Another Miserable Day in Yellowstone?

Steam rises from a cone in Yellowstone National Park

As we approach Memorial Day weekend, it is not feeling much like summertime.  I am reminded of a previous Memorial Day that my family and I spent in Yellowstone National Park.  We were greeted by a blizzard. We donned our snow bibs, while other tourists unprepared for winter, snatched up souvenir sweatshirts to keep warm.  Grungy as it was, the weather didn't stop most visitors from enjoying Yellowstone's erupting geysers and bubbling mud pots.  As the snow fell, fly fisherman were undaunted and continued to fish in the Yellowstone River.  It was a grand holiday and I'd love you to read all about our adventure by following this link to A Miserable Day in Yellowstone. 

As of this writing, I've been apprised that some of Yellowstone's hiking trails are snow covered and that many tourists from around the world are enjoying the parks many natural wonders.

As always, I'm looking forward to your comments!  So glad you enjoyed the "Hunter Montana Mystery Pic" ! 

Peace,
Marlene

Another article you may enjoy:

• Confederate Memorial Day

Hunter Hot Springs Mystery Photograph

The mystery and intrigue of the old west abound in this photograph showing a host of famous characters including Wyatt Earp, Theodore Roosevelt, Doc Holiday, "Liver Eating" Johnson, Butch Cassidy, Sundance Kid, Bat Materson, and Judge Roy Bean. It is purported that these notable figures gathered together for a hunting trip to Hunters Hot Springs, Montana.

Hunter Hot Springs Montana Photo

I first saw this photograph, which is dated 1883, in the hall of history at Kalispell Center Mall. It was one of many black and white pictures hanging in the hallway leading to the restroom. My family and I often seek out the little gems and were looking at the historical photographs and not looking for the bathroom. There is a lot of charm in the old pictures and we learned a lot. Looking at the pictures, we traveled back in time to discover how the early settlement of Kalispell looked over 100 years ago. When we ran across the infamous Hunter Hot Springs photo, we were intrigued. It was thoroughly amazing to think that these well-known men gathered altogether; then posed for a photo, no less. Lawmen, outlaws, and a future president, all in one setting; how incredible is that?  My camera follows me a lot of places, so of course I took a snapshot.

Since then I’ve done a bit of research into this mysterious photograph. It seems there is some debate as to its authenticity. It is well known that Teddy Roosevelt was an avid hunter and had a ranch in North Dakota, but it is questionable if he was hunting in Montana at the time of the picture. Others say Butch Cassidy and Sundance would have been about 17 when the photo was taken. They attest that the men in the picture don’t look that young. I’m not so sure, have you ever seen how teenagers used to look back then?  The date of the photo also seems to raise questions.  Morgan Earp, Wyatt's brother, had been murdered the year before in 1882, hence would not have been around in 1883 for a hunting trip. Another interesting tidbit I found out about this fascinating photograph is that it is considered a collectible by some. And from what I understand, they are willing to pay a pretty good price for it.

Genuine or fake, I’m no expert and I don't really care. I just love romanticizing about the old west.

Thanks to all of you for sharing your thoughts with me and exploring my blog! Shan., I'm impressed....you read the whole thing!

Other articles you may enjoy:

• Black Friday - it's all about my awful experience of going shopping at the Kalispell Center Mall the day after Thanksgiving.
  
  
  

See ya out west somewhere,
Marlene

The Yellow Brick Road

Damp, bleak, and chilly….Springtime in the Rockies anyone?

After a night of blustery winds and rain that woke up everyone in the house, we’re left with drippy, drab, and gray. It was so noisy around 2:00 a.m., that I finally had to get up to see what all the commotion was. It turned out that the wind was causing a draft, making my daughters bedroom door bang open and shut.  We decided there were no spooky characters lurking on our front porch, (like the American Indian that took refuge from a storm a few years back) and went back to sleep only to wake up this morning to the sound of a steady rain.  We were basking in the sun just a few days ago and today it’s downright freezing.  I just want to curl up under a blanket and drink hot chocolate all day.

The weather has spoiled our picnic (boo, hoo) but not our weekly walk.  I pulled on my fleece jacket and my daughter gladly wrapped her knitted scarf around her neck.  She made it a month earlier and was sure that it would hang useless all summer. I’m not sure why she thought that, considering summer is still a month away and snow is not entirely out of the picture.

We began our walk in silence until I said good morning to a fellow walker.  In passing, we made some small talk about the grungy day but admitted it wasn’t too bad.  My daughter seemed surprised. “Hadn’t I taught her to greet people in passing,” I wondered. Where’s her Southern hospitality? I thought it should run in her veins. Not to mention I think Montanans are some of the most likable folks around.  You know, not fussy, just down to earth.

She went on to tell me a story of how she sometimes passes people who appear to hate the world. I told her that I suspected that these people weren’t present but worrying about the next business meeting or some such thing. At that moment, I decided to practice what I preach and began to focus on the rest of our walk together. Instead of thinking about my schedule for the remainder of the day, I would stop and smell the roses.  Just then, I noticed the sidewalk ahead was blanketed with bright yellow Maple flowers.

    “It’s the yellow brick road,” my daughter said in jest.  She sometimes finds amusement in my pleasure of simple things.  “Yes,” I said, then went back home to grab the camera to share this little bit of nature’s wonder with you.

Isn't it pretty....this canopy of trees over the sidewalk?  Remember, the past is history, the future is a mystery, and the present is a gift.  Unwrap it and enjoy!

The Yellow Brick Road

Another article about my neighborhood you may enjoy:

• A Stop at Willoughby

Peace, Marlene

Close Encounters of the Buffalo Kind

Before I rattle on about our trip to the zoo (Montana style), I would like to thank Blogger for honoring me with Blog of Note yesterday. I was at Costco all morning having my winter studded tires changed over to my summer ones. When I returned, I checked my email and found that Angie had sent “Congrats on Blog of Note”. Excited, I checked, and sure enough it was true!  Also, I want to say a special thanks to all of my followers. I appreciate your taking the time to share your thoughts and congratulations. Now, it’s time for the rest of the story.


The heat is on in Northwest Montana. Seasonal businesses that have been closed for winter are finally opening their doors. Roads and trails, that have been inaccessible due to snow, are thawing out or have thawed. We quit wearing our long-johns and took down the storm windows. The grizzlies are out and about and the buffalo have emerged from their winter dens. That’s our signal to gear up for summer and hit the road. 


Last Friday, my husband and I announced that we would be taking our annual family trip to the National Bison Range. I've started calling it the trip to the zoo as there aren't any zoos around for hundreds of miles.  We were met with the usual complaints from M & E when we said we would be going to the range. I don’t know why, but they find it extremely boring looking at beautiful mountain scenery and observing wildlife. So, we threw a little geocache adventure into the mix. I’m happy that we did. We discovered spots along Hwy. 93 that we wouldn’t have otherwise and finding those little treasures (including a geocoin) really helped to round out the day. I was disappointed that we didn’t see any cute critters at “Fox Den” but the arrowleaf balsamroot was dazzling!

The hills near Polson are filled with arrowleaf balsomroot.

Official Fox Den Geocache

Come out little fox!

We were muggled by a tree inspector looking for bark beetle at “That’s Ahh Corny”, and found “The National Bison Range” cache before having buffalo burgers and shakes for lunch. A little ironic don’t you think? Eating buffalo burgers at a roadside diner right next to the Bison Range.

Considering it was such a gorgeous day, visitation to the Bison Range was light. We drove the steep switchbacks of the 19-mile Red Sleep Drive nice and slow. Patience is the key here. The National Bison Range offers excellent wildlife viewing and photography opportunities. Elk, bighorn sheep, pronghorn, deer, bears, birds, and of course bison roam the 18,500 acres of the range. It’s a photographer’s dream with the spectacular 10,000-ft peaks of the Mission Mountains looming as a backdrop. But you can’t rush it. I’m always a little sad for the folks in a hurry who don’t walk the paths and drive the road in haste. They miss out on close encounters with wildlife and the chance to truly experience the refuge.

The self-guided tour of the National Bison Range.  Bison visible along the road.

Don't be fooled.  He may seem slow and lumbering but can run up to 35 miles per hour.

This serious looking ram spent some time with us on the High Point Lookout Trail.

I just love the way this antelope's horns form a heart shape.

 One experience I can do without though, is ticks! The Bison Range is notorious for them. Despite my precautions of applying Deet to our pantlegs, we found some of the little buggers in our hair. I personally think my husband, who didn’t spray, brought them into the vehicle with him and they somehow jumped off of him and found our scalps. No worries though, it was only a few.


After a long and eventful day, we headed home for the Flathead Valley. I could tell you that we were stopped by tribal police because somebody thought we were driving a little funny, but I’ll leave you with the thought that even though it was a FFO (forced family outing) for my girls, we made lasting memories they won’t soon forget.

I hope you'll click over and read M and E's adventure story titled:

• Ticks, Elk, Buffalo and More! It includes a nice video we made called "Naked Animals". 

How many of you have eaten buffalo burgers? 

Till next time,
Marlene

Glacier National Park Centennial

A couple in Two Medicine

One hundred years ago today on May 11, 1910, Glacier National Park was designated our nation's 10th national park.  For those of you that follow my blog, you know my affection for our nation's parks and belief that they are all treasures. I encourage you to visit them and discover each one's unique personality.

Today, I've waxed poetic in an article I wrote for my "This and That" column. It's titled "100 Years of Grandeur".  I hope you enjoy it and will share it with your friends as part of the park's Centennial Celebration. 

"I first witnessed her magnificence in the middle of winter. Her majesty was draped in deep pure snow. Silence enveloped me in the crisp cold air. It was my first experience with her grandeur and my visit was limited to exploration around the lake. My journey of discovery was only just beginning. It would be five years before I would return to Glacier National Park."  read more...   

Until next time,
Marlene

10 Ideas for an Outdoorsy Mother's Day

A walk with my mom and daughter in the National Bison Range

Typically, we think of Mother’s Day as breakfast in bed and dinner at a nice restaurant.  Moms do love to escape the kitchen once in awhile and appreciate a meal away from home. However, wouldn't it be fun to take Mom "out" and be outdoors?  Get active and share a little adventure.  Observe nature, explore, and exercise. Feel rejuvenated in body, mind, and spirit. Here are 10 ideas for spending a memorable day outdoors with Mom.

1. Take a bike ride around the neighborhood or local park.
2. Go swimming - The weather is heating up.  A cool dip is refreshing and energizing.
3. Take a hike or a simple walk in the woods.  Share a few minutes of silence, just listening. 
4. Grab the binoculars and go bird watching.  Pack a lunch and enjoy the simple pleasure of watching birds.
5. Try some beach combing.  Don't just lie on the beach, go hunting for crabs, shells, and other interesting items.
6. Go fishing and fix Mom some fresh fish for dinner.
7. Take a boat ride, rent paddle boats, or canoes.
8. Have a picnic and pack Mom's favorite cookie.
9. Go berry picking.  Pick several cups and bake a homemade pie for Mom.
10. Barbecue away from home. Use the grill at your favorite park. Take a walk and pick wildflowers. 

I'll leave you with this quote from an unknown author ~ Mother's hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever.

An article you may enjoy:

• Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day,
Marlene

An Old Fashioned Soda Shop - Norm's News

Don't you just love the magic of an old fashioned soda shop where you can take a step back in time and feel like a kid again?  I do, and that's why I love going to Norm's News.

Established in 1938, Norm’s News is one of three businesses located in the historic McIntosh Opera House on Main St. in Kalispell. Complete with a beautifully carved oak bar and customer counter, Norm's has lots of charm.  Classic ice cream concoctions in a variety of yummy flavors are prepared to perfection.  They make their ice cream sodas the traditional way with flavored syrup, carbonated water, and a few scoops of ice cream.  Also known as a "float', the ice cream soda is topped off with a heaping mound of whipped cream and a cherry.  It is then served in a tall, pretty soda fountain glass with a long spoon and straw for slurping every last drop.

• Ever heard of a soda jerk?  Back in the 1950's when soda shops were most popular, it was a name given to the person that operated the soda fountain.  To make a float, the operator had to add soda water to the glass.  This required a jerking motion of the handle of the soda fountain machine and thus the nickname of "Soda Jerk" was established. 

If you want to satisfy your sweet tooth but you're not in the mood for ice cream, it's easy to feel "like a kid in a candy store" at Norm's News.  With over 500 types of candy to choose from it's tough to make a decision.  Norm's has everything from those novel waxed lips and  bubble gum cigarettes to luscious huckleberry chocolates.  It's a fun place to visit.

It's a good thing to indulge once in awhile, so I'll leave you with two simple recipes for delicious homemade milkshakes.

Homemade Vanilla Milkshake or White Cow

1. 2 or 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream
2. 1 tablespoon of pure vanilla extract
3. 1 1/2 to 2 cups of ice cold milk

Be sure to use hard frozen ice cream and blend until smooth.  Serve in a tall glass. Imagine you're sitting in a soda shop and enjoy!

         Homemade Chocolate Milkshake or Black Cow

1. 2 or 3 scoops of vanilla ice cream
2. 1/4 cup chocolate syrup
3. 1 teaspoon of pure vanilla extract
4. 1 1/2 to 2 cups of ice cold milk

Be sure to use hard frozen ice cream and blend until smooth.  Serve in a tall glass. Chocolate lover's delight - try using chocolate ice cream instead of vanilla.  Imagine you're sitting in a soda shop and enjoy!

TIP:  I love getting bargains! Check your local thrift store for soda shop glasses.  I got 4 of the fancy tall ones for just $1.00.

Another article you may enjoy:

• Main St.

Before you go, please share your favorite soda fountain memory with me!


Till next time,
Marlene