Photography, Affliction

Affliction - February 21, 2012 - Near Park City, MT

Photography, No Rest for the Wicked

Yesterday I happened to drive through the small town of Fromberg, Montana and turned down a side street.  A beautiful photo presented itself to me, so I took advantage of it and I'll share it with you here.  Two lonely feral cats, one keeping watch while the other sleeps. Enjoy:)

No Rest for the Wicked - Fromberg, MT - February 17, 2011

Photography, Lift Off

In the distance the Beartooths Mountains can be seen.  Have been quite busy lately and the blog's pace will be slowing down a tad! I've also included a cool video I found.  Enjoy:)

Lift Off - February 2012 - Near Billings, Montana

Photography, Walk The Line

Yesterday I went out and did some serious hiking for a few hours.  I decided to try something a little different with my photography.  I used my shoes as a subject for a few of my pictures.  Now situating the shoes while trying not to leave any footprints in the snow was quite a challenge.  Especially considering the snow on the ground and the temperature, but the outcome was satisfactory, so it was worth the half hour of freezing feet!  I really like the way one of them turned out, and after a little editing I believe it's time to share it!

The hiking took place at Zimmerman Park, which I have posted about before.  It is in West Billings up on the rims and is accessible from Zimmerman Trail.  I'm also going to include a video that I found quite entertaining! Enjoy:)

The Beartooth Mountains are off in the distance.

Travel, Badlands National Park

The summer before last me and my friend went on an amazing roadtrip spanning two weeks and nearly every state west of Michigan. We saw the Grand Canyon, the Seattle Space Needle, Yellowstone National Park, the Redwoods, etc.  One of my favorite things from the trip was Badlands National Park near Wall, South Dakota.  We visited on a very hot day in August, it was definitely hotter than 80 out.  We drove my little 2002 Volkswagen Golf TDI through the park and stopped for picture and hiking opportunities whenever something grabbed our interest.  The park is a vast collection of clay and rock formations that never seem to repeat.

Of course being inquisitive and adventurous we weren't okay with just staying on the beaten path where all the other tourists were.  We walked out onto some pretty intense peaks, and we surely would've fallen to a very unpleasant death.  But it was worth because we both survived and have great memories and pictures of the park.

One fun fact about the park is the current reintroduction of the black-footed ferret, which is the most endangered land mammal in the United States and North America.  They are really adorable creatures and I urge anyone interested to research what can be done to assist their survival.  Most of them were killed due to prairie dog extermination on prairies and farmland.

Below you'll find some pictures from our trip to Badlands National Park, hopefully it puts this park on your list of things to see.  It certainly is in the middle of no where, but I do recommend stopping at Wall Drug in addition to the Badlands.  Enjoy:)

Me testing fate in Badlands National Park

My friend Jake testing fate on a rock formation in Badlands National Park

Me at Badlands National Park  - August 2010

Rock formations in Badlands National Park - August 2010

View of Badlands National Park in August 2010

Badlands National Park - August 2010

Photography, Watch Your Step

Thought I would share a little picture I just uploaded to my Flickr.  Watch Your Step.  Enjoy:)

Watch Your Step - Taken in Custer National Forest near Red Lodge, Montana

Travel, Lolo National Forest

I found out quite the interesting fact the other day.  In Lolo National Forest (West of Missoula, Montana) there is a lake called Rainy Lake.  This lake has been around for awhile, but it won't be along for very much longer.  The lake is actually named Rainy Lake because it is in a Northern-Arid climate zone, where it doesn't rain.  The lake is estimated to dry up by the year 2014.  I suggest you go and see it before this treasure disappears!  Now one asks themselves how does a lake form if there is no rain?  The answer: melting glacier.

Luckily this lake is one of many treasures within Lolo National Forest.  It is home to several species of beautiful animals such as bighorn sheep and mountain goats.  It is also home to black bear and grizzly bear along with wolves and elk.  It is a truly beautiful forest and is over 2 million acres.  These 2 million acres also include 4 built in wilderness areas.  It is truly a wonderful place to get in touch with nature.

To conclude I will include some pictures of this beautiful forest! Enjoy:)

Lolo National Forest

Meadow in Lolo National Forest

River bend in Lolo National Forest

Photography, Gallatin National Forest

Yesterday I journeyed over to Bozeman, Montana and headed a bit south into the Gallatin National Forest.  I took one picture that I really love, it truly stands out to me.  I spent quite a bit of time editing it in a few different manners, I hope you find some joy in the finished products.  Enjoy:)

This is the final version that I uploaded to Flickr.  Titled, "I Could Use a Hand"

Unedited, as photographed

Kaleidoscope of the Ages

Cold and Iced

Fades to White

White Out

Travel, Winter in Yellowstone

Well, thinking I was going to drive to Yellowstone today wasn't the brightest idea I've had.  Luckily a friend told me that you can't just drive in, even in this "half-winter" we've been having.  You are required to utilize rubber and steel track snowmobiles, or snow-coaches.  Therefore, my Prius was not going to be able to make it...unfortunately.

I'm going to share some pictures of Yellowstone in winter, and a video as a way to supplement my urge to visit.  Enjoy:)

Yellowstone Lake in the Winter

Beautiful Winter shot in Yellowstone

Animals, Great Horned Owl

Today we begin February and I thought it'd be an appropriate time to share one of my favorite pictures.  Great Horned Owls sure look wise. Enjoy:)

Great Horned Owl in Montana