Kayaker battles the rapids. Bigfork was bustling last Sunday as people strolled up and down Electric Avenue for the annual Whitewater Festival. Along with dozens of other spectators, we were there for the down river race called the “Wild Mile”. After hiking down the nature trail that parallels the Swan River, we spotted a muddy […]
Montana
Looking for Chief Cliff
There is one major highway that runs north and south through Kalispell. It is Highway 93 and many of our adventures begin there. Heading south it winds through rolling countryside with fine views of the Rocky Mountains and Flathead Lake. Many times while gazing out the window on drives past the towns of Dayton […]
The Haunted Hospital in Kalispell?
I imagine that the condominium across from the elementary school is haunted. In 1911 a large brick building was constructed to make Kalispell‘s first general hospital. For over 60 years the Eastside Brick building served as the city‘s hospital. In 1973 it became a branch of the courthouse. The hospital was refurbished in 2007 […]
Wes, Sidewalk Art, Running Shoes, and Spring S’mores Bars
Spring has finally sprung. I think. So, what are the signs? Let’s take a look at the ABC’s of spring. A. We are having a passing snow shower as I write. Passing…being the operative word here. B. Wes has been looking out the window – a lot. Poor little kitty. He really, really, really wants […]
I Shot an Arrow in the Air
The sign said “Archery Range is Open”. David asked me if I would like to take a walk up there. I said I would, so he parked the truck and he, the girls, and I walked over to the trailhead. Mallory signed the register and commented “looking forward to coming back with my bow”. At […]
Beauty, Guns, Speed, and Marijuana
I’ve been romanticizing about the West for a long time…since 1996 as a matter of fact…or I should say since childhood when I was watching those Marlboro commercials with my granny. My real fascination with Montana began on a trip to Yellowstone National Park in August of 1998. David, M, E, (M and E were […]
The Joy of Snowshoeing
Here I am in my snowshoes and gaiters at Foys Lake Overlook. Marlene For the first time, and I’ve been snowshoeing for five winters now, I snowshoed straight up the side of a mountain. The view of the valley was awesome and a passing snow shower enhanced the outing. It was my birthday and it […]
Dreaming of Spring and Snowshoeing
When I looked out of the backdoor this morning, the blizzard was over. Left in its wake was fresh snow and arctic cold. I longed for spring and began to think of Logan Pass. Surely we will go up there as soon as the road is plowed and the pass accessible. It will probably be […]
Charles and Alicia Conrad: A Valentine’s Day Story
A bit of graupel fell overnight and, at present, a blue sky peeks through the clouds to the west. Darker clouds hang over the mountains to the east and we are expecting snow. Icy sidewalks are thawing out leaving slush and puddles in its place. It feels like spring and it’s cold. _________________________ February 18, […]
What is Alpenglow?
Alpenglow is an optical phenomenon. When the sun is just below the horizon a red, pink, or violet band of color can sometimes be seen on the opposite horizon. Because the sun is low, there is no direct path of light to the mountains. The light reflects off of snow, water, or ice particles that are […]
