Montana Photo

Seeley Lake.© Jason Savage

Just got back from a quick trip up to the Seeley Lake area and it’s looking awesome up there. Of course I did a little paddling while I was up there and explored around Seeley Lake and the Clearwater River area. Tons of wildlife out and of course I left my long lens at home. I should know by now that I should just expect to see killer wildlife shots if I continue doing that.

However I was paddling, so decided to pack light. Still it was great to be out for some R&R this weekend.

Morrell Falls.© Jason Savage

Also took a beautiful hike over to Morrell Falls and man is there a ton of water coming down right now. Also was devoured by some seriously mean mosquitos as well. They were out in full force up there this weekend and just brutal.

Beargrass. © Jason Savage

Beargrass is also out in force. Looking just magical and I think it’s going to be a banner year in the area.

That’s all for now. Will have some more stuff coming next weekend.

Cataract Falls.© Jason Savage

Was out this last weekend conducting a photography workshop up on the Rocky Mountain Front. Summer is definitely here and the scenery up there is awesome. Arrow-Leaved Balsamroots are out in full force and the landscape is plenty green. The creeks are running good but not too high and both the waterfalls we made it to, Cataract Falls and Double Falls were looking good.

Rocky Mountain Front.© Jason Savage

During our workshop we were discussing how this paticular area of Montana sees little in the way of visitation compared to other parts of the state such as the National Parks and other popular destinations, yet it contains some of the richest wildlife and landscape around.

If you haven’t been up and around the Rocky Mountain Front, it’s definitely worth putting on your list for upcoming places to see.

Ford Creek Impressions. © Jason Savage

Joe Forrester. © Jason Savage

This morning I had the opportunity to meet up with paddler Joe Forrester who has begun one serious trip. He started his journey on June 2nd at the headwaters of the Missouri river and plans to paddle it’s entire length to the Mississippi, and from there continue down to the Gulf of Mexico. When he is finished he will have logged almost 4,000  miles.

Joe’s intent for this trip is to raise money to help fight Parkinson’s and by attempting this incredible journey, hopes to bring more awareness to this unfortunate disease. Joe’s Grandfather was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2005.

From his trip, he hopes to raise $20,000 that will be donated to the National Parkinson Foundation. If you’re interested in learning more about Joe and his Journey or making a donation, please check out his website at www.paddlingforparkinsons.com.

Joe Forrester.© Jason Savage

On his site he has a map with current GPS locations, so you can follow Joe along the journey.

In addition to meeting Joe this morning, fellow Montana Paddler Norm Miller was along to help Joe with his portage. Norm is a great guy who has also done some serious paddling. In 2004 he paddled the Missouri river upstream from St. Louis, Missouri continuing on to the Pacific Ocean. He said it took him over six months to complete the trip.

It was great to be able to hear both Joe’s and Norm’s experience with Paddling the Missouri, as it’s one truly magnificent river. Best of Luck to you Joe!

History Fair. © Jason Savage

Downtown Helena was buzzing this weekend with it’s first annual History Fair which featured historic re-enactments,period actors and live demonstrations from Dutch Oven Cooking to Native American Drummers.

Coincidentally this year’s festival happened to fall on the same day as the Historic Helena Photography Workshop I was teaching, so we decided to include it in our schedule. Not a bad time, and I suspect it was a hit as downtown was packed.

Here’s a few pics from the workshop.

History Fair.©Jason Savage

St. Helena Cathedral.© Jason Savage

St. Helena Cathedral. © Jason Savage

Montana Capitol. © Jason Savage