As we continued our progress North and West, today’s trek (July 15) took us to one of Montana’s “jewel” towns. Located near the central western edge of Montana, Philipsburg is a really neat old mining town. The town has been on our “bucket list” for several years now. We didn’t make it last year while spending time in Idaho so it was a must this year. The area is “pocked” with silver and other types of mines. While the silver mines have long played out, locals have built up an interesting tourist business of “picking out” other precious gems from the cast-off gravel of long gone silver mining.
Philipsburg is also located on Montana Highway 1. This highway is touted as being the original highway linking Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park. A third reason for visiting this area (as if there needed to be another reason) is this highway is also designated as the Pintler Memorial Scenic Byway. This road traverses miles of beautiful valley farmland, giving us the feel of visiting the “real Montana”. This begs the question though, “Why name it Pintler Memorial”? Virtually all other scenic byways have a more descriptive name of the area, e.g., the Beartooth Scenic Byway or the Snowy Range Scenic Byway. Mary Alice, MB says this might be a tailor-made research project for you! Who was Pintler and why name the byway after him/her? The big deal here though is the Meriam just won’t let it go – why don’t they just call it the “Old Glacier-Yellowstone Scenic Byway”?
Traveling along the Pinter Scenic Byway early in the morning, we happened upon this iconic old barn. For a photographer, this was a must stop. We must have spent at least 30 minutes photographing it until a minute (small) movement near the top of the barn caught my eye. Zoom in to the dark square whole at the top to see what attracted me!
At first, I thought it was the two robins roosting who attracted me. Then, much to my amazement, I noticed the barn owl to their lower right!
This photograph of this owl has to be one of my all-time top 10 photographs! Capturing a photograph of an owl in the wild (and in daylight) is a very rare occurrence (certainly for me anyway). Reviewing the dozens of photographs I took while there, I notice he had been watching the entire time without me noticing him.
This photograph seems almost “ho-hum” after the experience with the owl!
One of the charms of Philipsburg is all the old buildings. The entire main street is lined with them. The above building houses a hotel above a fabulous microbrewery. Of course, Meriam and I just had to sample some of their product!
It was difficult obtaining a photograph of the brewery’s charm. Jammed with at least 7 brewing vats on two levels, various tables, a really neat ole bar I discovered this lovely maiden in the lower left enjoying a cold one (also note the young lady on the upper level providing live music)!
In addition to the singer, check out the brewing vats.
As we mentioned in the dialog, one of Philipsburg’s tourist attractions is finding semi-precious gems. A number of local establishments sell sacks or buckets full of gravel from the old mines. Here Meriam is watching a couple of locals sift through their stash. This couple lives close by and comes here several times a month. A week ago, one of their friends found a 2 carat emerald in their pile!
Sign up board in a local sweet shop!
AmyLove the barn owl.
Mary Lou ReevesWe left Yellowstone 6.27.18… all was pretty then and not too crowded- y’all enjoy!!
HaroldWe bypassed Yellowstone this time. On previous trips, late May and Early June have been great times to visit. We are just leaving Glacier (West Side) and the people and traffic are outrageous! Glad we are not having to stay here!
David RayburnThe barn owl was obviously watching you very carefully in case you had any tom-foolery in your mind, Harold.
LauraIn 1980 while stationed st GITMO, I got a poor quality shot with 110 film of Barn Owl with babies in a cave at edge of Carribean. Sweet! However, got a rear full of cactus spines when I slid down toward mouth of cave. Ouch! Yours is a beautiful shot!!
HaroldSorry about the owl quality! Also, am most pleased there were no cactus near me!
Kim ShawLove the picture of the barn owl! Wow!
I have never been to Montana or Idaho. Your pictures make me want to go.Thank you for taking us along in your travels!
HaroldThanks Kim. The Montana, Idaho, Utah and Wyoming are definitely worth a look!
Valerie AyerWe will definitely will do this drive in September! Keep sending cool places!