These days our world seems to be in constant turmoil. In the old days there were always rules of etiquette. Political views were argued by both sides, but there were lines that you did not cross. Today folks jump across those lines enthusiastically. Our religious views, morals, character and integrity are bombarded and attacked. We are constantly lied to by people with a particular bias so that we may side with their line of thought. It becomes very challenging to say the least to keep your composure and be civil when so many in our world seem to have strayed away from common decency.

When Connie and I were searching for properties in Montana many years ago, one of the goals we had was to provide a place for our family to come and get away from the stresses of day to day living in today’s world. The mountains of Montana are definately one of the last places that you can find true solitude and peace.

Last week I was able to take a couple of wilderness rides

Banjo hadn’t been on an outing for quite a while, so he was my partner for this ride. We went up the middle fork to the dirtyface trail and then down to the river.

This is a very well used trail during the summer/fall season, but it was just us today.

There were no signs or tracks anywhere. It was as if the whole forest was in hibernation.

A few days earlier Tanner and I got to enjoy a quick little ride up to Stanton Lake. This is a pretty little backcountry lake that gets quite a bit of traffic do to its proximity to the trailhead.

The trail extends up beyond the lake to a pretty creek inlet coming off the mountain front.

Although we had some company when we first arrived at the lake, it wasn’t long before we had it all to ourselves.

We truly appreciate being fortunate to enjoy these areas summer and winter. No electronic devices, no distractions, just you and your horse. Perfect solitude