Back to Kandahar

As promised, we headed back up to Cafe Kandahar on The Big Mountain here in Whitefish Montana for an evening of heavy hors d'oeurves and wine sapling with Michael Keenan if the Keenan Winery in Napa.



The hors d'oeurves were delicious, but the wines were the highlight of my evening. I am a fan of red wines in general (fell in with the red zin crowd a few years ago when it became popular) but this night reunited me with a couple of old friends. It has been a while since I enjoyed an evening of wines like I did at Cafe Kandahar.

We started out with a couple of chardonnays, one of which, called "summer blend" perfect for a hot summer day. I liked the summer blend, Hill liked the Napa Valley Spring Mountain. I actually liked them both, but not being a big chardonnay drinker, I went with the "lighter" tasting one.

When we got into the reds, it was hard to pick a winner. I'm glad I didn't have to. What a selection. From a 2000 merlot that had me immediatley craving a steak to "mernet", a delicious blend of cabernet and merlot grapes that is very drinkable.



Speaking of Cabernet's, It's a toss-up between the 2004 Cabernet Reserve and the 2003 Merlot for my choice for victor, but like I said before, I'm glad I don't have to pick a winner.

If you have the opportunity, check out their website at www.KeenanWinery.com, or if you are ever in California, make an appointment for a tasting. They have some fantastic wines!

So until next time adventure fans, we'll see you in the park, or perhaps in the Napa Valley tasting some phenominal reds!!






Don't forget! Glacier Adventure is the source for Glacier National Park and surrounding areas.

Cheers!

-Jay




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Flathead Cherry Festival 2008

On Sunday we went to Polson, MT at the southern end of Flathead Lake for the Flathead Cherry Festival. It was a weekend of cherry celebration complete with over 125 vendors and exhibitors, Flathead Cherry jewelry, quilts, aprons, jellies, bbq sauce and anything else you can print a cherry on or mix a cherry into.

Saturday was the cherry pit spitting and cherry stem tying contests. Sunday was the pie eating contest which we went to and next year I will enter, the same as I will enter the snow rodeo at the Izaak Walton Inn in Essex.

As you can see by the pictures, everyone had a blast and there was plenty of cherry pie to go around.

The festival usually happens right after the annual harvest, but our unusually long winter and short spring has lead to a late harvest. They should start picking sometime this week.

If you make it out to the valley, be sure and head down the East side of Flathead Lake and stop into any number of cherry stands on the side of the road, or if you like to really get em fresh, you can pick your own at select orchards.

As always, be sure and visit Glacier Adventure for anything and everything Glacier National Park and surrounding area!

Pie time! (Cherry that is)

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Dinner on the mountain

We headed up the Big Mountain to Cafe Kandahar and had what I would say was the best dinner I've had since the last time we ate there. Chef Andy really knows how to create an amazing palette experience.

These pictures really don't do it justice. It is a restaurant that is worth the short trip up the newer-wider-faster Big Mountain Road.

The service was impeccable (as it always is) and our server Mare (with some help from Dennis) took care of everything from movie recommendations to wine pairings to food QandA's to dessert suggestions.

We are heading back there on Tuesday for something different. Robert Keenan from the Keenan Winery in Napa Valley will be at Cafe Kandahar for an evening of heavy hors d'oeurves and wine sampling. You can read about it right here.

We're also going to be heading up to visit with Andy in the kitchen and meet the chef who creates the menu at Cafe Kandahar. Stay tuned for that video.

You may have noticed that there was no dessert picture. It's not because we didn't have dessert, it's just that I couldn't move fast enough with the camera to get the shot before we devoured it and I didn't think you wanted to see a picture of an empty plate.




Until next time, Dig In!!





Be sure and check out Glacier Adventure for all of your Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley information.







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North American Indian Days - Browning Montana

We made the trek from Whiteish to Browning, MT (about 2 hours on Rt.2) yesterday to enjoy the North American Indian Days (NAID) Parade and Pow Wow. It continues to impress me everytime we go. To see the pride of the Indians in their native dress, dance and drum is nothing short of astounding. The photos and video don't do it justice. It is something you should experience for yourself.

The parade started before noon and I would reccomend bringing a chair to sit in, and umbrella (for sun protection), a cooler with some cold drinks and a plastic bag (to put the candy or goodies thrown by parade participants). It got pretty warm in the afternoon and I'm glad I wore a visor. I should have brought sunscreen, I now have the definition of a farmer's tan!

After the parade we headed to the arena for the entrance, introduction, drum and dance competiton. You can burn through some serious film at this event and I am glad we took a couple of memory chips and blank tapes. (shoot count: 960 still photos and 1:45 of video) The colors are brilliant, the drums beat like a heartbeat, and the dance is hypnotizing.

If you are going to be in Northwest Montana next year around the second weekend in July, I would definately check out the North American Indian Days in Browning, MT. If you plan on taking photos ar video, you will need a NAID photo/video permit. They are available at the Pow Wow grounds ($10 photo / $20 video) and worth every penny!!

"It is an intriguing way to see authentic Blackfeet traditions. Tipis are pitched on the powwow grounds for four days of contest dancing, games, a number of sports events and socializing. Comprising one of the largest gatherings of United States and Canadian tribes, the celebration is an unforgettable experience. Once you hear and feel the mystery of the drum, see the traditional and fancy dancing, and the many proud Native people, then you will begin to understand the Blackfeet." - quote from www.browningmontana.com

I hope you enjoy our pictures.

Please be respectful, in some situations it is polite to ask permission before taking pictures or video.



See you there next year....

-jay

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Independance Day in Polebridge

Well, after an extremely busy week, I am finally getting around to posting the 4th of July celebration in Polebridge, MT, just outside the northwest entrance to Glacier National Park.

We've heard stories, but never experienced it.... we can no longer say that.

Up the dusty Northfork we went and after enjoying a dirt sandwich from the trucks and cars (yes, ... there was traffic) in front of us, we arrived and drove down the already people lined parade route to our parking spot. After setting up the chairs and cooler, Hill was asked to be a judge and that gave her the perfect seat for getting video. (see video)

What a party! The parade started a little after noon and there was a line of floats ready to do their thing for the judges. The noxious weed group put on a great show and took first place. There was also bears chasing joggers, grandmas featherbed, a good ol blue grass band, and a great show from a line of pack mules. Candy was thrown, beverages consumed, baked goods eaten, burgers and beer devoured, children laughed .... and a great time was had by all.

See you next year ... at Polebridge.

Make sure to check out GlacierAdventure.com for alot of Glacier National Park and surrounding area information!!

A Wait With a View

If you are headed to Glacier National Park and the Going-to-the-Sun Road be prepared for some construction delays. We took a trip up yesterday and found ourselves nuzzling the retaining wall as we waited for about 20 minutes. Don't let the wait time scare you, unlike bumper to bumper traffic on Manhattan's Westside Highway or out on the Ventura Highway, if you come prepared you might enjoy the unusual stop.

Bring binoculars! Get out of the car and look around, closer inspection will reveal the mechanics of this engineering marvel. I was surprised to see bolts holding together the rock cliff above us, something we'd breeze right by any other time on the road. You might also spy a mountain goat or bighorn sheep.

If you dont' feel like sitting behind the wheel sit in the passenger's seat and let the park do the driving, the Going-to-the-Sun Road offers shuttle service so you can click photos and spy the valley below.

This marks the 75th Anniversary of the Going-to-the-Sun Road, click here to visit our page and see the celebration.









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Crown of the Continent - An inside look

Last night Jay and I traveled to a fantastic store in the Apgar Village right inside the West Entrance to Glacier National Park to hear Steve Thompson, Crown of the Continent Project Coordinator for the National Geographic Society Geotourism MapGuide.


I know that sounds like a mouthful, and once you see the map and explore the web site you'll be amazed. But before I give up the good stuff I want to take a moment to introduce you to Montana House. A family business established in 1960, the store's mission is to celebrate and promote the creativity of Montana artists and craftsmen, and to promote the rebirth of Native American artistry. I love the store for its incredible selection of books on Native American history and culture, and its fun gifts of all shapes and sizes featuring local floral and fauna. Even if you can't make it to Glacier Park you can still enjoy shopping the store by going online: http://www.shopworks.com/montanahouse


Moving on, if you haven't heard of the National Geographic Geotourism Mapguide project you are in for a real treat. First, an introduction to Geotourism. What is it? Geotourism is defined as tourism that sustains or enhances the geographical character of a place - its environment, culture, aesthetics, heritage and well-being of its residents. How is this done? By focusing on the unique culture and history of an area, its natural features and heritage, and how people are working to sustain these facets.

Enough description. Roll up your sleeves and see for yourself. Go to http://www.crownofthecontinent.net/ and start clicking around. You'll see that the view of the Montana, British Columbia and Alberta areas is most likely different from anything you've seen before. Here you can read experiences from everyday people (hey! that sounds kind of familiar), peruse local topics, learn how you can make a difference and best of all save it all in 'My Backpack' for later reference.

Be sure to Order a free Geotourism MapGuide too. You know how great National Geographic maps are... this MapGuide offers local perspectives and favorite areas offered up by the people who live and work here. Talk about a local connection!

- Hillary






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More to explore than you might think!

July 1, 2008 marked the 141st birthday of our neighbors to the north, and the Alberta Canada Visitor Information Centre in West Glacier celebrated with free summer picnic favorites and of course birthday cake and ice cream. As the United States also celebrates its Independence Day this month what better time to acknowledge these two nations’ partnership in the world’s first International Peace Park than by taking a closer look at what adventures await us north of the border.

We have discovered that perhaps the greatest similarity between here and there is opportunities for uncovering adventures of all varieties are numerous. Your biggest challenge may be singling out those experiences and venues that interest you most.

A stroll through the Visitor Information Centre is like a trailer to a good action adventure movie. Take the stairs to the ‘Top of the World’ and view the mountain ranges of the Canadian Rockies, then look over the foyer balcony to marvel at a life-size casting of the skeleton of a Tyrannosaurus Rex, whose heavy bones were found in Drumheller, Alberta, located in the province’s southeast corner.



Downstairs, a self guided tour through exhibits displaying area attractions hints at the variety of experiences the area has to offer. View the largest collection of horse-drawn vehicles in North America at the Remington-Alberta Carriage Centre; enjoy over 200 species of sea life or ride the attractions at the world’s largest indoor amusement park at the West Edmonton Mall and World Water Park, and go back in time and rub elbows with prehistoric creatures in a moon-like landscape in Alberta’s famous Badlands. Did we mention the world’s oldest, largest and best preserved buffalo jumps in known existence? A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, Head-Smashed-In has been used continuously by aboriginal peoples of the plains for more than 5,500 years.

Be sure to utilize the Visitor Centre’s greatest resource, its friendly staff. There are maps upon request, and don’t be surprised if you leave with yours full of circles, arrows and instructions to all the best spots.

For more information on Waterton Lakes National Park visit http://www.WatertonInfo.ab.ca, to learn more about Alberta, Canada visit http://www.travelalberta.com/.

As if summer wasn’t short enough, we have easily doubled our adventure grab bag. Ain’t life grand? Until next time adventure fans, go north, and we’ll see you in the park!

- Hillary









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Dinner on the shores of Flathead Lake

What an evening we had with Doug and Amy Deaton. We left Bigfork on a boat and traveled through the choppy waters of the Flathead Lake to The Docks, a Lakeside (it is both lakeside and located in Lakeside, MT) restaurant/bar that has the best mexican food I've had since I was in Yuma, AZ.



After docking the boat we grabbed a table right on the water, discussed ordering sangria (they have 3 kinds) and then decided to go with margaritas. Dee-lish! The chips come with 3 different types of salsa so there will be something for everyone's tastebuds. We had a tough time deciding on entrees. There is quite a selection available on the menu.



I decided on Enchiladas Trio, Hill had Chile Verde Burro, Amy had the Fish Tacos and Doug had a Burro as well. Besides being delicious, the portions were also large enough to take home for another meal.



We headed back to the boat for a smoother ride back to Bigfork where we caught a phenominal sunset to wrap up a belly filling evening.



So if you are in the neighborhood, The Docks are located at 7135 Hwy 93 South in Lakeside, MT. If you are on the water, they are located on the west side of Flathead Lake (more toward the northern area) It's about 45 minutes to an hour south of the West entrance to Glacier National Park. 406-844-3625 for more info.



See you on the water .... or at The Docks!!!



-jay










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Horseback in Glacier National Park

We went out last week with the Swan Mountain Outfitters on a beautiful, albeit windy, day in the Many Glacier Area of Glacier National Park.

The alpine section of The Going To The Sun Road was still snowed in so we took the "long way" to the East Side (Rt 2). It took us about 3 hours from Whitefish.

Once we got there we checked in and signed (and initialed) the appropriate spots on the waiver. We opted to not wear helmets which require more signatures and initials. (Helmets are mandatory for riders under 18)

Next we got the safety briefing from John the GM and then the basics on horse riding from Georgeann, one of the wranglers who joined us on our trip, Hope was the other one.

A couple of quick notes from the safety meeting:
No riders over 250lbs
No video cameras allowed on the ride (still photos ok)
No straps around your neck (purses, cameras, binoculars etc.)
Close-toed shoes and long pants are required (no shorts, sandals, flip-flops etc)

After the brief instruction, we were paired up with our horses, mounted up and hit the trail.

We went out on the 2 hour Cracker Flats ride that took us along the shore of Lake Sherburne and on to Cracker Flats. It was a great way to get out into an absolutely beautiful area of Glacier National Park and it doesn't require you to have any horse training to enjoy riding one of these beautiful animals.

So grab the entire family (if they are over 6 on the West side, over 7 on the East) and head out into the back country of Glacier National Park on horseback. It'll be a trip you won't soon forget.


Happy Trails!!


-jay








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Ahhhhh ... Whitefish in the Spring

And to think, I took the studded snow tires off the 4-Runner about 45 days ago.

Just a friendly reminder from your friends out here in Whitefish, MT. Even 10 days into June it can snow at 3,oooft above sea level. Imagine what it's doing in Glacier National Park 8,000ft above sea level.

So when you are out on that day hike and going to be gone for "only a half day", remember to bring a shell, some layers and an extra pair of socks!

And be sure to sign up for Glacier Adventure's eNewsletter and/or our weekly Going To The Sun Road eBlast to keep you up to date on all of The Glacier National Park and Flathead Valley happenings.


See you when the snow clears, .... maybe July?!?


-jay