We got out for another evening hike up Kootenai tonight. Kind of the usual going in. Another squirrel photo, but I love the sunshine on him with the green background. 
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And another spectacular view of the sun setting ahead of us on the trail as we continued hiking farther in. ​Par for the course so far. Then we came across another hiker on his way out, who asked us how far we were going. He then told us he had seen a billy goat (male mountain goat) near the wilderness boundary. I hadn't originally intended on getting that far in our time frame (planning to be out by dark to avoid the need for headlamps), but decided for the chance of seeing the mountain goat (and getting a couple photos), we would pick up our pace and then trail run part of the way out to still get back out by last light at 9:17. So the quest was on. We got to the wilderness boundary, but never saw the mountain goat. Oh well, it was worth a shot. 
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It was growing darker as we were coming out quickly, and things darted off the trail here and there to avoid getting stepped on. When I leapt over a little dark lump in the trail without even thinking about what it was (there are lots of obstacles all along the way), it suddenly moved in an unfamiliar way beneath my airborne feet. I stopped and looked back to see what it was and to my surprise it was still on the trail. Yes, it's a bat! It had had its wings closed in, and then suddenly sprung them open as I jumped over it, but it didn't leave the trail. Jamie thought maybe it was a little stunned after hitting something?? Don't know. I snapped a quick pic (using flash due to the darkness), and then kept moving. We hit the trailhead at last light, after having bats swooping at us the rest of the way out. One went right between me and Emily, and another between Emily and Jamie. So crazy!! They definitely kept us moving! LOL!
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We came across a ton of tiny little toads on the trail up Kootenai last night. So many, we quickly lost count!

​Hopping across the trail and up or down the sloped sides. Most of them ranging in size between a quarter and a fifty-cent piece when they were just sitting on the trail with their legs tucked in close. This one was a tad bit bigger and a little greener than most of them. They were so quick and small, we had to be extra careful not to step on them!

​Such cute little guys... and so amusing to watch darting to and fro!! :)
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Got out for a little midday hike up Kootenai with two of my girls and a friend back in June before the smoke moved in. (Our friend took the photo of me and the girls.) It was quite hot and sunny that day. It seems so strange looking at this photo right now, as this year's fire season got off to an early start and all the smoke has been filtering out some of our sunshine lately. It's nice to see a reminder of sunnier days. :)
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Mesmerizing and refreshing!

Just a quick little video of the mighty rushing water.
With all of the mountain snowmelt in June, it moves incredibly fast!
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We got out for an evening trail run up Kootenai after supper last night. ​We mixed it up with a little bit of hiking, too. In combination, it was a good 2-hour workout. :)
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We enjoyed the creek for just a bit while stopping to filter water. 

​It's soooo relaxing by the water! :)

​The creek is noticeably slower this time of year, but still captivating as always. :)

Mighty rushing water. Blooming wildflowers. The setting sun.
A wonderful combination for an evening hike up Kootenai Canyon earlier this month.
Oh, how I love the mountains any time of year!! :)

I find water spilling over rocks to be peacefully mesmerizing.
​What simple joys can be found "out here"! :)
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I love the motion of flowing water and the contrasting action when it hits the rocks.
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The trail follows quite close to the creek at times,
​providing an amazing experience of the sights and sounds of rushing water.

Kootenai Creek is full of rocks, causing the water to tumble and spray magnificently!
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I tend to find beauty and joy in the simplest things. Like tree roots stretching out into the water. There's always something to catch my attention and the snap of my camera shutter. It sometimes amazes me that I'm able to get in any hiking time! LOL!! :)
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I hope you enjoyed coming along on another adventure up Kootenai. If so, be sure to hit the "like" button and leave me a comment. I value your thoughts and communication. :)
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A gorgeous place on the hillside to enjoy a little break with views and sunshine!

​We enjoyed a longer break up and away from the trail at our turnaround point.
More views and sunshine. What a wonderful day for a hike in the mountains!
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A couple of couloirs filled with snow stand out on the southern canyon wall.

As the afternoon turned into evening on our way out, the sun slipped behind the southern canyon wall. The dramatic contrast of the resulting shade below against the sun shining onto the northern canyon wall up high is always a sight to behold. :)

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See you in the next post. Enjoy! :)
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