Glacier National Park & Flathead Lake

Flathead Lake Boaters Assistance

2009-08-28T21:20:00.006-07:00

Here's a handy tip for boaters on Flathead Lake. No matter how well prepared you are for a day on the lake, anything can go wrong with your boat. If you're not prepared or don't know who to call to get help, a day on the Flathead can turn into a fiasco.

If your battery is going to die, the gas guage lies or the engine decides to go on strike, it will only happen when you're three miles from shore. What to do?

There is a service called Flathead Lake Boaters Assist that will come to your rescue 24 hours of the day. If you float your boat on Flathead Lake, write down these numbers...
Phone: 250-1413
CH16VHF

If you need a jumpstart, gas or a tow to shore, Flathead Lake Boaters Assist is close by and ready to help.

Tourist Warning - MT Speed Limit

2009-08-14T10:10:00.003-07:00

As you drive through on the thousands of miles of Montana's scenic roads, be aware of your speed. After living in the Treasure State for all these years, I just learned that Montana has a 'default' speed limit of 25 mph.

A friend of mine received a speeding ticket traveling down the road from Big Mountain Ski Resort to Whitefish, MT. He was only traveling 35 mph, and was ticketed for 10 miles over. When he complained that there were no posted speed limit signs, he was informed that any road in Montana that doesn't have a posted speed limit is a 25 mph zone.

This may be common knowledge to many people, but it was the first time I (or my friend) have heard of this 'default speed limit' law. So... be careful out tthere and watch for posted speed limits.

A Perfect Flathead Weekiend Ahead...

2009-07-31T13:56:00.003-07:00

The forecast is for mid-90s, gentle breezes and a whole lot of fun on Flathead Lake. This weekend just may be the best days of summer for boating on Flathead Lake. We'll be there... hope to see you enjoying America's finest lake!

Oh and BTW, don't forget to stop and buy some of the world-famous Flathead cherries. They are being sold everywhere.

Cabin Lodging & RV Sites near Glacier

2009-04-08T16:52:00.002-07:00

One of the best kept secrets about lodging near Glacier National Park is Stanton Creek Lodge. Offering what is probably the most convenient location for access to Glacier Park's east or west entrance, and the Great Bear Wilderness. They Guarantee Guaranteed the lowest prices on Highway 2.

There is a full-service bar and cafe on the premises. Yearly events include the annual 'Show and Shine Car Show' on Labor Day weekend. Available for company picnics, family reunions, group campouts, weddings and receptions. Golfing, float trips, and scenic helicopter flights can be arranged for you. Family owned and operated.

Best travel tip of the season ;-)

Check out Stanton Creek Lodge!

Buy Local

2009-02-01T13:28:00.005-07:00

First, I must apologize for the l-o-n-g delay since my last post. I won't bore you with excuses or make-up a reason for this lapse. Suffice it to say that 'life' got in the way and priorities were shifted. But in the words of that famous movie.... I'm BAAAAAACK!

Talk about a way to make a comeback... have you heard about the new movement that is sweeping across NW Montana called "BUY LOCAL"?

This was started by a local businessman, the owner of Glacier Subaru, who took it upon himself to start an awareness campaign to help our community deal with this terrible economy.

His premise is simply that if we as consumers, make a conscious effort to buy local - we can literally change the economy of NW Montana. In less than one week, he has the attention of local politicians, the Chamber and scores of businesses and individuals who want to join this effort.

The idea is simple... before you buy anything - THINK - can I buy this through a local business? Be aware that spending our dollars locally means that 80% of those dollars will stay in the local economy. This helps to provide jobs for local employees and supports the communities of Northwest Montana.

I hope you will take the time to visit the Buy Local website and more importantly, make buying local a habit. It's good for Montana!

Salute to the Summer Solstice

2008-06-21T08:20:00.005-07:00

Good morning campers!

Happy "summer solstice" and welcome to the longest day of the year.... and, I might add, the local forecast calls for this to be the warmest day of the year (so far). If your plans call for a hike in Glacier National Park or a day on the water at Flathead Lake, it looks like you'll have great weather (if not a tad hot).

According to Answers.com, on this day in history...

524 - Godomar, King of the Burgundians defeats the Franks at the Battle of Vézeronce.
1665 - First soldiers of Le Régiment de Carignan-Salières arrive at Quebec to invade Iroquois territories.
1919 - Admiral Ludwig von Reuter scuttles the German fleet in Scapa Flow, Orkney. The nine sailors killed were the last casualties of the First World War.
1940 - World War II: France surrenders to Germany

And the I look at today's headlines and I think to myself... "we sure are slow learners". Okay, no personal political commentary or anything else that could ruin your day. Enjoy this longest day of the year because... soon we'll be preparing for winter! (did I really say that?... you know it did snow here last week!)

Enjoy the Flathead!

Glacier Park Pass - a Green Father's Day Gift

2008-06-05T10:18:00.002-07:00

Father's Day is almost here and I'll bet your dad does not need another neck tie, no matter how nice you think it looks. This year you can make Al Gore happy - and delight your father by giving him a "Green Father's Day" gift!

Here's a suggestion for an eco-friendly present he won't stuff in a drawer, or use as a dip stick rag. Give him a pass to Glacier National Park and/or all the National Parks for one full year. A year's pass to Glacier is great if Dad' a hiking-enthusiast or just enjoy's driving 'Going To The Sun Road', plus it supports the National Park Service.

These passes are valid for one full year from month of purchase. They provide entrance or access to pass holder and accompanying passengers in a single, private, non-commercial vehicle at Federally operated recreation sites across the country. It covers your Dad and three (3) accompanying adults age 16 and older at sites where per person entrance fees are charged. No entry fee for children 15 and under. Get Dad his "Green Father's Day" gift pass here!

Celebrate Glacier

2008-02-21T14:46:00.003-07:00

If you have been following the news around here you know that BP America was considering a coal-bed methane project in British Columbia. There was serious and legitimate concern that this project could damage the Flathead River Basin as a result of runoff and pollutants. The river flowing from this area empties into Flathead Lake.

The announcement of this coal-bed methane development in SE British Columbia triggered a major uproar by citizens in NW Montana. It has been in the news and discussed on talk radio for months. Today we received word that the BP America President, Bob Malone, told Senator Max Baucus that they would not be going forward with the project.

In a day and age when protecting the environment and adopting 'green solutions' to global warming is all the rage, this is a welcome decision. It is ironic that in any discussion of global warming, Glacier National Park is always mentioned as an example of one of the casualties of this phenomenon.

Anyway, this is very good news. Someone grab the Champaign!

Cabin Fever Days

2008-02-11T08:18:00.000-07:00

The Northern Lights have seen queer sights,
But the queerest they ever did see...
Are the 'Bar Stool Races' held each year
During Martin City's Cabin Fever Days.

I hope that Robert W. Service's offspring won't mind me borrowing a couple of lines from the author's famous poem, "The Cremation of Sam McGee". But the "Northern Lights and strange sights" seemed like a good way to introduce you to a winter celebration held here each year called 'Cabin Fever Days'. This year it was held during the Feb. 9/10 weekend).

Billed as a fundraising event for the communities, Cabin Fever Days is a reason for the locals to get out of their homes and cheer on their favorite (I guess you'd call them skiers?) for the annual 'Bar Stool Races'. Hungry Horse, Coram and Martin City are three tiny communities located just outside Glacier National Park and while the snow flies, there isn't a whole lot to do during the long winters.

The main street through town is blocked off and racers compete against each other for bragging rights that will earn free beers at the local saloons long into next summer. The "skis" are anything but... entrants create elaborate sleds mounted on skis that look like anything from 3-ski motorcycles to beds and busses. We saw lounge chairs, soap-box derby-type creations, metal beds, tractor parts and exercise machine frames bolted to skis and sliding down the hill. Watch the video...

Mostly, the event was a hoot. People enjoyed themselves, and the local saloons haven't done that much business since the Park closed and the tourists went home. Click on over to Glacier National Park and see more about Cabin Fever Days.

WInter in Glacier

2008-01-13T08:44:00.000-07:00

Winter in Glacier National Park and at Flathead Lake is a time reserved for fanatical outdoor enthusiasts. If you are in to ice fishing, snowshoeing or snowmobiles, there’s no better playground than here. Additionally, clear days provide some of the best photography opportunities you will find anywhere.

For those of us who love hiking, boating and such activities, we’re still hibernating until spring. With most of the park closed to traffic, we are limited to short hikes and wildlife viewing from the partially cleared road.

I decided to use this ‘winter break’ for a trip to visit my mother in Florida. I’ve been watching those exorbitant airline fares for a while and yesterday I had a chance to snag a great ticket for later this month. The funniest thing occurred only minutes after booking my trip. I received an email from a friend with one of the best ‘true’ stories I’ve ever read about an airplane experience. I decided to share this with you and bring a smile to your face. ~ Enjoy!

A man was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes. Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight.

He could also tell she had flown this very flight before because the pilot approached her, and calling her by name, said, 'Kathy, we are in your Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?'?

The blind lady replied, 'No thanks, but maybe my dog would like to stretch his legs.'

All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!

True story.... Have a great day and remember....

THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR

Merry Christmas to all!

2007-12-25T08:29:00.000-07:00

Good morning and a very special Christmas wish... I know I should be hog tied and dipped in tar for spending time on the computer on Christmas morning, but my excuse is that I am the only one yet awake and I wanted to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas!

This is such a special day - and a significant day for people all over the world. It matters not if you are in Minsk, Melbourne or Missoula, Christmas is a day to reflect and celebrate. I have been lucky to have celebrated Christmas in a half dozen States and a couple foreign countries, but nothing seems as right as Christmas in Montana. Okay, yes... I'm a tad partial.

Yesterday morning it snowed, the air was brisk without being too cold, the sun shown all day and our family spent most of the day together doing what families do on such occasions. This morning I'm waiting for everyone to awake so that we can take-up where we left off last night... enjoying each other's company.

Regardless of where you woke up this morning, I hope your Christmas day is safe and everything you want it to be. From my family to yours, we'd like to wish you a very...

Merry Christmas!

Mack Days - They're Baaaaaaack!

2007-09-28T09:38:00.000-07:00

Calling all anglers and spouses of anglers who want their share of $81,100 in cash and prizes (and fish)! The annual Fall Mack Days fishing tournament on Flathead Lake, starts Friday, September 28th and runs through Nov. 11.

The purpose behind this tournament is not to promote Flathead Lake, Montana's jewell needs no help in this area. This is a joint effort by the tribes and the state to control the non-native predacious lake trout (Mackinaw) population in Flathead by fishing. The fishing contests are the key to letting anglers be the solution to the mackinaw problem.

Lake trout can be caught using spinning gear, flies, flat fish, spoons, jigs, and cut bait. Get the best fishing tips here.

Mac Days is sponsored by the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes and sanctioned by Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks. Get all the details on their official website.

Enjoy and good luck!

We are approaching my favorite season… Fall.

2007-09-23T06:11:00.000-07:00

Wait a minute, I have to be honest with you (and with myself), but I am inclined to say that with the approach of every season in Montana. Our very distinctive seasons offer the best of everything to everybody, but fall is different. I especially like fall because it follows the hottest part of the summer and our yearly “fire season”. By the time fall gets here, I’ve been waiting for it for weeks.

Not just a reprieve from the dog days of summer, fall brings those cool, crisp mornings and the most beautiful, vibrant sunsets of the year. The lawn doesn’t need any more attention – even the weeds are taking a breather. It’s a time when you can work outdoors and never break a sweat. Fall is the time to bring in the firewood, and get the house prepared for winter. These are chores I happen to like doing, much more than cutting grass.

Fall is an anticipatory time as we have so many fun and festive holidays in front of us. From Halloween and Thanksgiving heading to Christmas and New Years, fall is the harbinger of our traditional family fun season. When you throw in some football, cold beer and pig roasts, it just don’t get better than fall… it just feels good!

On top of this I look around and see snow appearing on the mountain peaks, the Aspens are starting to turn gold and vivid colors are dotting the landscape. A few days ago my wife and I watched a young black bear wander through our property foraging for food in preparation for winter’s hibernation. The Blacktail deer’s coats have already changed color seemingly overnight. I’m glad to be alive and living in Montana.

Fall is one of the best times to visit NW Montana and take in Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake. The roads are less crowded as most of the tourists have returned home. At this time of the year you can find yourself alone in the wilderness, soaking up nature’s majesty – yet civilization (beer, football and pig roasts) is just around the next corner.

PS: I feel the need to apologize for my hiatus; this was a surprise for both of us. Since I last posted I traveled to Florida for a family wedding and reunion, then a trip to Salt Lake City on business. Hopefully my wanderlust has been satisfied for 2007.

Oh and BTW, that photo of the buck above was taken earlier this week. This young fellow and three of his lady friends were hanging about in my front yard and I just happened to have my digital camera at the ready.

Going-to-the-Sun Road to close early

2007-08-29T08:50:00.000-07:00

It seems that we are still recovering from the torrential rains of last November's storm that dropped 11 inches of rain on Glacier National Park. Road crews were able to make enough repairs to open Going-to-the-Sun Road on time this year, but because of the extensive damage, more work needs to be done before the snow flies this season.

If you were not aware, entire sections of the road on the east side of the divide were completely washed out by the storms. It is always a delicate dance to perform road repairs around the tourist season and Glacier's unpredictable weather. To get a jump on things, officials have decided to close the upper portions of the road on September 16th.

The park will remain open, but visitors will only be able to drive as far as Avalanche Creek (approx. 15 miles from the west gate). On the St. Mary side of the road (east entrance), visitors will be able to drive to Siyeh Bend.

Fire News

Whew! This was a challenging fire season this year, but it appears that the major fires that were affecting the park are now contained. We would all feel a little better if we had a few days of drenching rain, but conditions have improved and the fire crews seem to have everything under control.

Planning a Trip?

Fall in the park is a magic time of year and fall begins at different elevations. If you are planning a trip, now is a great time to visit Glacier National Park. Remember, you need to get here before September 16th. if you want to travel to Logan Pass and drive the entire length of Going-to-the-Sun Road.

If your trip to Glacier is cut short due to the road closure, not to worry... the other jewel in the "crown of the continent" is Flathead Lake, which is a short drive to the south. Enjoy!

Glacier & Flathead Fires

2007-08-21T21:00:00.000-07:00

They say "it ain't over till it's over", and I'll not dispute that, but it appears the main fires that were affecting Glacier National Park area and Flathead Lake are at least under control. Yes, I know that a change in the weather and other variables can whip these fires into a new and even greater threat, but being the optimist that I am, I think (hope) we may be seeing the 2007 fire season wind down.

This is a photo of Hidden Lake about three weeks ago, prior to the rash of fires that erupted in our area. Below is a photo taken from the same observation point just last week when the fires were most active. Visibility was very poor.

A little rain, cooler temps, and higher humidity has finally helped the firefighters get control of some major fires. As of today, the Brush Creek Fire (west of Glacier) is now 90% contained and Skyland Fire (east of Glacier) is 51% contained. These are two of the main fires whose smoke was affecting Glacier National Park.

If you want to get the latest information on these fires, visit the InciWeb website.

Wildlife in their habitat

2007-08-13T13:50:00.000-07:00

On any given day, unique wildlife experiences can be had anywhere in Glacier National Park. On the other hand, you could miss seeing any of the more “exotic” creatures like Bears, Mountain Goats or Big Horn Sheep just by virtue of bad timing. The problem is they will usually see you coming before you see them and most critters will avoid making your acquaintance.

One way to be sure of seeing some creatures that are not afraid to show themselves is to park your car at the Logan Pass lot and head up the hill for the Hidden Lake hike. This is a pleasant hike where 90% of it is “paved” with a well-maintained boardwalk.

You can almost always count on seeing plenty of Big Horn Sheep and mountain goats are everywhere. The goats have no fear of people and will walk past you or share the view from the overlook as pictured above with a mama and her kid.

These pictures were taken just two weeks ago in the Hidden Lake trail. Note that as hot as it has been (July set a record as the hottest Montana July on record), there is still snow & ice in many parts of the park.

We are heading back to Glacier later this week and hope to have some great pictures and wonderful tales to share with you in my next post. Until then, stay safe and enjoy life!

Wildfires

2007-08-01T11:47:00.000-07:00

In my last posting I sounded like a restaurant critic (which I am not) and today I may sound like a Park Ranger (which I also am not). If you are in our beautiful area right now, you need do nothing but look out he window to know that there is a forest fire burning somewhere nearby.

Unfortunately, it does not mater where in the valley you are because we have a number of fires burning in different areas. Today I learned of a valuable online resource, which I was not aware of; Inciweb.org posts information on incidents nation-wide. Our family lives in the "West Valley" area and we are concerned about a fire that is raging to the north of us (Tally Lake area). The Brush Creek Fire, located about 29 air miles west of Whitefish, MT, is now estimated at over 4,300 acres.

The wind shifted overnight and thick smoke has come crawling down our draw and it is actually making it difficult to breathe and see. There is a mountain range in front of our home that is almost completely invisible this morning. According to Inciweb.com, there are 114,264 acres burning in Montana right this very minute in 12 "active incidents".

Last Saturday during a visit to Glacier National Park, we drove by the Skyland fire raging on he east side of U.S. 2, which has been closed a couple of times since then. Highway 2 is open to 2 way unescorted traffic with a speed restriction in the area of the fire. Travelers also can expect short stoppages on Marias Pass while helicopters are flying over the highway when dipping from a water tank.

One of the (few) downsides to living in such a beautiful place as NW Montana is the annual threat of wildfires. Unfortunately, they are inevitable and it can be argued that they are beneficial to balancing the ecosystem, but it is one of those things where the theory of any benefit is outweighed by the proximity of he fire.

There is no need to panic or even change your travel plans if you are planing to come to this area for a visit. Wildfires happen and are part of life here in Montana. Most important is the fact that the best firefighters in America are battling these blazes and we are in good hands. A mention of these brave men and women in your prayers just might be the thing that tips the scales a little quicker.

Oh and BTW, there's a campfire ban in effect so if you are planning to camp at one of the many campsites here, check with the locals to see what restrictions are in place.

Sitting Duck Saloon...

2007-07-30T09:43:00.000-07:00

What happened?

On the east shore of Flathead Lake in Woods Bay is a little tavern called the "Sitting Duck Saloon". It is the Montana version of the "neighborhood bar"... small, cozy, friendly, great food and the bartender and waitresses treat you like family. One huge advantage of the Duck is its dock that will accommodate a bunch of thirsty boaters. While you are out on the lake, you can turn into Woods Bay, tie-up at the Sitting Duck and have a great Montana experience. Well... it used to be like that, but of late, the Sitting Duck - just plain sucks.

Now THAT was hard for me to say.

My wife and I have been boating over to the Duck for years. It was always a wonderful afternoon on the lake to put-in at Somers Bay and cruise down the shore and hang a left over to Woods Bay. We'd tie up at the dock, order a frozen margarita and sit outside on their multi-level deck overlooking Flathead Lake. The food was outstanding for a small restaurant; our favorite meals were the fish & chips or the prime rib on weekends. Inside, the Duck is outfitted like a hunting lodge with moose, caribou and a mountain lion hanging on the walls, a roaring fireplace (in season) – the Duck just oozes ambiance.

Quite honestly, boating over to the Sitting Duck was one of our most cherished summer routines, which we tried to do a few times every week. Sometime last year, it all began to unravel. The Duck was sold, and it appeared that the new owner was going to make a bunch of changes. Some of these "improvements" were good like a new dock addition, new TV monitors placed around the bar, and some not so good - like price increases on the menu and for drinks. But hey... that's progress, right?

I don't know the whole story behind the sequence of sad events, but the Duck began to have serious problems. First the restaurant was abruptly closed (I heard it was shut down by the food police, but I do not know if that is true), then it seemed that the staff was changing weekly. No longer having a restaurant, someone had the idea to sell hot dogs and bratwurst cooked on a grill out on the deck.

I must tell you about yesterday and (what will probably be) our LAST visit to the Duck. Until we hear that something has drastically changed, we'll not be tying up at the Duck's dock (say that fast 10 times) again any time soon.

We found an open slip around 4:00 PM and walked up to the deck to order a couple of hot dogs. "SIX DOLLARS", I complained to the teenage-looking cook, "for a hot dog"? "You do get a bag of chips with that", he countered. Ah, well that makes it a bargain, I thought, and ordered $12.00 worth of hot dogs (for those of you who play the lottery regularly, that's $12.00 for 2 hot dogs).

Without boring you with the entire sequence of blood-pressure-building events, here's the short version... The bartender (another new one) had no personality, no smiles for paying patrons and he mumbled responses such as "the margarita machine's been broke for a long time". The $6.00 hot dogs right off the grill were cold - as in not cooked and condiments came in a plastic squeeze pouch. I had to hunt down the teenage-looking chef (who was smoking at the bar) to beg for mustard and it seemed like it took ages for him to loot through the kitchen before rewarding me with 2 additional squeeze packets of yellow mustard. The bathrooms were dirty... according to my wife; there was no paper in the ladies room.

Hey, I am NOT a restaurant critic and such comments are actually outside the purpose of this blog. However, watching one of the best establishments on Flathead Lake literally melt down in one season is truly a sad event. The Duck was one of our favorite haunts all year round. The restaurant used to close for a few weeks in winter so the staff could take vacation and we always drove down for a great meal when they reopened. Anytime we have out-of-town visitors, the Duck was always one of the places we took them.

This blog is about NW Montana's Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake and all the wonderful things to see and experience when you visit. The Sitting Duck used to be one of those places we liked to recommend, and I have done just that in this blog and on our website. Unfortunately, the Duck has been deleted from my to-do list. Hey, if all you want is cold beer, cozy decor and a great view of Flathead Lake... do the Sitting Duck. That's about all it has going for it these days.

BTW, I do not know the owners - they may be wonderful people, I have no axe to grind and mean no one harm. I guess I'm just so disappointed about the Duck's demise - and getting burned with cold hot dogs... I just had to tell somebody. If you hear that the Duck’s been sold again, or something has changed, please leave us a comment. I miss the Sitting Duck already.

Glacier Park - New Fire Alert

2007-07-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

Baby mountain goat above Hidden Lake

Old friends from out of state visited yesterday, and of course, it was my duty to introduce them to the splendor of Glacier National Park. They received the royal treatment. We drove Going-To-The-Sun Road from the park's west entrance to Logan Pass where we hiked the beautiful Hidden Lake trail.

I am still sorting through a remarkable collection of photos from our visit, and will post some here in the next day of two. I'd love to share them with you now, but my bride and I are about to tow our boat south for a day on Flathead Lake. Summers are short here in the Flathead and with upper 90's temps forecasted for today, we don't want to miss this opportunity. More to follow...

One word of caution regarding Glacier Park travel. There is a fire raging on the east side of the park. Official have already evacuated a lodge and closed a stretch of U.S. 2. The Skyland fire was burning about 400 acres early yesterday, but we learned that approx. 1,000 acres was estimated after the fire blew up in the afternoon due to high winds and our dry weather.

This is a picture of the fire we saw from U.S. 2 prior to the road being closed. I'm sharing this with you in the event you have plans to visit Glacier in the next few days. Either enter Glacier from the west entrance or call the park to make sure U.S. 2 on the east is open.

iPod Tour Guide?

2007-07-19T19:26:00.000-07:00

I just discovered the coolest thing...

There is a company called TourCaster, that is offering tours of cities and National Parks by way of a download for your iPod. I'm sharing this with you because one of their downloads is for Glacier National Park.

Whether you are driving Going-to-the-Sun Road or hiking, TourCaster can be your private guide! Their audio tour blends unique stories and experiences of Park Rangers and the Chief of the Blackfeet Nation with music and nature sounds, offering the most informative guide available. This is really a cool service where you will hear how the park's jagged peaks, sheer cliff walls and its lovely glacial lakes were formed.

Tourcaster is a service that provides downloadable audio tours for your iPod or MP3 player. Each downloaded audio tour comes with multiple mp3 files and a map. The audio tour is as entertaining as it is educational. 65 minutes in length.

Using this service, you can download to an MP3 player, or burn a CD to play in your car. If you're planning a trip through Glacier, check out this tour. Learn more...

PS: TourCaster offers this service for cities and attractions around the globe, so if you're planning a trip to Amsterdam or Yellowstone - or anywhere in between, this is a cool service!

Flathead Cherries

2007-07-09T09:47:00.000-07:00

They're baaaaaack!

The Flathead Valley is known for many exceptional things. There is of course, our world-class Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, local wines, huckleberry products and of course, our famous Flathead cherries.

In a matter of days, the first batch of these cherries will be seen along the road being sold by residents and growers from their temporary fruit stands. Don't even think about passing one of these stands without buying all you can carry.

The president of the Flathead Lake Cherry Growers, Mr. Dale Nelson, says that growers are looking at three to four million pounds of cherries this season. Considering that we average 2.7 to 3 million pounds in a typical season, this is great news. Especially after a severe wind storm we experienced in June, there was some concern as to what impact that might have on this year's crop. The cherry harvest is expected to start next week.

My bride always comes up with new and tasty dishes and even some outstanding "adult beverages" she's made from cherries and vodka or brandy. Whether you want the best tasting cherry pie you've ever experienced, can preserves - or just eat 'em as God created them, Flathead cherries are another extraordinary feature of the Flathead Valley experience.

Reference...

Going-to-the-Sun Road is OPEN!

2007-07-01T07:13:00.000-07:00

They're finished plowing!

Today's the day! Going-to-the-Sun Road is officially open to vehicles today, July 1st. All 52 miles of this scenic highway is open. You can reach Logan Pass from the east (St Mary) or from the Highway 2 west entrance to the park.

Be aware that you may experience some delays as the road repairs resulting from last November's storm will not be finished for a while. With this in mind, why don't you consider letting someone else drive while you get to enjoy the scenery?

Also new today is Glacier Park's new free shuttle service. The new shuttle will provide two-way service along Going-to-the-Sun Road between Apgar and St. Mary Visitor Center. This is not a tour, although tour services are still available, the shuttle is a travel option and it is free. Park the car, grab your camera and let someone else watch the road. Get all the FAQ's about the free shuttle here.

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More Montana Facts & Trivia

2007-06-22T09:14:00.000-07:00

In my previous post, I offered some well-known (and some little known) facts about the state of Montana. There are few places on this planet that offer more to do, see and experience - and does it in such a wonderful way. Today I'll share some more MT minutiae that will cause you to appreciate America's treasure.

Whether you want to experience a world-class rodeo or ride white-water rapids, you can do it all in Montana. They call it "Big Sky Country", but not everything in Montana is big. Were you aware that we hold the title of the world's shortest river? Yup, the Roe River's (near Great Falls) length varies from 58 to 200 feet. The source for this small river is Giant Springs, the largest freshwater spring in the United States. And another thing, did you know...

Speaking of natural water, Montana's rivers and streams provide water for three oceans and three of the North American continent's major river basins.

Montana is the only state with a triple divide allowing water to flow into the Pacific, Atlantic, and Hudson Bay. This phenomenon occurs at Triple Divide Peak in Glacier National Park.

Glacier National Park has 250 lakes within its boundaries.

The Going to the Sun Road in Glacier Park is considered one of the most scenic drives in America.

Only one North American gemstone is included in the Crown Jewels of England and that is the Montana Yogo sapphire.

The highest point in the state is Granite Peak at 12,799 feet.

Montana's official animal is the grizzly bear.

The state motto "Oro y Plata" means gold and silver.

The name "Montana" comes from the Spanish word mountain.

The state flower is the Bitterroot (Lewisia rediviva).

The state tree is the mighty Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa).

State bird is the Western Meadowlark.

No you know why they call Montana the "Treasure State". Discovering everything that Montana has to offer could take a lifetime. From dinosaur digs to sky diving, you'll have a fantastic visit... I promise!

Travel Montana - Get the facts!

2007-06-21T15:24:00.000-07:00

Summer is a busy time for millions of tourists who flock Montana to see our magnificent scenery and experience things one can only dream about in most parts of the country. If you are planning to vacation here, you are already aware of many of the things that make Montana such a unique destination, but...

I'll bet there are a few more interesting things about our beautiful state that you didn't know. As an example, did you know that geographically speaking, Montana is the USA's fourth-largest state, while our population is fourth-smallest? The 2005 resident population estimate was 935,670.

Oh sure, we have Glacier National Park and Flathead Lake that I write about every week, but here's some more facts about our state that you may not know:

In 1888 Helena (state capitol) had more millionaires per capital than any other city in the world.
46 out of Montana's 56 counties are considered "frontier counties" with an average population of 6 or fewer people per square mile.
An average square mile of land contains 1.4 elk, 1.4 pronghorn antelope, and 3.3 deer.
No state has as many different species of mammals as Montana.
Montana has the largest migratory elk herd in the USA.
Elk, deer and antelope populations outnumber the humans.
Montana has the largest grizzly bear population in the lower 48.
Moose, numbering over 8,000 today, was thought to be extinct in the Rockies south of Canada in the 1900s.
Miles City is known as the Cowboy Capitol.
Virginia City, established in 1863, is considered to be the most complete original town of its kind in the United States.
The Old West can be rediscovered at the Charles M. Russell Museum Complex in Great Falls.
George Armstrong Custer and his troops made their last stand at Little Bighorn.
Montana is home to seven Indian reservations.
Montana only has one Area Code
Montana holds the world record for the greatest temperature change in 24 hours. In just a day's time the temperature rose a whopping 103 degrees Fahrenheit.

Come back tomorrow for part II of this posting. I'll bet there's a few more things about this Big Sky Country that you don't know!

Man injured by grizzly

2007-06-13T22:45:00.000-07:00

I know they look cute...

This video was filmed last week in my neighbor's back yard. A cute little black bear just begging for someone to come closer and pet it or give it food.

WRONG! They are bears... wild animals who can feed on YOU! Just this week another poor soul wandered too close to a grizzly and her cubs and was mauled. In Grand Teton National Park, a grizzly bear attacked a man today, causing moderate injuries, after the man apparently surprised a female bear and three cubs feeding on an elk carcass. Read the story here...

The message my friend is "don't get close to the bears"! They are magnificent, beautiful creatures, but they see you as food or a threat - not a friend who can pet or feed them. While you hike Glacier National Park's trails, remain aware - and if you do see a bear, give them a wide berth.