Quiet Walk Photography – Blog

February 28, 2025August 10, 2025

Snow in Arizona – February 2023

Early Morning View from the Campsite on Black Rock Road

It is February and Clifford and I are camped on Black Rock Road in northwest Arizona. Even though we are in Arizona, winter feels like winter. We were pleased with the mild temperatures on the trip to Snow Canyon last week, but on my birthday, it is 18 degrees when we get up. Although the morning is quite chilly, there is a gorgeous blue sky all day long. What a great birthday gift that is!

Clifford is treating me to a buffet lunch at a casino in Mesquite, Nevada, about 25 miles away. After a great lunch, we go to the pawn shop that we had gone to when we were in Mesquite at the balloon festival a couple weeks ago. That day I had seen an old violin in a new case and talked myself out of buying it. In the meantime, however, it occurred to me that the case alone was worth the asking price. Fortunately it is still there, so today I buy it with Clifford paying half as a birthday gift.

On the way back to Black Rock Road, we stop at Cedar Pockets, the rest area/campground where we met our nomad friend David several years ago, but which closed due to covid in 2020. It is open again, but this time of year almost no one is there. Clifford naps in the car while I hike the trail that goes from the campground down to the rest area. Hiking by myself gives me time to connect with the beauty of the day.

What a fun birthday week with our outings, the beautiful scenery and blue sky, and a new old fiddle to try out. Not to mention some very pretty sunrises and sunsets.

Sunset over the Virgin River Gorge as Seen from Black Rock Road

One day, just as we arrive back at the campsite after a trip to St. George for groceries and supplies, David invites us over for dinner and a movie – “RV,” staring Robin Williams. It was especially funny because almost everything that went wrong is something we three can relate to in our own lifestyle of traveling and camping in our RVs.

On Valentine’s Day it is snowing and although I generally avoid walking in the wind, I bundle up to go out to take photos. Being a Montana mountain girl, I have missed seeing snow. Of course the snow doesn’t last long, but I enjoy it while I can.

Pine Mountain is so pretty the next morning, I have a good time walking about taking photos, despite the chill of the breeze.

A week later another snow storm passes through, followed by another a few days later. There is not a lot of snow and it is gone from the basin by afternoon, but the mountains retain their new white coats and I like feeling the freshness of new snow surrounding me.

Overall, February weather proves to be cold and windy with a mix of clouds and wind, chemtrails and wind, a bit of rain or snow and wind, a little sunshine now and then, but always wind. The wind makes the days feel too cold for walking or playing instruments outside. One day the wind was blowing hard enough to keep us rocking and rolling for hours with gusts up to 50+ miles an hour.

Both Clifford and I have lots of indoor projects. I’m currently tending toward “Ask and Listen” and moving forward in my day based on that with more focus on what feels good, avoiding the wind as much as possible, but popping out for photos most days.

What will March bring? We will soon see.

January 31, 2025July 21, 2025

Balloon Festival and Snow in the Desert – January 2023

Evening View of Pine Mountain from the Doorway

Clifford and I are camped in our RV, Cougar, on Black Rock Road not far from our friend David, a fellow nomad. The last weekend of January, Clifford, David, and I make a trip to Mesquite, Nevada, to the balloon festival. We meet friends Rick and LeeAnn there, go to a casino for a great lunch, the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum, and a pawn shop while we wait for the evening Balloon Glow when the balloons are filled and lit up. At the pawn shop I saw an old fiddle in a brand new case; I was tempted to buy it, but since I don’t really need another instrument, I talked myself out of it.

At the Virgin Valley Heritage Museum with Friends

We parked on a hill on the edge of Mesquite to watch the activity below until dark, then found a place to park near the balloon field so we could walk through and see the balloons up close. The balloons are huge and colorful and it was fun to walk among them.

Balloon Glow at Mesquite, Nevada, Balloon Festival

In my miscellaneous reading, I come across something called “Five Minute Journal,” which I added to my daily journal writing: 1) – Inspiring quote. 2) – List 3 things I am grateful for. 3) – List 3 goals for the day (and did I accomplish them, if writing pm). 4) – List 3 things that were amazing or made me happy. 5) – Anything I would have done differently. In reviewing the journal for this blog, I find what I wrote in the Five Minute Journal to be quite interesting. I am glad I did it, at least for a while.

As January draws to a close, the temperature is warm enough for Clifford to sit outside on the sunny side of Cougar to play music, even getting bit of a tan.

An exciting change of weather happens the very next day – SNOW! I spend a long time walking in the snow taking photos. It doesn’t last long, but it was delightful for me while it was happening.

By the next day, the last day of January, the snow is all gone, except for the new white coat on Pine Mountain. What will February bring?

August 18, 2023July 31, 2026

Hawaii Adventure Part 4 – Hilo August 2023

Tuesday August 15, 2023

My Hawaii Adventure is off to a great start. The only downside is that my body has not adjusted to the four-hour time zone change and I am waking up way too early most mornings. At least I get to see sunrise!

Becka goes to work after her early morning walk to Honolli Beach. I have a quiet morning to myself for journal, tai chi, and enjoying the view of the ocean from the lanai. Her yard is a lovely lawn surrounded by jungle vegetation and trees.

The trade winds blow gently, while rain showers come and go. In the evening, on our way to the Women’s New Moon Circle, we stop at Maku’u Cliffs, a lava rock shore. We walk along the lava to where I can take photos of the waves coming in with a big splash.

Becka describes the Women’s Circle as kind of “hippy-dippy,” but the women are friendly, the hang drum music is really beautiful and the ceremony for breaking unhealthy patterns is quite meaningful. The patterns I choose to release are lack of clarity and trying to be accommodating to everyone. This releasing is done outside at a burning ceremony, which finishes just as another rain shower passes through. The coqui frogs are amazingly loud and their song is just like their name. During the soft rain, they are so loud we can not even hear each other speak.

Wednesday August 16

Becka fixes us a delicious breakfast before she leaves for her massage clinic.

My daughter-in-law Mandy comes for coffee and we share leftovers for brunch, and then I have a quiet early afternoon to myself. When Becka arrives home from work, we go to New Chang Mai’s for a really tasty Thai dinner. Becka buys a mango sticky rice dessert, which is new to me, to take home.

Back at her place, we visit, write in our journals, and eat part of the dessert, which is absolutely delicious! Yummmmm!

Thursday August 17

I wake up too early again. My body thinks I am still in Montana!

Today I go to town with Becka so she can show me the clinic where she works as a massage therapist. While she is working with clients, I walk about exploring this part of Hilo with its interesting variety of little shops and eateries. Mandy and I meet at Nectar Cafe for coffee and a bagel before we visit clothing shops, as I’d like to buy a Hawaiian skirt. It is nice spending some time with her, even though I don’t find a skirt.

When Becka gets off work, we go to Wild HeArtist, a gift boutique where she orders a very special candle for me. These candles are uniquely made with every part of them chosen by the recipient, including the holder, the scent, and the intention. It is indeed a very special gift.

From this shop, we walk to the Farmer’s Market to buy orchids. Becka’s kitchen is light, airy, uncluttered, and orchids add beauty and grace.

Friday August 18

This morning I wake up at 6:00, just in time for a beautiful sunrise. Becka takes me to WSW, a fancy place across the bay, for an amazing steak and egg breakfast. Very fun when eating out is such a satisfying happy adventure.

After the delightful breakfast, our next stop is a pedicure. What a luxury a pedicure is and I leave with pinkish sparkles on my toes.

After our pedicure, we go for a drive on Banyan Park Drive. On the ocean side is a family-oriented beach where it is easy to walk in the ocean, with gravel under our feet and no huge waves crashing in. This area is known as Baby Beach because people can safely take their kids there.

On the jungle side of Banyan Park Drive are the great banyan trees. The trees are so humongous, it is not possible to catch their essence in a photo. I am in awe of them as we walk through the park, admiring the vegetation – so many colors and textures – and gaze upward scarcely able to see the sky due to the dense canopy of the trees.

Such a great fun morning and there is still more to come!

August 18, 2023July 25, 2026

Hawaii Adventure Part 5 – Ira’s Garden – August 2023

July 18, 2023

My Hawaii Adventure continued this morning with a great breakfast at WSW across the Hilo Bay from Becka’s neighborhood, followed by a walk along Banyan Drive where we admired the great banyan trees and colorful flowers.

After walking along Banyan Drive and visiting Baby Beach, we stop for a beverage break at a fancy place called Hula Hula’s, where we sit in the shade to watch the sailboats in the bay as we sip our tasty cold drinks.

Volcano Garden Arts by artist Ira Ono is also known as Ira’s Garden. This unique gift shop, about 30 miles south of Hilo, is our next stop.

The Largest Flamingo Lily I’ve Ever Seen

This place features beautiful grounds and a great gift shop. We spend a while browsing through a unique assortment of crafts, jewelry, and art work. There are so many lovely items to look at, and eventually I settle on a pair of earrings and a wooden spoon for honey. It is a special treat that Ira is there and we are able to thank him in person for creating this beautiful place for the public.

We take our time walking the trails through the grounds. It is fun and relaxing to just walk about looking at so much beauty both inside and outside the shop.

We are hearing of wildfires, mostly on Maui, over 17,000 acres and many deaths, blamed on dry condition and gusty winds. Who knows! Anyway, I thought it odd that we on Big Island can not see the smoke. Maui is only 30 miles away across open ocean, but the trade winds are blowing the smoke away from Big Island. Although I am grateful for our clear skies, I feel great compassion for those on Maui who have lost so much these past 10 days.

August 14, 2023July 21, 2026

Hawaii Adventure Part 3 – August 2023

Monday August 14, 2023

My Hawaii adventure is underway today with outings to two beaches near Hilo.

Becka is up early to walk to the popular Honolli Beach for her morning quiet time before others arrive. I take photos from the lanai, and when Aurora gets up, she makes us breakfast while Becka goes to her massage clinic.

Aurora offers to show me the way to Honolli Beach. Today is a hotter day and I am not used to the humidity, so we stop often in the shade, but I enjoy taking photos of the amazing flowers and the ocean with its ceaseless motion.

We walk to the point where Honolua Stream enters Honolli Bay, and it is all jungle beyond.

On the way back we stop at the Alae Cemetery that is notable for the great monkeypod tree that resides there. It is well over 100 years old and at least 150 feet in the diameter of its canopy. Many Japanese are interred here. Although I could not find out much history about that, I would surmise the Japanese presence was in relationship to WWII.

Hilo weather is daytime temps in the low 80’s with light trade winds and rain every day. The rain showers can he seen moving in, sometimes several times a day, but after a few minutes, they move on.

After Becka gets home from work, she packs up a picnic and we head to Carl Smith Beach near Hilo where she barbecues pork steak and potatoes for a picnic with son Fin, his wife Mandy, and my young granddaughter Molly.

We have a delicious meal (Thanks Becka!) and play in the shallow calm water at the beach.

Due to the time zone change, dinner is late for me, and I am more than ready to go to bed when we get back to Becka’s place.

August 13, 2023July 17, 2026

Hawaii Adventure Part 2 – August 2023

Hawaii Adventure

Saturday August 12, 2023 – I am up early, thanks to HeyHay, the family cat, who slept on the cot with me. Daughter Becka and I finish packing for the flight to Hawaii, go to Montana Club for a good lunch, stop at Walmart for healthy snacks, and then on to the Great Falls airport. It doesn’t take long to check in and go through security. The flight to Seattle is smooth, with a short layover before boarding a bigger plane to Kona, Hawaii. Another smooth flight, taking photos out the window. I don’t fly often and have never been to Hawaii, so this is all very exciting to me.

Flight from Great Falls to Seattle over the Rocky Mountains

When we get off the plane in Kona, I am struck by the warm humidity, like walking into a tropical greenhouse in this open-air airport. The smells and the warm moist air on my face feel very exotic to me, very unlike any airport I have ever experienced. We spend the night with Becka’s friend, Dominique, who lives in Kona. Although it is too dark to see the ocean, I can hear and feel its presence so near. What an exciting start to the Hawaii adventure!

Sunday August 13 – Kona, Hawaii

I tried to say in bed as long as possible, due to going to bed so late after our flight to Kona, but adjusting to the 4-hour time zone switch is tricky. When Dominique comes home after her night-time job, she makes a delicious breakfast for us before we walk down to the beach not far from her home.

There are many exotic flowers and blossoming trees along the pathway to the lava beach, and palm trees rise gracefully above us.

Becka helps me walk barefoot across the lava, safe than sandals or shoes on the wet lava rocks.

I love the vast view of the ocean and the waves coming in and out, like breathing.

My son Fin and his wife Mandy meet us there, bringing beautiful leis as they greet us at the beach. We hang out at the lava rock beach, enjoying time together in this beautiful spot before we head across Big Island on Saddle Mountain Road to Becka’s place in Hilo.

As we cross Big Island we can see Maui in the distance, mostly hidden by low-lying clouds.

Becka’s guest bedroom is perfect for me. Aurora, my granddaughter is here, as she has been taking care of Becka’s place while Becka was on the mainland. She helps get my bed made up and my bags unloaded from the car before Becka and I leave for a pool party where Becka reconnects with friends from work, since she has been gone for several weeks.

Ocean View from the Pool Party near Sunset

August 11, 2023June 24, 2026

August 2023 – Hawaii Adventure – Part 1 – Giant Springs, Montana

August 2023 – Hawaii Adventure – Part 1 – Giant Springs, Montana

Monday August 7, 2023

Today Clifford and I move from Quartz Flat near Superior, Montana, where we have been camped, to Ed’s Creek west of Missoula. The temperature is 73 degrees, very comfortable for August. The spot where we park is slightly on a hillside, so it is a major and rather unusual job of leveling. Other than looking a bit sketchy, it is temporary and works for now.

Wednesday August 9 – After breakfast I finish organizing my stuff to take with me to Hawaii, and then Clifford drives me to Lincoln to meet up with daughter Becka and son Matt. It is a beautiful drive, especially along the Blackfoot River on the western side of the mountains before going over the continental divide at Roger’s Pass on Highway 200.

Blackfoot River along Highway 200 in Scenic Western Montana

Blackfoot River along Highway 200 Near Lincoln, Montana

After the pass, the landscape changes to prairie with it is own kind of beauty. Then on to Great Falls where Kyle has made dinner for us. I will be staying here for a couple of days before Becka and I leave for Hawaii – my Hawaii Adventure!

East Slope of the Rocky Mountains – 55 million year-old Birdtail Rock

On Thursday August 10, I wake up early and do some tai chi before coffee and journal with Becka on the back patio. Becka and I have brunch with my son Matt and his friend Joe. The egg benedict is good but the hasbrowns cold, as is the dining room, so it is a relief to finish the meal and go stand in the sunshine to warm up.

Coffee and Journaling on the Patio with Becka

In the afternoon, Kyle’s mother Karen, came to visit. She is an attractive lady, much more stylish than me, and spunky. I like her.

Friday August 11 starts with coffee and journal with Becka on the patio again. What a nice way to start the day. Becka and I go out for lunch before driving to Giant Springs, which is located along the Missouri River on what used to be the outskirts of Great Falls.

Tasty Lunch at Tracy’s in Downtown Missoula

Matt and Kyle meet us there to hang out, admiring the springs flowing 156 million gallons of water into the Missouri River daily, and the Roe River, considered to be the shortest river in the world at 201 feet, as it flows out of Giant Springs and into the Missouri River.

Giant Springs State Park, Great Falls, Montana

Beautiful Underwater Vegetation at Giant Springs

Looking From Giant Springs Toward Roe River (upper right corner of photo)

Matt, Kyle, and Becka on Bridge over Roe River

On the Walking Path Where Giant Springs Flows Into Missouri River

Matt, Becka, and Carol Sit Beside the Missouri River

Missouri River Seen from Giant Springs State Park

This beautiful park is now a state park and is a great place for photos, especially of the spring, which has well earned the title of Giant Springs!

In the evening, I repack my travel backpack one more time before heading to bed.

August 6, 2023May 18, 2026

Bitterroot Valley to Quartz Flat – Montana – July to August 2023

Bitterroot Valley to Quartz Flat – Montana – July to August 2023

View From Campsite at Quartz Flat Campground

Monday July 24, 2023

Today is a hot day – 98 to 100 degrees. Clifford and I spent the weekend at the Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival south of Hamilton in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana, and this morning we are leaving for Quartz Flat, a campground between Alberton and Superior, Montana, along I 90. I get up early, but I can’t do much without making noise, so I wait until Clifford is up before finishing packing. We are the last to leave the Hardtimes venue. I thought we were going to camp at my sister Nancy’s place a few days, but Clifford has decided not to because of the mosquitoes in the area. He has become very sensitive to insect bites, so we are going to Quartz Flat, which will be a higher and dryer spot, and hopefully fewer mosquitoes.

It is a long hot drive across Missoula and west on I 90 to Quartz Flat, especially with construction and gusty wind. We arrive in the late afternoon. I am disappointed that the outside row above the Clark Fork River is now reserved sites, but we pick a spot right across the road with a big “back yard” and get set up.

Clifford in our Big Back Yard at Quartz Flat

We camped here several years ago when we were moving from Santa Fe, New Mexico, to Wallace, Idaho. That was just an overnight stop in a Uhaul truck. This time we will be camping a few days. I am beat by time we get set up, as the drive and the heat are quite energy draining for me.

Tuesday July 25.

It is much cooler here today, only 82. What a relief! Today is a day of settling in, as Clifford puts up ham radio antennas and I organize food and clothing. Along with that, I do a tai chi class, email, and later Clifford and I play music outside.

For the next few days the temperature remains in the 80’s, which is very nice after the 90+ days. We have a day of home repairs, taking care of all the little things that need some maintenance on Cougar.

I begin to get back into my daily routine and we both have projects to work on. I walk around the campground taking a few photos. Even though I can see the river below, it is a long way below the campground and no easy way to get closer as far as I can tell.

The temperature is creeping up, but still in the 80’s until Saturday July 29 when the high jumps back up to 95. I had planned on listening to a webinar of interest, but I can’t get internet to cooperate. Instead, I join a class with Lee Holden (Qigong), which is interesting, but the heat makes me drowsy and I end up falling asleep. Not a very productive day.

Sunday July 30 is another 95 degree day. We make a trip to my daughter Ang’s place to look at the lab that is being prepared for Clifford. It is small but he is pleased to see the progress. We hang out in the shade a while drinking cold lemon water, then head to my daughter Merri’s place for her husband’s birthday celebration. Merri has prepared great ice tea and snacks. It is fun, despite the heat, to snack and drink the delicious cold beverage.

Although the next several days are not very productive due to the heat, the mornings are cool and I walk early before it gets hot, and then sit in the shade to write in my journal and work on other projects.

Finally Friday August 4^th is cooler with a high of 86. We have to do a bit of running around today – including the Alberton post office before meeting our friend Lori at the park. Then we go Merri’s for snacks and to play music together – Celtic and Irish music with Merri on flute, while I play fiddle and Clifford has his dulcimer. Lori is our audience and photographer.

Toward later afternoon, Clifford, Lori, and I head back out to Quartz Flat and Lori sets up in the campsite next to us. She has a unique array of nylon tarps for space and shade outside her camping vehicle. She leads an interesting life traveling about the world, so it is fun to catch up on things. She and I visit a while before we all head to bed.

Saturday August 5th there is a dramatic drop in the temperature with 69 degrees as a high and rain in the afternoon. Much of the day is spent visiting with Lori and in the evening we share a delicious wild rice dinner that Lori prepares for the three of us.

Between Lori’s campsite and ours I see a pine cone sitting upright in the rain. I find this to be quite interesting and amusing, and can’t resist taking a photo.

The next day the cooler temperatures and light rain continue, which is such a big change after the mid 90’s just a few days ago. I take photos of mist above the river before Lori and I have morning coffee together. She leaves soon after, as she has places to go and people to see.

Mist Rises to the Slope across the Canyon

Today is an “at loose ends” kind of day. In the evening I pack some stuff in Cougar in preparation for leaving tomorrow. We are heading to Alberton to stay at Ang’s place for a few days. It will be good to see her before I leave next week on the Hawaii adventure with my daughter Becka, which I am very excited about.

July 23, 2023April 23, 2026

Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival – July 2023

Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival – July 2023

Bitterroot Valley Setting for Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival

Thursday July 20, 2023

Clifford and I have been camped at the Charles Waters Campground in the Bass Creek Recreation Area in the Bitterroot Valley, about halfway between Florence and Stevensville, Montana. Today is moving day and we are headed to the Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival south of Hamilton, Montana. After breakfast and dishes, we finish packing and leave Bass Creek by 10:00 a.m. We meet my sister Nancy at Stevensville and caravan to the venue.

Although many people with their campers, vans, and tents are already here, we find a spot that is fairly level and Nancy parks beside us in the shade of a big pine tree. She has fixed up the back of her pickup with a cot and beds for her two dog, Ellie and Harvey. We have lunch of cold chicken and potato salad before Nancy and I walk about with the dogs. None of the bands are playing today, but Clifford with his dulcimer, Nancy on mandolin, and I with my old fiddle play music at our campsite awhile before dinner at our RV.

We Find a Spot at Hardtimes – Cougar and Nancy’s Truck

Friday July 21

I am up early, as is Nancy with her dogs. I make coffee for the two of us, and then fruit, yogurt, and granola for a light breakfast. Nancy and I walk the dogs, which is easier than keeping them relaxed in these new surroundings. A big motorhome arrives and parks next to us, and its generator runs continuously, even though this is a non-generator section for parking. Kind of gets on all our nerves and we can’t even hear ourselves well enough to play music. Oh well, we are all here to enjoy the bands, so there is no point in letting it spoil the enjoyment of being here.

The onstage music starts in the late afternoon and we head over to the sitting area to find shade to set up our lawn chairs with a view of the bands onstage. The bands are all very good. I especially enjoy Lockwood as their fiddle player, Taylor Buckley, is SO GOOD! It is late by time the last band of the day finishes and we all head back to our rigs to go to bed.

Saturday July 22

Today is a full day of bands on stage. It is a better day for Nancy and the dogs, as Ellie is happy to just lie in the little creek that runs through the sitting area and Harley relaxes as he cuddles up on her lap. It is a hot day, and cold salted water is a beverage of choice. Clifford bought me a cute skirt and I bought myself a cool mug, not that I need more mugs, but I liked everything about it. As I chatted with the guy who sells them, it turns out he is from Great Falls, Montana, and he was probably in the Great Falls orchestra the same time I was, back in the 1980’s.

Double Bass Waits Its Turn to Go Onstage

I walk around taking photos, as it is hard for me to sit still for so long and I can enjoy the bands even when I am moseying around. I skip the last band as I am so sleepy I can’t stay awake.

Sunday July 23

Today is the wrap-up for the Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival. I make coffee for Nancy and myself before we head on over to the sitting area. There are fewer bands today, but the raffle is always fun. After the last band, I stick around to help with take down. Nancy has to head home so she and her dogs can get back to their normal routine, and Clifford is at our site playing and singing.

Clifford Plays and Sings in Cougar’s Shade

I walk about to pick up any remaining trash, but there isn’t much. People here were good about picking after themselves.

I like to help out, as we are staying here until tomorrow. It is just too late to pack up and make the drive to our next destination – Quartzflat Campground near Superior. It has been a hot few days – upper 90’s, but there is a pretty sunset this evening and we appreciate ending this adventure with spending a peaceful night here after the lively hubbub of the weekend. Many thanks to Mike and Tari Conroy, the Hardtimes organizers, and the many others who help make this such a wonderful festival.

Colorful Sunset at Close of Hardtimes Bluegrass Festival

July 20, 2023April 21, 2026

Bass Creek National Recreation Area, Montana – July 2023

Wednesday July 5, 2023

We make the decision to leave Divide Bridge Campground today because of the mosquitoes. Clifford is very sensitive to insect bites, so it is not fun for him to be outside and I am looking forward to seeing family in the Missoula area. Leaving today wasn’t the plan, so I didn’t pack anything last night, but we are getting to be quite efficient with packing and are on our way by 10:00. That is when Clifford discovers that the squishy brakes he felt yesterday are due to having no brake fluid! This is not good, but luckily the RV electric brakes still work, so with great caution, we leave the campground and head to the Pilot west of Butte to buy brake fluid. Adding brake fluid seems to take care of the problem, as we drive around the parking lot testing the brakes. After getting gas, we are on our way again.

In retrospect, we think the brake line was disconnected when the repair shop in Ely replaced the bearing and when they hooked it back up, they neglected to refill the reservoir. Very dangerous for us!

It is a scenic drive to our next destination, and enjoyable except for oscillation east of Missoula. That is scary and we don’t know what caused it.

We arrive at the Charles Waters Campground in the Bass Creek National Recreation Area in the late afternoon, after a week of driving, only 750 miles, but it felt like a lot longer! The campground is quite full, but we find a site that we like.

Over the years this has been one of or favorite campgrounds. We left our last winter campground in Nevada a week ago, so it is with relief that we will stay put and relax for a few days.

My sister Nancy lives not far away, so she comes for music – she, Clifford, and I play some bluegrass tunes with her on the mandolin, me on fiddle, and Clifford on dulcimer before having nachos for dinner. It is great be to here!

For the next several days, I make a habit of walking the campground loop and visiting the creek in the morning before sitting at the picnic table with a good cup of French press coffee.

The usual activities and projects fill the day: Tai chi, texts to share photos with family and friends, emails, and editing for a couple of authors. I am glad to have cell service to take care of such.

Clifford spends a good amount of time with the ham radio, often adjusting the antenna to fit the location. He also plays dulcimer and sings outside as often as he can.

On Nancy’s day off, she comes out again and we hike the trail along Bass Creek, stopping for photos here and there. It is always fun to hike with a friend, especially a sister friend.

Back at camp, we finish the afternoon with nachos for a late lunch and playing bluegrass music. Nancy had brought her mandolin, I get out my fiddle, and Clifford always has his dulcimer ready to go.

Sometimes Clifford and I go for a walk around the campground or down to the creek, but his feet hurt, so our outings are fairly short. I am always on the lookout for wildflowers

A special treat one day, my daughter Katie and her boys, my grandsons, come to camp to visit. I haven’t seen them for awhile and it is wonderful to see how these boys have grown. They are such well-mannered teenagers and good-looking, too. Katie brought some snacks, so we sit and visit as the boys explore the woods.

Midway through our stay at Bass Creek, I drive the back roads to visit my other daughters near Alberton. My time visiting with these girls (now grown women) goes by quickly and soon it is time to return to Bass Creek. I am very grateful for the time we had together, campfires, morning coffee, an outing to a nice restaurant .

Clifford and I will be leaving Bass Creek soon, heading to Hamilton for the Hardimes Bluegrass Festival, so we take a day to get groceries and visit the laundromat in nearby Stevensville. This errand outing gives me the opportunity to get a couple photos of the lovely Bitterroot River that flows the length of the Bitterroot Valley until it joins the Clark Fork River near Missoula.

Bitterroot River as seen from the Bridge near Stevensville

Thursday July 20 is our last day at Bass Creek, which starts with quiet time at the picnic table, but is followed by a whirlwind of activity to get ready to leave for Hardtimes. We have appreciated our time at this campground surrounded by mountains and trees, with the creek nearby. It was great visiting with my daughters, and fun having time with Nancy for short hikes and playing music. Clifford and I have enjoyed our days here, but it is time to move onto our next adventure.