It is awesome to live in a place where others travel hundreds to thousands of miles to vacation and recreate. We can step out our backdoor and hike, ski or ride our horses exploring the mountain. Many other trailheads are just a short drive drive away. This winter we got sidetracked with some health issues, but by mid February I was able to venture into the backcountry again.The tunnel creek drainage is one I haven’t been up in 40 years. Snow conditions were poor so I didn’t attempt heading up in the high country, but it was still a treat to ski along this pretty creek.

The tranquil basin drainage is a popular ski destination for backcountry skiers. It has pretty significant elevation gains, but is realitively avalanche safe. I was only a few weeks following back surgery when I skied up this drainage, so I didn’t attempt to make it all the way up to the lakes.  It is a fun outing regardless and worth the effort.

From higher elevations on Teakettle mountain you get some great views of the middle fork and the north fork of the flathead river.

One of the old trails I access heading up our mountain.

Spring conditions have finally come to us up on the mountain.  Snow is melting and the water is flowing everywhere. The horses have been enjoying some beautiful sunny days lounging in the pasture. 

But they do get their leisure time interrupted for some early season rides. Not to far yet cuz they’re barefoot, but we have been riding most every day now.

It is surely a special place to call home.