We took Luna down for a swim in Lake McDonald.

The shuttles stopped operating after Labor Day, so we drove up to the Loop for a quick last view.  Heaven's Peak still has traces of snow with ice glistening in the sun, and the first colors of fall are arriving.

HIKE TO MT AENEAS

Our hike today was to Mt Aeneas, in the Jewel Basin area.  The peak is named after Chief Aeneas Paul, a Kootenai chef who ruled his people in the late 1800's on the west shore of Flathead Lake.  He interacted with the white people during the rapid settlement of the valley.

Darrell and Luna begin the hike nose to the ground.

Views of Flathead Valley along the way.

This panorama shot sort of gives you an idea of the view....looking over at GNP.

Made it to the top!  3 miles, 2000 ft elevation gain.  The hike has many descriptions, from easy (by a local hiker), to moderate (in our hiking book) to strenuous (on the sign at the trailhead)....my description is "challenging".  From the top you can see the peaks in Glacier National park, down into the Bob Marshall Wilderness, and over to Flathead Lake.

Darrell and Luna head back down the ridge that was our final ascent to the top.  The building in the distance is a microwave tower.

Luna guards Darrell's feet as he enjoys lunch in the shade.

CROWN OF THE CONTINENT GUITAR WORKSHOP AND FESTIVAL

 This was a week-long event held in Bigfork, at Flathead Lake Lodge.  The lodge is beautiful, but at $3,500+ per person for a week long stay, we were content with a concert in a big tent nearby.  There were concerts every night, and we went to one with Lee Ritenour as headliner, with Dave Grusin as pianist.  The talent was great, a combo of smooth and contemporary jazz.  This is its third year, and we will be attending again next year, maybe more than one show.  Outstanding.

This morning we skipped the gym and went out to breakfast.....hey, gotta take a break once in a while.