Bear Grass

This has been an outstanding year for Bear Grass (Xerophyllum tenax, or X. palustris, if you want to get botanical about it). Bears are said to like the tender new leaves in the springtime, hence the common name. Gee--lotza things could be named "Bear this, bear that" if that's all it takes to get something named after you . . . .

But anyway, it's lovely stuff in bloom, and rare. It only grows in certain selected parts of northwestern Montana and southern Alberta. We knew people in Calgary who traveled south to Waterton park on the US border (contiguous with Glacier National Park) just to see the Bear Grass. It's that special.

Last year, I saw some for the first time on the way in to Whitefish--in one area along a high-line right of way that crossed Highway 93. Only in that one spot. This year, the stuff is prolific--still in a restricted area which includes that right-of-way, but there's so much more! Apparently, it's not only picky about where it grows, it's picky about whether it blooms at all. This is a good year. See for yourself.

Fun in Montana

We've had lots and lots of rain for the past 3 weeks, and on one afternoon not too long ago, the sun broke through briefly, and Max took this picture off the front porch. If you look really hard, you may see a rainbow . . .

Other big events include the beginnings of a broccoli head in our porch pot. Again, you have to look really hard (probably have to click to see it BIG). Right now, it's only about an inch across,
but I have great hopes for things to come.


Last, but not least, is this group photo of me with some of my Whitefish Walker friends on Saturday, which was Flag Day (June 14). Sandie lives on Big Mountain, so we gathered at her house and walked from there. Lots more grade to deal with than our usual walks around Whitefish! My hips are sore today. But it was a good warmup for my first real hike of the season, which will be with my Calgary group on Wednesday.