Beautiful Upper Pack

 

The stars lined up.

Well, we couldn't see too many stars in the brilliant blue and white sky yesterday afternoon when we drove to Upper Pack River, but we sure all agreed that conditions were close enough to perfect as we could get. 

No smoke. 

No wind.

Not much dust. 

No gray, hanging clouds covering the spectacular rocky peaks of the Selkirks.

Not too hot; not too cold.  

A whole lotta PRETTY. 

Even some waves and smiles from 4-wheeler passengers and other rigs on the road. 

In fact, I'd say Sunday, Aug. 28, 2022, had to be the prettiest time I've ever experienced in Upper Upper Pack River. 

Plus, we brought a few huckleberries home. 

Berry picking was the original mission but "pretty" got in the way. 

Bill wanted Barbara and Laurie to see the Beehive, which, we both believe, really oughta have something about wasp nests in its moniker.

That's okay, though. 

The peak, a huge rock slab, accented with neatly arranged alpine timber rising from a skirt of rich, green grass, put on a spectacular show, so there was plenty of buzz down below from the folks eyeing its magnificence with awe. 

We walked down a tricky trail and stood by a crystal clear creek. 

We took a lot of pictures. 

We picked a few berries. 

Bill and I picked fewer than Barbara and Laurie because we were sidetracked by a mama grouse and her three babies. 

She didn't seem to mind our presence, nor did the babies.  Mama simply found a good perch to watch over her kids, occasionally speaking to them in a quiet warble. 

All the while this strange thing with two legs and camera inched closer. 

It was a nice photo session in the midst of thick brush and rocks and lots of clandestine spots to trip an old fart.

But I managed to stay upright throughout, even IF I was wearing two different brands of hiking shoes.

Guess I'd better get that cataract surgery cuz I thought I grabbed a proper pair from the closet. 

What an afternoon! 

The more I think of the sheer beauty and pleasure of the outdoors which we experienced yesterday, I'm getting speechless. 

So, will leave it at that:  a gorgeous day in the mountains and a few berries in the buckets. 

Happy Monday.