This year, Papa Bear headed out to camp earlier in the week so our four-legged kids could escape the fireworks. We traded the loud booms, crowded town, and people’s questionable decisions for fresh mountain air, peaceful evenings, and the quiet beauty of the Little Belt Mountains.
Papa Bear had invited a few friends along for the weekend, Mr. Hartman and his pup, Spur, along with Ron and Angie and their pups. It turned into the perfect little mountain family.
Bluey learned pretty quickly that she had to play nice around everyone. Her special reminder necklace did its job with just a little noise whenever she thought about being naughty or unfriendly. By the end of the weekend, she was doing so much better, and it was really nice seeing her settle in and enjoy herself.
After a long day at work, I finally made it to camp Friday night. Spur Park isn’t too far away from home, but just far enough to get away from the fireworks and the chaos of town.
As soon as I arrived, I was reminded why we keep coming back. The mountains have a way of making everything else disappear.
Friday night, we all gathered around the campfire, swapping stories, laughing, and enjoying the peace. Then Mother Nature surprised us with her own fireworks show.
The Northern Lights danced across the sky.
It was absolutely breathtaking and far more beautiful than anything man-made could ever be.
Saturday morning started exactly how a morning in the mountains should: crisp air, hot coffee, and loving on all the pups. Even Spur made his morning rounds to collect his share of attention.
Once lunch was packed, we loaded up into the SxS and headed out. What started as a ride turned into a 126-mile adventure through the mountains.
Everywhere we looked, wildflowers painted the mountainsides. Some were varieties I’d never seen before, while others were familiar favorites. No matter how many times I see them, I’m always mesmerized by the explosion of color nature puts on display.
Papa Bear took me down to what I believe was the Middle Fork of the Judith using the new route. Let’s just say there were plenty of “OH MY!” moments as we tackled some pretty steep terrain.
Thankfully, Papa Bear handled it like a pro, as always.
When we finally reached the river, every nerve-wracking moment was worth it. The crystal-clear water, towering rock walls, and peaceful surroundings were absolutely stunning.
The six pups wasted no time jumping into the water to cool off while I just stood there soaking in the beauty around me.
There’s something so calming about sitting beside a rushing mountain river, listening to the water, taking in all of nature’s beauty, and forgetting about everything else for a little while.
And, of course, I even found a rock formation that looked like BIGFOOT!
Because apparently, you can’t go exploring Montana without looking for Bigfoot. 😂
By this time, it was time to head back to camp. It had been a full day of riding, and we had collected our fair share of dust along the way.
I jumped into making dinner while Papa Bear washed off the layers of dirt and dust we’d collected.
I decided to try something new and different and made street tacos with fajita meat. Anyone who knows me knows I’m definitely not a chef, but I am trying to branch out from the same old camping meals we have every other weekend.
Besides, the quickest way to Papa Bear’s heart is a good home-cooked meal.
Surprisingly, they turned out pretty damn good! I already have a few ideas to make them even better next time.
Saturday truly was the perfect way to spend the 4th of July. Great company, good food, incredible scenery, happy pups, and absolutely no fireworks needed.
Sunday greeted us with beautiful sunshine and cool mountain air. We took our time waking up, sitting outside, soaking up the sun, visiting with everyone, and filling our souls with one more peaceful mountain morning before packing up.
Another unforgettable weekend filled with laughter, good friends, happy pups, incredible adventures, and memories that remind me why the mountains will always feel like home.
Until next time… ❤️
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