Under the Big Sky

I don't even know how to begin...

There are no words that can truly describe the beauty of Montana.

I'll give it a try, but I think the pictures will do most of the talking

(even though they do the real thing absolutely no justice).

When Blair and I first started dating (while living in Bozeman, MT) we would grab a six pack after work, jump in his truck and head up Gallatin Canyon and hike a rocky trail to find the perfect spot to sit and watch the kayaks and whitewater rafting tours make their way down the "mad mile" of the Gallatin river.  On our way to our intended trail head we were feeling a bit nostalgic and decided we had to make a pit stop.

 I'm so glad that we did.

So many memories from the beginning of our relationship came rushing back.

We spent the most of the day and night sharing memories of some of our first and favorite moments together.

After our trip down memory lane it was time to get serious.

We rented a couple of packs, a tent, and sleeping bags at REI so we could spend a night on the mountain.

We decided that Lava Lake was our destination.  Blair had been there once before and has always told me stories from his trip how beautiful it was.  Its a gorgeous trail, but can get kind of intense (especially with a 30+ lb pack attached to you).

We were more then ready to strap on our packs and get on the trail (we had been training for it all week).

We took a few breaks just to enjoy the scenery.

Just when we were starting to wonder if we could go any farther we stumbled upon this...

Lava Lake.

Pretty amazing isn't it?

We were so tired from the hike in we decided to put off setting up camp and just enjoy the remaining hours of sunlight on the beach or in the cool mountain lake water, taking in the view.

When we noticed the sun was starting to set we decided it was time to set up camp, but were having a hard time even considering leaving the beach.

So we decided not to, and pitched the tent and lit a fire right where we were.

Not the worst place to call home for a night, right?

The best part - we were completely alone out there. 

Just me, Blair and nature.

We spent the rest of the evening on the trails and beach collecting wood for our camp fire.

I'm not going to lie.  I'm glad we had this...

We didn't see any bears (just fresh paw prints).

Which I was going to take a picture of until I noticed the cub tracks near by while I was taking out my camera.  We decided it would probably just be best to put some distance between us and those tracks.

I'm sure you have all heard the saying "don't mess with mama bear".

So we ended up just listening to the sound of sunset on the mountain in the cool evening air.

It was one of the best days/nights that we have ever had together.

I hope we have many more just like it.