Back Country Ranger Program/ First Guests

What a week. Walter off to multiple board meetings and I was in charge of the training for back country ranger program.  Three days of  learning what is required in the back country, for example my favorite was the invasive plant ID and how to deal with them.  There were very specific instructions on when and how to use the radio to communicate with dispatch. All I remember from my early days is breaker one nine it's a smoky at mile post 10. "Over and out!  Our names are now 222wjones and 222kjones  What a handle.

We have our first back country patrol over the 4th of July. Two nights monitoring the campsites, and staying in the patrol cabin.  The weather looks good for our first adventure into the back country.  It is a 7 mile hike into the cabin the first day then another 5 miles to check on campsite number 2. Wally will have to keep his fireworks to a minimum.

Phil and Sally Franzel, Walter's business partner, were our first guests. It was great to have a touch of friends. We do miss everyone. The cabins here are very nice for those coming to MT. The rain did not stop us from hiking, playing some cards, rummy cube, and having some nice dinners out. There was even a wooden boat show on Whitefish Lake which reminded us of Lake Placid.

Worked in the nursery this week potting up some native Spirea, and pruning Cinquefoil. I do like spending time with the plants. I might get to do some planting at the Visitors Center next week.

Tip: The Eastside of Glacier is 2000 feet higher then the West.  Hiking plans need to consider elevation before heading out.  Be prepared with all weather gear, flip flops not included.

The magnificent sky

Chris catches his first fish at Placid Lake

Katie and her cousins all ready to have babies together