Montana Camping 2014 Day Two

Yep, it was a long night. I think I slept a total of  three hours. It will be a simple fix.

On cue Mariah asked to go shopping.  The zombie shopping virus took over.   Must...shop...must...badger...mom...until...she...caves...

I was weak and caved. In my defense it was a really strong zombie virus. The zombie came back with a green bandana that she wore for the rest of the trip.

Note said green bandana

Since I had the brilliant idea of camping during a heat wave we had to go to Libby for ice. As soon as we entered, the sky opened up and the heavens sang. There before us was the Deli To End All Delis.  And the Best. Bakery. Ever.   We came out with a whole bunch more than we'd planned to get (hey, we are on vacation, right?) Let me tell you we savored every bite of that epic yuminess.

I had an apple fritter but I LOVED the ants on watermelon cookies!

We decided to try Ross Creek Cedars this trip since we had been denied by the ice in May.  There was a spot of road construction on the way but not too bad, (Little did I know the construction horror that awaited us later.)

Note: The guy driving the Corvette was very impatient.

We made it up the narrow road with no problems. I have an irrational fear of meeting another car and having to back down the mountain to a pull out-the road is that narrow. The parking lot was busy. I wasn't pleased-yes, I'm selfish that way-especially when it's a place I love so much.

This is one narrow road!

The creeks were low but nice. There is a trail that I started to walk with Kaley and Mariah but I had to stop right after we got started. Talk about embarrassing.  I told them to go on and went back to the car. Took a few shots and sat in the car frustrated.

Mariah playing in one of the creeks.

They came back a few minutes later and told me that there were benches along the way and I decided I NEEDED to do this.  I grabbed my cane and we were off.  It was so worth it.  The trees were amazing; some were hollow and you could climb inside of them. Mariah was afraid at first but climbed in with some encouragement.  She was so proud of herself!

Squeezing in.

She did it!

Took a quick break and met Gracie, a Catahoula leopard dog. She is absolutely gorgeous but a bit shy.  

Gracie

The lighting was strange and I forgot to use my polarizing filter but it wasn't a total fail. I did get a nice panoramic shot of the Cabinet Mountains on our way down.

Cabinet Mountain Range

We went back to camp and I sat in the shade and read a book. I moved the beds around before it got dark and was looking forward to a decent night's sleep.

We had a 'one log' fire that night. Vera ( owner's daughter) brought Mariah twigs for kindling, which she happily accepted.  The fire burned  high so I tossed water on it. I told Mariah that I wasn't interesting in burning the forest down so we would save the wood for another camping trip.

Tiki came over to visit with Mariah and take her nightly walk.

Oh wait-I never told you about Tiki!

Remember when I thought that the deer was a good omen? 

We met Tiki last night before going to bed. She belongs to a couple traveling the country in their ginormous RV from Florida. Her owner walks her nightly on a leash and it was love at first sight for Mariah.  Tiki had a thing for her as well. Tiki is a five month old Main Coon mix and one of the sweetest things I've ever seen. The key would be to keep Mariah from invading their space too much. It turned out to be no problem at all.

Tiki-what a gorgeous girl! Very sweet, too.

Went to bed and sank into blissful oblivion in my nest of blankets....and mocked the tree root that no longer had power over me...and I  mocked the rock that was next to it as well.

Thus ends Day Two.

Until next time,

Robyn :)

P.S. Enjoy a few more photos from the day's adventure!

A small island.

 

I loved the reflection 

 

A tree had been struck by lighting many years ago.  Names are etched all over this log.

Another tree that had been struck by lightning

This was such a peaceful place.