Backcountry ranger with friends

A beautiful sunny day in the mountains of Montana.

We hiked only a few miles today through beautiful valleys and thick young pine forests. Near Lost Cabin Creek we made camp at an old hunters camp. It was a choice spot with a nice grassy space by the water. Perfect for stretching out a towel and reading in the sun.

We met our first person on the trail today - this friendly backcountry ranger and his horses and mules. He told us of a big black bear that he saw last night in his camp and about how fun it is to be a ranger since he retired! What an awesome life.