LOONS

A few weeks ago we received an insert in our local paper about things to do in Montana.  Connie was looking at it and saw where there are loons on some lakes by Seeley Lake, MT.  We have not seen or heard a loon since we left Alaska.  And they have a couple of very distinct calls.  You never forget it.  That area is only about 2 1/2 hours north of here so we decided to take the kayak up there and do a little looking for loons.  We took the camper pulling the jeep and spent one night on the shores of Alva Lake.  We got to see and hear loons!  What a great time.  The weather was a little raining most of the time, but we had a great time.

The rivers up there are really running high and fast.  Of course the ones down here are also at or near flood stage.  But kayaking on the lake and a little bit on the river between lakes was pretty calm.  We also jumped in the jeep and did a little exploring.  It has been a number of years since we were up there so it was just like new being as old and forgetful as we are.

Our campsite.  We shared the whole campground with one other camper and the lake we had to ourselves.

Looking northeast towards the Bob Marshall Wilderness area.

The first loon we saw.

The rain soaked trees.

We also saw elk, bald eagles, shore birds, etc.  Great wildlife viewing.

The second loon we saw.

Looking south from a rest stop.

Nice reflections.

It was not all that warm though.  We had to have jackets on first thing this morning over our polar fleece.

This is the Clearwater River between Alva and Rainy Lakes.  Did not go all the way to Rainy, but we might have been able to.