[Paddlewise] Gates of the Mountains, Montana

Little Happy dog and I just returned from a trip through Gates of
the Mountains on the Missouri River in Montana.  I have to say that
has to be one of the greatest places on Earth.  The river was the
highest and the fastest I have ever seen it there, they have had a
lot of rain, but it is so beautiful, especially as you enter the
canyons.  I saw bald eagles (all kinds of birds really) and even a
couple of eagle's nests with babies in them.  I saw deer and dahl
sheep and mountain goats.  We waited until right after the 4th of
July and almost had the river to ourselves!  The river was almost
deserted!  Yes, I paddled it solo (my boyfriend dumped me right
before the trip--his loss) and am glad I went anyway.  There seems
to have been a lot of discussion about that issue while I was gone.
;-)      Anyway, the current was almost 3 knots through the top of
the canyon and I have never seen it that strong.  It was great going
down river, not so good coming up but I managed it okay.  Happy was
the star attraction of the tour boats.  It seems they get some
kayakers but not of the dog variety too often.  I tried to take
pictures but had the camera stowed going down the first day since it
isn't waterproof.  Coming back up canyon, when I tried to take
pictures I ended up going backwards and had to give that up in favor
of forward progress.  Sorry Jackie, I'm not sure if I was successful
getting a picture of Happy and I in the boat.

When I went to launch, I had a crowd of people standing around to
watch me pack my boat.  They said "You're going to get all of that
in *there*??!!"  Gee, since I didn't have my boyfriend along, I got
to go very light on the food and had room left over!!  It's kinda
fun watching people react to kayaks though.  Someone in a power boat
came by to take a picture of us and said they could offer us a tow.
When I looked at them funny (I was envisioning speed rolling..),
they said they guessed that would be defeating the purpose wouldn't
it and went on their merry way.  Gee, I wish I could have gotten a
copy of that picture...

The Gates is such lovely pristine country,  I wish I could tell you
about it in such a way to do it justice.  I guess you just have to
go there.   Let me know, I might be willing to go back!

Alice
& Happy

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