Chokecherries and Elk

After a busy week in Yellowstone country, we were ready for a little more of a relaxed pace. I caught up on the laundry, even going to a commercial laundromat to wash a comforter and bedspread.

We were in Lewistown, Montana, because of the Chokecherry Festival. I had read about it and the elk bugling season at Charles M Russell NationalWildlife Refuge in Country magazine. Harold has fond memories of his grandmother making chokecherry jam, and we figured that there would be lots of chokecherry goodies available at the festival.

While we suspect that Covid19 played a role in the somewhat lackluster crowds and resulted in a fewer number of vendors, we enjoyed our masked stroll through the blocked off main street. We bought chokecherry jam, chokecherry syrup, chokecherry fudge, and chokecherry cordials along with fry pies, a rhubarb pie, and a couple of handcrafted items.

Chokecherry goodness

Once you were through the vendor section, there was a car show. I’m starting to think a car show is a requisite for festivals. One of the more intriguing displays was a coal delivery vehicle that had been in the same family since purchased new in 1915.

The day before the festival we drove the Montana Bale Trail. I had read about it from the Lewistown Visitor website. The bale trail was officially cancelled this year, not because of Covid, but because of a lack of volunteers. A few ranches had put out last year’s displays, and we certainly smiled when we’d come across them. I hope that they get enough volunteers in future years to continue. From the photos of past years, there are some creative people out here.

That one minion looks rather suspect

On Monday we fortified ourselves with coffee and a frappe from The Coffee Cup before venturing out on a day long trip that would culminate at the Slippery Ann Elk Viewing area. We had met the owner of the coffee shop at First Baptist Church the day before. He offered a couple of ideas for our trip.

Our first stop, the overlook at Judith Peak, was a bit of a bust because of all the smoke from the West Coast. On a clear day you can see to Canada. We were lucky to see nearby peaks, let alone Canadian mountains.

Next, we drove to Winifred to catch the Knox Ridge Road over to the James Kipp Campground. At first, the road was like any other dirt road through ranch grazing lands. As we approached the Missouri “breaks” the road became more dirt than gravel, the hills a little steeper, and the views a little more interesting. Yes, I was glad we were in the Jeep and that it hadn’t been raining.

Along Knox Ridge Road

Smoky skies

Missouri River

Then we hit the self-guided auto tour in the Charles Russell National Wildlife Refuge. Again, I was glad for the Jeep. Even though we didn’t need the four-wheel drive, the extra clearance was comforting. Just as we were beginning to wonder if we were going to have to consider cattle as wildlife, we rounded a corner to see a flock of wild turkeys. I think it was the biggest flock of wild turkeys that I had seen. Harold counted around sixteen of them or so.

Finally, we made it to the Slippery Ann area. Cars were already parked along the road at 5:00 p.m. We found a spot and pulled out our chairs. We watched as the elk slowly made their way out of the trees and into the grassy area. We heard the elks bugling, which I personally think sounds a bit high-pitched for such big animals. Even so, had I not known what it was, I would have been scared hearing that noise. Often you can’t see the elk in the trees.

The herd was still rather small in number, only around a hundred or so. In another couple of weeks, the herd should be around five hundred.  I imagine it’s a sight to see.  We’re so glad we read that Country magazine article.