Plus a sunrise double rainbow that I’m interpreting as a good omen.
Because of issues with my bad back I haven’t been camping in my favorite area in the whole wide world for two years now – the Centennial Valley and its environs in southwest Montana and nearby areas in Idaho. But if all goes well (and there are no guaranties of that) I’ll get there this afternoon for a much anticipated few days of camping, bird and wildlife photography and a rejuvenation of my wounded spirit after surgery and so much misery.
Short-eared Owls are always one of my target species when I’m up there. I photographed these two fighting males several years ago at Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge which is just one relatively small part of the huge valley that is a haven for many species of raptors.
I probably don’t have a better photo than this one to put the size and scope of the valley in perspective. Here I’m looking south across the width of the valley from the foothills of the Gravelly Range directly behind me. In the far distance we see the Centennial Mountains that form the southern valley border. And this is only the width of the valley, it’s much longer than this from east to west.
During many of my most recent trips I’ve spent at least as much time in the nearby mountains on all four sides of the valley as I have in the valley itself – the Gravelly Range, the Centennial Mountains, the Pioneer Mountains and the nearby Madison Range.
Birds and wildlife abound, especially if you know where and how to look for them, but often you still have to be lucky to get close enough for photography and that’s how it should be. I much prefer a place like this where the wildlife is truly wild, the views are expansive and you see more critters than you do people and vehicles. Yellowstone just isn’t my bag. The isolation and peace and quiet here are just as alluring for me as the wildlife and scenery.
Sunrises and sunsets are to die for. This is a view at dawn near one of my favorite campsites with foraging birds in the foreground and lake fog beginning to rise from Lower Red Rock Lake.
I’ve been yearning for a trip like this for a long time now but with my continuing back and leg problems, even after surgery, I was reluctant for reasons that should be obvious. But several mornings ago while I was actively lamenting the fact that it had been so long since I’ve been up there an omen appeared that put me over the edge.
I looked out my living room window a few minutes after sunrise and this is what I saw – a double rainbow. And guess what the pot of gold was at the end of the rainbow?
My camping trailer.
Or at least the top of it (I wasn’t the only one taking phone photos of the double rainbow, as evidenced by the raised hands and cell phone at lower right). Right then and there I decided to make the trip if I possibly could.
Just because it’s my favorite area for rejuvenation and bird photography is no guarantee that I’ll get many decent photos. I’ve been skunked or nearly so on several previous trips to the area. The weather up there is notoriously extreme and unpredictable (most days I’ll be crossing the Continental Divide several times if that tells you anything) and it can be unexpectedly cloudy with poor light for days on end.
But you never know unless you go so I’m gonna do it.
Ron
Notes:
- I don’t really believe in omens or “signs”. I just needed an excuse.
- This will be a solo camping trip for me. Mia can’t go because of other commitments. I’m going to miss her company and her sage advice.
- At this point I’m guessing I’ll be gone 4-5 days but it could be more or less than that depending on weather and “circumstances”. Internet access will be spotty and unpredictable so don’t be surprised if there are some days I don’t post to Feathered Photography. I’ve said that before but this time it really could happen.
Hope you have a good trip Ron. My wife has been undergoing treatment for breast cancer and will soon be finished. When she’s up to it she wants to see Devil’s Tower; hopefully it won’t be too hot by then and maybe we’ll see some beautiful scenery like your photo above.
Ron, I thought I posted before, but obviously not. Don’t know if you’ll get this message, but I just wanted to wish you the best trip ever. I see that you are at your campsite and believe I can see the stars and smell that wonderful Montana air. I am so excited for you. Best of luck in your adventure.
Glad you made it up there safe and sound and that the birds are “biting.” 🙂
Marty, at least I’m getting a few good Birds now and then. But Murphy is biting me in the butt every chance he gets. More about that tomorrow if I can post.
Woo Hoo. So glad you are there. Have a super time. Can’t wait to see your pics!
Thanks for all the kind comments everyone. I’m at my campsite, it’s perfect at least so far. And I’ve been photographing birds right in camp! Internet connection is weak but I’m hoping I’ll be able to manage a post tomorrow. We’ll see…
May you have the best trip ever!
Charlotte
Rainbow man is telling to GO!!!
TWO YEARS OF ABSTINENCE!!! Frim birds, peace , quiet and spirit revuvenation ???!!! Don’t know how you did it and survived!!! You’re WAY OVERDUE!!! Hope your trip is a great one… (In your ew, fancy camper)—one full of birds, sunsets and sunrises, beautiful, uncluttered views, beautiful landscapes, cloudscapes, wildflowers, peace and quiet…an interesting mammal or two wouldn’t hurt either…and few or, better, no two-leggeds….👍🍀
Be safe and enjoy the solitude!
Wonderful, wonderful news.
That looks like a truly blissful place to celebrate your recovery. Heart balm at its very best.
Have a heap of fun, and a heap of co-operative critters.
I wish you great success in both photography and rejuvenation!
Two years…. you’re overdue 😁
Enjoy and safe travels Ron❗️
Hi Ron,
I LOVE that valley. And, it is exactly as you describe. Just seeing yiur images makes me want to return. I hope the trip brings you many smiles and adds to your positive memories bank. Bon Voyage!
Cheers,
Dick
Have a wonderful, inspiring and productive trip! Bon Voyage!
Ron, have a good trip. We still have lots and rain and snow packs in my area. It has been a real cold, wet spring and early summer season. Stay warm, and may your campfire burn bright.
I hope you have a great trip, get lots of good shots, and it sounds like there will be lots of introspection as well. Stay longer if you can! Looking forward to your posts!
I wish I could be your carpool dummy. The beauty of silent solitude. Just seeing these shots and imagining myself out there has dropped my blood pressure by 10 points, I’m sure.
Wishing you good light, lots of critters, and a working heating unit.
Yep, time to “get outa Dodge”. Go for it and wish you countless opportunities for some great catches. But regardless, it will be nothing but fun!
Bon Voyage Ron. Hope your trip is filled with the best of opportunities and lighting for your photographic pleasure and your spirit rejuvenation.
“…see more critters than you do people and vehicles…”, that’s the ticket all right.
Cheers
And i always thought sunrise/sunset views were only for the beach! Beautiful landscapes. I can’t even imagine the scope of your travels. I would guess you end up in places without any paved roads? If so, are you worried about getting flat tires?
“Somewhere over the rainbow, skies are blue
And the dreams that you dare to dream,
Really do come true.”
And try to stay out of the mud.
I wonder if each of our “summer heavens” would be as precious to us if they weren’t also winter “no go” zones ? HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU !
Been to lots of places in my lifetime Ron, but never to Montana. Went to high school with Bill Carpenter Army’s All-American “Lonesome End” who is now a retired General living in Whitefish. Always thought I would get up there to visit, but never have. Have a safe and wonderful trip chock full of bird and wildlife photo opportunities.
Lots of retired folks live in the Whitefish area, Everett. Hope you make it to MT sometime.
YES! Hope it all goes well – pack your “snuggies” (as I’m sure you will) 😉 33 here this morning with frost on some vehicles after a blustery few days with little rain…..no smoke tho! 🙂
The “no smoke” is music to my ears, Judy!
I wish you a great trip! I am quite envious to say the very least. Four years ago I drove to Montana taking a northern first up to MN and then across the northern states. I remember the expanse of sky, the mountains, the darkness of the pines off in the distance and the beauty of the valleys. Montana is truly the most beautiful place to be…I felt if Lake Superior could be transplanted there…well we’d have heaven on earth! Looking forward to hearing about your days!
Montana is a close as I’ll ever come to heaven (except in the winter of course). Thanks, Kathy.