Archive for ‘June, 2008’

Catching the light

I took the photos that follow last evening when Karl and I walked our usual loop about 7:30 p.m. There was a strong breeze that had prompted wind warnings on Flathead Lake but at my house was a wonderful “wind in the pines”, “ruffle your hair” kind of breeze – perfect for a meander along our trail enjoying the woods, mountains and clouds of this particular evening.

Snow is gone from the mountain tops already!

I love catching the light.

Lake views

Yesterday late morning, I combined a lunchtime errand run with a stop at the state park to let Karl play in the lake. After a drink and cool off in the water, we walked a short way up a loop path to where there is a rocky overlook.

Summer moon

The moon is just past full. I walked out with Karl this morning about 4:30 a.m. Coyotes were singing of a successful hunt in the eerie, high pitched, keening song that tells of their success and another’s demise – the circle of life in the wild. Usually this would send Karl into a sympathetic or empathetic ?? – howling song of his own, but he stood still and just listened. We started our walk down the driveway and the still nearly full moon was visible in a hazy circle through the trees.

As the sky lightened a bit, the coyotes grew quiet and the morning birds of summer started singing.

The sun rise behind the mountain was a firey hot pink by 5:20 and the first rays turned the wispy clouds overhead a lovely magenta.

The first full day of summer begins here in Northwest Montana.

Clouds on an almost summer day

Happy first day of Summer!

Here at 48 North (latitude) sunrise was 5:37 and sunset due at 9:42 on this solstice day. Yesterday was close in duration and these photos taken on the evening walk. Skies to the east were blue with only a few white clouds, while skies to the west were full of dark clouds. It was very quiet like before a storm but nothing happened – at least I don’t think so. I was not feeling well yesterday and went to bed after supper… Not quite 100% today but I think better.

Biscuits were made but my heart really wasn’t in it – they were flaky and tasted fine but no rise … and I didn’t feel like photographing the evidence. No wire so electric is delayed. I think I should quit writing about plans and just report after the fact.

After my second nap of the day and before supper I took Karl for a quick walk as a dog needs a walk and I thought it might make me feel better as well. It did, even if short-lived, and the clouds and scenery were worth capturing.

Blue skies above, then turning around – blue meets gray.

This first summer day has dawned clear and blue with not a cloud to be seen.

Early morning

I am a morning person…it doesn’t matter what time zone I’m in or what time I’ve gone to bed, I am up with the chickens…maybe before. This morning it was 4:25 a.m. And this time of year, it is getting light by then. Sunrise is about 5:30 but there is light in the sky, behind the mountains, through the trees.

Karl and I walked down the driveway and across the front property line and back to the house through the front part of the woods – our usual beginning of the day little walk. I carry my first cup of coffee (AND the pepper spray…) and enjoy the morning air, the birds singing and the quiet.

We end up on the front porch where I like to sit for a moment and watch the day grow. This late spring, early summer ritual is a joy to me and I’m grateful for every beautiful morning and also for the circumstances in my life that allow me to start my days in this beautiful place.