FINALLY - A DAY ON THE BITTERROOT RIVER & SMOKE IN THE VALLEY

We finally were able to launch our kayak down the Bitterroot the other day.  The river was so high for so long, I thought it might be September before we were able to paddle from Stevensville to Florence.  But Monday we said we were just going to do it.  Called Ike and Brenda and they brought their drift boat and we just spent a lazy day on the river.  Had a great time.   The only thing I can say that was bad was watching smoke drift into the valley from forest fires.  Tonight while irrigating in the meadow, I could see three fires burning to the west of us.  And when I was in Hamilton at noon today the smoke was starting to deteriorate the visibility - plus you could smell it in the air.  But it is that time of year.  If we don't get any rain, the next two weeks could be pretty rough.

Ike always practices his fly fishing while on the river - haven't had to use the net yet though.

Lots of osprey this summer.

Looking to the south as the smoke is starting to creep in.

To the north it is still clear.

Sunset later Monday.

This male turkey is getting a drink out of the horse drinking fountain.  We have three of these guys that come in with the horses in the morning for grain.  Click to enlarge.

KAYAKING TWIN LAKES

Connie and I went up to Twin Lakes in the Lost Horse drainage and kayaked the lower lake.  We had never been up there before so it was a new adventure.  20 miles of dirt road into it though so that was a distraction on the day.  We tried to go up there about a month ago, but the road was closed because of the wet spring.  We made it this time.  And we were met by horseflies, deerflies, mosquitoes, gnats, and other biting insects.  It was okay out on the lake, but near the shoreline it was hard to tolerate unless you had repellant on.  There seemed to be quite a few fish jumping in the lake.  Not big ones, but plentiful.  We had a nice lunch on a rock island - no bugs there.  We did walk up to the upper lake which is smaller than the lower one.

When we got back we had a small buck deer laying on the lawn.  I am pretty sure it is the same one I see down irrigating once in awhile that is not a bit afraid of me.  We drove in and it just got up and glared at us because we were interrupting his nap.  When Zeus ran out of the barn, he did leave.  But while we were unloading the kayaking gear, he came back.  And pretty soon was again laying down under a tree in the shade and watching us.  A doe came in also, but we made her nervous and she left for awhile.  Gary and Margee came up for ice tea and water and the buck just stayed laying down watching us as we were sitting on the slab.  Again Zeus came out and the deer left.  

Lower Twin Lake

We got the kayak up the creek further than we thought we would. Were going to have lunch here, but the bugs were just too bad!

Did walk up to the upper lake though.

Connie went swimming after we had lunch on our rock island.

Connie out swimming while I watched the kayak.

Our lunch rock.

On top of the rock.

The little buck was being bothered by some horse flies.  Click to enlarge and above his right shoulder, one by his left ear, and one below his left eye.

They finally got a little nap.

MOVING COWS 3 - 6 AUGUST 2011

Went over to the ranch to help them move the cows from the Mayberry cowcamp to the Gobel cowcamp where they will stay until the middle of October.  Gary also went over with his horse Dunigan.  We put all three horses in our trailer to get them over there.  We had some really nice weather and the cows trailed well.  All in all it was a good cattle drive.  We put over 2100 head in the upper cowcamp and they have lots of grass this year with all the moisture of the year.

Macy and Taryn Martinell are great help.

Gary on Dunigan 

We did have a few thunderstorms scoot by the valley, but nothing major.

The Red Rock River flowing through the Centennial Valley.

Pushing the cows and calves to water at the Monte Kent camp where we stay during the drive.

Cowhorse dreams.

Cowdog dreams.

The Monte Kent camp.

Old haying equipment.

This sheep wagon was used when the Martinell ranch ran sheep and is still in use today as an extra bunkhouse.

Lots of grass for the horses.

Grizzly bear tracks on the road  to the Goble camp.

The cows climbing the hill up to the Gobel camp.

Riders on the ridge waiting to head back to camp.

Taryn, Calen, and Macy at the old sheep wagon.

SALT LAKE AREA: 27 - 31 JULY 2011

We drove down to Salt Lake to attend part of the Turner family reunion which is Connie's sister Wendy and her husband Van's family.  Van and Wendy had seven kids, and they are trying to have a reunion every other year.  We stayed with Connie's old school chum Sharon for a few nights.  Also visited Aunt Jane in her rehabilitation facility after falling and breaking her hip.  She is doing well and was moved back to her rest home apartment just yesterday.  Also stopped and spent the night with old friends Gary and Georgine at their home in Liberty, UT.  They are spending most of the summer up there while it is so hot down in St George.

It was a busy few days, but we had a great time.  Good to see everyone and was nice meeting some of the grand nieces and nephews.  Makes one feel old when the little nieces and nephews now have little kids running around.  The oldest is 11 and the youngest is about a year old.

The kids love Van's fire truck.  He is running for re-election to the Salt Lake City Council.  

Maisy enjoying her ride on the fire truck.

Emma with her mother Natalie and the Dalmatian that shows up at get togethers.

Avery checking out her mom's cell phone.

At the family campground near Francis, UT.

A group shot of the Turner clan.

The kids getting ready to do smoors.

Christian kept people entertained with his potato canon.

The view of G & GB's house from their pond.

G and GB.

Zoey keeping Sharon and Connie entertained.