Hike up Sweathouse in late July

It was a hot day. The creeks and river waterflows are diminishing. It rained heavily the day before and even though the seasonal streams are drying up, there were a few new "puddles" in some of the draws where everyone and everything took advantage of the water.

To see all the photos in a new window, click Merle's SmugMug Hike up Sweathouse in late July.

Road Bike, Kayak, Camping Gear - all you need

I was pulling out on the highway when I saw this guy. I loved his get-up. I asked if he minded if I photographed him. He smiled and said, "Go ahead."

Click here to view all 3 photos in a new window

Whitetail Buck in Velvet

This buck was moving through a field and into riparian cover. He did me the favor of stopping for a photo shoot though he was fidgeting from bugs biting him.

Click here to see my SmugMug gallery of Whitetail Buck in Velvet in a new window.

Sierra Footsteps of the Me-Wuk Tribe - Northern California

On July 9-12 my friend, Nancy, and I participated in a workshop with the Me-Wuk tribe in northern California. On my Picasa photo site are photos of workshop members making baskets, digging sticks, acorn processing, soaproot brush making and more.

On the last morning of the workshop, Gladys McKinney, Jennifer Bates, Kimberly Stevenot, Arvada Fisher, and Kathy Wallace talked with us about customs, materials, tools, designs, processes and much more. There are a lot of photos, but these baskets, etc are the real deal. So, enjoy!

Click here to see Merle's SmugMug photo site for the Me-Wuk Footsteps in the Sierra's

North Fork of the Stanislaus River in northern CA

My friend Nancy and I traveled from the Bitterroot Valley to the Stanislaus National Forest for a workshop in northern California Native American Arts, Crafts, and Plant Use. I haven't posted for a few weeks because of the trip and the work load when I returned. This post, and many more will show photos of the trip through Idaho, Nevada, Oregon and California, and the workshop itself. To see photos as I post them online, click this link for Merle's Picasa Photo Site.


These photos were taken just after dawn - about 6:20 am - at the Wa Ka Luu Hep Yoo (Wild River) Campground, California.

• 3900 foot elevation.


• 49 campsites near the North Fork of the Stanislaus River.


• Good fishing for wild brown and rainbow trout. Late season deer hunting. Nearby fishing, picnic/day use area, river shore trails, and whitewater boating launch.


• Campground is located on the site of an ancient Me-Wuk Indian village, within the Sourgrass Recreation Complex.


• Significant Native American artifacts such as grinding stones and middens have been preserved.


• Location: From Altaville, go northeast on CA 4 to Dorrington, then northeast on Boards Crossing Road across the river.
• Address: Calaveras Ranger DistrictStanislaus National ForestP.O. Box 500Hathaway Pines, CA 95233
• Phone: (209) 795-1381
• Season: June - October
• Fee: yes
• Reservations: NO

See my SmugMug slideshow below for more photos of the North Fork of the Stanislaus River at Dawn.

4th of July Party at the Rattlesnake Gardens

If you haven't been, you need to go to the 4th of July BBQ put on by the Rattlesnake Gardens - (406) 543-9962
2501 Rattlesnake Dr, Missoula, MT 59802 Get directions Cross Streets: Near the intersection of Rattlesnake Dr and Powell St.

Located near the Historic Lower Rattlesnake District

Jack's band, Pinegrass, played the music there this year. I had never been and had no idea this was their 10th annual party! I can see why they have been so popular. The family picnic atmosphere was amplified with the great food, beverages, and ice cream. There was plenty of seating in the shade and some in the sun. Music was both the feature and the background.

So many people of all ages seemed to grin, visit, eat, dance and be merry from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. When it was over, the crowd left by bike, foot, and car and with in minutes, the place was quiet and clean. Amazing!

If you want to see for yourself, see the slideshow below. There are lots of photos so you might want to open it in a new window and buzz through it. Or, you can come for yourself next year!

Click here to view all in a new window - feel free to download copies

Get your own

Jack will be doing a benefit float on the Clark Fork River this Tuesday and Thursday for the Clark Fork Coalition 320 Float. They will be doing 320 miles in 20 days! Whew. He has decided to use the Rattlesnake Gardens for his lunches. That will be tasty! Lucky floaters.