UP!

We had our first combined climbing/camping trip last weekend.  At Sheep Mountain, which isn't far from home . . . but it was a great excuse to sleep outside, and a introduction for Sis Dog to the wonderful world of camping. 

The first wall we attempted was . . . well, it was occupied.  The tenants were less than thrilled that we were visiting, so we quickly packed up and moved on.

And then it was on to me showing everyone how it's done!  If by "it" you mean looking like a fish out of water and having complete come aparts and emotional breakdowns.  Fortunately I had my trusty safety net with me, both literally and figuratively!  It really does add an entirely different level of trust to your relationship when you can literally put your life in someone else's hands. 

Especially when later, you look back at pictures and can't help but notice the mischevious grin.

Speaking of mischevous, Sis.

Sis very, very much enjoyed climbing.  She split her time between racing up and down and around and under boulders, resting, and looking for new climbing opportunities.

Mike actually got to climb this go around, which was different than last year, when he pretty much belayed the entire time, every time.  Maybe someday he will have one of us newbies trained up enough that he'll be able to get more than two routes in :)

We were super darn lucky to have had a gorgeous weekend to get outside, before a week of rain and flooding.

At one point I could no longer cram my feet into the 2 sizes too small shoes, so I had to costume change into one0and-a-half size too small shoes.  I would not call the transition graceful - see above reference to complete emotional breakdowns.  But we got it taken care of - crisis averted. 

I'm super lucky to have such a patient boyfriend, who is willing and able to teach me a new hobby and talk me through my mini crises.  

A great end to a great day this time around was steaks and beer with some fabulous people, followed by a room with a view.

And a lazy Sunday morning to finish out the weekend.  Fire, hammock, leftovers.  

A Barbecue!

Montana is infamous for it's unpredictable weather.  The saying goes, "If you don't like the weather in Montana, wait five minutes and it will change."  But there is one thing that almost always stays the same weather-wise, year after year.  It rains on Memorial Day Weekend. 

Most folks choose to ignore the weather, or endure it, and camp, barbecue, and play outside anyway.  Our family is no different.  There was camping, fantastic food, fourwheeler riding, and one raging warm campfire.

For dinner, Andy masterfully grilled up steaks, Mike mixed up some Southern Gin Buckets for all us Northerners, and cousin Brad made this:

This is not your average corn on the cob.  This is corn on the cob, dipped in honey, rolled in crushed corn flakes, and deep fat fried.  This is a little taste of heaven.

And of course, no camping adventure of any magnitude would ever be complete without s'mores.  

These bad boys were made with....not chocolate candy bars, but....wait for it....wait for it....chocolate frosting.  They were amazing.  

No really, they were super good.  I mean, who doesn't love s'mores anyway, but seriously - you should try this.

This barbecue, of course, also had wet dogs.  No party of ours is ever complete without wet dogs. 

Peace Like a River

Over the weekend, Mike and I spent a lot of time attempting to hone our water photography skills at various creeks in the area.  There is SO MUCH WATER running right now, it's insane.  Half the state is under water, and all people seem to be talking about currently is flood, flood. flood.  The fact that it's raining a lot probably doesn't help to quell people's nerves.  Let's hope it doesn't get as bad as everyone thinks it will be!

Weasel Creek - Elkhorn Mountain Range
(Lindsey's)

We stumbled upon a super cool old dam, made for some great practice!

(Mike's)

There used to be a lot of mining in these mountains, and the evidence is still here.  We found this old bridge as well as the dam and many old cabins. 

Crow Creek Falls - Elkhorn Mountain Range

Crow Creek Falls was a 3.5 mile hike in.  We will definitely be revisting this one later in the year, when the water chills out a bit...or a lot.  And when there's a little bit more foliage.  And when it's not pouring down rain.  There were about 5 minutes when it wasn't raining - just enough time to get the cameras out for some quick photos.  

(Mike's)

(Lindsey's)

And then it was back to Trout Creek for a bit.  We were hoping to find the water the same as we left it two weeks ago - crystal clear, but it was not not be here either.  

It was great to have a weekend to get out and play with the cameras!  I predict more weekends like this in the future.