Because I Can In Montana

*Note:  This article was written March 25, 2009.  The Geese return every year, so I wanted to re-post this article.  Seeing this annual rest stop is an amazing experience.

As Winter ends and Spring begins, hundreds of thousands of Snow Geese flock to Freezeout Lake Wildlife Management Area located off Hwy 89 between Fairfield and Choteau, Montana.  It is about 40 miles northwest of Great Falls.  Early Spring of each year,  Snow Geese from the Gulf Coast States gather there.  This is an annual rest-stop for the ambitious birds on their flight north to Saskatchewan and Alberta, Canada.

The Vernal Equinox, March 20th, officially marks the first day of Spring.  With our work week completed, Bill and I thought that we would celebrate the start of Spring with a close-to-home road-trip.  We had our grandson Nate with us, who is almost 14 months old.  Nate continuously chatters in “toddler talk”and is a great little traveler.

This year, Spring awoke by shaking off some of Winter’s chill. It was about 55° as we left Great  Falls around 6:00PM headed for Freezeout Lake.  We started to see sporadic flocks of Snow  Geese overhead as we neared Fairfield.   Read More

Comments (0) Mar 09 2012

NOTE: My Photo ‘Shoot the Moon’ took first place in the 2011 Montana State Fair Photography Exhibition an the ‘Action’ Category. Take a look in the Gallery!
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This year, Spring in Great Falls, Montana started out at -4° and snowing.  For me, that meant it was time to be inside thinking about warm weather road trips.  I may have to wait for the flooding to end, as things warmed up rather quickly, but going down memory lane always gets me in travel mode.

During the summer of 2010, Bill and I took a fantastic road trip through parts of Southwestern Montana. We had reservations that evening for a night of comedy with “The Brewery Follies” playing inside Virginia City’s Gilbert Brewery. We headed South on Hwy. 287, with rolling plains to the East and the Tobacco Root Mountains to our West. The color splashes surrounding the entire drive were amazing!

Getting closer to our destination, we passed through the towns of Harrison and Norris (home of the unique “Norris Hot Springs”).  As evening drew closer we stopped in the town of Ennis, where we had reservations at the Fan Mountain Inn, only 14 miles shy of Virginia City. Rooms fill up quickly in this vacation hot spot, so reservations are recommended. The rooms at the Fan Mountain Inn are invitingly clean and comfortable. The owners and operators are very friendly and attentive. At the office, look for a welcoming tail wag from the loving family dog peeking over the half-door behind the counter. Some of these quaint towns offer rental cabins, motels and campgrounds. If you travel via RV, there are several choices including a KOA Campground in Alder, which is only 9 miles from Virginia City.

We arrived at the Gilbert Brewery early enough to watch as the staff opened the doors, worked the Will Call window, took tickets at the door, ushered guests to seats, took drink orders, and bar-tended.  Then, the lights flickered and we realized that “the staff” and the Brewery Follies actors were one and the same.  They shut the doors and the bar, removed their aprons and effortlessly went from serving us to entertaining us. The show was edgy, free from political correctness and hilarious! This is definitely a show for the adults, surprisingly void of a night of ‘F bombs’ and other cursing, yet full of naughtiness! Every seat lets you enjoy the show, but I warn you, sitting front row center may get you more attention that you planned for… you may become part of the show!

At intermission, the performers are once again the ‘Staff’ taking orders and serving up drinks. After the finale, the cast mingles with the guests, encouraging everyone to continue the fun at one or more of the local nightlife spots such as The Bale of Hay Saloon.

Entering Virginia City by day compared to night felt like we were in two different places. The nightlife was a very modern 21 and over crowd. Daylight created a time warp, and we found ourselves in a place where the 186o’s are alive and well. It is home to over 100 historic buildings, taking you back in time with their authentic furnishings and artifacts. Many have posted information and photos of their establishments dating back to when they were built, and what businesses have passed through them over time.  The stories are fascinating. If only those buildings could talk! Many of the town’s residents believe that they can. Many say that the living are not the only residents.  Outlaw Café and Antiques believes matter-of-factly that the playful spirit of a little girl resides there. Decide for your self by stopping by.  For more possible ghostly encounters Virginia City offers a guided Ghost Walk.

Like many families, we spent the day playing tourists, going through all of Virginia City’s shops. Cousin’s Candy Shop is a favorite by kids of all ages.  Baskets and jars of taffy’s, chocolate, licorices and hard candies surround you.  The shops centerpiece is the glassed-in section of hand-dipped chocolate candies and homemade fudge. They make a delicious honeycomb candy that is a favorite of mine.  It is a crunchy sweet honey flavored bar, thickly dipped in dark or milk chocolate.  Each chocolate covered crunchy bite dissolves in your mouth! For me it is Heavenly decadence.

There are a couple of places offering Old Time Photos.  We were drawn to Wallace Street Photographic Emporium, located at 208 Wallace Street, where we had a blast posing for pictures.

Another way for the family to jump back in time is to take a 25 minute ride on the Virginia City Overland Stagecoach, starting at the West end of Wallace Street, directly across from the Fairweather Inn.

Many of the employees throughout town set the mood by working in period costumes. If you want to purchase a piece from the past, Ranks Mercantile will have it. They carry a large variety of sizes in men’s, women’s and children’s old west frontier clothing and Victorian clothing and accessories.  On an earlier trip Bill purchased a chocolate brown Bowler hat there that went well with his brown duster. Per Wikipedia, it is a hard felt hat with a rounded crown originally created in 1849, for the British soldier and politician Edward Coke. Per me, it’s a sexy hat that makes me turn my head for a second look. It is such a classic look.

In Spring of 1863, Gold Fever broke out. This caused a need for trade and a desire for adventure. Virginia City is the only survivor of those main “Cities” created during the beginning of the 1863 Gold Rush in Montana.

Currently, Virginia City is the largest and first of three towns strung together along Alder Gulch, also called Alder Creek.  It is followed by Nevada City, and Alder.

During season, Nevada City becomes a restored outdoor museum.  It is complete with numerous refurbished buildings and allows you to get close and personal with trains at the Alder Gulch Short Line Railroad, and at the train museum. Behind the dusty antique glass windows of the museum, are several re-furbishing projects underway. The wood and iron works of the old trains are very intricate. The photo I took of Bill in his new bowler looks like he stepped back in time and is waiting to board.  The railroad wasn’t running while we were there, so that is something we have to look forward to on a future visit.

If you are looking for a fun-filled trip, the close communities of Virginia City, Nevada City, and Alder have something for everyone!  When you visit the fun places I’ve mentioned, make sure to tell them that Karen, from Because I Can In Montana, suggested the trip!

Here are links for some of the places we visited on our trip.

http://www.norrishotsprings.com/

http://fanmountaininn.com/

http://www.ranksmercantile.com/

http://aldergulch.com/

http://koa.com/campgrounds/alder/

http://www.cousinscandy.com/about-us.htm

http://www.breweryfollies.net/

Comments (1) Jul 28 2011

The Chili Cookoff starts at 3:30 for those entering the contest.  It is being held at the Dupuyer Community Hall on Satruday, May 22, 2010 with the public invited to sample the Chili from 5-7 pm.  There will be live music and beverages will be served.  The cost is $5 per person to have dinner.  It is being sponsored by the Dupuyer Community Club and there will be cash prizes for 1st 2nd and 3rd prize winners.  The remaining funds go to the Community Club.

Comments (0) May 23 2010

A road trip is the best cure for cabin fever!  With Missoula, Montana  about 170 miles from Great Falls, it sounded like  a great destination.   We headed West on Hwy 200, looking for photo opportunities and things to  write about.  A few miles before we got to Lincoln Montana, we stopped to allow half a dozen Elk, including a nice buck, to cross in front of us.  Up for a little off road adventure, we put the Jeep in 4-wheel drive following them a bit longer.

Once we were back on Hwy 200, we glimpsed a sign that said something about Grizzly Encounter.  A little further up the Highway, we turned off to the left at the  Lincoln Ranger Station.  In 2007 a grizzly was hit by a pick up truck.  The huge 830 lb grizzly stood about 8′ tall, has been mounted and is on display there.  Unfortunately for us, the Ranger Station is closed on weekends.  I did place the camera up to the glass and take a couple shots of this enormous creature!  We plan on going there during the week for a more up close and personal learning experience at the Ranger Station.

The town of Lincoln is about the half-way mark between Great Falls and Missoula, making it a required stop to stretch and shop at the High Country Trading Post, part of Hi-Country Snack Foods, Inc.  The Hi Country Trading Post located across from the actual plant is, where you can taste a large variety of Jerky and Meat sticks to help decide which ones you can’t live without!  They also sell the creamiest fudge  in several delightful flavors, and gifts ranging from clothing to various items made in Montana.

Back on the road, beauty surrounded us.  Again, we were on the look out for more wildlife.  We saw several antelope and white tails, but none as close as our earlier encounter with the Elk.  Once we were in Missoula itself, we did a little shopping.  Our first stop was at Aspen Sound, located at 1300 W. Broadway.  They have a great selection of car stereos and an incredibly knowledgeable and friendly staff.  We left with an installed stereo and more $$ left over in our wallets than we expected.

We did a little shopping at the Southgate Mall and then deciding to venture on down the road to Hamilton and had dinner at a little Mexican spot called The Sundance Cafe, located at 900 U.S. Hwy 93.   It was a great place to have a nice relaxing dinner before heading back to Great Falls.

The drive home after dark was beautiful.  The star-filled sky encouraged us to pull over and take it all in a few times on the way home. Although I personally may never be completely cured of cabin fever, this road trip helped ease the pain!

Comments (0) Mar 30 2010

Winter burst into Great Falls, Montana in 2010 with frosty forecasts and temperatures below zero.  During these frozen periods of time, the pond at Gibson Park, normally full of ducks and geese, gets turned into an outdoor ice skating rink compliments of the City of Great Falls employees.  Using their own version of a Zamboni, they clear the snow off of the top smoothing the ice for skaters young and old.

Seeking warmth, the ducks and geese gather in the parking lots, which, although covered in snow, still emits more warmth than the frozen pond.  The play area, usually filled with the laughter of playful children, rests quietly in a blanket of snow.

For some picturesque views of the Missouri River, venture down Riverside Drive.  One of the favorite spots of the locals is Broadwater Bay Park, providing breathtaking views.  The frozen river is so peaceful and serene.

A drive through the snow-covered streets of Great Falls draws your attention to some of the distinctive architecture, such as Columbus Center, located on 2nd Avenue North between 16th Street North and 17 Street North.   There several monuments and statues throughout the city, each depicting a part of Great Falls history.  Also look for the many icicles ranging from small ones to enormous clusters throughout the city.

The Old Skyline, located at 2401 Old Airport Road,  offers the prettiest overhead view of the city.  Whether enjoying the view through their large wall of windows or braving the cold on the outside deck, you can witness beauty as far as the eye can see.

Another amazing place of interest are the falls of the Missouri in Great Falls.  It was these majestic falls belonging to the Missouri River that gave the city its name.  Resembling a cake that has been overloaded with frosting, the falls contain layer upon layer of frozen water.

Each season in Great Falls has something special to offer.  The weather changes so quickly that each hour of the day may provide a very different outdoor experience.  Whether you are a local resident or a guest, take a little time to enjoy these gifts of beauty for yourself.

Comments (1) Jan 26 2010

When Brandon Walker proposed to Ashley Johnson, he did so at Memorial Falls in Neihart, Montana.   She said “Yes”.   Congratulations to the happy couple!  The big day is set for January 23, 2010. They recently asked me to take their engagement photos, and wanted to return to Memorial Falls to do so.

Memorial Falls Trail is located just off Hwy 89 in Neihart, Montana. This easily accessible trail includes many picture perfect spots, including 2 scenic waterfalls. Being able to use the natural beauty there as a backdrop, made the afternoon a lot of fun. Now for the hard part… picking a favorite photo. Please go to the GALLERY and VOTE on your favorite photo.

Comments (1) Aug 05 2009

A wonderful opportunity to enjoy our beautiful state of Montana happened March 6 – 8, 2009. We had made our reservations a few months prior for a weekend get away for both ourselves and my husband Bill’s parents Wayne & Gayle Daniels.  Early Friday afternoon on March 6th, we left Great Falls via Highway 15 heading south towards Helena, with Chico Hot Springs as our destination.  Chico Hot Springs is about 25 miles from Livingston, Montana.

One of my favorite pictorial spots on the drive was the vicinity of  Wolf Creek. The variety of the topography that surrounds the highway throughout there is astounding.  The combination of snow-topped mountains and rock walls going straight up at great heights are beautiful. There were winding semi-frozen creeks all around.  No matter where we looked, the view was breathtaking.

Impressing my husband Bill and my Father-In-law Wayne, both hunters, was the bountiful wildlife we saw, especially the Antelope, White Tail and Mule Deer. There were well over 100 Antelope in one of the larger herds we passed, and we spotted a large Elk just past Townsend.  After only being removed from the endangered species list in June of  2007,  we were all in awe of the many Bald Eagles in a variety of settings.  We saw both adult and juvenile eagles and their nests. Both the female and male adult bald eagles have a blackish-brown back and breast; a white head, neck, and tail; and yellow feet and bill.  The juveniles are a mixture of brown and white.  It takes 4 or 5 years before they reach adulthood. Due to there not being a safe place to pull over at the sightings I was unable to get any pictures of them on this trip.  For  more information on  Bald Eagles visit www.baldeagleinfo.com. We also saw several Golden Eagles.

We arrived at Chico Hot Springs a little before 7:00PM. Read More

Comments (2) Mar 15 2009