We rode down to Kootenai Falls, just 10 miles or so to the west of our camp. We were amazed by what we saw. First we stopped by the Ranger Station in Troy, MT.
Pete and Steve. Pete is the Grizzly Bear, named after the area where he was living. Pete developed a taste for domestic goats, outdoor freezers, garbage cans and hanging Elk meant for human consumption. Pete roamed over 500 square miles so relocation was not an effective option. Ultimately and sadly Pete had to be exterminated because of the dangerous nature of his behavior. Pete weighed over 750 pounds when he was tagged. He is now mounted for display in the Three Rivers Ranger Station in Troy. Montana. The mount was reduced to nearly one half size in order to fit through the door.
We stopped by Kootenai Falls, a spiritual place for the ancient natives. Gari surveys the lay of the river below.
Kootenai Falls, Troy, Montana.
Showing the hill behind the falls.
A little closer in on the main falls.
A low shot from below the falls.
Steve climbs out on the rocks for a close up. This is not recommended as the water is powerful and treacherous. Steve has the agility of a Mountain Goat, an old Mountain Goat, very old. He believes that is why some call him Old Goat.
Gari gets a candid shot of Steve from above.
Powerful water at the precipice of the main falls.
A beautiful spot.
Gari becomes one with the water above the falls. From her expression you can be sure the water is very cold!
Gari back in the water below the falls.
Steve finds a seat at this spiritual place. We could look at these falls all day.
The falls.
The stair-step cascades above the falls.
Gari sets up a close up low shot.
Voila!
Steve poses above the falls.
View from above the falls looking down river to the west.
Steve sees Gari at the top of the falls.
...and is able to get her attention to turn around for a photo opportunity.
Gari likes it!
Gari captures a long shot of our next destination, the Swinging Bridge at Kootenai Falls. You can just see the bridge in the upper left frame.
The view from below the Swinging Bridge.
Oh boy, this thing is going to swing!
Steve has to hold his hat on or lose it to the strong wind over the river.
Brave Gari stops to take pictures!
Gari's view from the Swinging Bridge.
Gari gets her photo mid-bridge.
Hiking on the opposite side of the river, Gari crosses a small tributary creek.
...and demonstrates her superior balance skills!
