Breaking out into the sun in Cottonwood Bottom! (Keith Hammer photos)
Seven Swan Rangers skied sweet snow on a sub-zero Saturday, December 23, breaking trail up to and through Cottonwood Bottom in Krause Basin!
It was a knee-deep affair that was also a great study in how light changes along the way and through the day!
The northern Swan Range awaiting sunrise, as seen from the Bigfork dump site!
A bunch of shady characters contemplate the first creek crossing in the early morning blue light!
The trail gets all the more close and intimate during winter . . .
. . . especially as the snow critters begin to appear!
Hemlock trees threaten to dump their snow on passing skiers!
Cottonwood Bottom offers a glimpse of Peters Ridge . . .
. . . then offers up a tight spot along South Krause Creek!
The crossing of MIddle Krause Creek makes one thankful for snow bridges!
The Swan Rangers meet every Saturday at the Echo Lake Cafe for breakfast at 8:30, leaving at 9:30 for a partial day outing in the northern Swan Mountains and foothills.
They carpool from the Swan River School parking lot next to the Cafe.
When hiking in bear country, remember to carry bear spray and avoid the 3-D's: dawn, dusk, and darkness.
Everyone is welcome!