DAY TWO.

Day two started with our first Montana sunrise just a few steps through the woods from our campsite to the Lake McDonald. The mixture of clouds and smoke created amazing textures and colors in the sky. I could not get enough of the progression of the sun rising up over the mountains. Each photo looking slightly different and more beautiful than the last. 

Every day we would take our little camp stove with us to make breakfast or at least coffee for the cold mornings. The temperature in the mornings were so vastly different from midday. We would wake up in the morning and have to put on several layers; spandex, sweatpants, multiple shirts and hoodies, beanies. By the time we were on a hike in the middle of the day we'd be in shorts and a tank top. Then we would reach a lake and have to put some layers back on. Needless to say that warm coffee just to hold in the mornings was wonderful. 

After the sun came up over the mountains, we packed up for the day and headed out for a drive. For the first full day in Montana we wanted to just drive around and explore a little. We drove to Flathead Lake and took the scenic route. Once we found a spot we parked and hiked down the hill to the lake. I didn't take many pictures at the lake I think because we were both just still in such disbelief of where we were and that somewhere actually looked like this. We took off our boots and splashed around in the lake and really got a good look at the painted rocks for the first time. There was a fallen tree right on the shoreline that we sat on for awhile and just took it all in. 

After sitting for awhile, hunger called so we went to a local brewery for a late lunch and some beer. After driving around a bit more we started on our semi long journey to Bowman Lake for sunset. The drive was mainly on back roads that were super sketchy and windy, with crazy blind turns and potential of sliding off of the mountain, but you know, totally worth it.

When we reached the campground near Bowman Lake we parked the car and walked through the trees to the shore. 

When we finally saw Bowman Lake, it was the epitome of the scenery I've been waiting for. The way the mountains came together in the middle with the soft colors of the setting sun in the smoke. The view with the sunset and it being the beginning of our trip, this was definitely one of the most magical spots in the entirety of our trip. This spot is still the top contender for my favorite. My husband set up the GoPro, opened a few Wild Huckleberry beers by Great Northern Brewing Company, and settled in for the sunset. 

My first ever attempt at an in camera double exposure, because why not. 

We wanted to stay forever at Bowman, but we had a few hours drive back to camp to once the sun was almost completely set, we packed up and started our journey back to our campsite. We stopped at a few spots along the way to catch a glimpse at some stars and even of the forest fire in the distance.

We then made it back to camp to rest up for day three. 

Comment