Location: Maudlow, MT - Northern Bridger Range, Sixteen Mile Creek
OPEN EDITION
May 11th, 2024 12:35 am
I was extremely excited, and pleasantly surprised to see how many people were able to get out and see this last absolutely unbelievable display of the northern lights! Not only here in Montana but all over North America and the world, it was a sight to behold!
I follow several Aurora Borealis websites to keep an eye on when there are possible chances for a flare up to go out and take some photos. And, along with the excitement of everyone else, it seemed like this was going to be a big one.
I loaded up the camper and all my gear to head north, trying to find a good location that would give me the best possibility of seeing the Northern Lights again, not only from absence of city lights, but also the absence of people and wandering car lights. With a little due-diligence and studying of my trusted-heavily-marked-on and-falling apart Montana Gazetteer maps, I was able to find just what I was looking for out at at the old Maudlow Schoolhouse on 16 Mile Creek. The intact though decrepit school house from 1909 still has the old teeter totters, swings, and basketball hoops still up in the playground. It is such a beautiful place in time, that you can almost hear the children still laughing and playing in the distance.
With no cell service, and no one else around, I could hear the roaring spring waters of 16 mile Creek in the distance as I sat and watched the mind blowing dance of colors throughout the night. It was such an amazing experience, that I really had a hard time keeping myself focused on just taking photos, and ended up just laying down in the grass and watching the dancing show for the rest of the night into the early morning before crawling back in the camper for a couple hours of sleep.
"Hoop Dreams Under the Stars" - Maudlow, MT
"School District 91" Maudlow, MT
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I closed my shop and gallery back in 2016, both to save money to build a home studio and spend more time at home with my family. But this time not running the shop has luckily also given me time to pursue other endeavors.
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It is currently set up as a short term rental on VRBO or Airbnb, and I am and am still slowly working on it while adding more installations and artwork for all to enjoy. So far this spring, the feedback has been great from everyone who has stayed.... Be sure to check it out if you are needing a little getaway!
The Sasquatch Sanctuary, a livable work of art in Pburg.
I must apologize:
This is my first emai and blog post l since Christmas, and I've been purposely ignoring all social media since then as well for a little mental break. These days, social media is still needed for business, but I was burnt out and honestly had become addicted to all of it as well. The break was very good me, and not sure how much I will get back to it in the future, but will continue to do the best I can!
Thank you for your continued support!
All the best,
Craig
Feel free to send me an Email or call 406-522-7798 if you have any questions or comments.
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"Flathead Pass Ranger Station"
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