The last refuge of the working class.

Some people making the argument against wilderness say it's a refuge for the wealthy with time and money to burn. Anyone making this case has obviously never been to Montana on the Fourth of July weekend.

(Eagle Chute, June 30)

Even out-of-the-way trailheads feature truck-hauled BBQ grills, smoking campfires, shirtless boys on ATVs, 24-packs of disgusting beer, and enough hip-holstered guns to start a revolution.

(A dual sport day: Diamond Lake)

I don't go climbing to seek solitude. I'm usually pretty happy when I see someone out on the trail (especially given my propensity for getting lost). But I'm still content to find crowds like the one at Diamond Lake last weekend never make it more than 50 yards from the trailhead pit toilet before turning back.

(Waiting to trade kayaks, Diamond Lake)

Anyhow, summer's well underway, guns and all.

(Bonner Park, July 1)