Departure: Later this morning
Destination: Montana’s Centennial Valley and environs – a camping trip
Duration: Undetermined
Centennial Mountains and the east end of Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge
Because of serious back problems and three back surgeries it’s been almost three years since I’ve been camping and I’ve missed it. Terribly. But as of 3 AM this morning I’m ready to go again except for packing the camping trailer with clothes, food and personal items and hooking the trailer up to my pickup. I hope to be on the road by soon after 9 AM.
The weather forecast for southwest Montana is iffy at best but then it usually is this time of year. The first night or two are supposed to be near freezing or even below but I can live with cold as long as I have at least some good light for bird and wildlife photography. And cold doesn’t really affect those spectacular views.
I didn’t have time or opportunity to update and fine-tune my old laptop and cell service will be sketchy anyway so who knows when, or even if, I’ll be able to post to Feathered Photography while I’m gone. I may post some days or not at all.
And if I do post, my photos may look pretty rough around the edges. One of my laptop’s limitations will be the lack of the ability to process RAW images. So I have my R5 set to record RAW files to one memory card and jpegs to another. While I’m gone I’ll only be able to work with and post the jpegs. I hate processing jpeg files, especially on a laptop.
I’ll be going alone so it’ll be an adventure. I can hardly wait.
Ron
Hope you have a terrific trip, Ron.
Enjoy it in good health and great photography!
Beatrice
Just returned from Denmark. Had a great time.
Happy trails Ron! Looking forward to a post.
But who will feed Bandito while you’re gone?!!
I know how much you have missed these trips. Have a heap of fun.
WooHoo! Go well and be well, pal! Looking forward to your trip report.
So happy for you to get out again. Be safe and enjoy. I have to say after spending some time in Idaho and returning to the city I am jealous of your trip. I love the beauty and naturalness of rural areas. Happy hunting for critters, may your camera always focus!
From one “Happy Camper” to another, I hope this trip works out for you and you are able to keep it going !! Best of luck !!
Be well. Be healthy. Be you.
Your as tough as Montana itself! Sure sounds fun.
Have a great adventure!! Good Luck – May you see and photograph many birds!
Sounds like an interesting and fun time. Bet you will get some super photos and for those we can wait. Be careful out there by yourself and don’t do anything to strain that back.
Enjoy every moment, Ron. We’re all traveling with you vicariously!
As in your photo, may you have clear skies snd smooth roads. And enjoy the hell out of it.
Have a great trip! Let’s get together when you get back.
Yippie! Been holding my breath that it would would out for you! ENJOY!
After what you have been through, good for you, have aa great time and be safe.
Glad you didn’t sell the camper!
Not yet anyway. We’ll see how this trip goes…
I am very, very HAPPY for you. May this be the best camping trip ever!
Take Care,
Kaye
As you can imagine, I don’t have time this morning to respond to every comment. Just know that your good wishes are very much appreciated.
Have a wonderful time! You’ve really earned this one. Travel safe and healthy.
Ron – I join with everyone else to say how happy I am that you can finally make a trip you love. I can’t wait to see what you are able to capture on your trip. I’d also like to hear if you see any changes when you get there. Since you are going by yourself don’t take any chances. We want you back safe & sound!!
I echo Shoreacres sentiments! You go Ron, you GO!
Take care. I hope all goes smoothly and that it is a wonderful trip!
Such wonderful news Ron. So well deserved. I wish for you beautiful sights and sounds, a terrific adventure, and many new Montana memories.
I’m teary-eyed, Ron! I’m so happy for you! I understand your feelings so well. Have a marvelous time—-the good, the not-so-great, the magic of a road trip alone through beautiful country. You so deserve it after all you’ve been through and all you’ve given to so many of us! Take your time; it’s precious.
❤️
Huzzah and hooray! Enjoy the trip, the temperatures, the sights, and the solitude. Most of all, enjoy the improved health that’s made going AWOL possible — except, in truth, I suspect all of your readers would give you leave to make the trip!
Shoreacres, for three years I thought I’d never be able to make another trip like this. It’s been a long haul but I’m finally to the point where it can be done.