Glacier National Park & Surrounding Areas

GREAT NEWS!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 21:33:00 +0000

Entire Going-to-the-Sun Road Projected to Open Thursday, June 24 Visitors urged to use caution in Logan Pass area due to high snow banks

WEST GLACIER, MONT. – Glacier National Park officials announce that the Going-to-the-Sun Road (Sun Road) will open across Logan Pass to motorized vehicle traffic mid-day Thursday, June 24, 2010, barring any unforeseen circumstances. Park officials report that this is the earliest opening of Logan Pass since 2006 when Logan Pass opened on June 23.

Visitors should use caution when in the Logan Pass area as there are up to 10-foot tall vertical snow banks and many trails are still snow covered.
There is currently no potable water available at Logan Pass. Due to concrete work at the visitor center, portable toilets will be provided for visitor use. Once the road opens the Logan Pass Visitor Center will be open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. including the Glacier Association bookstore. The popular Highline trail is currently closed from Logan Pass to the Haystack Butte saddle and is projected to open for the season on the weekend of July 10 after snow hazards are ‘treaded’ by park personnel and volunteers.

“In spite of a very wet June which caused many delays, this spectacular National Historic Landmark mountain roadway is now open for day-time travel between St. Mary and West Glacier unless it is temporarily closed due to weather,” remarked park Superintendent Chas Cartwright.

Road rehabilitation will occur on two sections of the Sun Road this summer.
Cartwright noted, “Glacier is fortunate to have received additional federal funding that allows acceleration of the rehabilitation project during 2010.” In addition to the 2010 work already scheduled and funded through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) between Big Bend and Logan Pass, American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) stimulus funds are supporting additional work between Logan Pass and Siyeh Bend (also administered by the
FWHA) for a second phase of rehabilitation work to occur simultaneously.
Visitors should plan for short delays of a maximum of 40 minutes for a one-way trip across the entire Sun Road.

HK Contractors, Inc. now has day and night-shifts working at both works zones between Big Bend and Logan Pass and between Siyeh Bend and Logan Pass. Night work during 2010 is scheduled for Monday through Thursday from
9 p.m. to 7 a.m. on the west side of the Continental Divide. No passage will be allowed through the construction zone during the entire 10-hour nightshift. The Sun Road on the east side of the Divide will have the same nighttime restrictions, but there will be one short, 15-minute window for passage through the construction zone at 2 a.m. Otherwise, no access is allowed through the work zones during night work. There is no night work scheduled for Friday through Sunday. Sun Road rehabilitation information is available at http://www.wfl.fhwa.dot.gov/projects/gtsr/.

Heavy rainfall Monday, June 21 prompted the temporary closure of the Inside North Fork Road between Logging Creek and Fish Creek due to flooding. All other park roads are open to motorized vehicle travel. Logging Creek and Quartz Creek campgrounds are scheduled to open July 1. Granite Park Chalet opens Tuesday, June 29 and Sperry Chalet opens Wednesday, July 7.

The park’s free, optional Sun Road shuttle service will begin operating to locations along the Sun Road and Apgar Village for the summer on Thursday, July 1 and continue operations through Labor Day, Monday, September 6. This free, step-on-step-off, no frills shuttle provides an alternative for visitors traveling the Sun Road. Started in July 2007, the shuttle system is part of Glacier’s program to minimize impacts on visitors throughout the multi -year Sun Road rehabilitation. The transit service provides an alternative mode of transportation for those who don’t mind leaving their vehicles behind. The last evening buses depart Logan Pass for points east and west at 7:15 p.m.

This option is available in addition to popular guided tours by Sun Tours from a Blackfeet perspective (800-786-9220 or 406-226-9220 or
http://www.glaciersuntours.com/) and aboard the historic red buses with Glacier Park, Inc. (406-892-2525 or http://www.glacierparkinc.com/).

Hikers should always exercise caution around snow and other water hazards and be sure to wear sturdy, treaded footwear while walking on snow and be prepared for weather changes and other potential hazards. Cartwright noted that water-related accidents are the number one cause of accidental death at Glacier National Park. All park visitors are urged to be prepared, be familiar with their equipment and know their personal limitations. Go to the park’s web page at http://www.nps.gov/glac/planyourvisit/yoursafety.htm
for details about: “Bears, Water, Wildlife, Mountain Lions and Watch Your Step.”

For current information on park roads and weather conditions, and visitor services throughout the park, visit Glacier's website www.nps.gov/glac, dial 511 anywhere in Montana (select option 5) or call park headquarters at 406-888-7800.

... and I thought storks brought them ...

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 06:46:00 +0000

It has been a pretty busy year behind the scenes here at Glacier Adventure. We have added a new member to the team, and it looks like we may be including more kid friendly adventures in the future ... stay tuned Glacier National Park fans.

www.glacieradventure.com

Back to Kandahar

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 21:50:00 +0000

As promised, we headed back up to Cafe Kandahar on The Big Mountain here in Whitefish Montana for an evening of heavy hors d'oeurves and wine sapling with Michael Keenan if the Keenan Winery in Napa.

The hors d'oeurves were delicious, but the wines were the highlight of my evening. I am a fan of red wines in general (fell in with the red zin crowd a few years ago when it became popular) but this night reunited me with a couple of old friends. It has been a while since I enjoyed an evening of wines like I did at Cafe Kandahar.

We started out with a couple of chardonnays, one of which, called "summer blend" perfect for a hot summer day. I liked the summer blend, Hill liked the Napa Valley Spring Mountain. I actually liked them both, but not being a big chardonnay drinker, I went with the "lighter" tasting one.

When we got into the reds, it was hard to pick a winner. I'm glad I didn't have to. What a selection. From a 2000 merlot that had me immediatley craving a steak to "mernet", a delicious blend of cabernet and merlot grapes that is very drinkable.

Speaking of Cabernet's, It's a toss-up between the 2004 Cabernet Reserve and the 2003 Merlot for my choice for victor, but like I said before, I'm glad I don't have to pick a winner.

If you have the opportunity, check out their website at www.KeenanWinery.com, or if you are ever in California, make an appointment for a tasting. They have some fantastic wines!

So until next time adventure fans, we'll see you in the park, or perhaps in the Napa Valley tasting some phenominal reds!!

Don't forget! Glacier Adventure is the source for Glacier National Park and surrounding areas.

Cheers!

-Jay

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Flathead Cherry Festival 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 19:10:00 +0000

On Sunday we went to Polson, MT at the southern end of Flathead Lake for the Flathead Cherry Festival. It was a weekend of cherry celebration complete with over 125 vendors and exhibitors, Flathead Cherry jewelry, quilts, aprons, jellies, bbq sauce and anything else you can print a cherry on or mix a cherry into.

Saturday was the cherry pit spitting and cherry stem tying contests. Sunday was the pie eating contest which we went to and next year I will enter, the same as I will enter the snow rodeo at the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex.

As you can see by the pictures, everyone had a blast and there was plenty of cherry pie to go around.

The festival usually happens right after the annual harvest, but our unusually long winter and short spring has lead to a late harvest. They should start picking sometime this week.

If you make it out to the valley, be sure and head down the East side of Flathead Lake and stop into any number of cherry stands on the side of the road, or if you like to really get em fresh, you can pick your own at select orchards.

As always, be sure and visit Glacier Adventure for anything and everything Glacier National Park and surrounding area!

Pie time! (Cherry that is)

Dinner on the mountain

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 05:58:00 +0000

We headed up the Big Mountain to Cafe Kandahar and had what I would say was the best dinner I've had since the last time we ate there. Chef Andy really knows how to create an amazing palette experience.

These pictures really don't do it justice. It is a restaurant that is worth the short trip up the newer-wider-faster Big Mountain Road.

The service was impeccable (as it always is) and our server Mare (with some help from Dennis) took care of everything from movie recommendations to wine pairings to food QandA's to dessert suggestions.

We are heading back there on Tuesday for something different. Robert Keenan from the Keenan Winery in Napa Valley will be at Cafe Kandahar for an evening of heavy hors d'oeurves and wine sampling. You can read about it right here.

We're also going to be heading up to visit with Andy in the kitchen and meet the chef who creates the menu at Cafe Kandahar. Stay tuned for that video.

You may have noticed that there was no dessert picture. It's not because we didn't have dessert, it's just that I couldn't move fast enough with the camera to get the shot before we devoured it and I didn't think you wanted to see a picture of an empty plate.

Until next time, Dig In!!

Be sure and check out Glacier Adventure for all of your Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley information.

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North American Indian Days - Browning Montana

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 23:24:00 +0000

We made the trek from Whiteish to Browning, MT (about 2 hours on Rt.2) yesterday to enjoy the North American Indian Days (NAID) Parade and Pow Wow. It continues to impress me everytime we go. To see the pride of the Indians in their native dress, dance and drum is nothing short of astounding. The photos and video don't do it justice. It is something you should experience for yourself.

The parade started before noon and I would reccomend bringing a chair to sit in, and umbrella (for sun protection), a cooler with some cold drinks and a plastic bag (to put the candy or goodies thrown by parade participants). It got pretty warm in the afternoon and I'm glad I wore a visor. I should have brought sunscreen, I now have the definition of a farmer's tan!

After the parade we headed to the arena for the entrance, introduction, drum and dance competiton. You can burn through some serious film at this event and I am glad we took a couple of memory chips and blank tapes. (shoot count: 960 still photos and 1:45 of video) The colors are brilliant, the drums beat like a heartbeat, and the dance is hypnotizing.

If you are going to be in Northwest Montana next year around the second weekend in July, I would definately check out the North American Indian Days in Browning, MT. If you plan on taking photos ar video, you will need a NAID photo/video permit. They are available at the Pow Wow grounds ($10 photo / $20 video) and worth every penny!!

"It is an intriguing way to see authentic Blackfeet traditions. Tipis are pitched on the powwow grounds for four days of contest dancing, games, a number of sports events and socializing. Comprising one of the largest gatherings of United States and Canadian tribes, the celebration is an unforgettable experience. Once you hear and feel the mystery of the drum, see the traditional and fancy dancing, and the many proud Native people, then you will begin to understand the Blackfeet." - quote from www.browningmontana.com

I hope you enjoy our pictures.

Please be respectful, in some situations it is polite to ask permission before taking pictures or video.

See you there next year....

-jay

Independance Day in Polebridge

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Thu, 10 Jul 2008 08:08:00 +0000

Well, after an extremely busy week, I am finally getting around to posting the 4th of July celebration in Polebridge, MT, just outside the northwest entrance to Glacier National Park.

We've heard stories, but never experienced it.... we can no longer say that.

Up the dusty Northfork we went and after enjoying a dirt sandwich from the trucks and cars (yes, ... there was traffic) in front of us, we arrived and drove down the already people lined parade route to our parking spot. After setting up the chairs and cooler, Hill was asked to be a judge and that gave her the perfect seat for getting video. (see video)

What a party! The parade started a little after noon and there was a line of floats ready to do their thing for the judges. The noxious weed group put on a great show and took first place. There was also bears chasing joggers, grandmas featherbed, a good ol blue grass band, and a great show from a line of pack mules. Candy was thrown, beverages consumed, baked goods eaten, burgers and beer devoured, children laughed .... and a great time was had by all.

See you next year ... at Polebridge.

Make sure to check out GlacierAdventure.com for alot of Glacier National Park and surrounding area information!!

A Wait With a View

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 23:11:00 +0000

If you are headed to Glacier National Park and the Going-to-the-Sun Road be prepared for some construction delays. We took a trip up yesterday and found ourselves nuzzling the retaining wall as we waited for about 20 minutes. Don't let the wait time scare you, unlike bumper to bumper traffic on Manhattan's Westside Highway or out on the Ventura Highway, if you come prepared you might enjoy the unusual stop.

Bring binoculars! Get out of the car and look around, closer inspection will reveal the mechanics of this engineering marvel. I was surprised to see bolts holding together the rock cliff above us, something we'd breeze right by any other time on the road. You might also spy a mountain goat or bighorn sheep.

If you dont' feel like sitting behind the wheel sit in the passenger's seat and let the park do the driving, the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers shuttle service so you can click photos and spy the valley below.

This marks the 75th Anniversary of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, click here to visit our page and see the celebration.

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Crown of the Continent - An inside look

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 19:39:00 +0000

Last night Jay and I traveled to a fantastic store in the Apgar Village right inside the West Entrance to Glacier National Park to hear Steve Thompson, Crown of the Continent Project Coordinator for the National Geographic Society Geotourism MapGuide.

I know that sounds like a mouthful, and once you see the map and explore the web site you'll be amazed. But before I give up the good stuff I want to take a moment to introduce you to Montana House. A family business established in 1960, the store's mission is to celebrate and promote the creativity of Montana artists and craftsmen, and to promote the rebirth of Native American artistry. I love the store for its incredible selection of books on Native American history and culture, and its fun gifts of all shapes and sizes featuring local floral and fauna. Even if you can't make it to Glacier Park you can still enjoy shopping the store by going online: http://www.shopworks.com/montanahouse

Moving on, if you haven't heard of the National Geographic Geotourism Mapguide project you are in for a real treat. First, an introduction to Geotourism. What is it? Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and well-being of its residents. How is this done? By focusing on the unique culture and history of an area, its natural features and heritage, and how people are working to sustain these facets.

Enough description. Roll up your sleeves and see for yourself. Go to http://www.crownofthecontinent.net/ and start clicking around. You'll see that the view of the Montana, British Columbia and Alberta areas is most likely different from anything you've seen before. Here you can read experiences from everyday people (hey! that sounds kind of familiar), peruse local topics, learn how you can make a difference and best of all save it all in 'My Backpack' for later reference.

Be sure to Order a free Geotourism MapGuide too. You know how great National Geographic maps are... this MapGuide offers local perspectives and favorite areas offered up by the people who live and work here. Talk about a local connection!

- Hillary

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More to explore than you might think!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 12:04:00 +0000

July 1, 2008 marked the 141st birthday of our neighbors to the north, and the Alberta Canada Visitor Information Centre in West Glacier celebrated with free summer picnic favorites and of course birthday cake and ice cream. As the United States also celebrates its Independence Day this month what better time to acknowledge these two nations’ partnership in the world’s first International Peace Park than by taking a closer look at what adventures await us north of the border.

We have discovered that perhaps the greatest similarity between here and there is opportunities for uncovering adventures of all varieties are numerous. Your biggest challenge may be singling out those experiences and venues that interest you most.

A stroll through the Visitor Information Centre is like a trailer to a good action adventure movie. Take the stairs to the ‘Top of the World’ and view the mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies, then look over the foyer balcony to marvel at a life-size casting of the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, whose heavy bones were found in Drumheller, Alberta, located in the province’s southeast corner.

Downstairs, a self guided tour through exhibits displaying area attractions hints at the variety of experiences the area has to offer. View the largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles in North America at the Remington-Alberta Carriage Centre; enjoy over 200 species of sea life or ride the attractions at the world’s largest indoor amusement park at the West Edmonton Mall and World Water Park, and go back in time and rub elbows with prehistoric creatures in a moon-like landscape in Alberta’s famous Badlands. Did we mention the world’s oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jumps in known existence? A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, Head-Smashed-In has been used continuously by aboriginal peoples of the plains for more than 5,500 years.

Be sure to utilize the Visitor Centre’s greatest resource, its friendly staff. There are maps upon request, and don’t be surprised if you leave with yours full of circles, arrows and instructions to all the best spots.

For more information on Waterton Lakes National Park visit http://www.WatertonInfo.ab.ca, to learn more about Alberta, Canada visit http://www.travelalberta.com/.

As if summer wasn’t short enough, we have easily doubled our adventure grab bag. Ain’t life grand? Until next time adventure fans, go north, and we’ll see you in the park!

- Hillary

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Dinner on the shores of Flathead Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 15:14:00 +0000

What an evening we had with Doug and Amy Deaton. We left Bigfork on a boat and traveled through the choppy waters of the Flathead Lake to The Docks, a Lakeside (it is both lakeside and located in Lakeside, MT) restaurant/bar that has the best mexican food I've had since I was in Yuma, AZ.

After docking the boat we grabbed a table right on the water, discussed ordering sangria (they have 3 kinds) and then decided to go with margaritas. Dee-lish! The chips come with 3 different types of salsa so there will be something for everyone's tastebuds. We had a tough time deciding on entrees. There is quite a selection available on the menu.

I decided on Enchiladas Trio, Hill had Chile Verde Burro, Amy had the Fish Tacos and Doug had a Burro as well. Besides being delicious, the portions were also large enough to take home for another meal.

We headed back to the boat for a smoother ride back to Bigfork where we caught a phenominal sunset to wrap up a belly filling evening.

So if you are in the neighborhood, The Docks are located at 7135 Hwy 93 South in Lakeside, MT. If you are on the water, they are located on the west side of Flathead Lake (more toward the northern area) It's about 45 minutes to an hour south of the West entrance to Glacier National Park. 406-844-3625 for more info.

See you on the water .... or at The Docks!!!

-jay

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Horseback in Glacier National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 06:47:00 +0000

We went out last week with the Swan Mountain Outfitters on a beautiful, albeit windy, day in the Many Glacier Area of Glacier National Park.

The alpine section of The Going To The Sun Road was still snowed in so we took the "long way" to the East Side (Rt 2). It took us about 3 hours from Whitefish.

Once we got there we checked in and signed (and initialed) the appropriate spots on the waiver. We opted to not wear helmets which require more signatures and initials. (Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18)

Next we got the safety briefing from John the GM and then the basics on horse riding from Georgeann, one of the wranglers who joined us on our trip, Hope was the other one.

A couple of quick notes from the safety meeting:
No riders over 250lbs
No video cameras allowed on the ride (still photos ok)
No straps around your neck (purses, cameras, binoculars etc.)
Close-toed shoes and long pants are required (no shorts, sandals, flip-flops etc)

After the brief instruction, we were paired up with our horses, mounted up and hit the trail.

We went out on the 2 hour Cracker Flats ride that took us along the shore of Lake Sherburne and on to Cracker Flats. It was a great way to get out into an absolutely beautiful area of Glacier National Park and it doesn't require you to have any horse training to enjoy riding one of these beautiful animals.

So grab the entire family (if they are over 6 on the West side, over 7 on the East) and head out into the back country of Glacier National Park on horseback. It'll be a trip you won't soon forget.

Happy Trails!!

-jay

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Ahhhhh ... Whitefish in the Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 18:31:00 +0000

And to think, I took the studded snow tires off the 4-Runner about 45 days ago.

Just a friendly reminder from your friends out here in Whitefish, MT. Even 10 days into June it can snow at 3,oooft above sea level. Imagine what it's doing in Glacier National Park 8,000ft above sea level.

So when you are out on that day hike and going to be gone for "only a half day", remember to bring a shell, some layers and an extra pair of socks!

And be sure to sign up for Glacier Adventure's eNewsletter and/or our weekly Going To The Sun Road eBlast to keep you up to date on all of The Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley happenings.

See you when the snow clears, .... maybe July?!?

-jay

Salad Anyone?

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 02:22:00 +0000

I felt like nothing more than a big lettuce and tomato salad after visiting with Keith Grahm of Mountainview Farms Inc in Kalispell, just outside of Glacier National Park in Northwestern Montana. We toured their HUGE hydroponic greenhouses totalling over 10,000 feet of grow space. The whole place is temperature and humidity controlled for year round production. Right now they are concentrating on lettuce and tomatos but more veggies are in the works. Peppers, cucumbers, and year round strawberries are just a few of the planned additions in the future.

Currrently servicing restaurants, and looking forward to someday selling direct to you at the farm, you can get Mountainview Farms Inc local, hydroponically grown lettuce and tomatoes at the Kalispell farmers market, located at the Kalispell Mall on Saturdays though October 18th, from 9:00am till 12:30pm. Also keep your eye out for them at the Farmers Market in West Glacier on Friday evenings. It doesn't get any better than local produce, picked at the farm, delivered to the West entrance of Glacier National Park Park.

Know that you should get there early beacuse according to Keith, "We always sell out!"

After touring the greenhouses and seeing the goods, I can completely understand why.

Be sure to check out Glacier Adventure for video of the greenhouse and interview with Keith Grahm, owner of Mountainview Farms Inc.

See you on the farm.

-jay

Cattle Drive - Eureka, MT

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Sun, 25 May 2008 00:28:00 +0000

We headed up to the Laughing Water Ranch to observe one of many cattle drives they do in the spring and fall. What a day! We watched ranchers and guests on horseback round up cattle in a field, get them into the corner, open up the gate, and drive them about 10 miles to a grazing pasture. It's quite an experience for the guests staying at the ranch.

The week starts off with basic lessons on seprating cattle, first on foot, then eventually on horseback. they keep it exciting by making it almost like a competition. Later in the week, after you've gotten to know your horse and do some basic work, you enjoy a trail ride in some of the Flathead National Forest (which borders the ranch on 3 sides) before heading out on Friday for the drive.

It looks like an amzing time at the Ranch and everyone appeared ready for the task at hand. The drive we observed was a smashing sucess, complete with lunch by a beautiful lake, looking over the mountains and cattle as they wet their whistle before heading on to greener pastures.

Be sure to visit Glacier Adventure to see the video of the cattle drive and check out all of our Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley videos.

See you at the ranch!!

-jay

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Spring Runoff - Glacier National Park

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Thu, 22 May 2008 20:52:00 +0000

We headed out to Glacier National Park on Wednesday to interview Wendy Hill from the Glacier Association and she talked about the "Spring for Glacier" fundraiser which will benefit The Glacier Fund, The Glacier Institute, the Glacier Natural History Association, and the Glacier National Park Associates. All are non-profit partners of Glacier National Park. The fundraiser is happening this Friday and we will be there.

We also headed up the Going To The Sun Road and got some great spring runoff shots at Avalanche Creek and Lake McDonald Creek it was awesome. We got some great video too and we'll get that posted at GlacierAdventure.com shortly. In the meantime, check out these pictures. My favorite is the swallows nesting in the Belton Depot in West Glacier.

Remember, GlacierAdventure.com is the source for all of your Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley information!

see you in the Park!

-jay

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Northern Rockies Paddlefest 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Mon, 19 May 2008 22:17:00 +0000

We cruised down just south of Bigfork, Montana on saturday for the Northern Rockies Paddlefest held at Wayfarer’s State Park. It was a perfect day to be out on the water. Paddle fans of all shapes, sizes and ages came out to test the latest and greatest in paddlesports gear.

Local outfitters and paddle shops were out showing their wares and sending people out and back on any number of demos.

There was also a demonstration by Dubside, an amazing instuctior on how to roll your boat and right it. He had a Qajaasaarneq demonstration set up which he let me try and let me tell you, ... he makes it look easy.

What is Qajaasaarneq you may ask?
Qajaasaarneq is an excercise and training system performed on a double length of horizontally suspended rope. Each exercise consists of a specified position from which you must bring yourself completely around the ropes and return to the starting position. There are a total of seventy-four different moves, all with Greenlandic names and point values based on the degree of difficulty.

The Inuit, the indigenous inhabitants of arctic North America invented it over a thousand years ago. They developed these exercises for several purposes:

-To entertain one another with feats of strength during dark, frozen winters.
-To maintain the tough and demandin level of fitness required for the dangerous occupation of hunting sea mammals by kayak.
-As an on-land teaching exercise for learning to roll a kayak.

I definitely have some work to do before I will be entering any competitions.

It was a beautiful day on the water and there were smiles all along the beach!

More information on Qajaasaarneq is available at Dubside's website.

Be sure to visit Glacier Adventure for all of your Glacier National Park and surrounding area information.

see you on the water (in an upright boat I hope)

-jay

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Family Foresty Expo

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Sun, 11 May 2008 14:19:00 +0000

On Saturday we checked out the Family Forestry Expo in Columbia Falls, about 25 miles from the West entrance to Glacier National Park.

Family Forestry Expo is a yearly, week long forest use education and forest management education program, sponsored and created by a diversified group of organizations including: local service groups, resource users, professional societies, government agencies, conservation groups, forest industry, local businesses, and interested individuals.

The goal of the program is to educate local area students and families on the many issues of forest use and forest management. The Expo is created by a diverse group so that a wide range of issues on forest use can be explored from varying points of view.

We had a great afternoon there and got some great shots of the logging competition and the owls. There was a great turnout for a beautiful afternoon.

Be sure to check out Glacier Adventure for all of your Glacier National Park and surrounding area information needs.

see you on the trail....

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Plowing Update - Going To The Sun Road

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Fri, 09 May 2008 20:30:00 +0000

As of May 8, 2008, The Going To The Sun Road in Glacier National Park is open for vehicle traffic to the McDonald Lake Lodge parking lot. It will be open to the Avalanche Campground as soon as mother nature melts the snow.

The plowing crew is almost up to Haystack Creek, and moving a little slower than usual due to heavy snowpack and a rotary not operating at 100%.

Hikers and bikers can enjoy The Going To The Sun Road Monday through Friday up to The Packers Roost where the road is closed beyond that point. There are no weekend closures.

In the Northfork area, the road from the Polebridge Ranger Station is open to Big Prarie.

They have also opened the road to Many Glacier.

The roads are still rough, be aware of wildlife and equipment, but most of all, be careful.

Don't forget, Glacier Adventure is The Source for Glacier National Park and surrounding area information.

See you on the road....

-jay

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Flathead Bear Aware

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Sun, 04 May 2008 11:10:00 +0000

Hill and I had a pretty busy day yesterday. We headed out to the Whitefish Middle School for a program sponsored by the Glacier National Park Fund. Flathead Bear Aware presented "people helping people co-exist with bears", a program dedicated to bears. It really was an amazing day. We heard Carrie Hunt, the director of Wind River Bear Institute give a presentations on methods used in human-bear conflicts including using Karelian Bear dogs to assist in conditioning bears to not return to a certain area.

Gary Moses, Supervisory Ranger for Glacier National Park for over 17 years, did a fantastic presentation on hiking in bear country, how to avoid encounters, what to do incase of an encounter, what actions to take if you get attacked. He also covered grizzly bear management in the Park.

Joe Wiegan, Wildlife Resource Specialist for Montana Fish, Wildlife, and Parks spoke about the Living with Wildlife Grant Program. Joe’s work is in assisting communities in dealing with wildlife issues in a proactive manner. From bears in the birdfeeders to elk in the haystacks, his motto is there is always a better way for humans to manage their own activities that will in-turn benefit both landowner and wildlife.

Dr. Chuck Jonkel, President of the Great Bear Foundation in Missoula, a conservation organization dedicated to the conservation of all 8 bear species in the world and their habitat. He is a bear biologist with over 40 years of experience and one of the pioneers of bear biology. His professional career includes studies of the polar bears for the Canadian Wildlife Service, The Borders Grizzly Bear Project on the eastern front of the Rockies, and research on the North American Black Bear.

It was a great day and the information provided is priceless for anyone living or recreating in or around bear country. We will definitely let you know when the next Bear Aware will be.

We will also be speaking more with Bill Lavelle from Bear Aware Flathead and keep you posted on upcoming events in the area.

...and don't forget, Glacier Adventure is the source for all of your Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley information.

Be sure to carry bear spray!!

see you on the trail.

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What are you doing Thursday night?

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Sat, 03 May 2008 16:23:00 +0000

We'll be at the finals of "The Gong Show" at the Blue Moon. An ongoing Thursday night competition that will have the finals on Thursday May 8th. I was there last Thursday and they had some pretty good performers, .... and some not-so-good performers. The judges were kind with the gong, but we did here it a couple of times throughout the night.

There were singers, a stand-up comedian, a few guitar players and a sax player who whailed (and took first place for the night). An encore performance with the house band had the dancefloor packed!

So if you are in the Glacier National Park area on Thursday, stop on by the Blue Moon in Columbia Falls and check out the gong show. Gonna be a blast!

Happening this weekend:
In Whitefish-
Battle of the Bands in Depot Park - 3:00pm (Sat)
People helping people coexist with bears - 2:00pm at the Whitefish Central school auditorium. (Sat)

In Kalispell-
Farmers Market - 9:00am at the Kalispell Center Mall (Sat)

In Columbia Falls-
Arbor Day Celebration - 12:00 - Glacier Bank prking lot in Columbia Falls (Sat)

...and if bar scene isn't your scene, make sure to check out Glacier Adventure. We are the source for information in and around Glacier National Park.

See you at the (GOOOOONG!!!!!)

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What a weekend, what a show!!

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 22:40:00 +0000

What a weekend of Adventures we just had.

You'll be able to hear about all of them on Glacier Adventures with Jay & Hill at 10:00am MST on Whitefish Radio

Including, but not limited to, our trip to Eureka, MT for the Kickoff BBQ and concert for Rendezvous Days, then we'll talk to Robert Hanson of the Flathead County Dive team as they 'Clean the Fish'. We also talk to Dori Muehlhof from the Flathead Convention and Visitors Bureau, Leslie Kehoe from the Flathead Audubon was in studio to talk about upcoming birding trips in the valley, and of course the audio from our trip down to the taste of Bigfork which we probably could have made a show out of in itself. Pam and Barb from Farmhands were nice enough to sit down at our table last week at Wasabi in downtown Whitefish and talk to us about their fabulous program as we enjoyed sushi. And a last minute interview was Bill Lavelle who is a part of Bear Aware in the Flathead valley and they have a fantastic program sponsored by the Glacier National Park Fund coming up that we will be covering for next weeks show which is called "people helping people live with bears". It's happening at the Whitefish Middle School Auditorium on Saturday, May 3, 2008 from 2 pm to 5 pm. Whether you visit bear country or live in bear country, we encourage you to attend.

Our producer/editor Ross Strauser also talks about "Death by Chocolate" happening this weekend at the Conrad Mansion.... yep, we'll be there too.

See you on the trail.

.....and don't forget Glacier Adventure has all of you Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley information.

.

A Taste of Bigfork

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 06:56:00 +0000

What a day, ... what an adventure in taste.

We spent the day walking around Bigfork, MT and sampling foods from over 20 local restaurants and eateries. There were local brews and wines as well. It was truly a great day!

The variety of food was amazing and the talent showcased would make you think you were in a major metropolitan area. We sampled everything from pork paprikush on sauteed spatzels to mini pulled pork sandwiches to cascabel rubbed buffalo to homemade gourmet ice cream and just about everything in between.

If you are ever in the Glacier National Park or Flathead area at the end of April, I really recommend the Taste of Bigfork. An experience your taste buds won't soon forget.

The party at The Garden Bar for the raffle was like a family gathering. People enjoying the blue sky day, delicious food, and plenty of drink.

We are counting down the days until next year's Taste of Bigfork.

364 days to go in case you were wondering.

We'll see you there.

-jay

Make sure to visit Glacier Adventure for all of your Glacier National Park and Surrounding area information.

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Spring Cleaning, ... Whitefish Style

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Sun, 27 Apr 2008 18:56:00 +0000

"Clean The Fish" was a great success. The turnout was fantastic and judging by the number of full trash bags lining the roads around town, I'd say Whitefish is much cleaner because of it.

Not only did they clean the roads of Whitefish, they also cleaned City Beach above and below the water. Robert Hanson and members of The Flathead County Dive Team (associated with the Flathead County Sheriffs Office) donned the full SCUBA gear, complete with cold suits, and cleared the swimming area and beyond of cans, bottles, broken glass and anything else that might be hazardous to City Beach dwellers this summer.

Dave Stephens and Tim Healy, a couple of local volunteers from Whitefish Lake Services, came up with a mesh sack of assorted trash, a large chunk of rope and a metal pipe about 4 feet long. I wonder how THAT got down there.

With well over a hundred volunteers, I have to say that "Clean The Fish" really gets the community together, both above and below the water.

See you at the (cleaner) City Beach.

-jay

and don't forget Glacier Adventure has all of you Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley information.

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Rendezvous Days Kickoff

noreply@blogger.com (Jay & Hillary, GlacierAdventure.com) — Sat, 26 Apr 2008 04:38:00 +0000

So I'll start by telling you that we got our new digital SLR today and got some great pictures of the kickoff of Rendezvous Days up in Eureka, MT.

We headed out to the black powder shoot at the 69 ranch where they camp just like they did in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Tents with woodburning stoves, cooking over open fire, no poly-pro in this group, wool, cotton, canvas and leather are the main clothing textiles.

Then we went up the road to the Koocanusa Arena where they had the Rendezvous Days kickoff dinner and concert. What a blast. The food was great! BBQ brisket, coleslaw, baked beans, ... topped off with a roll. Delicious.

The music was great!!, Sarah Henderson & The Front Porch Band kicked things off followed by Kayla & Holly VanBemmel. Smash Hit Carnival was performing when we left, they are performers in every sense of the word. They change costumes to go with the band they are playing. We heard/saw them do The Cars, The Rolling Stones (and he was a dead ringer for Mick Jagger), and the Supremes just to name a few. Not to mention singing on a wireless mic while out on the dance floor. Everyone had a blast. Looks to be a GREAT weekend in Eureka. Parade is Saturday at noon. They say it's one of the largest in the state. Check it out.

We also posted some cool new stuff up at Glacieradventure.com

Going To The Sun Road Plowing update coming up.....

stay tuned.

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