north fork flora

 

 

here are some flowers and a shroom seen on the way up to Numa Lookout.

the first was is a fairy slipper, an orchid, the comes a western clematis and a morel looking mushroom: 

high waters receding at hostel

the river waters peeked Wednesday afternoon and have been receding since… so far the temperatures are cool enough to slow things down enough to have a high but not unusually so runoff and keep the river in check… also it’s not quite over yet and still plenty of snow in the high country we will see what happens between now and the fourth of July!

 

 

 

 

hay – spruce – red meadow loop

 

the spruce creek cut over from hay creek road to red meadow road is finally snow free and dry enough for a good ride. there is still plenty of snow past the red meadow gate and it might be a while.. latest rumor I heard was that the great divide race might be rerouted around the flathead this year…

 

ride to kintla lake

Mostly dry road all the way to kintla lake but for one considerable puddle just before you get to the lake, however, that may drain quickly also. A bit cold for a swim, but plenty warm pebbles on the beach for a long nap before the ride back

Glacier View II

One month later we are back on Glacier View, this time plus the view and still plenty of snow on top to have fun on the way down. The wildflowers: are getting started big time and it looks like an awesome summer for wildflower lovers! Things are warming up in general but this was an exceptionally warm day, even on top we were baking in the sun – which is a first this year. Here is Tony from Cleveland who joined me for the slog up to the top: 

Avalanche Lake

It was time to check out Avalanche Lake and Going to the Sun Road. There were only three miles of road allowed to bike past avalanche, but the views of the mountains made well up for it, as well as the goats and waterfalls, most of them still ice, at avalanche lake. Don’t miss an early bike ride on going to the sun road, it’s one of the best I can imagine!

ride to Bowman lake

lots of dry road, some mud, puddles and snow… Great day for a bike ride up to Bowman Lake…

it was nice and warm in Polebridge but windy and freezing cold up on the lake, no time to linger.

here are some violets I found on the way up :