There’s been some pretty happening stuff in Missoula the last few days. Not only was it Downtown Tonight last night, but since Wednesday Missoula has been hosting the US Freestyle Kayaking National Championships at Brennan’s Wave. Around 200 competitors have been in the Garden City this week trying their hand, and performing tricks, to earn a spot representing the US at the World Freestyle Kayaking Championships in Germany.

And we couldn’t be more tickled. It was such a treat to have something like this in Western Montana. To all the guys and gals that participated, we hope you come back and paddle our waters again soon. And keep bringing those tricks!

A few photos for your viewing pleasure.

Some random tidbits:
-A new wave, The Max, is being built on the Clark Fork River. Which means Missoula will have TWO play areas for kayakers in the heart of downtown.
-Summer is here. Ah, yea.
-If you’re looking for a water based adventure/activity, consider 10,000 Waves Rafting & Kayaking. I did a kayaking trip with their guides a few weeks back. In three words: It was awesome.

Until next week, happy travels!

TT

When I was growing up along the Rocky Mountain Front, we would make a trip to Glacier every summer. And along with that trip came the annual stay at Glacier Park Lodge in East Glacier. I always looked forward to staying at the lodge…it was such a wondrous place for a little girl who dreamed of princes and castles. Grand and beautiful, it seemed to hold something magical inside.

One distinct memory from my visits there is one evening sneaking out of our 2nd floor room in my pajamas (most likely paired with crazy blond hair) and peering over the railing to watch the piano player in the lobby and listen in silent awe as the music filled the room.

Nearly 20 years later, this girl found herself at Glacier Park Lodge again. Sure, a few key differences stood out–like being able to see over the railing without standing on my tippy toes and I brush my hair now–but besides that, it was the same lodge and experience I had fallen in love with all those years ago.

And while I live on the west side of the Rocky Mountains now, I’m quite confident I’ll be going back to Glacier Park Lodge as often as I can. Especially when I’m looking to reconnect with that feeling of childhood wonderment or when I need to remember how life is supposed to be. Beautiful, majestic and completely wonderful.

PS: For your viewing pleasure, a few photos from my visit.

TT

Have you heard about the lastest battle between Montana’s two jewels? Currently, there’s a good-natured and spirited battle going on between Yellowstone National Park and Glacier National Park.

The concept came about as a way to celebrate and highlight the very two different parks, Yellowstone with its geysers and Glacier with its…glaciers. The competition has been heating up in the last few weeks and there is quite the tug of war between Glacier’s red buses and Yellowstone’s yellow buses on the better than website.

Which leads me to this…We want YOU to get in on the fun! Log on to www.better-than.com and cast your vote (with comments if you feel so inclined) for your favorite park. And while you’re there, check out what other people have to say, what we have to see and be sure to watch our video features on both parks.

PS: GO TEAM GLACIER!

TT

Time for honesty. I snuck out of here yesterday. But for good reason! We’ve had some cold days during the past couple of weeks here in God’s country and this little girl was to the point of being over this cold weather.

Luckily for me, yesterday turned into an absolutely beautiful, sun-kissed day. And I took advantage of it. I army-crawled out of here, jumped in the truck and headed south to the Bitterroot Valley for a few hours of playing. While there, I perused around the community of Stevensville. For those of you that haven’t been, I’d definitely recommend putting Stevi (as the locals call it) on your list…

Here’s why:
Stevi has the cutest downtown. And nice puppies.

It’s home to the St. Mary Mission–the birthplace of Montana.

And if you time it right, you might see these gals dressed in period attire. Secretly, I want one of their gowns.

Stevi also has the cutest little restaurant called the Internet Coffee Station. The place has delicous wraps, salads and sandwiches, but more importantly it is home to tasty sweet treats.

Plus, Stevi is home to these little cuties. It doesn’t get much better than that.

TT

February 15, 2010
Latest Centennial eNews

Our latest Centennial eNews!

Highlights include:

• Upcoming Activities:

February 22, 2010: Glacier National Park Associates Winter Speaker Series featuring Joyce Lapp at Central Museum in Kalispell

February 27, 2010: Winter Moonlit Ski in Apgar Village

March 18, 2010: Centennial Film Festival– A River Wild at Signature Theaters in Kalispell

March 19, 2010: 100 Years, 100 Straight Days in Glacier– Photography Exhibit Reception with Chris Peterson at Discovery Square in Columbia Falls

March 22, 2010: Glacier National Park Associates Winter Speaker Series featuring John Fraley at Central Museum in Kalispell

March 25, 2010: Columbia Falls High School Centennial Art Reception at Discovery Square in Columbia Falls

• Two Centennial Literary Contests: University of Montana Literary Journal– Camas and the Belton Chalet Centennial Poetry Contest

• Photos capturing recent centennial activities

Enjoy!

Just another beautiful day at Whitefish Mountain Resort.


ps: They also have some stellar deals happening right now, making it even more affordable to stay and play in Whitefish. For more info, visit www.skiwhitefish.com.

T