Our pack trip to Elk Summit just west of Lolo Pass  began smoothly.  The weather was perfect.  Our campsite was set up for the week.  Seven year old Nolan, son of trainer Pete Rasmussen and wife Carol had our snacks for 6 days of riding precisely organized and in baggies.  We were set!  The 5 horses, 4 Arabians and 1 quarter horse settled in quickly. 

Unfortunately, a small fire in the area decided to gain momentum, change direction and head over the ridge towards us.  The road, if you could call it that, was closed and  the forest service people escorted us down off of the mountain over bridges that had been wrapped in foil to save them from the fire.  It was smokey and iry and I was happy to be out of the area before it became urgent. 

It was too soon to be heading home.  Pete in true explorer mode went off to find another place to camp.  I, in true rhinestone cowgirl fashion, went straight down to Lolo Hot Springs where I found a lovely green pasture for Bob, First Night, to relax and I went to the lodge where I soon was relaxing in the hot springs.  The photo of the helicopter carrying water was taken from the hot springs.  2 choppers worked diligently until dark and began again at daylight.