Our first day at Georgetown Lake was rather stormy, but on day 2 we woke to sunny, partly cloudy skies. Mom decided to stay back at the RV to do a little quilting while Dad and I hopped into the boat and went out to do a little sightseeing and fishing. The water was like glass!
Dad told me about the trouble they're having with wood beetle infestation in the pine forest around the lake (as well as other places). The pines you see on the hillsides around the lake are being killed by the beetles (I thought it was forest fire kill when I first saw it). It's quite sad actually; soon there will be very few trees left around the lake. The forest service is having to harvest the trees, leaving the hills around the lake very bare. Dad said that over the past three years or so, the forest around the lake has changed dramatically. In talking with one of the campground caretakers, he told us that the forest service has 2 years to clear the infected trees from the forest. It will take a long time for new trees to grow in their place.
While Dad and I boated around the lake, we came across dozens of mother ducks and mergansers with chicks of various ages. They happily cheeped to one another while they searched for bugs around the grassy shoreline.
The weather on the lake changes rapidly, and it wasn't long before large storm clouds moved in. We could watch the rain come down on the mountains around the lake, and while it sprinkled on us a bit, we managed to stay dry -- for a while.
Dad did some fishing (I don't have a license to fish, so I sat back and watched and took photos)...
...and Dad even caught some fish! Beautiful rainbow trout he held just long enough for me to snap a photo, and then released back into the lake where maybe they'll be caught again (or not).
Eventually, the storm caught up to us and we ended up having to boat back to camp -- I would have taken photos of us heading back to camp across the lake, but the rain was really coming down, our clothes were soaked, and a storm like that isn't the place I want to have my camera out in. *grin* But I did snap this photo of a mama duck and her baby later that afternoon.
We enjoyed nice hot chilli for lunch, and after the storm passed, we loaded up the boat and went out to fish another part of the lake. This time, Mom came with us.
Dad caught several more fish, and this one may have been the largest of the day.
Or maybe this one was...
Or maybe this one...
It's all proof that Dad's hand tied flies work!
It was the perfect way to spend the day; the week.
The next morning we had to pack up camp and head home. The drive down from the lake was just as enjoyable as the drive up.
The views from the ridges around the lake are spectacular! And I was thrilled to have some clouds in the sky to add interest. Open blue skies can be so boring! *grin*
Local ranchers were busy putting up hay, and giant golden round bales dotted the pastures.
I must say that the Philipsburg valley is truly beautiful, and I enjoyed every moment of the trip. Well, aside from the nasty head cold I picked up...
I really liked how the sun shone in the pastures, and the clouds cast shadows on the hills.
Looking back towards the lake, it looked like another storm was expected for the day.
Mom and I found this Philipsburg "road" and posted road signs quite humorous...
In case you missed it: Trip to Montana: Part 1
Your pictures are like a mini vacation! I want to waterski on that smooth water! That's a shame about the beetles killing the trees. Love the ducky photos and the pictures of your dad and his catches. What better way to spend the day than catching fish with Dad? Round bales are my favorites over the small or larger rectangular ones. And I love those signs with the rough road! Who would dare do 20 mph on such a pot-holed road? :)
Posted by: Shellie Daniel | August 24, 2010 at 08:26 PM
Oh My, this part of America is still so lovely and untainted. Thanks for sharing. Your photos could easily be postcards.
Posted by: Erica Fields | August 21, 2010 at 10:40 PM
Oh, Anna~~thank you for the fantastic photo tour! I feel like I was there with you! :D (and I wish I had been!) That lake is so pretty, and it's such a shame that the beetles are killing the surrounding trees. My Dad had hundreds of acres of pines planted in TN, and the pine beetles got a bunch of them; they had to cut down all of them, and save what lumber they could. They are SO destructive! :(
I'm surprised you all didn't eat the trout! Most folks love the trout, but personally, I'm happy that they got to live! :D
Hey, Alan! I hope you are doing OK...you won't believe it, but yesterday our high was 67 degrees~! YES, sixty seven! The week before, it was FORTY degrees hotter than that! How's that for Mother Nature messing around with us??!! Today it's going to be in the 90's though...the ecstasy didn't last for long! LOL
Hugs to your Mom and Dad, Anna! I hope you have a safe trip home, and you take care. So sorry you have a cold. Those are just miserable...
Take care, everyone! :D
Posted by: diane mcvey | August 18, 2010 at 07:24 AM
Those pictures are gorgeous. Makes me wish I was there. I love trees. It's the one thing I really miss since moving to TX.
Posted by: LorieW | August 17, 2010 at 08:22 AM
Anna, thanks for sharing these beautiful pics of your acation with Mom and Dad!! My husband and I love to ride the motorcycle through these same scenes in MT. On your way back through Idaho, you should drop down about 45 miles to the south and visit me and Kathryn. We would be thrilled to give you hugs in person!! xoxoxo
Posted by: Jeanne in Idaho | August 17, 2010 at 07:06 AM
What a beautiful place! And so nice for you to spend some time with your loved ones.
Posted by: bonnie weiss | August 17, 2010 at 03:51 AM
For Carol Dee, as a matter of fact I did not keep any fish on this trip or the last trip here either. I bring steak and chicken with the occasional pork chop for the barbique. Tilapia are very nice too. I have been fishing all of my life and fly fishing nearly 50 yrs. It's the going, tranquility and stress relief from a demanding carear that I find so compelling and adictive.It kept me out of the bars before I retired, That's my story and I'm sticken to it!I'm already thinking about the next trip....Dad
Posted by: DK Wight | August 17, 2010 at 12:17 AM
Gorgeous pics! Thanks for sharing :)
Liz
Posted by: Liz | August 16, 2010 at 10:12 PM
Following your travels makes me feel like I'm on vacation with you. You know, you could of stopped in Coeur d'Alene and picked me up on your way out being I've been off work all week! I love fishing and will bait my own hook and clean my own fish! :-) Actually heading out on Wednesday with husband to Flathead Lake in Montana. Will also enjoy the very beautiful and relaxing drive over the border. Enjoy your visit.
Posted by: Kathryn | August 16, 2010 at 08:46 PM
Ahhhh, your photos are such a breath of fresh air, Anna! Bless you for your talent and willingness to share!!! Your photography skills are amazing. I believe the country is beautiful - but I know your photos capture them to their best advantage, too. Thank you - such a gift!
Hugs!
Posted by: Sharli | August 16, 2010 at 07:45 PM
Your pictures are incredible! Thanks for sharing :)
Posted by: Terri W | August 16, 2010 at 06:44 PM
Nothing boring about Big Sky Country! Pine beetles were getting going around Spokane when we left. Dam shame. But Nature will come back like she does after forest fires. Yellowstone one generation after the big fires is doing quite well considering how bad it was. Love you pictures. Nasty head cold is your gift from plane trip.
Posted by: kathynruss | August 16, 2010 at 06:15 PM
Northern Arizona was hit really hard with Bark Beatles (same as Pine beatles) several years ago. It had been dry for about 5 years and made the trees weaker to fighting off the beatle. Then a big fire came through and destroyed tons of trees - even those who had survived the beatles. The forests still haven't grown back and won't for many generations. It is very sad.
I love your pictures. Thanks for sharing!
Posted by: Ali Smith | August 16, 2010 at 04:55 PM
Mmmm the trout are beautiful. Did you keep a few for dinner? Yum. That is truely lovely country. A part of the U.S. I have yet to visit. Someday *sigh My favorite photo has the old barn in it. I LOVE old barns. Sorry about the cold. I came down with one this weeekend and now we are back to the business of School for another nine month. :) Say Hello to MAom and Dad. Hugs to ALL.
P.S. Alan, she will be home before you know it. I bet she missed you and the furry/feathery kiddos. *wink*
Posted by: Carol Dee | August 16, 2010 at 03:11 PM
Love traveling along with you. As usual,fabulous photos.
Posted by: SueB | August 16, 2010 at 01:43 PM