Made in Montana Valentine's

Valentine's Day, a season of romance, roses, cards and candy.  It is a celebration of love.  For me a  defiantly lonely bachelorette, I dub Valentine's as 'Singles Awareness Day.'  I enjoy trading valentines with my friends, indulging in chocolate and watching marathons of my favorite romantic films from Phantom of the Opera to Sleepless in Seattle and Bridget Jones Diary.  To Valentine's is a holiday of giving your time to help others, thoughtful gifts to friends and strangers to remind us that love makes the world go around. 

Here are some 'Made in Montana' treats that are the perfect Valentine's Day gift for a significant other, friend or a stranger in need of holiday cheer in the bleak mid-winter blues.

King's Cupboard Sauces:
Hand-crafted in Red Lodge, King's Cupboard wears the crown for its savory, decadent selection of dessert sauces, from the rich, thick and creamy Hot Fudge, to sweet and salty caramel.  These sauces taste delicious atop Wilcoxson's ice cream or just by the spoonful.  The icing on the cake, all of King's Cupboard products are organic!

"For 20 years, The King’s Cupboard has been producing chocolaty, rich, delicious yet all-natural dessert products. Our innovative product development, a conviction to use only pure, simple, natural ingredients as well as our relentless quest for exceptional cacao products has led to 13 NASFT Sofi awards with two garnered in 2010. While we are extremely proud of our products and accolades, we embrace the idea that business serves a purpose beyond dollars and cents. To that end, we are committed to enhancing the lives of our co-workers, nurturing the community in which we live and striving to be more “green”"

Website

La Chatelaine Chocolates:
 La Chatelaine is a chocolaterie  headquartered in the heart of Bozeman, creating artisan chocolates.  Each truffle, caramel, white chocolate mousse, a masterpiece of flavor.  They ship their Montana made, French inspired chocolates through the U.S.  My personal favorite, the Montana Huckleberry

Bequet Caramels:
The smooth succulent, luscious taste of a Bequet Caramel is the perfect treat for Valentine's Day. Born and raised in Bozeman Montana, Bequet has garnered an international reputation as a top artisan caramel maker. The caramels are organic, and devoid of corn syrup! Bequet produces eleven varieties of caramel from Green Apple to Celtic Sea Salt.

Mission Mountain Winery:
Nothing goes with chocolate quite like wine, a rich hearty merlot from Big Sky Country fits the bill.  Montana has several great wineries.  I like Mission Mountain's Huckleberry Mountain wine, sweet with the essence of Montana's favorite berry - Huckleberry. 

Ten Spoon Winery:
As someone who is sensitive to sulfites, the no-added sulfites organic wine from Ten Spoon is a big plus for me.  I enjoy their Firehole Wine, which reminds me of lazy days on Yellowstone's Firehole River.

"You can count on pure organic fruit and no sulfites added to any Ten Spoon wines. To Add Sulfites or Not . . . that is the Question! I believe wine tastes cleaner and fresher without sulfur additions. As well, our customers frequently comment on the drinkability of our wines in regards to headaches and stuffiness. I am not inclined to make any health claims, so our customer’s comments are what we have to go on. In regards to the process of wine making and no added sulfites, sanitation in the winery and attention to detail must be enhanced considerably to make fine wines."

Montana Monster Munchies:
Gluten free oatmeal cookie with peanut butter and chocolate - the perfect cookie and my standby for days hiking or a late night snack.

Montana Photography and Art:
Cards are a critical part of Valentine's Day, what better way to send the 'love' than with beautiful photographs and artwork from a Montana artist?  Montana is home to hundreds of talented artists working in various media.  I recommend the following sites for delving into the world of Montana art:
Craig W. Hergert: His panoramic pictures of Montana are in a word stunning
Tom Murphy: A Yellowstone photographer featured on PBS and beyond
Emerson Cultural Center: Home to dozens of artists, this is a great resource for tracking down affordable 'Made in Montana' cards, jewelry and gifts...
Made in Montana: http://www.madeinmontanausa.com

Montana Music:
Montana is home to a great variety of singer-songwriters, here are a few of my favorites:
Little Jane & the Pistol Whips: Roots/Country
Ben Bullington: Montana Folk
John Lowell: Montana NewGrass

Jewelry:
Montana is known as the Treasure State, home to sapphires, silver and gold.  What better Montana V-Day gift than handmade Montana jewelry:

Silver Annie's - Bozeman
Handmade Glass Jewelry from Mordam Art
Gem Gallery Bozeman
Elichai - Livingston
Emerson Center - Bozeman

Montana Romance:
Cozy up to The Horse Whisperer on DVD

Tree Ring Pens:
Write a love letter with a Tree Ring Pen, these pens are made from Montana timber and are ecologically friendly.

Sweet Side of Organic

Nothing tempts our senses like the sweet succulent taste of sugar.  It is one of the most consumed foods on the planet, used in everything from pastries and baked goods, coffee and tea, chocolate and candies...In moderation it is a joy to eat, whetting our sweet tooth. 

Sugar has gotten a bad rap as of late, often labeled as 'evil' in nutrition.  The truth is natural sugar, is good for you.  The problem is that food corporations are replacing pure cane sugar with highly processed forms of modified sugar and artificial sweeteners, which have detrimental effects on the body.   High fructose corn syrup and beet sugar are often produced using GMOs (genetically engineered-modified organisms), while artificial sugars such as aspartame causes tooth decay (even more than sugar according to my dentist) and in some studies cancer.  Splenda and Truvia have mixed results on health.  My dentist says he prefers organic sugar to any artificial sweetener as most artificial sugars have acid that burns tooth enamel.

I am an avid baker, creating delicious gluten free, wholesome recipes.  As a person with Celiac Disease, Histamine Intolerance and Soy Allergy I am highly sensitive to GMO/non-natural food (this is due to lack of digestive enzymes such as DAO and damage to small intestine from Celiac).  I assumed all cane sugar is created equal.  I was wrong.  Sugar processing is prone to inorganic practices from mixing beet sugar with cane sugar, and high carbon emissions (white sugar).  Striving to cook with only GMO-free and  sustainable products,  I began researching organic sugars. After experimenting with various brands these are my top picks:


Morena Pure Cane Sugar by Zulka:
"Morena is an all natural unrefined and Non-GMO pure cane sugar that is made by squeezing and evaporating the juice from freshly harvested sugar cane.  the result is a golden sweet crystal that tastes like biting into fresh sugar cane."  Zulka works with small farmers in Mexico, building communities through ethical and eco-friendly harvesting. Morena sugar can be exchanged cup for cup with white sugar.  Morena sugar is my go to for baking muffins and cookies.  It has a rich balance, with wholesome flavor.
Where to buy: I purchased an 8 lb. bag at Wal-Mart.  It is also sold at natural food stores and online.
http://www.zulka.com

Florida Crystals
"Florida Crystals is a leading domestic sugar producer and North America’s first fully integrated cane sugar company, guiding our sugar from the field to the table.  We are America’s first and only producer of certified organic sugar, grown and harvested in the United States, and the first sugar certified CarbonFree® by Carbonfund.org. Our renewable energy facility is the largest of its kind in North America and provides clean energy that powers our sugar operations and tens of thousands of homes, which helps us reduce our use of fossil fuels."
I use Florida Crystals for light cakes that demand a powerful sweet texture.  Florida Crystals works great for robust sugar cookies.  I also enjoy putting a sprinkle or two in my nightly cup of Earl Grey Tea. I appreciate that Florida Crystals leave no trace Carbon Free commitment, which is vital for agricultural sustainability.  Sugar processing often mars the environment with heavy emissions.  Florida Crystals is on the forward eco-agriculture movement. 

Wholesome Sweeteners:
"At Wholesome Sweeteners we are committed to providing the most delicious Fairtrade Certified, Organic, Natural and Non-GMO Project Verified sweeteners sourced from ethically and environmentally responsible growers and manufacturers. We provide safe and flavorful sweeteners that are produced with respect for food safety, the environment and human welfare. We strongly believe in the importance of sustainable and organic agriculture to encourage a safe and beautiful future for the planet and its people. Together with your purchases, we are Making the World a Sweeter Place, One Spoonful at a Time!
We believe protecting the environment through sustainable farming is critical to a healthy planet and healthy people.  Read more about our  organic farming practices in Paraguay, Indonesia, Brazil and Mexico.
We believe that the farmers who feed the world everyday deserve a fair price for the crops they grow.  Read more about Wholesome Sweeteners' commitment to Fair Trade in Malawi, Paraguay, Mexico, and Brazil.

C&H Sugar:
Although C&H is not certified organic, C&H continues to only produce beet-free and GMO-free pure cane sugar, both in its white cane sugar and brown sugar. It is the best national, non-organic brand, for pure sugar.

Stevia:
I am not a user of Stevia as it can be hard to compute the equivalent of potent Stevia in exchange for cane sugar.  Stevia is natural and safe.  It works great for sweetening tea and for light baking.  It is natural sugar from the Stevia plant.  Stevia has been used in Asia for centuries.
Be wary when purchasing Stevia that it does not add dextrose...(Stevia in the Raw has dextrose)...I recommend Stevia from Wholesome Sweeteners

Blue Agave Nectar:
I have not used Agave in baking. I have heard mixed reviews about the product.  I would avoid it as it usually has a high fructose content.

Recipes:

Lemon Drop Cookies:
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
*Gluten Free (Mama's or King Arthur flour are great pre-made or use Adele's mix: (multiply for multiple use) 1/4 cup Brown Rice Flour, 1/4 cup White Rice Flour, 1/4 cup Tapioca Flour, 1/4 cup corn starch, 1/4 cup sorghum flour (you can add in almond flour or coconut flour for essence, although this is optional) I recommend with sugar cookies sifting the flour.
 1 teaspoon baking soda (I don't use in high altitude, if above 3,000 feet will have to experiment)
1/2 teaspoon baking powder (I don't use in high altitude, if above 3,000 feet will have to experiment with levels)
1/2 teaspoon salt
Zest of 2 large lemons
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature (I used coconut oil and it worked well)
1 large egg (organic)
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1/2 cup granulated sugar for rolling cookies

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. (if you live above 3,000 feet, I recommend cooking at 325) Line baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats. Set aside.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Set aside.
3. Using a mixer, beat together butter and sugar until smooth and creamy.
4. Add lemon zest, egg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Mix until combined. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients.
5. Roll rounded tablespoons of dough into balls and roll in sugar. Place on prepared baking sheets,  about 1 1/2 inches apart.
Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until cookies are slightly brown around the edges and set. Let cookies sit on the baking sheets for two minutes before transferring to a cooling rack.

I recommend this recipe for Apple Cinnamon Muffins from Florida Crystals.  They were moist with a sweet apple essence.
Florida Naturals Apple Cinnamon Apples








 

Non-Profit of the Week: Reduce Poverty in America

Non-Profit of the Week: Reduce Poverty in America

Ten of the nation's largest humanitarian organizations and advocacy groups are coming together to fight the War on Poverty.  Catholic Charities USA, Feeding America, Save the Children, The Salvation Army, National Alliance to End Homelessness, the Alliance for Children Families, Lutheran Services in America and United Way, are all working together in 2014 to educate, innovate and act to reduce poverty in communities across the country

Driving this fight, is selfless love and belief in human dignity and grace from the least to the greatest.

Following guiding principles set forth by CCUSA, each of these organizations has signed a commitment to set up poverty reduction strategies and actively work together through round table discussions and outreach to give a hand up to those in need.

EDUCATE the public about the everyday challenges facing the more than 46 million people living in poverty in America today;

• EDUCATE the public about the everyday challenges facing the more than 46 million people living in poverty in America today
• Highlight INNOVATIVE solutions to poverty by connecting local practitioners with national leaders; and
• ACT to reduce poverty in communities across the country using newfound knowledge and techniques.

Poverty is often something people assume is the fault of the impoverished. The homeless are looked on a nuisance instead of human beings.  Many cite 'poor are poor because they are lazy and don't want to work.'  There are many preconceptions about poverty in America.  The more I research and actively interact with the subject, my preconceptions collapse and I am moved by love for fellow humans, selflessly understanding their plight is everyone's burden, because it is a systemic problem from humanity's brokenness, greed, corruption and a nationwide call to work together to address the core issues of poverty.

Many homeless are mentally ill.  A lady I came to know in Nashville TN (she lived on a park bench outside of my office at the time on Music Row), was a vibrant personality, kind and compassionate.  She suffered from Schizophrenia and the majority of her disability paycheck (around $800) went to her drugs.  She tried to work, but without an address and regular access to a shower it made it hard.  Many cursed and spat on her.  She applied for jobs every day and always paid for her food.  She could not get access to housing and mental hospitals could not provide a bed for her. 

This is a story I encounter time and time again.  These are victims of mental illness, and the most vulnerable, yet society discards them and mocks their personal dignity.  We need to stand up collectively for human rights.  Increase mental health access and beds for those suffering from mental conditions that prevent their working in the traditional workforce.  Transition programs that address their issues and work to give them a hand up.

It is easy to consider transients who have alcohol and dependency issues as vagrants who deserve to rot in the gutter they created.  In truth drugs and alcohol are severe illnesses that need medical attention, because they can no longer dig themselves out of that hole.  They need a hand-up to help get their lives back on track. 

There is also dark aspect of trafficking, which also is intertwined with poverty.  At Belmont University, Student Human Rights Council hosted a seminar on End Slavery TN, which focused on slavery in the US, the most widespread, human trafficking.  Young girls and women, particularly those in vulnerable situations and struggling with poverty are forced into trafficking.  They are doped up against their will, becoming dependent on handlers and unable to get out of that vicious cycle of abuse and degradation.  They need our help and our voice to get them out of this situation.

Since 2008, The Great Recession forced millions of Americans into desperate financial circumstances, people who are well-educated and have always worked, suddenly facing poverty.  I know the year I graduated from college the job market in Nashville dropped so dramatically, even with a top degree in my field and experience I was lucky to get a job as a cashier, let alone an office job.  The effects of the recession are still being felt.  Getting out of poverty is a difficult issue affecting all classes, races and people.  It is America's problem and something together we can fix, by demanding corporate responsibility, working to buy-American, petition our government officials and most important get involved. 

Each of the organizations partaking in this initiative to End Poverty in America provide critical services to our communities.  They put names behind the face of homelessness. 

Ways to get involved:
Donate:
Money - even small donations to non-profits focusing on Ending Poverty can go along way.  When you shop at the Salvation Army stores you end up buying items you can use while creating jobs and supporting their mission. 
Time: Time - donate your time to help non-profits committed to stamping out poverty.  Volunteering is the gift that keeps giving back.

Catholic Charities: http://catholiccharitiesusa.org/poverty-in-america/
Feeding America: http://www.feedingamerica.org
Save the Children: http://www.savethechildren.org
Salvation Army: http://www.salvationarmy.org
National Alliance to End Homelessness: http://www.endhomelessness.org
Alliance for Children and Families: http://www.alliance1.org
Lutheran Services in America: http://www.lutheranservices.org
United Way: http://www.unitedway.org

Made in America Water Bottles-Liberty Works

As an avid hiker and on the go traveler, having a durable water bottle is essential.  In the past I have experienced frustration in finding a water bottle composed of sustainable materials that is made in the United States. Kleen Kanteen is a popular brand sold at Co-Ops, however all of their products are made in China, a major polluter that impedes job growth in the U.S.

The advantage of reusable water bottles is convenience and eco-motivated.  It is critical to have a sturdy water bottle when on hiking and camping trips.  Hydration = Life.  Whether scaling mountains in the backcountry or in your office, we need to drink plenty of water each day.  Refilling one water bottle ($5-$20 for one bottle, one time fee, a lifetime of use) is budget friendly, and reduces plastic waste from disposable bottles. I am sensitive to fluoride (thyroid issues), so instead of purchasing countless disposable plastic bottles, I can refill my reusable bottle with reverse osmosis water sold at Co-Op (you can buy 30 gallons at once and reuse that container as well).  For those you who aren't sensitive to fluoride, refill from the tap or fountain - many businesses and parks have water filling stations to encourage one bottle-lifetime of use.


Our local bike shop: Ace Owenhouse, in Bozeman sells a decent plastic bike bottle, made by SPECIALIZED Bottles, that is made in the U.S. The deterrent is that it is a bulk order item if you don't buy it at Ace.  I use this bottle for light hiking or just having ready access to water/liquid in my car, office, movies, etc...

Perusing Ace Hardware in Bozeman, our one stop shop for cleaning and cooking supplies, I stumbled across 'Liberty Bottleworks.'  These steel water bottles are MADE in the USA in a sustainable eco-friendly focus.  I jumped over the moon, purchasing several for future hiking trips.  Each metal bottle is durable, leak proof, with colorful fun prints...the bottle easily clips to or slides into your backpack. 

Liberty Bottleworks can be ordered online and found at REI.  They are the only metal water bottle produced solely in the U.S.A, which means in purchasing this sturdy water bottle you are paying forward into our economy.  Keeping sustainable jobs at home. 

About the company (from their website)
"Founded in the historic town of Yakima, Washington; Liberty Bottle Works strives to continue the efforts that have made this town and this nation great. Starting with the Yakima Indians, the arrival of the first Europeans in the 1700’s , Lewis and Clark in 1805 and incorporation in 1883, Yakima has embodied the American Spirit. For generations, men and women have labored and sacrificed to provide us with the opportunities we all enjoy today as citizens of this great nation. To the men and women who have come before us, we say thank you. Thank you for opportunity and liberty to act as stewards of all you have given.

Liberty Bottle Works promises to our customers and non-customers alike that we will operate as stewards. We will conduct business in a way to preserve and protect all that makes this country great for future generations. Our bottles are made in America by American workers. Liberty Bottles are made with recycled materials and are entirely recyclable. We will continue to develop new processes in design and fabrication to make our products last longer and use less. We will promote the importance of the arts by using individual artists to create unique bottle art. We will act as financial stewards with a percentage of every bottle sold helping organizations and people in need. This is not our “ethos”, or “mission statement”, or “brand message”, it is our Promise."

REI's website has an additional list of Made in America water bottles. 

Adele Gibbes is the author of the Playhouse Mystery Series.  Murder in Custer State Park is available now.

Winter Excursion: Bridger Canyon and Shields Valley

On a spur of the moment adventure, my mom and I decided to take advantage of the forty degree temps, driving into the depths of the Bridger Canyon onward to the high ranch country of the Shields Valley.  Step along for the journey into the great unknown.

Starting the ignition, we drove north on Montana 86, out of Bozeman.  The winding road meanders through the stunning, raw beauty of the Bridger Canyon.  This byway delves into the heart of The Bridger Mountain Range, in the shadow of Sacajawea Peak and chiseled snow-capped ridges constructed through millions of years of volcanism, erosion and glaciation. The range is named for famed trapper and folklorist (tall tale yarner') Jim Bridger.

This drive through the canyon only begins to peel away at the layers of geology, history and unbridled beauty.  The peaceful and restless backcountry of the Bridger Mountains, is home to world classing skiing, including Bridger Bowl and Bohart Ranch, and countless backcountry recreation, and hidden beauty including backcountry lakes like the mystical Fairy Lake.   

The snow has melted significantly over a few days.  This left the road completely clear, a relief to me, as the slick roads can lead to dangerous accidents.

It is sixteen miles from our house in downtown Bozeman to Bridger Bowl, one of the area's best ski spots.  This ski area is a co-op and affordable without sacrificing high quality runs and services.  I'm not a skier due to knee and neck injuries from a car accident, still I appreciate the investment Bridger brings to the area.  It is a true treasure for downhill and cross country skiers as well as snow-shoeing.

Exiting the canyon, the resplendent glow of the sunlight, radiated warmth, as we drove into the vast beauty of the Montana countryside.  The sky a cerulean cloudless expanse, an ocean of sky, readily lived up to its reputation, 'Big Sky Country.'  Miles of snow dusted Montana ranchland, tumbling buttes, tall golden grasses and burnt plains, are contrasted by the formidable glacial peaks of the surrounding Bridger and Crazy Mountains.  The word 'sweeping' falls short of describing this glorious scene, a symphony of nuances.

This is the heart of cattle country, the place of forgotten dreams and beautiful memories, where the lost and wandering find solace and a peace of redemption in the unsung wild lonely expanse. 

We continued north on MT 86 until it merged into US 89, a scenic road that runs from Glacier NP-Great Falls-Gardiner MT and then into WY and beyond. 

At this point the topography shifted slightly, entering a region known as The Shields Valley.  This stretch of highway is surrounded by The Bridger's to the west and Crazy Mountains to the east.  The Shields River snakes roadside, it's water shimmering in the midst of the sun like sparkling glass.  It is a popular fishing spot in the summer.

We approached the small, yet hardy town of Wilsall, a ranching community with a café, bank, bar and Mercantile.  Even in Montana's rural areas, communities form, and bonds are made. 

We passed through the hamlet of Clyde before reaching I-90.  We crossed a bridge atop the mighty, holy waters, of the Yellowstone River.  The wind picking up, frenetic at times.  The area around Livingston is prone to high winds as it acts like a funnel for air tunneling through the surrounding mountain ranges.  Luckily today's crosswinds were easy enough to deal with.

We stopped briefly in Livingston for a walk in Sacajawea Park along the banks of the Yellowstone River.  William Clark and Sacajawea camped in this area during the Corps of Discovery (Lewis and Clark briefly split up to explore separate areas of Montana, meeting back at their rendezvous point of the Yellowstone River near Billings). 

The Yellowstone River is the longest free-flowing (undammed river) in the U.S., at around 600 miles, running from its headwaters at Yellowstone Lake in Yellowstone NP to western North Dakota.  The river makes my heart dance, it is solitude and chaos in motion. 

We concluded our day, enjoying a meal in downtown Bozeman at Taco del Sol...this day will be one for the memory books...

Adele Gibbes is the author of the Playhouse Mystery Series.  Murder in Custer State Park is available on Amazon now.

Non-Profit of the Week: Focus-National Parks

Non-Profits of the Week:

This week 'Into the Great Unknown' is featuring four non-profits close to my heart, each with ties to protecting and preserving National Parks for future generations.  Our parks are severely underfunded.  Grand Teton had its budget cut by millions, millions needed for road repair, wildlife protections, repairing park structures.  Our parks are a core foundation of this nation, a place where families and friends spend their most memorable vacations, bonding over a campfire or the wonder of seeing Old Faithful erupt.  Nature is our gateway to adventure.  National Parks preserve our ecosystems so our water remains clean and we have open spaces.  The parks need our help now more than ever.  Whether you contribute with a monetary amount, or decide to spend a summer volunteering with NPS or a Park Association, write letters to your congressmen requesting that they fund our parks without 'political bribery.'  This land is your land, take steps to explore and protect it!

National Park Foundation:
The official charity partner of the National Parks, the National Parks Foundation works "to enrich national parks and programs through private support, safeguarding our heritage and inspiring generations of national park enthusiasts."  They fund critical projects that the federal parks budget does not provide for or cannot fully cover, from trail maintenance, conservation and preservation projects, educational tools, green fleet bicycles to sponsoring shuttles.  The NPF is there to help enhance tourist experiences and protecting the land for future generations - something that is a bigger threat, with encroaching or habitat by development, warming/extreme weather trends and oil spills. http://www.nationalparks.org/our-work

Ways to help NPF: You can give a donation, get a membership or simply buy something cute like an NPF tee-shirt from their online store.  http://www.nationalparks.org/support-parks

Follow them on facebook for the latest work projects, AMAZING pictures of our parks and tips for planning your vacation into the great unknown of America's National Parks: https://www.facebook.com/nationalpark

National Parks Conservation Association:
Mission of NPCA: http://www.npca.org/about-us/
"Since 1919, the nonpartisan National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) has been the leading voice of the American people in protecting and enhancing our National Park System’s most significant lands and landmarks"
NPCA works to actively protect our parks, working for the best interest of the parks and supporting programs to protect and enhance park experiences (education, preservation, research...everything they can do to ensure the conservation of our treasured parks).

NPCA is one of my favorite Park non-profits because they do such a wide variety of action in the park system and work, as well as being an advocate for the parks in a non-partisan way - they have a great website full of information about their projects, tourist vacation tips for the parks and a long list of ways that you can get involved in our parks and donate to the cause. 

Ways to Give:
Volunteer, get a membership to NPCA, make a one time donation or monthly donation, sign their petitions...find out ways you can be an advocate with NPCA on their website.

Yellowstone Association:
Yellowstone's hotels and gift shops are primarily run by for-profit concessionaires, and only about one percent to ten percent of that income goes back into the parks.  There are pluses and severe negatives of this system as it stands, but it is what it is.  That is why I appreciate the service the Yellowstone Association provides in the park.  They operate gift shops in Park Visitor Centers - with the money going directly towards park projects.  In addition to Yellowstone Association stores, they operate educational and science tour packages throughout the year: including wildlife viewing, wolf seminars and retreats and more.  The Yellowstone Association funds critical park needs and their volunteers work to on various park projects. 

Ways to Give:
The best way to give to the Yellowstone Association is to purchase a membership.  There are different membership levels, each offering rewards such as discounts in the park, a newsletter and more.  This money goes directly into the park and works to ensure its protection for generations. 
You can also shop in their online store - where they offer numerous YNP books and calendars. 
If you are adventurous, contact the Yellowstone Association about spending a summer volunteering in the park, or working in one of their stores.  You'll make a big difference and receive the gift of exploration, living and working in the world's first national park.

Grand Teton Association:
I spend summers in the majesty of Yellowstone and Grand Teton.  I was made aware on a recent Grand Teton trip that the park is in serious need of funds for critical park projects.  Grand Teton Association helps fill the gap.  As a non-profit concessionaire in the park, purchases in their store are used for park outreach and preservation.  While membership and other donations go directly to park investments.  A membership gives you a discount to the park stores (you can shop online) and you know you are investing into a gift that will give back countless times over - the natural majesty and serenity of chiseled, windswept Grand Teton National Park.

Other ways to get involved/Non-Profits:
- Most every park has a non-profit 'association' attached that act in similar ways to the YA and GRTE.  An internet search or call to the park offices will give you insight on how to give to the parks you treasure most. 
- The Sierra Club - join your local chapter - they have outings and activities, fundraisers to help local parks in need.  Membership only runs around $20
- Volunteer with the NPS or other park organizations. 
- Write letters to congress, sign petitions, use your voice to be an advocate for our parks.
- Buy a National Parks Pass ($80) - the money helps fund the parks and you get in all national parks for free or a discounted rate!

Winter Excursion: Yellowstone - Mammoth Hot Springs

The symphony of fire and ice, the extreme beauty of Yellowstone in winter is a song of life, a resilient, resounding perseverance against the frozen spell, a winter wonderland that enchants the terrain into a frigid splendor. 

On January 6, my mom and I journeyed on a winter trek to Yellowstone's Northern Range.  This is my first official trip to the park in the winter.  I have lived and worked in Yellowstone in the summer, spending countless hours hiking and camping on and off the beaten path.  When I worked at Old Faithful, we received two feet of snow on Memorial Day and the park was temporary closed to traffic, so I have technically experienced Yellowstone's 'winter breath,' but not in the full majesty of January.

We left just as the first ray of sunlight pierced the darkness.  Our anti-freeze light popped on, so before leaving town we got our coolant topped off at J.C. Billion.  The roads in Bozeman were slick in the morning frost, so I drove with extreme caution.  I-90 fortunately was mostly clear except for a few icy spots on the Bozeman Pass, as we drove the twenty-three mile jaunt to Livingston.

Words alone, powerful as they are, cannot do justice for the sunrise.  The sky opened up in a palette of color, pinks and greys, reds and soft iridescent blue of the coming day.  The sun shone with intensity as it rose above the wandering valleys and towering mountains.  The Absaroka in the near distance, standing as snowy guardians of the plains. The wind in Livingston is always intense, a wayward wind, so strong it flips cars over routinely.  The crosswinds are a result of cold air funneling up from the mountain ranges, as a vortex of cold air blows its strength with the breath of Jack Frost.

The tail end of the sunrise.

From Livingston we headed south into The Paradise Valley, a sweeping arid valley, powered by the Yellowstone River and surrounded by the Absaroka Range to the east and Gallatin Range to the right.  These hills are rocky, formidable peaks that impress with their fortitude and strength, rugged elegance...humbling passerby at every glance.  The peaks seemed to commune with the clouds, the blue sky only intensifying the shadow and light of each peak to the sweep valley below.

The Yellowstone River is one of my favorite rivers in the world.  With each mile it tells a story, it represents beauty and endurance, an explorer's disposition.  The river is the longest free flowing river in the US at 600 miles.  Its headwaters start at Yellowstone Lake, flowing north, through the colorful and spectacular Grant Canyon of the Yellowstone, onwards into Montana, ending its travels in western North Dakota.

We stopped for a quick break at the Highway 89-Paradise Valley rest area.  The Yellowstone River trudged north, flowing through sheets of ice and snow. 

The cerulean blue sky and fire of the sun, warmed the valley to 23 degrees by 9:30.  The road got a bit icy in Yankee Jim Canyon, but luckily the traffic was non-existent and we drove cautiously at 55-60 mph, taking in every vista, soaking in the scenery.  It looks so different in the winter, the chorus of snow.  Even Devils Slide, a unique geologic feature was hidden by the blush of snow.

My heart skipped a beat as I saw the Roosevelt Arch, as we entered the gateway town of Gardiner Montana, which straddles the northern entrance to Yellowstone.  The Roosevelt Arch, or The Gateway Arch is 'the Holy Gate,' for those Yellowstone lovers.  The cornerstone was laid by Teddy Roosevelt in 1903, it continues to serve as a reminder of what the purpose of the national parks system is all about: 'for the benefit and enjoyment of the people.' I will add in this addendum: for the conservation and preservation of critical ecosystems and habitats.

Yellowstone was founded in 1872, making it the world's oldest national park.  It is located in three states: WY (90%), MT (6%), ID (4%).  It is and active volcano, home to over 10,000 thermal features - the highest concentration of thermal features in the world (Over half the world's geysers are located in YNP)

We arrived at Mammoth Hot Springs, the park's northern hub, just after ten o'clock.  Mammoth is the only entrance open to vehicle traffic in the winter.  To get to Old Faithful, Canyon, West Thumb...you have to go by snowmobile, skis or snow coach.

In need of caffeine, we stopped by the Yellowstone General Store, to down a cup of coffee before embarking on a snowy hike around the Mammoth Hot Spring terraces.  Mammoth Hot Springs is one of the most interest geothermal areas of the park.  It's heat source is funneled underground from Norris Hot Springs (the park's hottest thermal basin) 21 miles north.  The terraces are elaborate,  travertine monuments typically filled with the color of bacterial runoff as the steamy water cascades over the calcium carbonate deposits.  In winter its a drastically different scene as many of the features are covered by snow, the heat of the springs causing a conflict of 'fire' and 'ice.' It is a mythical beauty that captivates the soul. 

We felt like ghosts on the boardwalks, the snow deep, crunching beneath our feet as our shadows danced on the snow.  The blue sky, expansive mountains, valleys and stacks of steam is a surreal frozen paradise.  We had the trail practically to ourselves.

To learn more about Mammoth's geothermal features: http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/nmammoth.htm

After the two hour terrace snow hike, we braved the Mammoth to Roosevelt Road, to experience the winter grandeur of the solitude of Yellowstone's Northern Range.  The spectacular views of high rolling prairies and rocky peaks, go above beauty - it is heaven on earth.  We saw several groups of hardy bison, eating and relaxing in the snow.  There was no traffic, allowing the peace of the place to fill our senses.

We arrived back at Mammoth just after two o'clock.  Hungry after the full day of hiking and driving, my mom and I enjoyed lunch or organic grass-fed burgers and salad in the Mammoth Hot Springs Dining Room.  Mammoth has a charming hotel, designed by famous architect Robert Reamer (Old Faithful Inn, Lake Hotel - YNP).  They have ski rentals on site and tours all winter - wolf gazing and nature tours.  I hope to return soon and stay the night in the hotel. 

The return drive through the Paradise Valley was just as impressive as the first journey, the clouds rolling in with dramatic tension, colorful hues and the setting sun fighting off the darkness.  As we arrived home in Bozeman just after five o'clock, the sky was a deep pink-purple before slipping into the cold austere darkness of night.  I said a prayer thanking God for his majesty in motion and our safe travels.  Praying soon to return to my siren song - Yellowstone.