Monthly Archives: July 2011

Flying Over Glacier National Park

Last week, I flew over Glacier National Park. And I’m not talking about flying 30,000 feet over the park aboard a major commercial airline. I’m talking about skirting along the high ridge lines of the Continental Divide, staring in awe at brilliant rushing waterfalls, gazing at high alpine backcountry lakes and seeing a glacier up close.

To put it simply, it was one of the most incredible experiences I’ve had. Ever. In all my days.

In the last 28 years I’ve logged many hours within the Crown of the Continent on trail rides, hikes, red buses, boats and by car, but seeing the park from this perspective was something I will never forget and will forever cherish.

Our trusty pilot.

Close-up view.

A view from inside.

Waterfalls=Incredible

At this moment, I was awe-struck.

Here’s to dreams coming true, crossing experiences off my bucket list and appreciating the splendor of Glacier National Park. Happy summer.
TT

Montana River Guides…An Auction for First Descents

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Ever wanted to go on a date with a river guide?

There’s something about river guides that is adorable, scruffy and maybe even a tad…dare I say it, sexy. And if you’re even a smidgen like me, I’m guessing that you’ve toyed with the idea of being whisked away (at least for one night) by the river guide of your dreams.

Well, it’s your lucky day.

Coming up this Thursday, July 28 is an event called “First Dates for First Descents” – a raffle and auction to benefit First Descents, a non-profit organization that provides free adventure therapy for young adults fighting and surviving cancer.

“First Dates for First Descents” will be held at the West Glacier Bar (known to locals as Freda’s) in West Glacier and will kick off at 9 p.m.

At the event, you’ll have an opportunity to bid on three fair ladies and three handsome men or as we like to call them–some of the finest bachelors and bachelorettes this side of the Continental Divide. Plus, each date comes with their own dating package. Dating packages up for grabs include breakfast for two with paddleboarding (cool, right?), dinner at The Boat Club and an evening out at Glacier Grille.

Bachelor #1 - Kelsey (Look at that smile. Seriously).

Bachelor #2 - Sam (Crafty, handy & a river guide)

Bachelorette #1 - Callie (Adorable, right?)

Bachelorette #2 - Amy (Spunky and fun!)

In addition to winning a date, they’ll be goodies and gear raffled off from Smith Optics, Glacier Distilling Whiskey, Glacier Raft Company, Black Star Beer, Montana Fly Co. and others.

A few other tidbits…
-All proceeds will benefit First Descents.
-Each $1,000 raised sends one young adult to camp for an entire week.
-Kelsey K. will also be participating in the White River 50 Endurance Run in northern Washington for Team FD, the fundraising arm of First Descents.

The hardest part for this girl? Picking which bachelor to bid on…
TT

A Missoula Good Time

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Last week, I met up with five lovely ladies for a trip centered around the garden city of Missoula. We only had a few days together and decided to pack in as much action, character and food as we could.

And pack it in we did.

For the first night of our trip, we headed up to Ten Spoon Winery in the Rattlesnake Valley. While the wine (all organic mind you) got rave reviews, the thing that stood out to me the most was the setting. Located just minutes from downtown Missoula, it gave me the feeling that we were miles away from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

The vineyard at Ten Spoon Winery.

And because we needed to work off our food and wine, the next morning we hiked the “M” on Mount Sentinel. While we got our legs burning and our sweat on under Montana’s big blue sky and beaming sun, we were rewarded with a beautiful view of the city at the top.

A few of my traveling companions after making it to the M.

We also toured the Smokejumper Visitor Center and Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation Visitor Center, hit up Downtown Tonight, took fly-fishing lessons from Grizzly Hackle, enjoyed the local Saturday markets and rafted the iconic Blackfoot River with 10,000 Waves. I also had the smoothest trail ride of my life with Dunrovin Ranch on their Tennessee Walking Horses.

Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

Learning to cast with Bryce and Ben.

Ready to raft!

Not to be left out, we gave much of our attention to Missoula’s incredible restaurants, with stops at Red Bird Wine Bar for their champagne fondue (one of my all time faves), The Catalyst (nothing says summer like their Caesar salad–for reals), Scotty’s Table (their lemon cheesecake is smooth, creamy and light), Hob Nob, The Shack, Finn & Porter (where I had the best yogurt/granola/fresh berry combination to date) and Lolo Creek Steakhouse where the highlight–besides the steak–was the coconut macaroon sundae. So delicious.

The grill at Lolo Creek Steak House.

It was one Missoula good time.

Until next week,
TT

A Trip to Glacier National Park & Whitefish

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A few weeks ago, we rounded up some friends from Montana and across the country and made our way to Glacier National Park. The group was a tad nervous, as the skies and forecast really seemed to want to put a damper on our fun time. But we were a stalwart bunch and couldn’t be deterred.

We grabbed our beanies, down jackets, rain gear and headed northeast to the community of East Glacier. Having grown up just two hours south of East Glacier, I spent quite a bit of time there during the summers when I was just a little blond bundle.

While I looked forward to staying at Glacier Park Lodge when I was younger, I think I look forward to it even more today. It reminds me of a simpler time…when my hair was always messy, my gap was even bigger (I managed to knock out my front teeth when I was younger) and summer vacation was greeted with open arms, excited anticipation and big plans.

Today, going to the lodge is much the same. I look forward to each visit with a touch of giddiness that remains with me, even as the years pass by.

During this visit, we were able to take a red bus tour with perhaps the cutest jammer driver of all time: Jammer Joe.

Jammer Joe

He chauffeured our group to St. Mary, Jackson Glacier Overlook and Two Medicine, regaling us with history of the park, tales of the past and his sweet voice as it crooned a few country songs.

Two Medicine, Glacier National Park

After two days in East Glacier, we headed to our next destination on the west side of the park, the appropriately named community of West Glacier. We met up with a friend of mine, Ryan, at Glacier Outdoor Center and were given fly-fishing lessons for the next few hours. Two of the folks in my group landed fish…and while I didn’t catch a fish, I did land a tree.

Connor and Andrija perfecting a cast

After an evening in West Glacier and a morning hike with Glacier Guides, we rafted the Middle Fork of the Flathead River with Great Northern Whitewater Raft & Resort on waters that are best described as epic, fun and offering a kick-in-the-pants good time.

From there, we drove the short 30 minutes to Whitefish where we checked into The Lodge at Whitefish Lake. The next morning we headed up to Whitefish Mountain Resort for the 6-zip line tour. For our first zip, we were greeted with rain. And while it kept us company for the remainder of the morning, the zip line tour was an absolute delight!

We heart zip lining

Fog covered the mountain on a few of the lines…the longest coming in at 1,900′ and as zippers, you couldn’t see the landing platform until you were almost upon it after coming out of the fog. And to be honest, we didn’t mind the fog. It added to the excitement of each line and our determination to beat our zipping partner to the platform.

We ended back at the base lodge, where we dried off and relaxed after our adrenaline, giggle, race-filled morning.

After zipping, we headed back to town where we split up, with some biking The Whitefish Trail and others taking advantage of a break in the clouds by paddling a canoe on Whitefish Lake. As this was the last day of our journey together, we headed to McGarry’s Roadhouse for a delicious dinner, followed by several helpings of dessert.

Paddling Whitefish Lake

To my traveling partners, you were such a delight! If ever I have to spend five days in the pouring rain, complete with gray skies, I hope once again that trip will be taken with you.

Hope to see you in Montana again, soon. Until then, happy trails.