Today we (Olivia and I) went for a little hike along South Cottonwood Creek. The weather was overcast and warm, and the trail was a little muddy. It took 3 changes of water to get Olivia clean when we return home. These kind of days bring that unique quiet where you only hear what you choose to concentrate on. The running of the water over the worn rocks. The unique dampened squish from the thin layer of mud under my boots. The rolling calls of Clark’s Nutcrackers in the forest. The bird count was slow and low with Golden-crowned Kinglets, Brown Creepers and Mountain Chickadees making up the bulk of the sightings. I was able to scare up a lone Dark-eyed Junco.

This Saturday morning Olivia and I went up to Hyalite for a little hiking and check out the waterfalls. The weather was severely overcast with moments of sprinkles and glimpse of sunshine. Olivia loves to hike and explore rabbit trails. It was nice to see some old friends. Clark’s Nutcrackers were abundant and Golden-crowned Kinglets active fed among the spruce and fir.

Sometimes I choose not to go for a hike because there doesn’t seem to be enough time for it. Well, this evening that awful assumption was put to rest completely. With the nice weather and all, I rushed home after work and grabbed Miss Olivia for a quick loop up and down Kirk Hill. It was perfect weather for a hike and Olivia was had a great time.

The light was great and the air crisp, although the extent of the bird life was a few Red-breasted Nuthatches and Mountain Chickadees. A nice leg stretcher after was exactly what I needed.

This afternoon, Andy, the dogs and went for a quick hike up to Golden Trout Lakes. These lakes lie beneath Elephant Head Mountain at the head of Portal Creek in the Gallatin Range. During the hike, I realized that I was not in the best hiking shape, but this hike will fix that issue. I was little worried about how Miss Olivia would hold up, but these concerns were soon dispelled. She was awesome has Maddie’s mini-me. Everything that Maddie did, Olivia did…it was hilarious. After the hike, we went down to Big Sky for a refreshing pint or two at the lone Peak Brewery.

KML