Elkhorn and Crow Peaks, Elkhorn Mountains, Montana

I've got an old Montana Hiker's Guide from the early 90's that's well worn from all of the thumbing through it I've done over the past 20 years. One of the hikes I'd wanted to do from the beginning was Elkhorn and Crow Peaks in the Elkhorn Mountains near Boulder, Montana. Back in the day, I used to ride my bike from my home in Butte to Jen's in Helena, passing through Boulder along the way and looking up at these mountains. I finally got the chance to summit them the weekend of Jen's brothers wedding in Helena. It's a really nice hike, on the mellow side for a double peak bagging trip; I think it took me between 4 and 5 hours to do it, at a leisurely pace. Here are some pictures I grabbed off of the web from a fellow named Erick Noel: http://www.pbase.com/ericnoel/crowelkhorn.

Elkhorn views.

Elkhorn views down toward the trail.

Elkhorn (left) and Crow (right) peaks.

Elkhorn from Crow.

Crow from Elhorn.

Elkhorn

The old 1800's mining town of Elkhorn

Crow summit.

20-Year Reunion Butte High School Class of 1992

Dean, a good friend from high school I hadn't seen for 20 years.

I had my 20-year Butte High School class reunion this summer, in Butte in mid-August. It was a great two days. Our class still knows how to have a good time.

I was a bit nervous beforehand, but it took no time to feel connected again with my class mates. Dividing lines have blurred as twenty years of adulthood have left no one unscathed.

I knew I'd have fun, but was surprised by just how good it felt to get together again with everyone. It was easy to pick up where I'd left off with folks, as if ten or twenty years hadn't gone by, as if at the core we're all still the same people, a thought I find very reassuring as the years pile on.

Pals Derek and Neil in the blue leisure suit.

Another old friend, Clancy Whitworth, his wife Shelby, who I went to grade school with, and their family.

Yet another couple of good old high school friends, Briand and Shawn.

Still more class mates, Jeremy, Cara (another grade school class mate), Josh, Kara (the party planner), Lisa, ...

I met Jen at her cousin Ben's -- a member of my graduating class -- wedding almost 20 years ago.

Baby Got Back, karaokee.