Blodgett Canyon Black Friday

Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

Wanted to avoid the post thanksgiving holiday crush so off to the woods I went. Saw 9 people on the trail so I didn't avoid all the crowds, but these were manageable. Trail was starting to show a bit of winter, even in the lower reaches of the valley bottom. A bit slick in the rocky sections.

The beaver have been busy along the creek, flooding much of the wide areas in the first few miles of trail. The slower water is iced over and starting to collect some light snowfall.

The south side of the peaks and spires are free of snow. Hard for snow to stick on vertical rock anyhow. Always like this view because I know that soon I will be past where most of the day hikers turn around at.

Ice is even beginning to form along the faster sections of the creek where water splashes up. In 2 weeks the ice will be predominant along the waterways of the Bitterroots. Then I get to see the weird shapes it creates.

Further up the valley as the trail once again enters the trees the trail got a bit more difficult. Two sets of people footprints before me along this section, and one big cat. Not sure if it was a mountain lion or a bobcat, but they did keep me looking around for the owner.

Had to turn back for the truck as the sun started going down. Had some great views of the surrounding cliffs but as the sun disappeared the valley temps really started dropping fast. I think the hiking conditions have made the switch to winter enough that I will have to change what I carry with now. Snowshoes are soon to be in use.

Sweeney Ridge

Seaway-Bitterroot Wilderness, Bitterroot National Forest, Montana

Vivid blue sky to start the day so off to the high country I went. Decided on the Sweeney Trailhead as it is so close to the house. The last miles of the dirt road to the trailhead were worse for wear from all the recent rain, but still easily navigated in 2 wheel drive. Lower parts of the trail were carpeted in the fallen larch needles so it was like following the yellow brick road. There is a nice view off the trail a bit after a mile or 2. That was when I decided to head for the connecting ridge to Sweeney Peak to see how much snow was up there..

Took some off trail scrambling but the end of the ridge was soon close at hand. Then it started getting interesting.

The patchy snow became full coverage. Animal tracks and sign were all over the place. Some recent elk rub on this poor tree.

And this bird was likely something I would eat. Lots of grouse in the area. Tracks make for a mighty this stew though.

As I continued on the snow became deeper. In places I was breaking through to thigh deep cold. A lot of the top was still firm from cold temps from the night before. The 27 degree start 5,000 feet lower had to be really cold up here.

After playing around and taking to many photos I headed back down. I didn't have all the gear for the snow that I should have brought with me. Took a different path back down, sure was fun navigating this section.

On the way back I ran into the same flock of turkeys I saw on the way up the valley. While they look like they would go well with stuffing, it was their lucky day. I know where they hang out now so they best be stealthy. Thanksgiving is coming...