This morning I took a nice 2 hour hike up a mountain close to my home. I took some photos to share the experience! This is a lovely time in my area. The flowers are starting to come out, and the temperature is not too hot, not too cold. I think I hiked 2 miles up and then back again. It felt great.

Shooting stars

These flowers are called shooting stars. They were dotting the hillside all along the way..

Tick prevention!

I have heard the ticks are bad right now, so I pulled my socks up over my pants but mainly I am showing you this photo because these shoes may not be all that pretty -- but they are the best hiking shoes I have ever had. They are by Vivobarefoot, and they have a thin, flexible, durable sole. The fabric is very breathable, water resistant, and these do just fine in the snow! The soles are grippy enough for the kinds of hikes I do, and the flexibility of the shoe helps me feel really in contact with the ground. I used to get very sore legs and knees. But since I switched to this type of shoe, I do much better. I wear these any time I know I am going to be walking a lot. If I could afford their other shoes I would get some of the regular sneaker- shaped ones too! Some day!

I highly recommend minimalist style shoes! I got these on sale, or I would have chosen black for the color. But its okay. This grey color is fine too! I added the red laces. I am not sure how I would feel hiking for days in these, but I plan to give it a try this summer.

Balsam Root

Balsam root is one of the first flowers to bloom in the spring here, after the crocuses. Right now this is just beginning, but soon the hillsides will be covered with these bright yellow blooms. They get rather large some years, and look a lot like sunflowers. The whole reason I left my house to hike this morning was to see the fresh blooms! This balsam root season only lasts for perhaps a few weeks. Its a special time, in my opinion!

I was up pretty high!

It is hard to capture the extreme panoramic eye candy that is Big Sky Country, but I can't help but try. Here is a shot from when I was still going up the mountain side. According to Wikipedia, the peak of this mountain is 4,768 feet, or 1,453 meters. So like a mile high. I am not sure if I went all the way to the peak because the woods got thicker back there, and the trail continues in an up and down pattern, for quite a ways. I didn't bring a map up there. But I think I was pretty close. Of course, hiking on a meandering trail to the peak takes a bit more than a mile of walking!

Star moss

This is one of my favorite things too! So many favorite things in the woods. Star moss is like a mini fairy forest if you stick your face up close to it. Which I did.

Heart rock

As many of you know, I always find heart shapes everywhere. This hike did not disappoint.

Lichen

Another thing I am always entranced by is lichen. So many shapes and colors. I tried to look this one up, but I am not sure the exact species. I would love to memorize all the species of moss and lichen!

Near the peak, I hugged this tree for a while

..or I kind of just leaned on it and looked off into the distance. What a stately, old, and lovely tree.

Here is the view from leaning up against it..

Here are its branches

Last but not least...

My phone memory was full, and i saw these flowers right at 11:11 and wanted to take this photo for @phedizzle. It took me until 11:12 to delete apps and make room for the photo, but Phe, this one is for you, just know I was looking at these flowers and thinking about you right at that time! :)

Ok that was my lovely hike! It is still sooooooo nice out so I am going to seize the day and get back out there!

Take care,

xo ,