another week, another adventure
Early Autumn sometimes indicates early snow. A visit from Slizzle ensured this would be the case for our fall frolics together. Usually when we gather we spin as many antics as possible and the latest visit proved to be a successful one in that regard, in addition to finding wildlife.
Here’s me heedless in causing Liz to look taller than she happens to be. Oh, and these are the Beartooths, folks!
Liz’s visit included living my life normally while dragging her along to all the random events around town I wanted to experience. Thankfully, she was up to the challenge and the snow only invigorated her. Landing into a summer vibe kind of day while clouds gathered to offer a glimpse of winter, Liz would stick it out and leave at the crux of Fall.
The Mountain West offered her all three seasons within her extended weekend visit and we gratefully lived each to the max. I considered organizing by events; however, each day held a multitude of adventures and I find it less of a hassle to group the adventures by days. The following photo montage accounts for all of our wanderings.
Saturday
After a late evening (for Liz, who lives in a time zone two hours ahead) at an author event inside a cozy creek side bookstore, we leisurely explored downtown the following day on a drizzly Saturday. The evening concluded with a local talent show and a hoedown. Ok, not quite a hoedown, but a very talented duo playing bluegrass music that impressed the Georgia roots in our twang. It was another late evening for Liz, so I would let her sleep in the next morning while I studied and tried to ignore the swirling snow collecting outside the window.
Sunday
For our snowy Sunday I drove Liz over to view a family of moose on the way to a popular hike through woods along the same creek that runs through town. The magic of the gently falling snow on the family bedded down in the pasture enraptured Liz. So, too, did the solitude of a snowy afternoon on a trail while listening to the rush of the creek over boulders. Apparently, rushing water produces positive ions, which creates a calm in us humans. We both couldn’t stop taking pictures!
On the return trip, I made sure to be a good tour guide and stop by the welcome sign to capture Slizzle in an iconic location. I also ensured her we would also return to the same sign when the skies cleared. For juxtaposition, of course.
Liz basking in the fresh grip of winter
Monday
Photoshoot by the Yellowstone River (see the mishaps and wins above)
Perusing a bookstore, titled Down Home on the Yellowstone, while enjoying their tasty coffee drinks
A drive out into the country, which out here means “up the canyon”
Teaching a ballet class (Liz was gracious enough to wait it out at my house)
Bighorn sheep
The Absarokas powder dusted in white fluff
A day of scenic views and chill vibes. I took Slizzle to a bookstore I couldn’t convince TAJ to go explore with me and it was kismet. That moment waited just for us. Down Home on the Yellowstone proved to be a treasure trove of a coffee/tea shop with an endearing book selection available for purchase. The vault of mysteries were an especially fun find that I can’t wait to peruse again.
Along the route back, I detoured us through a canyon with hopes of a short walk to a waterfall (Liz’s fave). The road construction forced us to backtrack and enabled us to spot a herd of Bighorn sheep. Across from the “watch for Bighorn sheep” sign. What a day. What a sighting!
Tuesday
Slizzle waltzing through a perfect Fall day
A short hike through golden quakies with friends on a bluebird day
A drive up the Beartooth to the road closure (it closes this time every Fall and remains closed until Memorial Day weekend)
A photoshoot at the overlook followed by a short jaunt past the road closure for more snow-filled views
A drive up the canyon to take in all the views from the opposite perspective
A tiny hike up a few switchbacks along with more pics of our shenanigans
Me teaching again then us running across the street to join my book group discussion (Slizzle opted to eavesdrop on an awkward couples’ argument at the bar instead of awkwardly sit amidst a convo about a book she didn’t read.)
A friend invited me to join a group hike near my house and I took Slizzle along. We joined for a mile or so before turning back to head up the canyon for the afternoon. It was a special treat to squeeze in that hike through golden trees with the sweetest of friends that I don’t get to see that often. The weather couldn’t be more perfect for all of our last day adventures together, too!
Driving friends up the hairpin turns of the Beartooth Scenic Byway doesn’t get old. Their elation at the dizzying views makes me even more grateful to call this location home. The snow dusted mountains left us breathless. Well, for Liz the altitude may be at fault. That didn’t stop us from taking pics on the precipice of the outlook though. For funsies, we dipped under the road closed sign and took our boots up a few more curves.
Livin’ on the edge
I promised you juxtaposition. You’re welcome. Two days after the snowstorm.
A walk on the Beartooth Scenic Byway is a treat for the locals when it closes to cars
On the way back down rather than treat Liz to lunch overlooking the creek, I drove her up the canyon for views of the Beartooths from ground level. The icy road didn’t phase her somehow. I think the switchbacks did though, but we can blame that on the unreal views again. Right? I didn’t inform her hovered at 9,000 ft. Oops. 2x
Slizzle relishing the mountain majesties
I’d say we conquered most of the area and the vibe of it all. Every visit from a friend is a bit different and I appreciate the ability to explore the variety my location offers without feeling overly touristy. Slizzle got the most of my everyday schedule, which seemed fitting in all the best ways. Next time, summer excursions are on the itinerary!
Raise your hand if you want all the pics I didn’t have room for on this page. It’s your lucky day since Slizzle built and album and doesn’t mind sharing it with you! Enjoy: MT 2025
Sprite forgot her hiking hat