather

We experienced a lot of weather changes this week.

In the early part of the week temperatures dipped to eighteen below at night and reached six degrees for a daily high.

South winds brought a warming trend and temperatures rose above normal for this time of year. They changed to the teens and twenties at night and in the thirties during the day. I especially enjoyed the day it reached forty degrees.

In spite of the wind Ken and I managed to get a couple of short walks in but that changed as the winds gained strength.

We continue to enjoy daily visits from our winter residents, the birds and deer. Here is a fine looking fellow who stopped long enough to pose for Ken.


Photo by Ken W. Hall

Ice Fishing

I had no idea people fished on top of frozen Ennis Lake in the winter until Ken and I took a drive around the lake last year. Ken was driving around the lake earlier this month when he stopped to talk to a group of ice fishermen.

The men said they come down regularly from Bozeman. A children’s snow sled becomes their pack animal as they set up their campsite on the ice. The ice is from eighteen to twenty inches thick. A pop up tent provides a little shelter.

Wiping his nose one gentleman said, “ It would be really pleasant today if it were not for the breeze.” A ten-degree temperature becomes quite nippy when the wind blows like it was that day.

Photo by Ken W. Hall, title: Ice Fishermen January 2009

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.