One of the things I thought about a lot while hiking in Europe was how wild the United States is in pockets. I loved rambling through the alps and along the U.K. coast, but it wasn’t the same as walking in wilderness. Upon our return to the U.S. I was asked to write a piece …
In the opening to “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Snoopy skates onto a pond and grabs the hand of a child and skates with a bunch of them in single file. He slides on the ice on his belly. The children skate in a carefree, winter wonderland, except for Charlie Brown, of course, who ends up …
Nestled into a valley between the Mission and Swan mountain ranges in western Montana, Seeley Lake is one of the more scenic spots in a spectacular state. The Mission Mountain Wilderness is on one side, the Bob Marshall Wilderness on the other, and a chain of lakes runs through it. Winter is the perfect time …
Winter weekend: Seeley Lake offers fun on and off the ice Read More »
Kids N’ Snow West Yellowstone has slowed down a bit. The chatter of tourists is hushed by a blanket of snow. Automobile traffic is replaced with snowmobiles whining around town. Some restaurants and shops close for the slower off season, but there is a certain vibrancy from the snowflake lights attached to lampposts and the …
Kids try winter activities at Kids N’ Snow program Read More »
In the early 1960s two schoolteachers from California vacationed in West Yellowstone. Like many people who explore the conifer-filled mountains, beautiful Hebgen Lake, and stunning Yellowstone National Park, the Thompsons wanted to stay. In 1964, they bought property where the Running Bear Pancake House now sits, and built a house. During their summer vacations, the …
Running Bear Pancake House a West Yellowstone favorite Read More »
There used to be a website called New West, which I would occasionally write for. It closed up shop several years ago, but recently this essay –Back on the Horse: What It Means to be a Westerner–popped up somehow. I kind of like it, so I am posting it here. Back on the Horse: What …
Back on the Horse: What It Means to be a Westerner Read More »
UNDER A CRYSTAL CLEAR NIGHT SKY, I stepped out of the Owl Research Institute (ORI) fieldhouse — not far from the little town of St. Ignatius, Montana, on the edge of the Ninepipe National Wildlife Refuge — to gaze at the stars. To my left, a great horned owl hooted in the darkness. Another replied …
It’s hard to imagine, but it’s time to start making winter reservations. One of our favorite spots for a winter escape is the sleigh ride dinner at Lone Mountain Ranch in Big Sky, Montana. Scroll down for the video from our stay!! In the Lone Mountain Ranch saloon, tourists and locals gather to listen to …
If there is one “best” way to see Yellowstone in winter, this is it! There is nowhere I would rather spend a week than at Yurt Camp in the middle of Yellowstone. Scroll down for the video!! YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK – A statement from the 1907 U.S. Army’s “Rules, Regulations and Instructions” for soldiers and …
Travelers seek solitude – Yurt Camp in Yellowstone Read More »
Hike and Bike Helena With winter (mostly) in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to put away puffy jackets and skis and replace them with mountain bikes and hiking shoes. Only 90 miles from Great Falls, Helena is a great location for a quick getaway. Time to hike and bike Helena, Montana. From downtown Helena, outdoor …
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