This trip was perfect except for some smoke brought in for the Montana fires to the North. The leaves were on the verge of color change and the spring still had some water flowing at the source. You can never tell about the water there, but with global warming the spring can be dry this late in the season.
After setting up camp we took a walk about to see how others have been treating the surroundings. We were saddened to find toilet paper left in the woods along with used sanitary products within a few inches from a water source. We put on our gloves and cleaned this up along with trash left in fire pits. Primitive camping requires respect for the ecosystem. Please consider bringing a portable toilet, fill a screw top bucket with a bag and some pine shavings or kitty litter — remember to pack out what you pack in, and take care of the planet you live on.
Later in the day we did a few of our favorite trails and took in the late season riding. On the last morning around 6 AM I awoke to the horses spinning in their pens. After taking a look around I saw a black animal off to the side of the pens. Thinking it might be a few stray cows I got a bit closer. Well hello, a beautiful bull moose and his girlfriend were just passing through. What a lovely surprise!
Our last ride revealed more trash, beer bottles and cans piled high in fire pits then covered with rocks throughout the area and new fire pits created in poorly chosen locations. Later today I will write the forest management area to alert them that users are mistreating this beautiful place. Please spread the word and pack out what you pack in, maybe refrain from a fire and please take care of these wild places.
- LindaP
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