Blue Mountain

Blue Mountain Recreation Area, Lolo National Forest, Montana

The snow stopped falling about 10 am so after lunch Geri and I headed out to get a little mountain time in today. When we left the house temps had risen 30 degrees, it was now 16 degrees above 0 with a light wind.  Much better than the 30 to 40 below zero wind chills of the last days. several inches of new snow greeted us, as did lots of other Missoulians who had the same idea. We did a loop that took us to an unnamed high point on the northeast portion of the recreation area. Parts of the climb towards the top get a little steep but the trail has some well timed switchbacks. Fresh snow on the slope and the position of the sun made for a neat photo. Geri took this one.

The summit area also has some great views down the Bitterroot valley. This morning you couldn't see 1/4 of a mile with the blowing snow, and then most of the clouds were gone. more snow is on the way for the next few days so we had to enjoy the views while we could. A light wind was blowing and it sure put a chill on the cheeks and the nose.

View down the Bitterroot Valley

 Every time I come up this trail I am amazed by this split tree off by itself. It is a reminder of just where on the slope I am (close to the summit). This piece of the mountain catches a lot of really cold wind and with no other trees close by it bears the brunt of the Montana winter on its own. I suppose that I just like its attitude.