--AI Enhanced
The gate just past the horse corrals was open.
That meant we were able to drive further than usual on the Trail Creek Road yesterday afternoon.
So, we did.
I reminded Bill about how we had walked that stretch a couple of times on past trips and how the first section with all the curves always seemed endless.
That area eventually opens up allowing views of Bald Eagle Peak and pretty mountainsides.
It's a great wildflower year, we decided. I've never seen so much Indian paintbrush, and the ocean spray this year seems more prolific than ever pretty much anywhere we go. Same is true for daisies, and fireweed is both abundant and glorious.
The Trail Creek Road near Naples off HWY 95 offers one of our numerous annual driving routes to the back country.
There's a pass a few miles up the road with some beaver ponds, connecting two drainages: Trail Creek and the North Fork of Grouse Creek.
Before arriving at the pass, the route also includes some stunning views of the Selkirk Mountain range where one can easily see Roman Nose, Chimney Rock and Gunsight Peak.
In some places are views of the Kootenai Valley north and west of Bonners Ferry. Yesterday the air in that area had a hazy, brown cast, suggesting that forest fire smoke might be drifting in from somewhere.
I had mentioned looking for huckleberries when we left home but forgot to bring containers. We did see ripe berries along the roadside and along the narrow, rocky trail down to the beautiful waterfalls on the North Fork of Grouse Creek.
The walk to the waterfalls marked a nice triumph for little Foster. I kept a short leash on him at all times, and we walked both slowly and very carefully.
The little guy made his way down the trail with no incidents. He even drank from the creek and got his toes wet.
As expected, the trip back up the trail was much easier for me and Foster. I'm always afraid that I'll trip over a rock or root and fall on him. So, the extra care yesterday worked well for both old lady and the elderly pup.
We enjoyed the drive, which offered a change of scenery and some relative relaxation after the prep and the experience of all the holiday festivities.
Annie and Sam went on their way to Montana for some visiting, fishing and geocaching, so the house went back to its usual occupants---two dogs and Mom and Dad Love.
It's summer so life is still far from dull. I have an insurance meeting this morning and then will meet Marlo and her family over at Laurie's where Marlo will ride CB. Since she helped name him, the experience will be very special.
I also see from the edible growth around here that berries will soon be ready for picking as will beans. That means the beginning of picking and grinning season.
Plenty of stuff available for keeping busy these days.
Happy Monday.
