After 2 days of pouring rain and temperatures 10 degrees below the normal for this time of year, we had a “Summer” weekend of mid-70’s and sunshine. Saturday, I caught up on yard work but Sunday I headed south along Flathead Lake about 26 miles to Yellow Bay State Park. The park has a few camp sites and a small trail system compared to Wayfarer’s, but the beach area is wonderful and there were very few people around.

Bear got a drink and cooled his feet in the lake while I took photos and just enjoyed the air and sky and views.

That squarish patch is one of the cherry orchards that line the hills along the lake. Cherry orchard with a view!

Snowmelt from the mountains turned a creek that is often a trickle into a waterfall and rapids…

And there is a lot more snow to melt. Rivers and streams are near flood stage and with more heavy rain, followed by warm temperatures, the valley is not out of the woods for spring flooding.

But Sunday, the air and light were as clear as I’ve ever experienced. Layers of foothills and mountains were visible in a way I don’t remember seeing before. It was a perfect day for a drive to Yellow Bay.