More Summer - Ski Lifts and Feast

Big Sky is primarily known as a ski resort. But, as we say here, "Winter gets you here, but summer keeps you here." Winter is entirely about snow and snowsports - for me, downhill skiing, and for Jim, snowshoeing. And, for both of us, watching the snow covered mountains, reading, cooking and eating.

But, now, summer - that's an entirely different matter. Finding enough time in the day to do it all is the challenge. We do have 16-hour days here in the summer, so I suppose it's possible to get it all in if you pack those 16 hours full. I hope you have enjoyed reading about some of the activities and events we have available here.

One of the things we enjoy most is sharing Montana with friends and family who come to visit here. No matter what we have done, it seems that our guests always have one more thing on their list that we haven't done - at least not in the recent past.

For instance - riding to the top of the mountain on the ski lift. At the top of Andesite Mountain is the Pinnacle Restaurant. The spectacular view from the top is the best spot for lunch. Unparalleled views of Lone Peak and the fresh, clear air just make my food digest better!

Every Thursday night this summer, the Arts Council has sponsored free concerts in the Meadow Village . Last Thursday, we heard the celtic group Feast. These classically trained musicians are really pushing the outer limits of Irish music. To me, they are to instrumental music what Stomp is to dance. Each of the four musicians are strong solo caliber performers who understand each other and play off each other to create a thrilling and delightful experience. Click on this link to hear and see some of their music.

There is just nothing more representative of the total Big Sky experience than sitting out under the big blue sky with friends, listening to live music, sipping a glass of wine, munching on cheese, fruit, crackers and watching the moon rise over these spectacular Rocky Mountains - absolutely nowhere else I would rather be in the summer.

Somehow, in the midst of all these activities, we have also managed to work in some golf games at the local golf course, hike a few trails and fish the Gallatin River.

We have 2 more weeks here in Montana, one of which will be shared with Marci and Ryan. I hear Ryan has been busy getting his flies tied and that their friend, Bill, will also be here, fishing rod in hand.

We're also looking forward on Wednesday to the last concert this season featuring Bonnie Raitt. This event kicks off "Owners' Weekend" when property owners come in for the long Labor Day Weekend. Events include the Big Sky Chili Cookoff, the Firehall Pancake Breakfast and a Saturday afternoon festival in the Mountain Village base area with one of our favorite bands, Montana Rose as the featured entertainment.

Lewis & Clark Revisited

Yes, this is Lewis and Clark country. In 1804, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and the Corps of Discovery set out from St. Louis to explore the Missouri River and find a water connection to the Pacific Ocean. Little did they know that the drainages from the massive Rocky Mountains formed the headwaters of the Missouri in Montana, some 1,000 miles from the Pacific Ocean.

On our way back to Bozeman from Anaconda, we stopped at the Missouri Headwaters State Park in Three Forks, some 20 miles west of Bozeman. It was here that Lewis & Clark found the confluence of 3 rivers that formed the headwaters of the Missouri River. They named the rivers the Jefferson, the Madison, and the Gallatin for Thomas Jefferson who commissioned their journey, James Madison who was Secretary of State and Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the Treasury.

Big Sky, where we spend our summers, is on the Gallatin River. So, I guess that means I could put a bottle in the River here and someone in New Orleans might find it a few years from now!

We enjoyed our picnic lunch with Bobby and Elaine on the banks of the Missouri. As we were looking up at one of the cliffs over the river, we caught sight of a golden eagle on one of the points. An osprey decided that the eagle had encroached on his territory and started diving and swooping on the eagle. The eagle finally decided to give up the point, and the osprey continued to pursue him for as far as we could see. An amazing sight!

Anaconda and Old Works

Our good friends, Bobby and Elaine from TN, met us in Anaconda, MT for a round of golf at The Old Works. This golf course is a Jack Nicklaus signature course and is built on a Federal Superfund cleanup site. Anaconda, named for the Anaconda Copper Mining Co., which was active from the late 1800s until 1959, was home of the largest copper smelter in the world during this time. Ore was transported by rail from neighboring Butte (25 miles to the east), which was once the largest source of silver and copper in the United States.

All that is left now of that operation is the towering Washoe Smelter which towers 585 feet on a hill over the golf course. In its heyday, the smelter could process 1,000 tons of ore an hour. The golf course itself is built on the site of the original copper smelting site, thus the name Old Works, which was built in two phases - the Upper Works and the Lower Works. The site was chosen because Warm Springs Creek provided enough water to refine the ore, unlike dry and arid Butte.

The Washoe Smelter replaced the Old Works, which lay idle until 1983 when the site became a Superfund site and the citizens of Anaconda advocated for development of a world class golf course on the site in cooperation with ARCO who had bought the site in the 1960s. The construction of the course took 2 years and is a fascinating process in itself - read for yourself on this link.

The course incorporates many of the remnants of the historic features of the original site. For instance, the slag left over from the mining operations is used in the sand bunkers on the course, making the sand bunkers black, in stark contrast to the usual white sand bunkers found on other courses. The course, from some of the elevated tees on the front 9 holes, is a strikingly attractive black and green pattern.

Hitting out of the sand bunkers is similar to the traditional white sand bunkers - I actually had plenty of experience in that regard on the day we played. It's a long course, 7700 yards from the back tees and 5300 yards from the women's tees, a tough course, but well worth the effort of getting there and experiencing the finest course in our area.

We spent the night in Anaconda at the Hickory House Inn, a bed and breakfast housed in the former church rectory for St. Paul's Church. This historic building has been beautifully restored in Anaconda's historic district. We enjoyed sitting out on the patio before dinner in downtown Anaconda, and after a good night's sleep, we were sent on our way with a good breakfast.

I couldn't resist this last photo. Ever wonder where to the find the road to Opportunity?? Well, I found it as we left Anaconda. I didn't follow the road to Opportunity, but now I know where to find it should I have the need in the future.

Baby Boomer Power

I just got word that my brother and sister-in-law completed the Portland Bridge Pedal yesterday. Don't they look great? Not sure if this picture was made before or after the 15 miles, but as active as they are, they could easily look this good after even more than 15 miles.


This got me to thinking about how our generation - the "Baby Boomers" - are living into our 6th decade. You may recall my personal goal of completing a marathon for my 60th birthday. Why? Because I could!


And here's my friend, Linda, who is well into her 6th decade, and has just decided to take up kayaking. I firmly believe that our willingness to try new things, go where we haven't gone before, is what keeps us young at any age. Congratulations, Linda!


One of the reasons I love being in Montana so much is that no one worries too much about age or gender when it comes to physical activity. And we really don't worry too much about how we look doing it!


One of my two favorite role models here in Big Sky is Toini. Toini grew up in Norway walking 6 miles each way to school everyday and hiking in the mountains. Into her 7th decade, she can still hike all day over challenging trails, does her own gardening and landscaping (including rock gardening) and can absolutely wear out anyone trying to keep up with her on snowshoes.


Then there's Marty Pavelich. Marty, now into his 8th decade, played defensive wing for the Detroit Redwings during the 1950s. He spends most of the summers and winters here in MT and is one of the best skiers on the mountain. Still the consummate athlete, he works out most everyday, including beginning each morning with 300 sit-ups.


Are we as Baby Boomers just living out our rebellious habits formed in the 1960s? Is it just that we don't want to admit our age? Is it just simply that medical research and education and awareness of physical activity as an important component of well being has finally gotten through to us?


For me . . . I am just so proud to be surrounded by family and friends who remind me every day that life is a precious gift worth grabbing on to. Let's all enjoy the ride!

Bluegrass in Big Sky

Just got back from a great bluegrass concert - Spring Creek Bluegrass Band was terrific! We had some exciting thunderstorms about 5 pm and were worried that the outdoor concert would be rained out. However, the rain clouds moved right on out, the air cooled down to 61 degrees and we heard some great bluegrass.

This group is based in Lyons, CO and passing through Big Sky on their way to the Targhee Bluegress Festival down on the Wyoming/Idaho border. They sing traditional bluegrass - Stanley Brothers, Larry Sparks, Osburne Brothers, etc. as well as some great original music of their own.

Among the more unusual numbers they did tonight were their own version of the Stanley Brothers Clinch Mountain Breakdown, renamed Clinch Mountain Freakout, and a bluegrass version of Elton John's Honky Cat. Great musicians and vocalists - especially Jessica Smith and Taylor Sims on vocals and Alex Johnstone on mandolin and fiddle and Chris Elliott on banjo (Colorado's reigning banjo champion).

This band has an extensive tour schedule this year. They will even be in TN (Franklin, Nashville, and Knoxville's WDVX Blue Plate Special) and GA (Atlanta, Augusta and Dahlonega) in September and October. We will definitely be trying to catch up with them again. Check out the schedule and try to catch one of their shows - you won't be disappointed.

These concerts happen every Thursday night in the Meadow Village pavillion, and because they are free, families and kids of all ages are there.

Dancing always breaks out - particularly if it's bluegrass night. It's like a weekly family reunion for us beause we see friends we sometimes see only at these events. Then, again, there are the friends we see often enough to plan who's taking which wine!! Jim and Nancy, Karen and Cy were our wine buddies for the evening.

Wish you were here!

Sweet Peas and 'Tater Pigs

The first weekend in August is the annual Sweet Pea Festival in Bozeman. The festival consists of 3 days of music, arts and crafts, theater, dance and the always entertaining Sweet Pea Festival Parade. Really, the party lasts all week including the Sweet Pea Ball on the previous Saturday, Chalk on the Walk on Tuesday and Bite of Bozeman on Wednesday. And, yes, there is a Sweet Pea Flower competition with the winner announced at the Mad Hatter's Tea Party.

We went in early Saturday morning in time to catch the parade beginning at 10 am. The parade is preceded by a 5k and 10k run, and then promptly at 10 am the kids 1k run down Main Street kicks off the parade,. I think everyone in Bozeman and Gallatin County runs! There were 1100 kids in the kids run alone! Look no further for a postive role model for physical activity - Bozeman wins, hands down. I even caught one toddler running for all she was worth - breathing through her Binky!! Life long habits begin here.

After the parade, the celebration moves to Lindley Park, one of the many public parks Bozeman offers.

The main thoroughfare is lined with food vendors, all good fare, but the absolute favorite is known as the 'Tater Pig. What's a 'Tater Pig?? Half a baked potato filled with a link pork sausage and topped with butter, sour cream, bacon bits and chives. Calories - who cares - "at 5000 feet, calories don't affect the human body", says one of the Chord Rustlers. The Chord Rustlers are a barbershop chorus who sponsor the 'Tater Pig booth each year. This year they sold 7,200 'Tater Pigs and the proceeds benefited the Big Sky Youth Harmony Rendezvous, an a capella singing camp for kids.

We wandered through the arts & crafts booths, where about 100 artists display their work including visual art, woodworking, fiber arts, pottery, jewelry and metal work. Some of the best artists in the west are invited to this show, and I always manage to find one more thing I "need".

We wandered over to the Family Stage to catch the cowboy act, Shorty and Stretch, who sing, tell tall tales and yodel. The Trees West Stage featured a bluegrass band, Riverbend, a group of young guys who are just getting started in the bluegrass, or as they would say "New-Grass" genre.

A great day and tradition in Bozeman - one we look forward to every year.

Portland - Days 2 & 3

Saturday morning was a beautiful day, so we decided to head over to the west side of town to the International Rose Garden and Japanese Garden. The easiest way to reach there is, again, the light rail to the Portland Zoo. From there, the Zoo Train goes through the zoo and stops at a station just a short walk from the two gardens.

The Zoo Train is a treat in itself. Three trains run continuously through the zoo and Washington Park, which surrounds the zoo. We rode the Oregon Express, a diesel-powered train, on the way over to the gardens, and the return trip was on the Oregon "Steamer" which is a steam-powered train built in 1959. The round trip is 4 miles.

The International Rose Test Garden opened in 1917 and is oldest continuously operated public rose test garden in the US. The garden is a testing ground for new rose varieties. Honestly, I wouldn't know a new rose from an established one, but I can tell you that I have never seen so many beautiful roses in one place, ever. I got quite carried away with my rose photos, so I have just posted all of them in a slide show to the left.

Several features in the rose garden are worthy of mention. The Shakespeare Garden includes only herbs, trees and flowers mentioned in his plays. Of course, roses play a prominent role in this garden - "Of all flowers methinks a rose is best." A rose arbor stands in front of a brick wall - a perfect spot for weddings. That's us standing under the arbor!!

At the foot of the Rose Garden is the "Queen's Walk" which honors all past, present and future queens of Portland's Rose Festival. A plaque bearing the name and signature of each queen is laid in the Queen's Walk. I found not only Queen Linda, but Queen Linda II. Portland is called the "City of Roses" for all it's city streets lined with roses.

The Japanese Garden is 5.5 acres and is just up the hill from the Rose Garden. We were asked to turn off our cellphones before we entered the garden.

This quiet retreat is filled with lush greenery, symmetrical rock paths and steps and serene ponds, waterfalls and sculpture. The garden consists of five separate garden styles: Flat Garden, Strolling Pond Garden, Tea Garden, Natural Garden and Sand & Stone Garden.

The Sand & Stone Garden was probably my favorite, consisting of only stones rising from raked sand, suggesting the sea. All the gardens were simply beautiful and what a spectacular view of downtown Portland and Mount Hood to the east!!

We took the Zoo Train back to the light rail station and stopped at the Brewfest. By this time, it was late in the afternoon and the tents were mobbed!! An estimated 30,000 people visit the Brewfest every year, and I think all 30,000 were there - just too much for us - so we headed over to Kell's Irish Pub and found a table on the sidewalk. Kell's is rated the #1 Irish Restaurant and Pub in the nation.

Have you ever had Irish Nachos?? Made with homemade potato chips and covered with cheese and traditional nacho ingredients, they were so good they didn't last long at our table! The sweet potato fries weren't bad either!

What could be better for dinner with beer than more pizza?? This time we chose Flying Pie Pizza. By the way, I love my brother's convertible and Portland weather was perfect convertible weather.

Day Three (Sunday) we decided to get to the Brewfest early and avoid the crowds later in the day. We parked the car on the east side of the Wilamette River and walked over one of the many bridges spanning the river.

Our plan was perfect - no lines for beer, plenty of tables and a much more leisurely experience.

Beer t-shirts were the unofficial uniform for the brewfest. Here are 3 of my favorites, from left to right: Polygamy Porter - Why Have Just One?; Killer Ale, Bottled on Orcas Island; and The liver is evil, It must be punished.

As the crowds started to build, we walked back across another bridge to the car and drove over to the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub. As the name suggests, this is a dog friendly place, and several dogs were there with their owners. It's located in a sheet metal warehouse and picnic tables are set up on a covered patio - perfect for peanuts and their excellent brews.

We just had to visit one more brew pub for dinner - you know, calling our name!! The Bridgeport Brewpub was the perfect ending to the day. Located in a historic building in the Pearl District of Portland, it's a great neighborhood for people watching. Even the server there was quite colorful. No pizza tonight, but the food was quite tasty and we felt that throughout the weekend we had sampled some of the best Portland has to offer.

Charles says he is retiring this year and leaving Portland. While I understand their desire to be closer to family, we will miss visiting them in Oregon. Portland has so much to offer and we are pleased that we have had Charles and Carol to show it all to us!!

We are back in Big Sky, recovering and drying out our livers!