Being on sabbatical, it was important for me to maximize the atmosphere conducive to thinking. Hmmm....where to go? (people always ask you 'Where are you GOING on your sabbatical').
Big Sky!!!
I do some of my best thinking there.
Besides, I had never been here at this time of year. I expected it might be cold. Perhaps snowing already. Well, it's been around 70 both days so far. Clear skies. Very sunny. Brilliant foliage.
I took a quick drive into the park this evening (NW corner), hoping to see some wildlife and foliage. There is not an abundance of aspens here, but when they occur, they are gorgeous - brilliant gold, and sometimes with a tinge of orange I don't remember seeing before. But more than this, along the river (Gallatin) there are reds (Vacciniums I think; I haven't stopped to look yet) and yellows (willows) everywhere, grading into the sage green of the upland areas and the deep green of spruces. In the setting sun, the Gallatin Valley was truly spectacular.
I thought I wasn't going to see any wildlife, but then this cutie popped up on the side of the road. He wanted to cross, but headed back as I braked to avoid hitting him. I then turned around and pulled over in a pullout and got this shot of him as he tried again to cross the road.
There was also a rather worrisome looking fire on the back side of the mountain the Lone Moose Chair is on. Not too far from Southern Comfort. Haven't heard what that is all about...but here is a photo.
