Birds, Butterflies, Babbling Brooks, Bears, Bikes & Becca

I have to comment on what a beautiful day it was today (June 21, I think).  Becca says it was her best day biking so far.  It didn't rain, the views were incredible, and we both enjoyed the abundance of nature, each in our own way.  The traffic and hills were manageable. It's amazing what one notices on a bike that's missed when driving.  The least little grade up, an extra 4 miles down a gravel road to a trailhead, the sound of chirping birds, the smell of the morning mist, the wildflowers on the side of the road are all fully appreciated on a bicycle. Becca rode 50 miles up the foothills of the Montana Rockies, to today's destination of Libby, MT.  

I took a hike in an ancient cedar grove, and at one point all colors of butterflies fluttered around me while I stood on the bank of a brook that bubbled so loudly it actually sounded like voices talking. I met another hiker, who warned me about bears and we had a discussion about what to do if I encountered one. And, as if on cue, when I drove away from the parking area, a little black bear lumbered across the road, just a few feet from the van!

Later I took another hike at a place called Kootenai Falls where the falls were truly spectacular, and walked across an adrenaline pumping swinging bridge. What a day!