A Glimpse of Glacier

Reynolds Creek Fire Update I’m sure many, if not all, of you have heard about the Reynolds Creek Fire that is burning in Glacier National Park.  I mean it’s national news, and has even been mentioned on the Today Show. The fire has burned around 4,000 acres, but Glacier National Park covers 1.1 million acres.  … Read more

Share

HSTR 321: Helena and Its Origins

In one way or another, I am sure everyone has had the experience of saying, “let’s give it one last chance.”  Whether it was a relationship, hobby, business endeavor, or career path, the sentiment is far from foreign.  The Four Georgians, who are to thank for putting Helena, Montana on the map, also shared this … Read more

Share

The Montana State Park Where There is Ghost Writing

Fatigue grips your body. You have been travelling for hours with no shelter from the elements.  There is snow covering the ground and the wind is howling, freezing your extremities.  In the distance you hear the cry of a bobcat, and something rustles in a bush at your feet.  Along the horizon you make out … Read more

Share

What’s Up With Montana?

  You may have noticed that someone else has been writing some blogs. That is because, like the Sorcerer from Fantasia, I have been training up an apprentice. I have faith that she will prove at least as capable as the Sorcerer’s Apprentice. Why have I been training an apprentice? Because, like Master Yoda said, … Read more

Share

The Montana State Park where I Refrained from Jumping Off the Cliff

The whoop and cry of the braves. The startled bellows of the bison as they plummet to their death. The schthichk of skin ripped from flesh. The chanting murmurs of the butchers. Wood smoke. Dust.  Blood crushed grass. Raw meat, slowly heating in the sun. This is the pishkun, the deep blood kettle. For over … Read more

Share

Bear Aware in the Big Sky

While on the topic of the great outdoors, it is important to point out that a vast majority of the state is “Bear Country.”  This means that while enjoying all the outdoors have to offer, it is important to be Bear Aware! So, Question One: What attracts bears? Garbage Dishes/Pots Coolers Food Pet Food/Bowls Camp … Read more

Share

A Ramble through the Absaroka-Beartooth

    A few weekends ago, I went hiking up Sioux Charlie trail in the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness, and frankly, you’re lucky that I decided to come back to work. You’re also lucky that I only posted 11 pictures, because I took exactly ten times that many.   This is the Stillwater River. Presumably whoever named … Read more

Share

Top 10 Reasons to Go Camping

Having grown up in Montana, camping has been a family activity since day one.  For me, and many others born and raised in this beautiful state, camping is a way of life, a staple if you will.  One of my fondest memories is from the Two Medicine Campground in Glacier National Park, the day I … Read more

Share

A Night of Racing at the Illustrious Bear Creek Downs

The crowd—small yet, it is still early in the season—waits in anticipation as the racers file into the starting gate. The “Call to the Post” blares scratchily over the loudspeakers. With an ear-splitting ring, the gate bursts open. The racer in the green silks pulls ahead early…rounding the first corner…into the backstretch…and stops abruptly, snuffling … Read more

Share

The Backbone of the World

I remember taking a family road trip to Glacier National Park as a child.  Driving from Helena, MT to East Glacier, we carefully followed US 89 (a route known as the National Park to Park Highway as it connects twelve National Parks, but we will save that for another post).  As we followed the trail … Read more

Share