Especially when they're rocky and close to the hotel.
After two days of fishing outside of Helena I needed to stretch my legs. Turns out Helena has a mountain in the middle. It's called... Mt. Helena. Not super creative, but I figured it might be worth it.
Since I'd left my father at the hotel, I chose a short loop that got me to the summit. Downside of a short loop? Steep. Also, I was in a hurry. Ugh.
On the upside, the flowers were amazing, though looking through my pics I was saddened to see I didn't get any good ones of the white Jeffrey's Shootingstars. (I've always seen them in gorgeous purple.)
The views from the summit were great, too. I know Mt. Helena is supposed to be in Helena, but it feels more like it's just outside. Look one way and see the sprawling state capitol. Look the other way and see nothing but mountains. Nice.
I was ready for dinner and I figured my father was, too so I made especially good time down the hill. The direct descent is called the Powerline Trail. Back home there's a similar trail called the Cable Line. I've long harbored a hatred for the Cable Line so it was easy for me to pronounce the Powerline a better experience. Still, I'd rather have taken a longer loop down.
(This was my route. Is there value in me sharing it here? Dunno. You tell me.)
Never fear, I got back in time for dinner and even snuck in a shower before heading out. I think my father and all of the restaurant appreciated it.
