2012 Montana Conditions, Stoke and Whatev Thread

[406]

Looks awesome! Funny you find rain on a tent relaxing, drives me nuts. I do like it on a cabin or rv.

[Norseman]

bangin pics, Swimmy

[Trackhead]

<p>
What a great trip, Swimmy.</p>

[jackattack]

Awesome shots. Looks like a rad trip.

[liv2ski]

Yup, that was an awesome post and pictures. Thanks

[mcski]

Amazing pics. Def gets me wanting to dust off the backpacking gear and disappear for a while

[swimmy]

Thanks friends!

It is backpacking season.

[swimmy]

This forum feels like it is on life support. I guess we&rsquo;ll see if all the bugs get worked out and maybe things pick up. Meanwhile, here is another TR. This time we explored a new-to-me area of the Lee Metcalf Wilderness south of Bozeman. It is really special to have spots like this right in our backyard.



I&rsquo;m a sucker for creeks/streams. This trail crossed a number of blue lines. Moving water is therapeutic for me.



Lots of wildflowers.



Around 8 miles or so, we made it into the basin which has several small lakes. This was the first lake and offered great views of the high peak that guards this area.



Our lake and camp destination was only a bit further up the trail. It was nice to arrive as I was getting tired. Most of the hike was moderate. But we did gain 2500&rsquo; and I think the majority of that came in the last 3 miles or so. Combine that with the fact we were over 9000&rsquo; and I was feeling it. Great spot though and as usual, well worth the effort.



That evening we had some unsettled weather. A few sprinkes with some gusty wind. Nothing too extreme, just a bit annoying. My plan was to get up at midnight and shoot the Milky Way but with the clouds I wasn&rsquo;t sure it would happen. I had my tent positioned to where I could probably get decent composition. Now I just needed the stars to align : )My alarm went off at midnight, I peaked out the tent, and boom&hellip;it was on.

Stargazing in the backcountry is one of those experiences that will never get old. Unfortunately there was one little patch of clouds still lingering but I don&rsquo;t think it hurts the shot too bad.



This is also dense grizz country and no more feeling of being alive than being outside your tent, at dark. Fortunately, I didn&rsquo;t have to wrestle and bears.

My other goal was to get up early, climb another 1000&rsquo; or so, and catch the sunrise. I&rsquo;m a morning person so getting up wasn&rsquo;t a big deal. And getting your heart rate up first thing is a great way to start the day.



Once I gained the ridge, I had fantastic views to the south. This is another area on my list to explore. Rugged country with a number of high peaks.



Looking back towards our camp. What a killer spot. I hiked the pyramid peak off in the distance last summer.



Super calm and serene. Mornings like this are another reason I love it so much.



The hike out was a little easier but my feet were still tender and body was sore. Going to take a couple of rest days before my wife and I head down to the Big Horns in Wyoming for some day hiking.

Thanks for checking out my trip!

[PB]

Absolutely amazing work, Swimmy!

[mcski]

Two questions, what are you using for a camera because your pics look fantastic. And how you you posting them as it’s been a challenge w the current state of the forum. Seeing pics like these is a great and will hopefully start pulling mags back in

[singlesline]

They really gotta get photo upload working again.

Most people don’t have their own third party host like swimmy and most easy free image hosts don’t like embedding in forums anymore.

The media is a big part of what makes this place valuable.

[liv2ski]

Absolutely amazing work, Swimmy!

For sure, reminds me of when I was a young man with energy. Great work man.

[I Skied Bandini Mountain]

They really gotta get photo upload working again.

Most people don&rsquo;t have their own third party host like swimmy and most easy free image hosts don&rsquo;t like embedding in forums anymore.

The media is a big part of what makes this place valuable.

https://postimages.org/

[yeahman]

Fuck yeah, Tapatalk working again.

[I Skied Bandini Mountain]

Our hummingbirds split a couple days ago. We've had a real nice spring and summer, I kinda want it to last a bit longer before fall.

[swimmy]

Thanks folks for the feedback! It has been a great summer and stoked to be able to share a bit.

mcski - I&rsquo;m shooting with a Nikonz8 and a variety of lenses. I then use SmugMug to host my photos.

We just got back from another cool trip. My wife grew up in Buffalo, WY and this past weekend we decided to haul the trailer down to explore in her old backyard.

The dispersed camping in the Big Horns is as good as you will find anywhere in the Northern Rockies. Lots of options and some of the spots offer incredible views. I was up early each morning to catch sunrise.





Each day we hiked close to 12 miles. Add in the altitude and the days feel even bigger. Day 1 - hiked to a nice lake somewhat close to camp. We got snowed on so not as many pics.







Day 2 - hiked to a spectacular alpine lake. Stoke was high from this one.













Day 3 - we had planned on doing another hike but both were feeling a little wore down. So we drove over the mtn to check out one of the top climbing venues around.



Great trip and will probably head back next summer.

[Whiteroom_Guardian]

Hell yeah Swimmy I've driven by on 90/25 looking west so many times and thought, "Wow, looks so nice over there. Better go check those mountains out someday."

[Trackhead]

<p>
Great pics again, Swimmy.&nbsp; The first pic theres a cool couloir on that peak in the spring.&nbsp; Can&#39;t remember the name of it, but it looks amazing in May/June.&nbsp; We stop at the Bighorns every other year or so.....great place.&nbsp; Ranchester is kind of a cool town, right next to the Bighorns.&nbsp;</p>

[Trackhead]

fucking forums are useless

[lifelinksplit]

Wandering

Sent from my SM-S236DL using Tapatalk

[byates1]

The tips tails pass at big sky is such a killer deal. Even if just for April 1-12.

250$. Snowpack at peak. Noone around, pleasant temps. Lodging cheaper/cheapest. Vanning/ camping easy- not boneyard cold.

I'm planning on April 1-10. See yous on the hill!

[Trackhead]

Swans


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[Iowagriz]

I know that section of the Tour Divide Route. Such a pretty place.

[yeahman]

Yeah that's gorgeous.

[swimmy]

Nice seeing some other pics. Maybe they are figuring this thing out?

Just got back from another backpack. I&rsquo;ll put up a full TR later.