We got finished up with spring planting and a few other things and were able to haul the horses out to Teakettle Mtn last Thursday. It was gorgeous up on the Mtn. All the snow melt and spring rains had the area looking like a rain forest. The horses only get a few hours a day on the lush grass. 

We had plans of taking a few conditioning rides to get the boys acclimated to the mountains and then heading into the backcountry. The many old logging roads up the North Fork are great for the first rides of the season.

Connie’s 82 yr young father even went along for a ride. He did a little over 8 miles with no problem at all. 

We spend a lot of time working with our horses for the use in the backcountry. De-sensitizing and training for the little things that can give you big wrecks. Wilderness riding is dangerous, so we do our best to minimize risk of accidents. We have a very short window to see and enjoy the backcountry so we work to try to have our horses ready. But sometimes plans go awry. On Friday evening a devastating hail storm swept though ND and took out most all of our soybeans and some of the pinto beans. There is still time to attempt to replant so I’m heading back. Connie will stay with the horses on the Mtn. and hopefully I will be back in a week. Then we can begin this summers excursions into the backcountry. 

Our spring planting for 2017 is finally winding down. Just one field left that we are waiting to see if it will dry up a little more. It was a very easy planting season this year, with no big rain events. 

Modern day agriculture requires a tremendous amount of spraying for weed control. For bean crops there is a pre-plant herbicide applied then the field is tilled and planted, following planting there is another pre-emerge herbicide applied. During the growing season these fields may be sprayed 1-2 times with weed control herbicide and 1-2 times with a fungicide at flowering. In the fall the bean fields require a burn down herbicide be applied to aid with harvesting. This keeps Steve pretty busy manning this rig

The lake flooding we have been fighting for over 20 years has created a large island that is somewhat inaccessible to public. With little human traffic in this area a pair of eagles made it their home a few years ago. 

It is a treat to see these magnificent birds up close, but they do get a little upset if you linger to long at their nest.

With the relatively easy spring planting season we were able to take a little time for the real things that matter. Grandkids were out to have some fun with the horses

I think it would be great if all kids could experience life on a farm. Such a great place to grow up….

It was snowing hard the last day we were at Apgar View Ranch. As I walked out to the horses in the outer pasture I noticed the quiet. It was so extremely quiet you could almost hear the snow falling. 

This extreme serenity lead me to reflect on how blessed we have been. A few days ago the Hollywood types had a self serving award show so they could pat each other on the back and use the venue to make their political comments. I don’t watch these events, but our morning news shows were full of the highlights. So many folks today find enjoyment in viewing these events. I find it sad that this type of entertainment is important to them. If only they could witness the beauty of Gods creations in nature like we have been fortunate to enjoy.

We had a substantial amount of snow during January and February in the mtns. Skiing and snowshoeing became very difficult. Even a often used trail into the forest service became difficult to travel

Earlier in the winter Sam, Layla and I enjoyed a nice day out on this trail.

Cody and Sam got some play time when they came to visit

We were blessed with many great times this winter on the mtn.  We had some awesome family visits.

We get to spend lots of time with our horses during the winter. Tanner has really turned into a great buddy to go exploring with.
One evening we had a moose visiting across the road from our pasture. He put everyone on alert. While the others went back to eating our herd leader remained vigilant 

I guess if everyone enjoyed this peace and tranquility, these mtns would be getting pretty crowded. Thankfully they’ve got Hollywood..

When the sun shines in the North Fork valley you have to take advantage of it. This valley on the west side of Glacier Park is so beautiful and well worth an afternoon drive.

The camas road heading into Glacier Park (closed in winter)

The North Fork of Flathead river

Cody, Whitney and the Kids flew in to visit a couple weeks ago. We haven’t received any new snow lately, but warm temps made for excellent snowman building conditions.

Its always fun to visit the dam and Hungry Horse reservoir

And you can’t visit Glacier Park and not get a picture in front of the sign.such a beautiful family.

This winter has been a little harsh throughout Montana. Our mountain has received substantial snowfall along with bitter cold temps. The horses got pampered with blankets a few of the severe days.

Connie and I sometimes snowshoe around the property with Sam and Layla accompanying us. The dogs have a tough time in the deep snow.

But then so do we

When we came out of the woods and into the horse pasture the horses seemed a little surprised. We must have looked pretty spooky the way they reacted.

The high pressure that has given us our cold temps has also given us some beautiful bluebird days. Our neighbor and I took advantage of one of these days to ski over to rocky point on Lake McDonald in Glacier Park. The Camas road is closed right after McDonald creek. To access this area, park after crossing the bridge and then ski/snowshoe past the private cabins and on up to fish creek campground about 2 miles. The rocky point trailhead is about 1/2 mile up the inside the north fork road past the campground, and rocky point is only about 1 mile down this trail.

Great views of the lake with Mt. Brown, Edwards, and Gunsight in the background.

Mt. Jackson in the background here.

We’ve also had some beautiful views right off our deck.(note the amount of snow on the picnic table)

You can choose to sit a little closer to the fire on these cold days or get out and enjoy this magnificent splendor.

When our family was young we spent our winter recreation time on snowmobiles. These days Connie and I enjoy the peace of X-country skiing and snowshoeing. I went on a skiing excursion over the holidays to Avalanche creek in Glacier Park. You ski the going to the sun highway to get to this area. Skiing along McDonald creek is very scenic and worth the trip 

McDonald Falls.

The creek has carved out some amazing rock formations.

We entertained the idea of hiking up to Avalanche lake from this trailhead, but we didn’t bring snowshoes along so passed on this. By the time I got back to the vehicle at Lake McDonald Lodge I was glad we passed. We ended up with close to 14 miles on this trip skiing. It was my 2nd time out so that was plenty

As you near the Avalanche campground you are greeted by Mt. Cannon.

 Our horses still have their bohrium studded shoes on so we are able to ride for a few more days. They get so excited to get out for some winter fun.
Lots of enjoyment to be had in winter in the mountains. You just have get out there.

This was the first year in our 35 years of marriage that Connie and I were alone on Christmas Eve. We have always been with my family, her family or our own family. All the kids came out to the mountains last year so they were celebrating the Holidays with their in-laws this year. So for us this was a new experience. We spent the afternoon on a snowy horseback ride

Lots of fun with a beautiful day and playful horses and dogs.

Christmas Day we took a drive across the mountains to celebrate with Connie’s family in Cut Bank. Saturdays storm clouds had lifted and we had some terrific views of the east side of the mountains from the East Glacier area.

Following a fun day of visiting and a superb dinner we headed back across the mountains. A somewhat quiet holiday this year than what we are used to, but still enjoyable. It is easy to stay in the spirit of Christmas when you are surrounded by the majesty of Gods creations.

From our cabin in the woods to wherever you are, we hope you’ve had a Merry Christmas and wish you a joyous New Year!

We finally received some snow up on Teakettle so we have been taking advantage of late season riding up the North Fork. Tanner and I joined our neighbor for a ride into Bowman Lake. This is a popular summer destination for both tourists and locals. The road is now closed and not enough snow for skiing access yet so we thought it would be a nice horseback ride. 

Although we had heavy clouds and snow flurries, it was still pretty at the lake.

Harley and I got a ride in up McGinnis on a snowy day. Lots of fun and we did see a few deer tracks in the new snow.

This area got us really close to where I saw the large grizzly tracks the other day, but we didn’t see any sign of him.

Connie and I then took a ride up on our mountain. There is such great views from Teakettle it’s amazing. We weaved our way up a trail that follows up an old RR grade. Then broke out to these great views.awsome country!

Another great year of hunting elk in Montana. The only drawback  – beautiful weather. The elk were pretty much staying in the heavy forest, which makes it difficult to be successful. 

Pretty country like this is the main attraction for coming here.

We only harvested one bull this year but still a success with great country, exceptional horses, and good buddies to hunt with.sandwiches always taste better when heated over a fire.

With the mild weather, we did encounter a few grizzly bears roaming around. Normally this time of year they are in hibernation and not an issue. So when Justin shot this nice bull we had to be on alert.The Bulls holding up in the timber led to some difficulty in getting them out.  Thank God for great horses. This was Freckles’s first time packing and he was amazing.



Till next year!!

After getting record rainfall on the Mtn. in October, November has started out absolutely gorgeous. Temps in the mid to upper 50’s and bluebird days. We’ve been taking advantage of these days by conditioning horses and prepping them for elk camp. We’ve taken numerous trips riding up the North Fork and one excursion in glacier park. 

The excursion into the park was a trip up to Apgar lookout. I had never been up to this popular lookout before.

We left the trailer at McDonald creek so it was about a 9 mile round trip ride.

Beautiful views from up at the Lookout. 

Although it is a pretty good grade climbing up to Apgar lookout, the trail is in good shape.

When you get this kind of weather you just have to get out and take advantage of it!