These photos were taken in Montana last year . . . On the 4th of July week-end in Glacier National Park.  It was one of the highlights of our two-week vacation.  After hiking 7 out of 8 days, including backpacking for 4 days, we were looking for an easy day at a relaxed pace and a lighter load.  With cameras and snacks packed, we (Pat and I) headed up to Logan Pass to leisurely photograph some of Montana's most beautiful vistas and some wildlife.  Our objective was to get some fun shots of the Western Ground Squirrels, Hoary Marmots, Mountain Goats and any other critters that came along.  We got shots of all of them as we moved up the pass. 
    Next, we stopped to shoot some fragile little Glacier Lilies, also on our list of things to find on this outing.  Shortly after setting up our tripod and getting some shots of various wildflowers, a group of four guys (two adults and two teens) passed us on the trail -- armed with ski's, a snowboard, shovels and a look of anticipation of what was yet to come.  As they passed us and our big camera/lens set-up, one of the teens commented, "We are going to be doing some acrobatics up the way if you want to take some action pictures."  I replied, "Are those planned acrobatics or by-mistake acrobatics?"  He assured me they were planned and off they went. 
     We kept working our way up the pass towards Hidden Lake, to a point where the snowfields were plentiful and where the foursome stopped to perform their acrobatics.  With shovels in hand, they were vigorously building a snow jump just above a small rock ledge.  Setting up the cameras again, we waited for the first attempt at some "planned acrobatics."  Along came the first teen, trying to get enough speed to hit the jump.  He made it but barely cleared the rock ledge.  One of the adults, who looked like the experienced Montana "ski bum," immediately shoveled like crazy and moved the jump closer to the ledge.  This "ski bum" guy appeared to be the Coach and Chief Jump Builder as he gave directions to the boys and put the finishing touches on the new and improved snow jump.     (story continued . . . )

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                                 AND MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS OUTING.

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