I’ve been back at the Clark Canyon Reservoir south of Dillon, MT for the last week and a half. This is the same area that I visited back in June (here and here).
Once again, it has proven to be a really great spot. This time, I setup at the Cameahwait campground. There are two loops at this campground. I am in the loop that does not have the boat ramp. I’m not sure it really matters though as the lake is so low, none of the boat ramps reach the water and there are very, very few boats. Maybe it is the time of year but it has been very quiet! Absolutely wonderful!
I’ve done some fishing, some kayaking, some mountain biking, some walking, and, of course, some Phantom 3 flying.
I also had a first with my Jeep Wrangler. I got it stuck!! This was a bit frightening as I was already in 4 wheel drive low.
I must be getting old or wise or maybe just getting control of my emotions (a bit better). Instead of freaking out and being angry, I just figured it was part of the adventure.
It happened as I was driving near the shore of the lake (but still a good little way from the water) very close to a place that I had driven a day or two earlier. Just puttering along and squish! The driver side wheels just sunk – it was like a big bowl of quick sand or something. The area all around was firm but a spot about ten feet in diameter was almost too soft to even walk on. With each step, my foot would sink six inches or more into the muck.
Since there was nobody around for miles, I grabbed my shovel and started digging. After uncovering the wheels and a bit of a path for them, I started hauling in rocks. Big rocks! I probably hauled several hundred pounds worth to make a little road for each wheel.
Then, the magic moment. I hopped in, fired her up, and drove right out of the stuff.
Other than the couple hours of digging and hauling rocks, it wasn’t a big deal.
I found some nice double-track for mountain biking. On the north side of the lake and north side of the highway, there is cattle guard and dirt road. That road is the place. It travels back for many miles thru public lands. Lots of climbing but very pretty, very quiet, and good mountain bike riding!
I’ve had a couple neighbors come and go since I arrived. All of them have been quiet and just plain good neighbors.
It seems to have warmed somewhat now but earlier in the week, overnight lows were down in the 36* range. Yet another confirmation that winter is coming. I’ve now been warned a couple of times, if I get caught in it now, it will be my own fault!
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