Alder & Ruby Lake, MontanaJuly 30-31, 2007. We are staying in Cameron RV-Park & Store in Cameron, Montana. Cameron is a STORE located 10-miles south of Ennis in the Madison Valley. The Cameron RV-Park is about 12 sites located behind the Store & Saloon (the social gathering place for miles around). The PPA campground is nothing fancy but for the PPA price of $12.50 for FHU it is just fine. The view over the Madison Valley and mountains surrounding Virginia City is worth the $12.50. For those of you that are not familiar with PPA (Pass Port America) it is an organization you can join for less than $50 per-year. Campgrounds that belong to PPA offer 1/2 price discounts. That kind of savings can quickly add up. While participating PPA parks generally have some restrictions on dates the PPA offer is valid, or possibly days of the week the discount is valid, or perhaps the number of days that the PPA discount will be honored the discount is genuine. Many times PPA campgrounds are new campgrounds that need help in getting established. Other times PPA campgrounds may be on the outskirts of town instead of in the "prime" location thus they need to provide an incentive for campers to stay with them. Whatever the reason PPA campgrounds generally provide a much cheaper option. PPA is the only campground organization that I think is worth the cost. PPA does not have a gimic. What you see is what you get. Once you join they send you a directory listing all participating campgrounds. The PPA directory is the FIRST directory we check when trying to locate a place to spend the night. You can join PPA by calling 228-452-9972. If you decide to join PPA, it would be nice if you gave them my number "R-0156251" as the PPA member that told you about PPA. In return PPA will give me a years membership free. I will thank you in advance for that kindness. Thank you.
Headed to Ruby Lake
At the western end of Alder Gulch in Alder, we turned south and headed out to Ruby Lake. On the way we passed through a beautiful valley growing hundreds possibly thousands of acres of hay. In this field deer were helping themselves to the fresh alfalfa.
Four deer were munching alfalfa in this field. Deer and alfalfa were a common site in this valley.
Ruby Lake
A few miles down the road we got a view of Ruby Lake. We are visiting Ruby Lake because garnets can be found in the gravel along the shoreline. I wanted to see if I could find a garnet in the gravel.
Looking for garnets in the gravel along the shore of Ruby Lake
Alder Gulch garnets were made into jewelry during the early 1900's. In the early years of Alder Gulch miners thought the garnets were rubies. That explains why this is called "Ruby Lake". Garnets are known to be found in the gravel along the shoreline. Here I am looking for one of those garnets. Joyce told me that if I found one that I would have to have it made into a ring for her. Thankfully, I didn't find one. VBG
On our way back to Alder and the road traversing Alder Gulch we again passed through the hay growing valley.
Irrigation water provided by Ruby Lake (reservoir) is turning this valley green. As you can see without irrigation the countryside is pretty barren. Click here for more Montana Travel AdventuresUntil next time remember how good life is Mike & Joyce Hendrix
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