Very Large Camp Fires in Montana

(Not Tim or Amy Pictured)
Every few days here in Helena, I get a campfire smell blowing through my window. It reminds me of the summer trips the McGee clan would make out to Yellowstone. So, it is with fond memories that I drift off to sleep- smoke and ash blowing through my apartment- and I realize I'm enjoying the burning landscape. I realize not everyone can be so romantic about the forest fires...but for the most part they are a part of the summer landscape here in the Rocky Mountains. The most local fire to Helena is the Meriwether fire- From our newspaper this morning.

"The lightning-caused Meriwether fire began July 21 and has burned nearly 43,000 acres in the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area and remains 75 percent contained."

Early forecasts said the fire would likely burn until September- part and parcel of mountain living.

Mushrooms

Mushrooms are fun. Walking through the woods, the little buggers blend in- but with a big camera they take on a whole new life.

Trains to Great Places

My little sister has a good grasp of "the funny" (see her blog here). My older sister has a good grasp of the absurdity of babies (see her blog here)...together I think we have some good old sibling blog rivalry showing up. Which reminds me- check out www.brotherhood2.com. I see Evan waiting to enter the fray of the vlog war.

Ok-back to me- I have been trying to get out hiking a few times a week. I figure along with my yoga, and walking to work- the exercise would be a good balance for my newfound snickerdoodle obsession. The bakery here in Helena, Park Ave Bakery, is probably the best thing in town...a very close second (maybe first) is the Black Foot Brewery. You can have delicious baked goods and beer at my place anytime.

Today's picture is from a hike I took a few months back- in Glacier National Park...This train travels from the Puget Sound where I grew up, to the National Park...where I was hiking. A few weeks before this I met a man who spent his youth on this very train, traveling through the rockies and cascades as a guide to train passengers.