Archive for the ‘Autumn’ Category

Feelin’ the Fall

Friday, August 27th, 2010

Let’s get one thing straight. I love summer. If it was a tall, dark and handsome man, I’d probably marry it.

But here’s the thing…I also LOVE fall. Autumn in Montana is pretty stellar. A crispness in the air, uncrowded roads, cozy sweaters and boots, football (Go Griz!) and of course, the brilliant golds and yellows of the changing foliage.

And because I love it so much, I want to share it with you. :) Here are a few suggestions for fall travel and activities in Western Montana…

Idea #1: Take a drive. Western Montana has some vibrantly gorgeous scenic loops that are perfect for exploring small towns. Consider taking Highway 200 along the Blackfoot River (keep an eye for moose) and driving through the winding Seeley-Swan Valley.

Idea #2: Explore Glacier National Park. In two words: simply beautiful. The colors of the rivers and lakes, combined with the vibrant leaves, offer a picturesque glimpse at the Crown of the Continent.

Autumn in Glacier National Park. Photo by Donnie Sexton.

Autumn in Glacier National Park. Photo by Donnie Sexton.

Idea #3: Hit the water. Just because it’s September doesn’t mean water season is over. Do some riverboarding on the Alberton Gorge, take a scenic float on the Middle Fork of the Flathead River or try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding on the Clark Fork.

Idea #4: Catch a Griz game! If there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that Montana loves football. If you’re in Missoula, be sure to catch a game as the Univeristy of Montana boys take the field.

Go Montana!

Go Montana!


Happy fall!
TT
PS: For fall travel deals, click here.

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An Autumn Ride in the Sapphire Mountains

Wednesday, September 23rd, 2009

Settled snugly in my horse’s saddle, I tentatively coaxed Whiskey up alongside our equestrian guide, SuzAnne Miller, who was perched with authority atop her shining chestnut colored horse, Power, as we crested a golden brown grassy hilltop.

The group warms up their horses at Dunrovin Ranch.

The group warms up their horses at Dunrovin Ranch.


Far below us the shallow Bitterroot River flowed along the valley bottom, calm and lazy as the wispy clouds streaking the faded blue fall sky. Giant cottonwood trees rose up all over the broad valley floor, their golden leaves aflame like Gulliver-sized torches illuminating the countryside.
The author (in green) guides her horse across the Bitterroot River.

The author (in green) guides her horse across the Bitterroot River.


Motioning toward the next rolling mountain top just a half kilometer east of us, SuzAnne pointed out a group of horses grazing, whinnying and occasionally tossing their manes.

“They’re wild,” she said. “They’re the descendants of some horses a rancher set free about 30 years ago. They don’t often let us see them this close.”

As SuzAnne’s business partner Dunrovin Ranch, manager Sue Matthews related to our group of five greenhorns the story of how Lewis and Clark nearly died in mountains very nearby when a deep snowstorm fell early and prevented them from being able to hunt, I watched the wild horses and savored the fall colors that adorned the entire valley with a full artist’s palette of golds and reds and oranges. This, I decided, was the perfect Montana moment.

And right about then, I also happily concluded that I was finally feeling almost comfortable sitting on a horse—one activity that instantly bucks me out of my comfort zone like no other.
That, I decided was another perfect Montana moment.

–by Lynn Martel, www.lynnmartel.ca

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