20 April 2010

Happy Earth Day from Butte, Montana

This post is dedicated to Gaia, our Earth. Every day is Earth Day. Here's a glimpse of my corner of Earth in southwest Montana, month-by-month, as seen through the eyes of a year-round outdoorsmen. [Caution: October and November are illustrated with photographs of dead animals.]

January
Moose at Butte's Moulton Cross Country Skiing area settle into the willow bottoms:


February
Back country skiing opens up, like the ungroomed pole line run at The Moulton:


March
The full moon calls us out for a night ski (friends Don & Andrea Stierle on Big Flat overlooking Butte):


April
Ice goes off the creeks of the upper Big Hole River, and the water offers up a mess of Brook Trout for a Spring Feast:

May
Elk return to their calving range near Anaconda, Montana:

June
Salmon flies hatch on Montana's Big Hole River, making for outstandint fishing with large dry flies:
July
Peakbagging in the Pintler Wilderness near Butte, Montana:

August
Annual campout with family & friends at Dr Anaconda Lake (the area burned off in a big forest fire in 2000):

September
Watching wolves in nearby Yellowstone National Park:

October
Hunting season begins, and the hills of the Lower Big Hole River offer up a pronghorn antelope:

November
Hunting season continues with white-tailed deer, mule deer, and (shown here) elk. The freezer is full. Thank you, Earth:

December
Temperatures drop, more snow comes, and it's time to begin skiing again:




5 comments:

  1. Awesome post ER!
    What a great concept for a post...

    I think you've got your calendar made for next year!

    It looks like you have enjoyed our wonderful Earth through each season ... and with a grateful heart ~

    Happy Earth Day to you and your family~ Maria

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  2. Wonderful set of pictures - I too was thinking "calendar" !

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  3. So true that every day is earth day when you enjoy the outdoors. Love the post and photographs.

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  4. Wonderful and superb captures!
    Let us enjoy the beauty of nature.
    Thank you for sharing.

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  5. I love "everday is Earth Day". I've enjoyed reading this post and seeing what it is like all year round in your beautiful part of the world. Absolutely wonderful!

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