Advice from locals

Hello Everyone, 

I was never into skateboarding, despite all the sports I've played. But like swimming and basketball, I respect it, even if it's not my thing. Once when I was in university, I came across a video from the shoe maker Globe, showing highlights from the various skateboarding pros they sponsored. They were all impressive, but then I got to the last guy of the lot, dude named Rodney Mullen, and he blew away everyone else I had just seen. It wasn't just that he was doing bigger and better versions of the moves the other pros were, he was doing stuff on a skateboard I didn't think was possible. The others were very good, he was scintillating. 

I had a bit of that feeling today. I've been riding some very nice trails recently, but I followed the advice of the guy I spoke with at the bike shop yesterday and hit a trail called emerald lake. It was a level above the already great trails I've seen here in Bozeman. 

It's further into the backcountry than the others, which is cool, and the grade is a bit easier, making it popular with hikers. I saw a couple in horseback as well. It also follows a stream up to the lake, making it popular with Arthur. 

Rather than offering views out over the valley, this trail leads to a crystal clear lake, surrounded by steep canyon walls. You feel like you've just discovered some hidden paradise. 

I took a lot of pictures, but it's hard to capture a place like that. I can't say that one should always follow the advice of locals, but it's been pretty good to me so far.

Wes 

Photos 

These are the four best shots that give some idea of the place. Note how far away Arthur and I are in the last picture. Definitely not going to improve it by being in clearer focus.