This afternoon I hiked “the M” (Mount Sentinel) with a friend and his two dogs.  The University of Montana sits at the base of Mount Sentinel and along the Clark Fork River.  Just a few days ago I posted photos of a freak snowstorm but since Friday it’s been beautiful, mid to high 70-degree weather and sunny.  Below are some photos (panorama) of the Missoula valley.  Facing right while on the mountain is North and up Rattlesnake Creek.  As I pan left, you can see Interstate 90, the Clark Fork River and the bridges crossing the river heading downtown.  You can then see the valley which stretches approx 6-10 miles in each direction, surrounded by mountains on all sides.  To the left is the Bitterroot valley and Lolo peak.  Two main rivers converge in Missoula, the Clark Fork and Bitterroot rivers, each with other tributaries flowing into them, including Lolo Creek, Rattlesnake Creek, Blackfoot River and Rock Creek; world-renowned fly fishing.

Facing north looking up the Rattlesnake.

Interstate 90, Clark Fork River and Washington-Grizzly football stadium (UM Campus)

The University of Montana Campus, bridges crossing the Clark Fork to downtown Missoula.

Missoula valley with U of M campus at the base of Mount Sentinel (directly below)

Missoula Valley south looking toward the Bitterroot Valley and Lolo Peak.

We had a freak weather system and we actually saw snow, in JUNE!  Here is a photo taken of snow on Mount Sentinel here in Missoula, taken by my wife’s mobile phone this evening.

Snow in Missoula Montana in June.  This is not common, I promise. 

Last week I had a flurry of business meetings in and around Washington DC.  I was in Virginia, Maryland and DC and managed to walk around downtown Washington near the White House for one afternoon.  Below are a couple photos of the Washington Monument and also standing in front of the gates of the White House.

The grounds were fenced off because some foreign dignitaries were in town.  I am across from the White House and the Washington Monument is in the background.

Standing in front of the grounds to the White House in Washington DC.  The weather was perfect and a couple hours later it was raining so I got the best Washington had to offer.