Bear Tooth & Sunlight

We had a much needed break from the usual around here.  It was also a nice break from the heat.  The Bear Tooth Pass is an awesome sight as usual and the Sunlight Basin…well, it was breathtaking.  This cabin was new to us so that was an adventure too.  The cabin had everything:  electricity, water, an actual shower with hot water, three bedrooms, refrigerator, microwave and even a washer and dryer!  The first day had a shocker when we were unloading the cars.  I was with my son unloading when Lovely who was standing closer to the cabin said:  “bear!”.  My first thought was a black bear that was far away but to my shock it was a very large grizzly bear about seventy yards away!  I shouted for Love and Gabby to go inside the cabin and fortunately the bear got startled and moved out of sight.  Later we found out this area had problem bears released in the area, I’m quite glad we didn’t have any problem with it!  We had other visitors that weren’t as large or dangerous but were a lot of fun none the less.  I think we all just loved having a change of scenery.  You couldn’t go wrong no matter which way you looked out from the cabin.  Don’t get me wrong, I like our views here from our house but it’s pretty hard to beat things like this.  Though I hear it’s been dry in the area of the cabin the mountains remained very beautiful.  I enjoy seeing other pines besides what we have near our house too.  The cabin was built in the 30s so the style was rustic and different from the other ones we’d stayed in before.  The fence gate had a tree shaped holes cut in them…I thought that was a cool touch.  I’m a texture man so while I was examining the fence I couldn’t help but notice the rusty bolts embedded in some of the fence posts.  I also like the moss and such that grows on old fences don’t you?  I think the delicate greens and the worn wood make for a texture lovers dream.  The front gate to the cabin had the same tree cut pattern but there was a large spring on it that creaked like some old castle door when it was opened.  The cabin host and his wife were actually from Pennsylvania.  He faithfully raised and lowered the flag each day.  The ground hogs became our best friends before it was all over.  Their antics were really funny and they all had personalities that was surprising for such little fellows.  We explored down this road both directions and even spent the day wading a bit on a warm day.  You just can’t beat the smell of a wild rose!  We spent a lot of time looking to see if the large grizzly would return but that didn’t happen…nothing but beautiful scenery out there.  Interestingly enough (or not) most of the fences weren’t the standard barbwire I was used to…most was wooden and when there was barbwire it looked old and on its way out.  What’s better then a classic weenie roast when in the woods?  I have many more pictures to share but that will have to wait for now.  I hope all is with you my friends.  The truth is I wasn’t ready to come back but it’s good to have friends to come home to when you do have to return right?