RV Chickadee

Hello!

I know I haven’t posted in a while, but I have written this piece (link at the bottom of the page) for VIE magazine about the magnificence and the perils of hiking in Jewel Basin- one of the permier hiking areas in the Rockies of Montana. Located about 45 minutes south of Glacier National Park, it’s about a 30 minute drive up a winding road to get to the trail area’s parking lot.

I never took Trixie or Gizmo, but I could have as it’s dog friendly. Dogs are supposed to be on a leash, of course. On my way up, I passed a dog with his owner, and the dog was not on a leash. Then on my way back, I came across the dog only, coming up the path, away from his owner. I leashed him and called the number on his tag, but other hikers came along and told me that the dog was walking between his two owners, so I skeptically let him go.

Later, I came across the original owner, who was coming back up the trail. He was now looking for the dog, who was lost. I really wish people would be more careful. I happened to have their phone number in my phone since I had tried to call them, so I texted them that evening to find out if they ever found him. Thank goodness, they had.

I had taken a photo of the dog as it left me, and he was looking back, almost as if he was looking for my guidance. He did seem lost at the time, but I still let him go. I was afraid I had made a horrible decision, and had taken the last photo of the dog which was ever taken. I would have blamed myself if they never found him. I sent the photo to them. The dog was a speck in the photo, but it was so haunting to me for the short time in which I didn’t know if he was still lost in the woods. I blew it up a little for you- this picture would have made me so sad for a very long time.

And, here’s a photo I just liked from the hike!

Anyway, that’s my side story. The REAL story is below- You can read about my trek into Jewel Basin by clicking the blue link below. Or, just pick up a copy of VIE magazine if you live in the Florida panhandle! (Or if you are in an airport that carries the magazine.)

Jewel Basin: Worth The Risk

Thanks for keeping up with me!

Kelly