Tag Archives: Bitterroot Valley

A Girl Needs To Fish

Truth #1: I’ve had a hankering to fish all summer. (As in a I-couldn’t-get-it-out-of-my-head-and-thought-about-it-all-of-the-time type of hankering).

Truth #2: I did not go fishing all summer.

Considering these two truths and where I live, you wouldn’t think it would be that difficult to go fishing. But before I knew it, summer had come and gone and fall was here smacking me across the face and reminding me that I didn’t do the ONE thing I had been jonesing for the last few months.

And for this girl, that just didn’t seem right. So I did what any logically thinking, smart-minded, innovative messy-haired person would do. I rounded up some buddies and went fishing. And it, my friends, was grand.

Where did we cast our lines?

First, we traveled south to the Bitterroot River where we met our guides with Montana Hunting & Fishing Adventures and spent the next several hours floating and fishing.

Favorite shot of the day.

Throughout the duration of our float, my cast went from not strong or pretty to slightly improved. After a day of instruction and fine-tuning, I’m happy to report that I landed one fish–a little, yet feisty fella.

Ya buddy. (Photo courtesy of my friend and fishing companion, Mike Brodwater).

The next stop on our journey had us traveling north, with a stop in Missoula to meet up with the nice guides from Grizzly Hackle. While the gentlemen in the group talked fishing, I did once of the things I do best–perused the shop.

Fish + Montana = LOVE.

Waders. Don't mind if I do.

After a pit stop in Missoula, our fish-loving crew north to the Middle Fork of the Flathead River and met up with Glacier Anglers. It was here, I’m very happy to report, that I caught six fish. And while that was the low number for the day (my companions all out-fished me), I take solace in the fact that my guide/friend said I had the prettiest fish of the day.

Want to make a grown man smile? Take him fishing.

Beauty queen.

Here’s to many more days filled with fishing rods, locally tied flies and the great waters of Montana.

xo,
TT

PS: Who wants to go fishing? Call me.

These are a Few of my Favorite (Montana) Things

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While raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens may have a song about them, I must say they don’t compare to a few of my favorite things…which are early morning sunrises, cutesy small towns, crisp mountain air and sparkling night stars.

And I’m delighted to tell you that in the last few days, this girl was able to see many of my favorite things, plus a hearty helping of some new favorites…

Trapper Peak (seen in the distance) is the highest point in the Bitterroot Mountains.

Montana's state flower: the bitterroot.

Dear Darby, thank you for the welcome. I'm tickled to be here.

Perhaps the cutest bathroom signs in Montana.

Lake Como is absolutely stunning.

I've never met a milkshake I didn't like, but this one from Memories Cafe in Corvallis was delicious.

Every good Montana girl should own a pocket knife.

Locally made huckleberry fudge at The Old West Gallery, Antiques & Candy Store in Darby.

The Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge is a great place for birding and bonding.

Happy weekend,
TT

A Piece of Loveliness: Montana’s Bitterroot Valley

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A few days ago, I packed my bags and headed south with two of the loveliest ladies in Montana. Our destination? The Bitterroot Valley. Our goal: To experience as much Montana goodness as our little hearts could handle.

And did we ever.

Here’s a peak at our journey…

The Holt Museum at Travelers' Rest in Lolo.

Birding at Lee Metcalf National Wildlife Refuge.

Montana-style wine glasses.

The Daly Mansion.

Trying on hats at Alpaca Hill Drygoods.

Powder Thursday at Lost Trail Powder Mountain.

A display of barbed wire from the mid- to late-1800s at the Ravalli County Museum.

Root beer (is it delicious!) from Higherground Brewing Co. in Hamilton.

It’s been a great week.
TT

Snow Day!

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Happy Friday from Montana! As you may have heard, Western Montana has been being hit with EPIC snowfall. And I don’t use the word epic lightly.

I’m talking about the kind of snowfall that had Lost Trail Powder Mountain receiving 50″ in the last 48 hours, Montana Snowbowl welcoming 26″ in the last 48 hours, Lookout Pass Ski Area garnering 22″ in the last 48 hours, Blacktail Mountain Ski Area welcoming 13″ in the last 48 hours, Whitefish Mountain Resort recording 7″ in the last 48 hours and Turner Mountain Ski Area accumulating 20″ this week.

But instead of telling you, I’d rather show you.

Morning in Missoula.

Fresh powder at Whitefish Mountain Resort. Photo by Brian Schott.

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The morning commute in Missoula. Photo by Taylar Robbins.

The Apgar Lookout webcam in Glacier National Park.

Mike Hardisty riding at Lookout Pass. Photo courtesy Lookout Pass.

Happy winter!
TT

PS: If you’re ready to come play in the snow on your winter toy of choice, check out these travel deals from local Montana businesses.

Montana: This is Winter Country

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Winter arrived late to Western Montana. My guess? She wanted to make an entrance. And that’s fine with me…I’m not going to point fingers, cuss her out or give her the silent treatment. Why? Because she’s here now and let’s face it, she really looks quite lovely.

In the last week, fresh powder has fallen on our ski areas, snowmobile trails and mountain meadows, making everyone around here giddy with excitement, anticipation and a hankering that can only be relieved from playing in the snow.

And play we will.

As part of the Montana experience of winter, several communities host events and activities that showcase this season, and her slightly rambunctious attitude, at its finest. And with so many things to choose from, I’ve compiled some of my suggestions to help ensure that winter treats you like a lady. (Or a gentleman).

Some of my suggestions:

Seeley Lake Winterfest, Seeley Lake
While Seeley Lake is a bootie-kickin’ year-round destination, they do it up right in the winter. Winterfest, held January 20 – 22, features a snow sculpture contest, torchlight parade, bonfire, desserfest (yes, please) and live entertainment. The Seeley Lake Biathlon (featuring skiing and shooting) is also held in conjunction with Winterfest.

A snow sculpture at Seeley Lake's Winterfest.

Chinese New Year, Hot Springs
Celebrate the Chinese New Year in the cute community of Hot Springs on Saturday, January 21, with festivities including a dragon dance parade, drumming and bio-luminesce fire dancers. The bonus? Catching the fireworks from the outdoor hot springs pool at Symes Hot Springs Hotel.

Whitefish Winter Carnival, Whitefish
Held February 3 – 5, Winter Carnival is really winter at its best. The carnival includes a grand parade, fireworks display, torchlight parade and Black Star Beer Barter. And if you’re up in that neck of the woods in January, attend Whitefish Skijorning, January 27 – 29.

Whitefish Skijoring. Photo by Larry Turner.

Winter Storytelling Series, Lolo
Each year Travelers’ Rest State Park hosts a winter series that celebrates the age-old Salish tradition of sharing history through stories. This winter’s series features talks (held every Saturday) by Kootenai Tribal Members, Salish Tribal Elders, historians and authors.

A cozy cabin in the woods. Photo by Donnie Sexton.

Happy winter,
TT

Cozy hat=Ready for winter.

PS: For sweet travel deals, check out the DEALS page on www.glaciermt.com.

Fall: Montana’s Bashful Season

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Last week, I mourned the loss of summer. This week, I’m embracing fall in Montana’s Glacier Country. I can’t help it. You see, autumn in Montana has its own distinct feeling and personality that is perhaps best described as the perfect combination of a charming bashfulness, a dash of showmanship and of course, all things delicious.

Maybe it’s the mixture of apples, homemade scarecrows, cutesy small towns or the ravishingly beautiful waters set against changing fall colors that is so riveting. Or maybe it’s the fall fly-fishing, hay rides and uncrowded roads leading into our region’s hidden corners.

Scarecrow Festival in Stevensville - Photo courtesy Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism

Hello, pretty. Photo courtesy Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism

Whatever it is, I dig it.

Happy autumn.
TT

PS: To read more on fall in Montana, check out this article from gonomad.com (published last year). And if you want to come see it for yourself, peruse vacation deals, created specifically for Montana’s bashful season.

Montana Summer: A Photo Recap

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I’m not sure how many of you feel this way, but this girl is having a hard time saying goodbye to summer. It’s like I blinked and all of the sudden it’s gone.

This summer was definitely one for the books, with thousands of miles logged, countless scoops of ice cream consumed and beautiful snapshots of images that will be carried with me always. And while I’m looking forward to autumn, colorful fall foliage, beautiful drives and spiced cider, my heart is still mourning the loss of summer.

But instead of saying goodbye, I’m going to bid summer a hearty farewell, so long and a hope to see you soon. And summer, until we meet again, I’m going to remember the good times and adventures we shared under Montana’s big blue sky.

Lake McDonald from Apgar, Glacier National Park

A quiet creek near Stevensville, Bitterroot Valley

Outdoor summer concert - Missoula

Kerr Dam - Flathead Valley

Late summer afternoon - Tobacco Valley

Early morning sunrise - St. Ignatius

A summer tradition - Serrano's in East Glacier

Fly-fishing with friends in the rain - Glacier National Park

Hello beautiful - Glacier National Park

Hiking with baby brother - Holland Falls

Blackfeet Nation

Missoula from Mt. Sentinel

Summer = Strawberry Lemonade

Seeley-Swan Valley

Montana hugs and kisses,
TT

Montana Summer: Let’s Plan For Fun

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Happy June!

Can you believe I just wrote that? Maybe it’s just me, but it seems like the last few months have absolutely flown by…but I’m not even mad about it. Because that means summer is HERE! Well, almost. (It’s coming, I promise.)

For many of you, you may be planning your vacation to Montana this year, still deciding where you’re heading or heck, maybe you’re on your way to us now. To help you in your decision, we’ve pulled together some events and happenings that are sure to make your vacation a little bit sweeter.

JUNE
Western Heritage Days
The quaint community of Stevensville hosts Western Heritage Days, June 17 – 18. The celebration marks 170 years of Stevensville as a community and includes a parade, St. Mary’s Mission tours, dancing and a chuckwagon cook-off.

St. Mary's Mission, Stevensville

Libby Logger Days
Held June 23 – 26 in the northwest corner of Montana, Libby Logger Days is an educational event that shares the forestry culture with attendees. The festivities include a carnival, boxing smoker, kids logging competition, parade, live music, lawn mower races and an adult logging competition.

JULY
David Thompson Days
For folks looking to stroll 200 years back in time, head to Thompson Falls to participate in David Thompson Days, held July 2, where re-enactors replicate the lifestyle of early North American exploration, survival and trade. As part of the festivities, you’ll see historic displays and demonstrations, primitive arts and crafts, live music and games. David Thompson Days take a special look at explorer David Thompson (1770 – 1857), who traveled more than 50,000 miles by foot, horse and canoe as he mapped many of the uncharted territories in upper North America.

North American Indian Days
This year, North American Indian Days marks its 60th annual celebration July 7 – 10 on the Blackfeet Nation in Browning. One of the largest gatherings of North American tribes, the event provides insight into Blackfeet traditions, with dancing, traditional games and a rodeo.

North American Indian Days, Browning.

Flathead Cherry Festival
Held July 16 – 17 in Polson, the Flathead Cherry Festival celebrates the sweet, dark cherry that grows in orchards along the shores of Flathead Lake. The festival includes a cherry pie eating contest, quilting contest and is a great family event. Plus, a stellar crop is expected for this year’s harvest.

AUGUST
Huckleberry Festival
Located in Trout Creek, this festival celebrates the beloved purple berry and is held August 12 – 14. The festival includes a parade, street dance, auction, children’s activities and numerous craft and food vendors. Small town fun at its best!

Mmm, huckleberries. Photo courtesy Donnie Sexton/Montana Office of Tourism

River City Roots Festival
Held August 27 – 28, the River City Roots Fest is Missoula at its finest. The festival includes all-day music stages, a juried art show, family activities and a 4K walk/run.

For more events happening throughout the summer, visit www.glaciermt.com.

Sneak Peak At Winter

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If you’re anything like me, you like to know what type of weather to expect when you’re gearing up to play or work in Montana’s great outdoors. From my office, I can look out the window and see exactly what the weather has in store for me.

But one of the tricky things about Western Montana is that in a five mile span, the weather can be vastly different. Sure, it might be snowing and overcast in Missoula, but drive 40 miles south and it could be sunny and clear.

For my job (and for fun), I do quite a bit of traveling around the region and you can trust your pretty little head (or handsome manly face) that I like to know what kind of weather to expect when I’m hitting Montana’s open roads. And to be honest, it kind of makes my day to see what Lake McDonald looks like in winter or to catch a view of the snow-covered Flathead Valley.

Which is why I HEART webcams…in a big way.

Not only do they fill me in on what our fickle friend Mother Nature is up to, they transport me to the quiet waters of Lake McDonald on a peaceful December day or let me see the winter storm whipping through St. Mary along the Rocky Mountain Front.

View from Lake McDonald webcam, 12/9/11

And because everyone should be able to be swept away to Montana (even if just for a moment), here is a list of webcams offering views of just what’s happening in our neck of the woods. So you can be in Montana, even if you’re not actually here…

Lost Trail Powder Mountain (Bitterroot Valley)

Lost Trail Powder Mountain, Bitterroot Valley

Missoula Valley

Glacier National Park
-Includes Lake McDonald, Apgar Village, Apgar Lookout, Park Headquarters, St. Mary Visitor Center, Two Medicine

Whitefish Mountain Resort

See you soon.
TT

Montana is Beautiful

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I’m a lucky girl. Seriously.

For the last two weeks, I’ve been perusing the countryside of Western Montana. I’ve put on a lot of miles and enjoyed every minute of it. Mainly because Montana is filled with some of the most incredible beauty that a person could ever by blessed enough to see. And judging by the place I live and the things I get to see, I’m pretty blessed.

The Daly Mansion in Hamilton

National Bison Range

Baby brother on a red bus tour

Sun Point in Glacier National Park