The Montana "Man Trip", part V: McCart Lookout to Double Arrow Lookout



We saw some cool wildlife along the way.  We saw several dozen elk across a couple-mile stretch. 


Elk mixed in with cattle

On the drive up to the tower, we woke this fox and several deer (at different spots) that were sleeping just tens of yards off the road.



It's interesting how different each of these towers are.  Double Arrow Lookout had new wood floors and electricity with an oven, mini-fridge, lights, and heat.  But it didn't have mattress pads (McCart had 2, Webb would prove to have 4).  Even though we had done extensive research on which ameneties were available at the different towers, we were still surprised by the differences.  Also, we were pleasantly surprised by all of the thoughtful things that previous guests had left behind.  Literature on Double Arrow Lookout had stated that absolutely no cutlery or cooking supplies would be provided, but there were many pans, silverware, etc. that had been left behind over the years.  I guess it is always best to be prepared, but we could have gotten by with a bit less supplies.  McCart Lookout also had many propane canisters for the stove and lantern, so we did not ever use any of the propane we brought.


Christmas lights added even more homeyness to Double Arrow Tower.


We saw and heard plenty of wildlife from the tower, too.  


Many Mountain Bluebirds could be seen and heard from the tower.  There were two bluebird houses in use nearby.


The tower overlooked Seeley Lake (pictured in the night shots below) and this wetland area in the valley.  We could hear sandhill cranes, snipe, and nighthawks in the marsh below.  This helped Laura decide that this was her favorite tower experience.  The view was unobstructed and she stood on the catwalk for hours, observing the wild neighbors.


Dusk came and I headed out to take pictures from the balcony and the ground below.  Johnny and Uncle John were confused as to why I was trying to take pictures in the dark.






After "blue hour" passed, I worked with the moonlight.  The full moon and abundant clouds had spoiled my designs to take star photos, so I figured that if I couldn't beat them, I'd join them.

  

The clouds had dropped low overnight, so I had some fun taking photos again the next morning.








To be continued...

- John (and a bit from Laura)

Laura's Wildlife Log:

On the way to Double Arrow Lookout
~50 elk (full-grown and young)
lots of mule deer and maybe also white-tailed deer
red fox
snipe
12 ospreys
2 bald eagles
3 kestrels
Green-head mallard

At Double Arrow Lookout
deer sleeping and eating in the woods
many Golden-mantled Ground Squirrels
tree swallows, swooping around and eating lots of bugs
mountain bluebirds singing and using nest boxes
2 Northern Flickers (of the "red-shafted" subspecies)
really fast mosquitoes







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