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 59th Annual Algeria Temple Shrine Circus comes to Great Falls, Montana for 5 shows in 2 days.  The Shrine Circus was founded in 1906 and travels in over 100 cities throughout the United States and visits about 40 cities in Canada.

On Friday, April 2, 2010 there are 2 shows.  The first one is at 4pm and the second one is at 7:30pm.  On Saturday, April 3, 2010 the showtimes are 11am, 3pm, and 7pm.

Tickets are on sale at the Circus office 610 9th St N, Kaufman’s Menswear at 411 Central Avenue, and Big Sky Imprints on the 2nd level of Holiday Village Mall.  Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for children age 2 to 12.  Advance tickets give you a $1 discount.

Click here for more information on Shriner’s International.

Click here for Shrine Circus ‘Kid Stuff’ including printable coloring & activity pages.

UPDATE:  Visit the PHOTO GALLERY for a few of my favorite events from this year’s Shrine Circus!

Comments (0) Apr 02 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

Opening weekend of the 78th Annual Montana State Fair got thundering applause from the Montana Skies!

CHECK OUT THE NEW FAIR PHOTOS IN THE GALLERY!

Fair opened up at 5PM, Friday, July 24, 2009 on a warm overcast evening.  Opening night for us included watching our 18 month old grandson visit the “Kiddie Rides” for the first time.  On the way to the South side of the Great Falls Expo Park Fairgrounds, along with numerous fun-seekers, we enjoyed seeing what the vendors had to offer.  Among them was a unique artist that captured the attention of quite a crowd as he amazed us with his speed and ability in creating such detailed artwork with spraypaint.  In addition to the Spraypaint Art there was a beautiful collection of handpainted scenery on silver spoons  done in Oil Paints. If I were asked what I found unique at the Fair this year, it would be these artists! **Visit the Gallery to see photos of Spray Paint Artist Enrique Morales and Oilpaint Artist Adriana Hernanzdez.

On the outskirts of the Kiddie Carniaval, was the Wiggle Wurm ride, which is part of The Mighty Thomas Carnival.  This is the 16th year in a row that The Mighty Thomas Carnival has been part of the Montana State Fair.  Art B. Thomas founded the Carnival in 1928, and it continues to be owned and operated by Thomas Family members.  This was Nate’s first Carnival ride.

Located on the south side of the Expo grounds, underneath many 75 year old plus Cottonwood trees is the KFBB Kiddie Carnival.  The Rio Grande Train was the next ride on Nates’s agenda.  Sitting right behind Nate was a cute little girl with blonde curls and big blue eyes riding with her mom.   Directly behind them was Alana, another adorable first-time passenger, happily riding with her daddy.  I took a photo before the train started.  Everyone was seated and wearing their seatbelts once the ride started.

As the sky darkened, we debated on what to take Nate on next.  His mom suggested the Fun Slide.  What a hit!  She held him and they slid down it together.  At the end he stood up laughing and clapping his hands looking back at the slide.  Then he grabbed his mom’s hand and started pulling her back towards the steps to do it again!  This was definetly his favorite ride!

Knowing the storm was brewing quickly, we suggested that his folks head for the Midway to ride the ‘Big Kid Rides’  while we go to the Petting Zoo and the various indoor Fair Exhibits with Nate.  While we were inside the Petting Zoo, the thunder roared and it started to rain.  As we walked past the tractor exhibit the rain increased. By the time we made it to the nearby Great Falls Model Railroad Club Exhibit, it was pouring!

The volumn of water dumping out of the sky was so intense that you couldn’t see out of the buildings windows.  The doorways were packed with people trying to get out of the rain combined with those watching it in amazement.  We love the Exibits, so for us it was the storm had perfect timing.  The rain didn’t let up, but we didn’t let that stop us from doing what we wanted. We absorbed each indoor exibit, only having to dart in and out of the downpour each in between each exhibit. Realizing that the storm had no desire to stop, we purchased a cowboy hat for Nate to keep the buckets of water out of his eyes. This made him happy, and he looked so cute in it!

Getting hungry, we took take advantage of the fact that there were no lines at the vendors, so we quickly skirted around the ever-increasing puddles and ordered a couple of Footlong Corndogs which we shared with Nate.   A group of friends  had found shelter under a big  tree nearby and invited us to join them.  We joyfully accepted!  Soggy corndogs wouldn’t have tasted very good.  The wonderful aroma of our corndogs, invited them to ask where we got them.  The vendor was only a short swim across Lake Puddle, so a couple of them headed straight there to get some for their group too.  You know it’s a good night when you’re making friends, in a storm, underneath a big tree while eatting Fair Food!

Everyone everwhere was soaked by the time the rain settled down.  A little breeze came up and things cooled off.  For that we were thankful.  That little breeze slowly took the dark skies away, and the Montana Sky was lit up with stars…and Carnival lights.  What a great night!  More photos available in the Gallery.

The Montana State Fair runs through August 2, 2009.  For more information visit www.montanastatefair.com/

Comments (1) Jul 28 2009

The warm sun illuminated the ‘Big Blue Sky’ of Helena, Montana over the weekend of June 27 & 28, 2009.  Even the moon stayed out to observe the stars of the Gateway to Freedom 2009 Airshow. This special event was held at the Montana Army National Guard (MANG) Aviation Support Facility in Helena, Montana.  An estimated 20,000 people were in attendance over the 2-day event.

The  US Army Golden Knights Parachute Team made what I consider impossible feats, seem effortless. I held my breath while one team member demonstrated what happens when their parachute fails and they have to use their back-up chute.  The Golden Knights performance was done with such finesse that it was like watching a professional ballet in the sky.

At ground level, in addition to souvenir and food booths, people gathered around different static displays.  The EA-6B Aircraft caught my attention.  The electronic warfare EA-6B version was developed for the Marines and is a fascinating piece of aircraft both on the ground and in the air.  The EA-6A seats 2 and the EA-6B seats 4.

My husbands favorite is the A-10 Thunderbolt II, referred to by many as the Warthog. This immense beast weighs in empty at 25,000 pounds!  The Warthog is powered by 2 Non-After-burning Turbo General Electric TF34-GE-300 engines.  It truly is BIG BANG BOOM capable as it carries a GAU-8/A Avenger 7-barrel Gatling gun with 1,350 30mm rounds of ammunition with a firing rate of 2,100 or 4,200 rounds per minute, along with LDGP mk 82 226kg, 500lbs of general purpose bombs, BLU-1 nad BLU-27/B Rockeye II cluster bombs Cluster bomb unit CBU-52/71, AGM-65A Maverick Air-to-Surface Missiles and AIM-9 Sidewinder Air-to-Air Missiles!

Representing the Army National Guard’s image is popular NASCAR #88.  Although driver Dale Earnhardt Jr.  wasn’t present, the fans crowded around this popular Chevrolet.  Retired Marine Donald Elliott, visiting from Manteca, California is a big NASCAR fan and couldn’t have been more proud to stand by #88 for me to take his picture.  You could also get your picture taken for free by The Army National Guard made available for pick up through their website.   For more information on Dale Earnhardt Jr’s partnership with the Army National Guard, visit:  http://www.nationalguard.com/guardracing/dalejr.php.

The USAF Thunderbirds 2009 show season has taken on a few changes.   They are now flying up-dated F-16 Fighters, each with a more powerful Pratt & Whitney F100-PW-229 engine.  This adds an additional 3,600 lbs of thrust, increasing the maximum allowable gross weight for ground handling, taxi, take-off and in-flight maneuvers by nearly 5,000lbs, reaching speeds of over 500 mph!

You could feel the excitement mount as the 12 member team approached the 6 F-16 Fighters in perfect formation.  Each step they took in unison gave me goosebumps as I eagerly awaited their take-off.  One-by-one each of the 6 F-16′s taxied past waving at the cheering crowd.  Watching and feeling the power of these Fighters, both physically and emotionally was exhillerating.  A strong Patriotic commoradity seemed to take hold and unite everyone.

The range of ages of the guests at the Gateway to Freedom 2009 Airshow seemed to be from 0 – 99+ years.  Everyone we met seemed to be enjoying themselves at the various aspects of the event.  This definetely was  a great way to spend time together with family and friends.  Joining myself and my wonderful husband Bill, was our dear friend Donald Elliott visiting from California.  Don served in the Marines in 1961-1977.  Also with us was our daughter Zell, her boyfriend Justin and thier 17 month old son, Nate.  Our grandson Nate clapped, cheered, laughed and pointed upwards for hours until his energy was finally exhausted at the end of the day.

On behalf of my family, I would like to thank MANG and all of the participants for making tha Gateway to Freedom 2009 Airshow one of the best that we have attended.  Also, our thanks to the Shilo Inn at 2020 Prospect Avenue in Helena Montana for offering a special Airshow package and for thier cleanliness and hospitable services.  When visiting Helena for any future events we already know where we want to stay!

This was an entertaining event, but it also enbeds a reminder of all of the men and women that have serve our country both past and present.  For those, I am truly thankful for all they do for us and our beautiful country.

As I continue to go through the numerous photos taken at the Airshow, I will continue adding them in the Gallery.  Please continue to visit the Gallery and watch as the album grows.  If you have more information on any of the photos please contact me and I will update them as soon as possible.

Comments (1) Jul 05 2009

WHAT:   The History Museum’s 7th Annual Fundraiser presents Bluegrass on the Bay.

WHEN: July 18, 2009

TIME:  11:00AM – ???

WHERE:  Oddfellows Park:  Located on River Drive N. between Broadwater Bay and Warden Bridge in Great Falls,  MT

COST:  Advanced tickets available:   $20. per individual, or $30 for family.  Tickets can be purchased at The Bluegrass On The Bay booth at the Farmer’s Market in Great Falls each Saturday from 7:45AM – Noon.  For more information call (406)452-3462.

RAFFLE TICKETS:  $5 each with 5 chances to win!  Prizes are:

**100 Gallons FREE GAS!

**Tikka 338 w/scope

**Jewelry from Sutherlands

**FREE FOOD from ALbertsons

**A Brian Morger Print

Any questions please call:   (406) 452-3462

Comments (0) Jun 13 2009

Sunday morning, May 17, 2009, I awoke early preparing to accompany my husband Bill at Wadsworth Park in Great Falls, Montana for one of the two 3-D shoots open to the public by The Electric City Archer’s Club.  Bill is a member of the club and had to arrive early to assist in the set up. Appreciating the little bit of time before the Archers would arrive, I enjoyed a quiet walk through my peaceful wooded surroundings. I pleasantly listened to Nature’s  ”early morning symphony” in surround sound at its finest!  Perhaps the melodic performers were expressing their joy knowing that they wouldn’t be the Archer’s targets and were safe in their wooded homes.  I was on the lookout for the great horned owls that Bill had seen and photographed the day before. They are a protected bird, and I consider it for an honor for those who get the privilege to see them up close. They had several solos in the symphony, but remained visually elusive to me, as I remained on the outskirts of the woods.

About 7:45 AM vehicles started rolling in as the sign-ups for the    3-D Shoot began.  The first group started the course a little after 8:00AM.

This event is a regular family tradition for many.  The archers ranged from 4 to 78 years young.  Prices to participate for the day were very reasonable.  A family could sign up for $25, Adults (age 17+) $12, Youth (age 12-16) $8, and “Cubs & Chicks” (age 11 and under) participated at no cost. Read More

Comments (0) May 25 2009