4 years and counting : Happy in Montana

 Ah  summer ! We dream of you in Mid January when the snow is deep and the wind rattles the windows . But such a quick visit . Already if feels like we will be busy stacking fire wood and placing the snow shovels strategically at each door. So many summer chores remain although many have been completed. It is hard to believe that I have weathered 4 years in Montana . The time has slipped by quickly with so much to do .

A quick jaunt to the Northern shore of  Flathead Lake with Saucey . It is 82 out and sunny with haze from the Idaho and Washington fires . I would like less smoke but it is a given that we will have some haze this time of year . Many fires are sparked by lightning however many more are human carelessness. That is one thing I can not understand.  How can people go into the woods and not following simple rules to preserve our wildness and air quality ?

The North shore is a waterfowl production area and full of wet lands either side of the road to the shore . Even though we are inland there are many ocean shore birds that make their home here as they do on the Missouri River on the East side. Interesting. Plump little guys . It looks like they have had plenty of food this summer. The beach is rocky but full of drift wood that has been pummeled for eons. There is a 2 foot layer of peat like material that makes you feel like you are walking on a dried peat bog. I saw my first snake in Montana and as fate would have it I had on Chaco sandals and a fully exposed toes . The snake was wanting to get away not knowing that I had no taste for snake snack and I as well hastened in the opposite  direction with Saucey in tow. A very nice afternoon all in all . Thinking of going back tomorrow . …. Summer's delicious long golden sunsets will be at an end soon. Enjoy them while they are present .