Fall in Montana

Last few week haven't been anything exotic, but I'm still managing to have fun. Thankfully work butts in long enough for me to catch my breath. The weather is mimicking summer, one that we never had, so I've been doing my best to take advantage of it. Fishing, climbing, flying, hiking, and visiting friends has been my agenda when not at work. I've caught a little bug now, but that will only slow my stride. Here are some pics from my daily jaunts...

Cutthroat Trout

Ben Brunsvold

Ben sticking a pig

The newest member of our clan; Ana Knoll

Cynthia and Ana

Patrick and Ana

Kyle assessing the next moves

Scotty working it

Scotty working the crux

Slightly upside-down over Missoula

Diving out of the maneuver

Bill Smith touching down

Lolo Pass Climbing

Went up to Lolo Pass the other day to climb. I hadn't been there for years, so it was nice to climb something different. Since there were three of us, I decided to bring the extra equipment to take pics.

Fishing

Before Sage and I left for Yellowstone, I went into the mountains to check out some water Brad was telling me was excellent to fish. I had the best day of fishing to date so when we returned from Yellowstone, I promptly went back. I hiked in a few miles and started fishing the many holes. I was quickly NOT disappointed. I caught a few small guys in the littler pools, then found the deep holes where the larger fish were hiding. I fished for about eight hours up and down the river catching a total of 16 fish, most of which were 14" to 17". Once again, the river did not disappoint.

A few of the Cutthroats I caught:

Yellowstone National Park

After 12 years living in Montana, I finally made it to Yellowstone National Park. It is by far the weirdest, most bizarre parks I've been to. The geothermic activity makes the area one of the most unique places on the planet.

Boiling River flowing into the Gardner River

With limited time, Sage and I blitz the park trying to fit as much in as possible. We decided on the largest loop through the park we could do with hopes of seeing the most. As it turned out, it limited our time at each place.

Mammoth Spring

The park's roads systems were great, passing by nearly all the major attractions the park had to offer. Short hikes from the road got us to the spectacular views and bizarre sights while keeping us within our timeframe.

Evidence of the '88 fires

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone River

Grizzly bear in Hayden valley

Buffalo near Yellowstone Lake

Springs and geysers near Old Faithful

Old Faithful

Grand Prismatic Spring

More geothermic activity

Bull Elk keeping his ladies in check

Sawtooth Mountains

Last weekend, Justin Woods and I decided last minute to check out the Sawtooth Mountains. Mainly, The Elephants Perch. Neither of us had been there and had only heard good things about the area.

Looking up the drainage from Redfish Lake

The approach started out great. A 10 minute boat ride across Redfish lake cut off 5 miles of hiking leaving us with 3 miles to go. A mellow trail gave way to a climbers trail which was a small grunt up to Saddle Back lakes and our camp site.

Justin enjoying the boat ride

The camping was plush. Beautiful lakes, minimal bugs, and a short approach to the climbing. We tapped into some wine and kicked back to enjoy the stars excited to climb the next day.

Milky Way our first night

Due to the proximity of the wall, there was no need to set an alarm. We slept in and casually rolled to the climb. A 9 pitch 5.11 is what we chose to start with. The climbing was excellent although sandbagged. Beautifully smooth dihedrals ran the length of the wall forcing delicate stemming and smearing.

Enjoying a dip in some cold water

Once on top, we couldn't have asked for an easier descent. A short walk led to a gully with a trail down it. A quick walk with a single rappel got us back to the base. 10 minutes more of walking and we were back to camp. Cush!!!

R&R with the Elephant's Perch in the background

Back at camp we found ourselves with 6 hours of light to kill. In such a beautiful place, it wasn't hard to occupy that time. We went swimming, hiking, fishing, and kicked back in the sun.

Elephant's Perch

The next morning we woke to more perfect weather and headed to another climb. This time it was a 12 pitch 5.11. The first pitch was sustained and with worries of continued difficulty, combined with having only one rope, we decided it best to return to the ground while we could. With the plan a bust, we decided to have fun top roping that first pitch again.

Camp with the the Elephant's Perch silhouetted

We returned to camp and took a leisure approach to packing up. With no reason to spend another night there, we hiked out and began the journey home.

The Goat's Perch

Saddle Back Lakes

Justin bouldering pitch 1

5.10 fingers

Perfect dihedrals

Summiting

Another Great Flight

Yesterday was an awesome day in the air. Jeff, Karl, Brian, and I went up Sentinel in hopes of a good cross country flight and that is exactly what we got. Conditions were looking great so we headed up the hill early. Launch conditions weren't idea so it took us awhile to get in the air.

Once I was off the hill, I found it difficult to stay up. Jeff and Karl were just above the top while I was looking at the LZ. Luckily I found a thermal low, worked it hard and found myself climbing out. Jeff quickly joined me and we were on our way to 13,000 ft. By the time we neared the clouds, we had drifted down the Clark Fork valley. We pulled full rope and headed for Drummond.

Jeff thermaling above launch

We were getting low near Rock Creek and stopped to find a climb. Back up to 11,000 ft, we headed again towards Drummond. This next glide got us to within one more jump over the mountains to Drummond. The lift was soft, but steady. At 10,000 ft, we headed towards the valley.

Jeff climbing out

We were entering as blue hole and found no lift as we went on glide. Jeff was out front heading for Drummond and I was following behind. It wasn't until I got to the foot hills next to Drummond that I found lift. Unfortunately, I was too low to comfortably work it. I drifted for a short ways then landed in a nicely hayed field. Jeff was able to drift further down the interstate landing in the next available field.

My landing zone

We found out later that Karl and Brian both got up and went down the Potomac valley. Everyone had a great day.

Waiting for Greg

Luckily for us, Greg Brow was on the road and picked up our radio communication. He was picking us up within minutes of landing.

Random Pics

Here are some random pics that have been sitting on my point and shoot camera.

Travis on Juanita's wall

Balsam Root on Sentinel

Setting up on Sentinel

Bitterroot on Sentinel

Dan on the Prow

Dan on the Red Tower pitch