P'burg relaxation

Katie skiing on Deerlodge Forest trails near Discovery Basin ski area

We took a President's Day weekend trip to Philipsburg to check out a couple of Bed and Breakfast places and to explore the backcountry skiing around Discovery Basin Ski Area.
I was particularly taken by the Quigley Cottage Bed and Breakfast for its homey atmosphere, friendly proprietors and incredible breakfast that included steel cut oats served in a parfait dish with fresh blackberries and kiwi fruit and topped with ice cream.  And there's more!  Two kinds of fresh bread, an interesting citrus juice blend, homemade jams and fresh-ground coffee and an incredible mix of teas.
Dave Letford regaled us with tales of his days in the Prudhoe Bay oil patch and discussed the books that lined shelves in every direction.
This was the highlight of our trip.
The backcountry snow was so-so and we had a nice trip on Deerlodge National Forest trails that began at Echo Lake and worked their way up to the top of a ridgeline where I found the best telemarking in an old clear cut.
My wife and I are charmed by Philipsburg with its gem and candy stores and Old West bars.  Because it is so close to Butte, Helena, Anaconda and Missoula it has been "discovered," but not as much as say, Red Lodge or Bigfork.