Nature Runs its Course During Spring Runoff

While we are out here in the foothills of the Rockies, I thought you might like to see how snowmelt water can cut its own path during spring runoff.

I thought this was a pretty dramatic photo. (Click on photo to open large size view.)

Sun River Source Below Gibson Dam

The Sun River runs down from the east slope of the Rockies just below Gibson Reservoir. The Sun then joins the Missouri River at Great Falls, Montana.

The Sun River Valley is most beautiful way up here at its source. The run through the foothills is pretty plain to look at, but it is still a great river to fish, at almost any point where you find resting spots for Rainbow Trout.
(Click on photo to open large size view.)

Road to the Rockies

We are on the east side of the Rocky Mountains, driving westward through the Sun River Valley nearing Glacier National Park in Montana.  The mountains ahead are within the giant Bob Marshall Wilderness Area.

If you go to the U.S. Forest Service webpage for the Bob Marshall Wilderness that is linked here, you will see, on the east edge of the map, the town of Augusta.  This photo was taken northwest of Augusta.

Big mountains leave me in awe.  I would not want to live anywhere else.  

I particularly like the "vanishing point" aspect of this photo.  Thanks to digital technology, we easily crop out the wide shot information that doesn't lend itself to the photo's intent.  
(Click on photo to open large size view.)

Winter is Still With Us, you know?

A snowman or really a "snow-boy" shows off the promise of warmer days with golf and umbrella. What the heck, it is still March here, and the first day of spring is still a few days away. At least he is holding the umbrella out to the southwest to protect from sunburn.
(Click on photo to open large size view.)

Montana Foothills

We are on the east side of the Rocky Mountains here, where the foothills separate the plains from the mountains. I loved the way the fence and hay bales are set in the foreground with MILES of scenery out back.
(Click on photo to open large size view.)

Montana Ranch with Cattle

This picture was taken along the east front of the Rocky Mountains. We were very near Glacier Park yet there was no road that would take us anywhere but back out the way we came. This is a wonderful view of a working ranch. I think the cattle are Black Angus and Red Angus. Real Montana ranch life. Wouldn't you love to own a "spread" like this?
(Click on photo to open large size view.)