October 2, 2014. Unlike most of the big Montana Rivers, the Bitterroot only flows about 75 miles before emptying into the Clark Fork River. The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Bitterroot. Over 235 birds have been identified in this area that covers 160 acres. That is my destination for tomorrow.
I chose the campsite where I’m staying because it’s situated right on the Bitterroot. Anglers come and go from the boat launch that I can see from my Scamp’s door. The riparian life today included lots of insect hatches including midges and caddis and the occasional osprey and eagle flying overhead. When the trucks and cars stopped their incessant noise from the nearby highway, I could hear the slow, mellow trickle of the fall flow.
I hung up my waders and boots today and instead concentrated on my website and other details of life that I’ve left undone for the last six months as I finished writing my book. Now, I need to read up on the latest library news since I’ll be taking the job as director of the Pine River Valley Library in Bayfield, CO. This amazing little library won the honor of “Best Small Library in the Country.” Pretty impressive. For now, though, I’m going to focus on my last three days in Montana and enjoy the company of the folks who are participating in the national Casting for Recovery fundraiser this weekend.
