Winter in Yellowstone Country: Big Sky

"Montana is the perfect symphony of an ocean of sky, big and vast, set against the impenetrable beauty of the mountain fortress.  The mountains rise high, 11,166 feet, communing with the clouds.  The trees, life giving beacons of breath.  The rocks and ancient lakes, hidden except to the intrepid traveler lure us to the adventure of the unexplored wild."

Deep in the pristine wildness of the radiant, secretive, mysterious Gallatin National Forest, a mountain rises, a fortress among the clouds - Lone Peak.  It is an awe-inspiring sight, this exalted monument of rock, sediment and millions of years of geology, towers over the surrounding mountain ranges and the open valley below.

Built in the shadow of Lone Peak is the 'Biggest Skiing in America,' Big Sky.

The community of Big Sky is built about one of America's premier skiing areas: Big Sky-Moonlight Basin.  Big Sky Resort and its sister resort Moonlight Basin attracts thousands of skiers from around the world every winter.  The fluffy, perfectly packed snow, makes powder addicts salivate.  Many skiers give up their savings just for a chance to ski the trails of Lone Peak and the surrounding area.  In addition to downhill and cross-country skiing trails, the area has snowmobiling options, snowshoeing trails and plenty of Après Ski and Resort fun.

I'll be the first to admit that I don't ski.  When I was 12, my youth group in NC went skiing in WV and the worst blizzard in 30+ years plagued the journey, so that on the return trip our bus broke down - in 11 degree temps with no heat.  A five hour drive took 22 hours.  I wasn't put off from skiing, but decided to hold off for the Rockies.  When I was a freshmen at MSU in Bozeman I got into a freak car accident that left me with a broken neck, right femur and numerous breaks in my hands and wrists - so although I'm mostly healed, I cannot ski for risk of re-injury. That being said, I love winter in Montana and respect those that do ski.  I enjoy at least one trip up to Big Sky in the winter, to snow shoe, and fall into the winter wonderland  - the magic of pure white snow, capped atop miles of mountain peaks, flawlessly placed by nature on giant evergreens. 

So even if you aren't a skier or just getting into the sport - Big Sky is a great winter getaway (even better in the summer for a hiker like me - I'll blog about summer rec. in Big Sky in the late spring)

A little history...Big Sky is the dream realized of late newscaster Chet Huntley.  In the late 1960s he purchased much of what is known as Big Sky Mountain and Meadow Villages.  His goal - to develop one of Montana's first alpine ski areas.  The foundation of this goal - to increase tourism and jobs to the region.  Big Sky is ideally placed halfway between Bozeman and West Yellowstone MT (40 miles approximately to Bozeman-BS, BS-West YNP).  This makes it the perfect location for touring Yellowstone and the gorgeous all-season recreation of The Gallatin Canyon (one of my favorite places in the world).  The Gallatin Canyon is carved by the Gallatin River and volcanism.  Each bend and break in the road provides stunning views of rocky outcroppings, specified trees, deep evergreen forests.  Big Sky is in the heart of the Canyon, surrounded by its unparalleled beauty.

Big Sky Resort and Moonlight Basin offer one of the Biggest Skiing areas in the nation, with over 5,512 acres of playground, 4,350 of vertical feet of action, 220 trails, and 400 inches of snow annually...a half pipe and two terrain parks.

The resort and town are spread over ten miles, with Meadow Village at the base area of the canyon, followed by the Town Center area...Big Sky Resort is at the base of Lone Mountain, above the rest of the valley. 

Lodging:
Big Sky has numerous lodging options from the affordable Whitewater Inn (in the Gallatin Canyon) to the pricier private condos, houses...The Summit Hotel and Huntley Lodge run about $180- $500 per night.  If you are on a budget, you can stay in Bozeman (Motel 6 to Hilton) then take the Skyline Bus from Bozeman to Big Sky everyday.  Even if you don't stay at Big Sky Resort, you can take in the ambiance with a cup of hot cocoa in the Huntley, enjoy a Spa Day and hearty meal at the resort.

There are also lodging options (privately owned, not affiliated with Big Sky) - Rainbow Ranch (pricy but worth the investment - right on the banks of the Gallatin River); 320 Guest Ranch, Lone Mountain Ranch, Buck T 4's (great dinner with local game); The Corral (good restaurant attached to Motel)...

Dining:
Big Sky has numerous restaurants from burger joints, casual-elegant Karabiner to Whiskey Jacks.  I recommend lunch at The Hungry Moose (Town Center and Summit), Any of the restaurants in the Town Center are good (I personally did not like Choppers - bad service, good food though).  Buck T -4's for local game and fair, Cowboy cuisine at The Corral, gourmet cuisine at Rainbow Ranch...320 Guest Ranch...

Activities:
Skiing: thousands of miles of cross-country and downhill trails on the Mountain, in the Canyon and in Yellowstone.

Snow coach to Yellowstone/Yellowstone excursion

Snowshoeing - daily hikes led by Big Sky on Moose Tracks Trail

Spa, Resort activities for kids and adults...

Snowmobiling.

Catch a performance at Big Sky or the new Warren Miller PAC

Links to get you started on a Big Sky Adventure:
Big Sky Resort: http://www.bigskyresort.com/
Big Sky -http://bigskymontana.org/
Skyline Bus: http://www.skylinebus.com

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

Non-Profit of the Week: Greater Good Site

Into the Great Unknown is starting a new feature: "Non-profit of the Week." These non-profits will be a mix of locally grown non-profits I've encountered to national non-profits.  in 2014 I think we should all donate one half-hour per week to a non-profit.  If your schedule prevents this, can you carve out one hour per month?   This hour could be a family activity - group volunteering at a museum or soup kitchen, activity at church or synagogue/or similar or civic organization.  If you are a parent this can be an hour of time volunteering at your child's school.  If you prefer to make donations via cash (I know in tough economic times this is easier said than done) - consider $5-$10 per month or more if you can give it.  'What will you receive by giving?'

This week, I'm blogging about an organization close to my heart: The Greater Good websites, which include The Animal Rescue Website, Hunger Site, Breast Cancer, Literacy, Rainforest, Veterans... Each website has a donation focus to specific concerns (i.e. Animal Rescue...Hunger...).  At the top of each site there is a button: 'Click Here - it's Free.'  All you have to do is click the button and a donation is made to that site's focus.  For instance the click for Animal Rescue provides a shelter pet a bowl of food per day.  The click is 'free' because Ads underneath pay for your click.  We can all carve out a minute of our day to click on the Greater Good site.  One click makes a world of difference from Literacy to Veterans to Animals and beyond.

I was first introduced to the Greater Good website when I worked as a Cat Socialization Volunteer at the Nashville Humane Society in Nashville TN.  The shelter received numerous donations from Animal Rescue/Greater Good to pay for much needed food for our shelter cats.  NHA is a no-kill shelter, rescuing animals from other high kill shelters in addition to their own intake.  So this helped keep their food funds in check so they could used the equivalent surplus the donations afforded to Vet care and saving more animals!

In addition to the 'free click,' Greater Good raises money through their online store - which sells cute clothing, eco-friendly goods, necklaces and other products that go directly to your choice of 'site' be it the Rainforest, Animals, Vets...etc...

So what do you have to lose?  Start clicking today at:
http://www.greatergood.com
http://www.hungersite.greatergood.com
http://www.animalrescuesite.com
http://www.rainforestsite.com

At the top of the Greater Good Bar you can shift from each of their focus sites with ease - take a full minute or two to click them all!

About Greater Good from their website FAQ:


This non-profit only asks for a minute of your time each day to 'Click.'

The Greater Good uses ads on their website

GreaterGood began in 1999 to provide support for worthy causes through easy, online actions. Since its launch, GreaterGood has contributed more than $30 million to charities around the world.
Each of our cause-related websites partners with nonprofits to provide support through many different easy actions, including a free, fast 'click', shopping, and through the Gifts That Give More™ online donation program.

Currently, all donations generated by GreaterGood activities are distributed by GreaterGood.org, a 501c3 nonprofit. Each year, GreaterGood.org grants go to more than 130 charities working in the United States and worldwide. Recent grants include, but are not limited to: providing meals for the hungry and supporting sustainable practices to end poverty; providing micronutrients and oral rehydration formula to bring ailing infants and children back to health; supporting breast cancer research and programs helping women receive free mammograms; rescuing and caring for abandoned pets or endangered animals until a permanent home can be found; helping families cope with autism; feeding homeless veterans and assisting them in finding housing and jobs; funding leading-edge diabetes research; encouraging reading and literacy through providing books, scholarships, and other educational services; and preserving rainforests and other wildlife habitat.
Current projects are detailed at the GreaterGood blog.

Eco Tips: Clean and Green

In 2013, I made a commitment to use Green Eco-Friendly cleaning supplies, to preserve the environment and reduce harmful irritants in the home. At first I was skeptical of the Green alternatives, particularly Dish and Laundry Detergent.  Much to my surprise I found the majority of eco-friendly products worked at the same level or with more efficiency than their toxic alternatives.   Green cleaning products reduce waste, reduces toxins drained into water systems, reduces factory emissions, protects forests (paper towels that are not recycled - means more oxygen giving trees are cut down, than suitable for even conservation cutting, leading to deforestation)...if you have allergies/sensitive skin the chemicals in traditional cleaners can cause allergic reactions (this has happened to me); the biggest benefit is you get a GREEN product without sacrificing the cleaning endurance and quality.

Here are my Eco-Tips for high quality Green Cleaning products for an affordable price. (I have used these products and find them essential in my household)

Laundry Detergent:
I'm a klutz, who spills everything from BBQ sauce to juice on my shirts.  As a hiker, my socks get muddy - so I need a strong detergent.  For years I was an avid TIDE user and was hesitant to switch.  I have since switched to the following two eco-detergents:

- Earth Friendly Products (ECOS): Sold at Cost-Co, and many grocery stores including Whole Foods, Co-Ops. Earth Friendly Products sells a wide variety of cleaning products - all which I recommend.  The concentrated form of liquid detergent is eco-on the budget allowing more loads per bottle.  Even my toughest stains come out in one wash and clothes are fresh and clean. 

- Seventh Generation Laundry Detergent: Seventh Generation has a full products of cleaning products that stand up to the test.  Their detergent runs around $11.00, but lasts twice as long as Tide did for us. 

(I also used BioKleen and it worked great!)

Dish Detergent:
Unfortunately we do not have a dishwasher right now.  Not only is a dishwasher a hassle-saver, it is far more eco-friendly than hand-washing dishes. Dawn actually is fairly good, in spite of not being officially Green, although we use Seventh Generation detergent for our sink. 

Trash Bags:
Seventh Generation:
Natural Value - these bags stand up to the kitchen trash test - we use their tall kitchen bags
*Glad - although not entirely Green, they have made a commitment to going GREEN and have a lot of recycled products that are sturdier to reduce overall plastic waste.

Paper Towels/Toilet Paper: I am a born and bred Bounty girl, but after learning that they have no recycled content, I decided to make a switch. If you don't go completely Green, then opt for the sturdiest paper towel (machine shop towels) with some recycled content.  A few good options:
White Cloud Green Earth
Seventh Generation Paper
Natural Value
Green Forest

Furniture Cleaner:
Mrs. Meyer's Cleaning Products - this are great on the environment and your house, even delicate furniture pieces (discovered at Restoration Hardware)
Murchison-Hume Furniture Spritzer

Surface Cleaner:
-Simple Green All Purpose Cleaner
-The Laundress Surface Cleaner
-Green Works by Clorox - although owned by Clorox, the Green Works line is a good cleaning option that is greener than the equivalent without loss of antibacterial fighting power
- iQ All Purpose Cleaner
Seventh Generation, Mrs. Meyers, ECOS also have great Surface Cleaning options.

Bathroom Cleaner:
- Seventh Generation
-ECOS Earth Friendly - they have a wide array of products for bathroom (toilet, bath and shower...)

Drain Cleaner:
Citra Drain

Links to Top Green Clean Manufacturers:
-Seventh Generation
-ECOS Earth Friendly
-BioKleen
-Green Works by Clorox
-Natural Value
-Whole Foods 365 Products: http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com
- Mrs. Meyers
- Simple Green
- J.R. Watkins
- Ecover
- The Laundress - http://www.thelaundress.com
- Murchison Hume: http://www.murchison-hume.com

I will continue to post about new Green Cleaning Products on Into the Great Unknown.  If you have any tips let us know!

Full Circle Organic - Pasta and Marinara Recipe

While stopping at our neighborhood grocery store, I stumbled upon the line of 'Full Circle Organics.'  Over the past few months Full Circle Organics has become a staple in our kitchen and home. 

Full Circle is committed to manufacturing quality, natural and organic foods for an affordable price. They work directly with growers, to deliver the highest quality standard.  Their foods are certified organic, free of artificial preservatives, artificial colors and artificial flavorings.  They have over 1,000 products ranging from condiments, meats, vegetables to household cleaning products.

The condiments have been particularly useful to me as I'm allergic to sulfites and histamines commonly found in artificial additives.  The Full Circle barbeque sauce allows me to enjoy my favorite condiment without working about having an allergic reaction.

I highly recommend Full Circle Organic foods and products.  They are a fair price, excellent product...the company has a strong foundation in GREEN practices and quality organic.  Companies like Full Circle - work with Fair Trade/local growers to ensure that money spent on their products goes full circle back into communities and helps to strengthen our economy. 

Recipes:

Product:
Full Circle Tomato & Basil Marinara Sauce - this marinara sauce has a rich flavor and pairs well with any pasta dish.  Here is a pasta bowl from my kitchen to yours:

Pasta di Adele - Gluten Free
My mom and I are both Celiac.  We have found this dinner to be an easy, healthy and filling meal

Ingredients:
Full Circle Tomato & Basil Marinara Sauce
Full Circle Organic Olive Oil (or brand of preference, I used several brands depending on what I am cooking...Olive Oil is a must in the kitchen)
Quinoa Pasta (Ancient Harvest Brand, I recommend the Penne, but any of the varieties work)
Organic Mozzarella - shredded (or cheese of choice)
Grilled chicken, pork, beef (this is optional)

Bring water to a boil in a pasta cooker (or large pot) then place the pasta in the boiling water.  It typically takes 7-10 minutes to cook.  Drain pasta and mix with Full Circle Organic Olive Oil ( 1-2 TBS)
- in a small pot, heat up the Full Circle Tomato & Basil Marinara sauce on medium until it starts sizzling.
-Mix pasta and marinara sauce when serving, adding handful of cheese.
- You can add meat in as well. 

This is a delicious meal with high fiber and protein. 

Go Organic for New Year's

With New Year's around the corner, it is an ideal time to make a lasting resolution to eating healthier in 2014.  I for one have gotten wrapped up in fad diets desperate for quick results that I lose sight of the resolution itself. These diets not only can harm your health, but are unsustainable, in the end causing a toxic lifestyle.

Here on 'Into the Great Unknown,' we will be blogging throughout 2014 on easy tips for your health and diet.  I have struggled with a sluggish metabolism my entire life and have learned that diet isn't about starvation, it is about fuelling your body with the best nutrients to keep your entire system from head to heart functioning.  Eating healthy doesn't mean giving up tasty, scrumptious foods, but rethinking your approach to food.  Anti-inflammatory foods like salmon, nuts and olive oil and flaxseed...vegetables and fruits...fiber rich foods that taste delicious.

A key starting step to improving health is going organic.  Processed foods and artificial foods are scientifically proven to harm the body and also are not as filling as protein, fiber and nutrient rich counterparts.  For years organic was a priority, but I thought artificial ingredients were safe.  It took developing a severe allergy to sulfites and histamine intolerance to shift my way of thinking.  I also am allergic to soy, which is extremely processed and GMO, as well as gluten-intolerant.  These allergies/intolerances jolted me to the realities of dangers of GMO and artificial foods. 

A common misconception is that is costs more to go organic.  Granted it isn't cheap to eat organic, but isn't expensive.  I live on a fixed budget and my mom is on Social Security and we both eat organic for equal to or less than it costs to eat processed/artificial food.  It is all about planning, budgeting and buying local foods.  The Farm to Local, Farmer's Market movement is picking up steam across the nation. Even national chains like Safeway, Cost-Co, Kroger have organic certified products.  Our local Co-Op has cheaper prices on many foods compared to national chains.  Many major brands have started to offer organic equivalents.  Granted I prefer brands that are fully committed to non-GMO/staying organic, but this is a great option for those on a budget or life in an area with limited organic options.

So get creative, read labels, make sure that you know the origin of your food.  For instance some Salmon is caught in the US then processed in China?  In Montana many of our stores have made a commitment to Montana-American made beef only.  After the Tesco - horsemeat scandal in the UK isn't it worth finding out the origin of your meat and vegetables?

I will routinely feature organic foods and companies in future posts - brands that I find are a great price for the money.

Safeway Organics - Safeway's organic brand is excellent quality for the price and is Organic!  They have a lot of locally sourced foods from Washington state in our Montana store - including organic WA state wines.

Cost-Co: I am continually impressed by Cost-Co's commitment to having a wide selection of organic foods, from yogurts to their Kirkland Organic Chocolate Milk, sweet potatoes, grapes...the list is extensive.  Plus Cost-Co always has an affordable price.

Co-Op - search for your local Co-Op: Our Bozeman Co-Op

Rosauers: A Pacific NW chain, their brand, Huckleberry's sells an extensive selection of organic food for a fair price.

Whole Foods

Newman's Organic - is sold at most stores - not only is it organic, all of the profits go to charity!

You can order a great deal of products online, saving money if you order in bulk.

Stay tuned to 'Into the Great Unknown' for our favorite Organic/Green brands. 

Montana Sleigh Ride

"The magic kindles in the night, a flicker of warmth in this frozen frost.  The snow tundra, vast, the night deep.  Enchanting into winter's spell, horses gallop, the snow falls like star dust, as we travel  by sleigh."

Nothing stirs the winter spirit like a sleigh ride through the snowy mountains, into the depths of the woods.  For many of us this quintessential winter scene is more a postcard from distant pastoral places, a jolly holiday song 'Sleigh Ride' or visions of Santa en route from the North Pole to make his midnight Ho-ho-ho run, spreading good cheer.  Snow in my home state of North Carolina was often tainted by ice and slush, not the 'ye old dashing through the snow...'  Granted I enjoyed 'sleigh rides' - carriage rides in historic districts...the candlelight and evergreens...yet I still yearned to 'dash through the snow in a real sleigh,' a classic Christmas painting like a Robert Frost poem.

In Montana's Yellowstone Country, you can be transported back in time to Christmases long ago, the magic of a sleigh ride through glistening snow, under the December moon, through thick forests to a lonely cabin in the woods...Sleigh Rides are a popular tradition in Montana.  A way to embrace the frigid weather of winter, warming our hearts with the spirit of the season.

Hidden in the wilderness of the Gallatin Canyon, Lone Mountain Ranch and 320 Guest Ranch offer several enchanting sleigh rides.  Gallatin Canyon is home to top skiing, ice climbing, recreation...it is a beautiful icy paradise, showcased by the winding Gallatin River and steep mountains and jagged cliffs.  It is a place of solitude.

Lone Mountain Ranch lies in the shadow of Lone Peak.  This haunting monument of stone and ice, rises out of the plateau, cresting high above the surrounding Gallatin-Madison-Spanish Peaks.  It is a majestic, awe-inspiring sight that humbles even the most stoic of travelers. Lone Mountain is part of Big Sky/Moonlight Basin - the Biggest Skiing in America (I will be blogging about Big Sky soon).  The ranch is a family-owned enterprise that dates nearly 100 years.  It is a four season resort, providing rustic fun, from winter recreation - snowshoeing, sleighing, skiing, to summer fun - horseback riding, barn dances, hiking, rafting.

One of Lone Mountain Ranch's most popular activities is the 'Sleigh Ride Dinner.'  For $78-$95, guests are transported on horse drawn sleighs to the remote North Fork cabin.  Dashing through the snow, the snow gleams in the moonlight, while the snow dances as it falls and your breath frosts midair. Sleigh riders bundle up with multiple layers, fleece, snow jackets, wool/alpaca hats, boots, gloves and scarfs...

Upon arriving at the cabin, riders enjoy a delicious Montana feast of prime-rib and home-style sides.  The room is illuminated by kerosene lanterns, while cowboy singer-songwriters perform.  On the return trip, hot chocolate is provided, to warm the journey.

Video of Sleigh Ride: http://vimeo.com/22402312

For information:
Call 406-995-2783 or email sleighrides@lmranch.com for reservations.
http://www.lonemountainranch.com

Just down the mountain, on US 191 in the heart of Gallatin Canyon is the 320 Guest Ranch.  With cozy accommodations, elegant dining and immediate access to cross-country ski trails, The 320 Guest Ranch lies on the banks of the Gallatin River.  The 320 Guest Ranch Sleigh Ride provides Montana hospitality, a gallop through the winter wonderland accompanied by a hearty Montana meal.
http://www.320ranch.com/activities/ranch-winter.php

Winter in Yellowstone - Wonderland of Fire & Ice

There is nothing quite as magical as spending Christmas in the wonderland of Yellowstone National Park.  Winter in America's first national park, is a frosted landscape of frozen waterfalls, foot upon foot of pristine white glistening snow, towering snow-capped peaks, icy canyons, sizzling thermal springs and steaming geysers.  It is a land of dangerous beauty, intrepid wonder, joyful humility at God's creation.  Even in the depths of the frigid Yellowstone winter, life springs forth.  The snow invites adventurers.

Traversing Yellowstone in the winter is an arduous task.  The majority of the park roads are only accessible by skis, snowshoes, snowmobiles and snow coaches.  If you want to see the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone, Old Faithful and Upper Geyser Basin, Lower Geyser Basin, the frozen ice of vast Yellowstone Lake - you need to layer up, get on a pair of skis, book a snow mobile tour or take a snow coach.  I'll detail particulars of these options later in the article.

If you prefer to explore the frozen tundra in your car, you can drive from the North Entrance of Mammoth Hot Springs/Gardiner MT through the wildlife filled Lamar Valley to the isolated, yet vibrant winter gateway town of Cooke City.  Surround by federal land, the only way in or out of Cooke City in the winter is through YNP - the ample parkland surrounding Cooke City/Silver Gate make this a perfect spot for exploring the backcountry.  Cooke City/Silver Gate (combined they have a population of 100 year round residents!)

Yellowstone offers two lodging options inside the park: The Mammoth Hotel (accessible via your car) and the Old Faithful Snow Lodge (accessible over snow via snow coach, snow mobile, skis...) Both have a unique flare and character. 

The Mammoth Hotel is a great option if you want focus on wildlife viewing.  Its accessibility to the Lamar Valley - offers ample viewing of Bison grazing, Wolves, Pronghorn, the occasional moose, Bighorn Sheep and more.  You can also walk from the hotel to the glorious splendor of steam and color of the Mammoth Hot Springs.  Mammoth is one of the 'warmer' places in the park, hence why the world's largest winter grazing of mammals migrates from the southern areas of the park to Mammoth-Gardiner-Lamar Valley....

If you stay at Mammoth - you can do some back country snow shoeing, view frozen Undine Waterfall...soak in the thermally heated 'Boiling River' - one of the only spots in Yellowstone that is safe for soaking (the hot springs in the park are volcanically charged and sizzle above boiling)

~
I spent a summer living and working at Old Faithful in the Snow Lodge Dining Room.  The Snow Lodge is specifically designed for Winter use.  It has a rustic elegance that is inviting and relaxing.  The Snow Lodge Christmas decorations reflect the natural beauty of the land - with traditional Christmas trees and evergreen accents.  The Snow Lodge offers delicious food all winter, from Grass Fed beef and bison to house specialties.

The cool thing about staying at Old Faithful is that you can walk the snow dusted boardwalks of the Upper Geyser Basin, seeing Old Faithful erupt in frigid temps, witness the world's tallest active geyser Grand Geyser, erupt in silent thundering beauty.  It is a wonderland.

~
For those who plan to snowmobile into the park you can rent snowmobiles at numerous businesses in West Yellowstone MT (the best place to start if you are focusing on Old Faithful, Canyon, Lake...), Cooke City (if you are focusing on the northern area).

Depending on how much you want to spend - you can invest in a guided snowmobile tour or if you are on a budget go more at your own pace...

I recommend the Snow coach if you want to go to Old Faithful or Canyon.  These coaches are heated, guided and run about $115 for a day trip to and from the destination and West Yellowstone.  It costs approximately $50 each way to and from the Snow Lodge. 

Here are some starting points for planning snow coach/hotels/snow mobile tours:

NPS- Official YNP website

http://www.nps.gov/yell/planyourvisit/visiting-yellowstone-in-winter.htm

Xanterra - Park Concessionaire - for Hotel Reservations and tour packages:
http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/

Yellowstone Alpen Tours:
http://www.yellowstoneguides.com

Yellowstone Vacations: I've done a tour with them in the summer and it was top notch
http://www.yellowstonenationalparklodges.com/

West Yellowstone MT
http://www.destinationyellowstone.com

Gardiner MT:
http://www.gardinerchamber.com

Winter in Hyalite Canyon - Yellowstone Country

Tucked deep in the rugged, treacherous, reclusive and beautiful wilderness of the Gallatin Mountains, is the gem of Hyalite Canyon.  Located approximately twenty minutes south of Bozeman MT, Hyalite Canyon is a go to stop for year-round recreation. 

The narrow colorful canyon is formed by years of geologic forces and cut by ambling Hyalite Creek.  The chasm is surrounded towering mountains that reach far into the clouds.  It is protected as part of the Gallatin National Forest.  It includes dozens of hiking trails, waterfalls, creeks and Hyalite Reservoir and camp grounds.

In the summer months, Hyalite Canyon is my first stop for outdoor recreation.   I spend warm Montana days climbing into the mountains, discovering the many backcountry waterfalls.  Picnicking by the reservoir and camping at Langohr, relaxing with a book, staring at the canyon's walls.  Many travel for miles to climb the jagged Canyon walls.  It is one of the best climbing districts in Montana.

In the winter, Hyalite becomes a frozen fortress.  The countless waterfalls freeze into sharp, slick icicles.  The creek freezes and snow covers the wilderness.  It is a magical wonderland of frost and snow.  Winter in Hyalite Canyon also boasts the unique title of 'World's Best Ice-Climbing.'

I'll be the first to admit, I'm skittish about scaling mountains, barreling with a pick.  I prefer hiking on established trailheads.  Climbing is a dangerous business.  That doesn't stop thousands of adventure seekers who crave the adrenaline rush of ice-picking from travelling to Bozeman's Hyalite Canyon each winter to scale pillars of ice.  Ice pickers from around the world risk life and limb for the frosted crown of scaling these icy cliffs.

What makes Hyalite so spectacular for ice-climbing?  A variety of factors - from volcanic geology, twisted canyon cliffs, and chiefly the numerous waterfalls that dot this background landscape.  In the winter the falls freeze - ideal for ice climbing.

Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival

Hyalite Falls is such a phenomenal spot for ice-climbing that in 1996, a group of locals started the Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival to promote and protect world-class ice climbing in Hyalite Canyon.

The event has garnered acclaim, attracting professional athletes, Olympians, participants flying in from several continents to participate in numerous clinics, demos, learn about the latest ice climbing gear, lectures and more...it also introduces a new generation to the death-defy frost thrill ride of ice climbing.

From Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival Website:
The Bozeman Ice Climbing Festival (BIF) mission is to promote the sport of ice climbing to people of all ages and abilities, to educate ice climbers about necessary skills and safe techniques, and introduce climbers to cutting edge clothing and equipment. Proceeds from the Bozeman Ice Festival are put directly toward the Friends of Hyalite, a 501(c)3 organization, to support winter access into Hyalite Canyon for ice climbing.

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Even if you are not up for Ice Climbing yourself (it is not the sport for me), the opportunity to watch these athletes in motion, and stand in the silent grace of Hyalite Canyon is an otherworldly experience.

If you are up for an off the beaten path, true Montana winter experience look no further than Hyalite Canyon...and if you are a summer hiker like me...Hyalite is a must stop on any YNP Country vacation.

Getting to Hyalite Canyon:
From Downtown Bozeman, follow Main Street, west until you reach 19th, make a left and continue to drive (around seven miles), You'll pass Kirk Stables and soon after you'll seen an unassuming entrance to 'Hyalite Canyon.'  It is another few miles to the Reservoir and further if you want to go to the Waterfall district....

For more information on Hyalite Canyon - visit The Friends of Hyalite

Bake Green with 'If You Care,' Recipes Included

When baking this holiday season do it the eco-friendly way.  One of my favorite earth-friendly baking products is the 'If You Care Brand.'  Not only is this brand of cooking and house cleaning products earth-friendly, the quality is unparalleled.  The 'If You Care' Unbleached cupcake liners work flawlessly with each batch of muffins.  I don't even use canola/olive oil spray on the liners - they peel right off the stickiest of confections.  The parchment paper works great for Gingerbread or your favorite holiday cookies.

'If You Care' Brand Mission Statement (from their website)
"If You Care kitchen and household products are carefully and deliberately crafted to have the least environmental impact and the lightest carbon footprint possible, while at the same time, delivering to the consumer, the highest quality and most effective results

If You Care is committed to protecting the environment by producing high-quality alternatives to conventional kitchen and household products. The materials we use are specially chosen to reduce their impact on our environment. We use unbleached paper, recycled materials and wood and paper coming from sustainably managed forests. We replace petroleum based ingredients with natural and renewable resources. We use paper from pulp and paper mills practicing the highest levels of clean water management. Every care is taken to ensure that each step– from factory to store shelf – conforms to strict standards for the conservation and protection of our greatest asset – the environment."

Their product line includes all your baking needs (wax paper, cheese cloth, FSC certified baking cups, foil...the list goes on) to laundry detergent and trash bags.

I highly recommend 'If You Care' - the price is affordable (around $1.99 for a pack of baking cups) and is a quality product.  It is an added bonus that 'If You Care' is good for the environment.

I've included two holiday recipes below that I have used 'If You Care' products with success (wax paper and baking cups):

Gluten Free Gingerbread People:
Have fun with this recipe, use Santa cutouts, or Wildlife like Moose or Bison, you can make royal icing or cream cheese frosting.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup (1 stick of butter) softened
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/3 cup molasses
1 egg
1 cup sorghum flour
1 cup white rice flour (Bob's Red Mill works great)
1/4 cup Tapioca Flour (Bob's Red Mill)
2 teaspoons baking soda (if you live in a high altitude climate like me only add a pinch of baking soda or none at all)
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon xanthan gum
pinch salt

1. Beat butter and brown sugar in large bowl and electric mixer at medium speed until creamy.  Add molasses and egg; beat until well blended
2. Combine sorghum flour, rice flour, tapioca flour BS, salt, xanthan gum, ginger, allspice and cinnamon in a large bowl.  Gradually at flour mixture to the butter mixture, beat at low speed until dough forms.  Shape dough into disc; wrap tightly in plastic wrap.  Refrigerate 2 hours until firm (the firmer the better for rolling out)
3. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Use if you care parchment paper (greasing optional) roll out dought on lightly rice-floured surface to 1/8 inch thickness.  Cut out shapes with cookie cutters.  Place 2 inches apart on prepared cookie sheets
4. Bake 10-15 minutes or until set.  Cool completely, Decorate as desired.
Makes about 2 dozen cookies.

~
Citrus Chocolate Cupcakes
Ingredients:
1/2 cup orange juice
1/3 cup water
3 tablespoons Canola Oil (or Olive Oil)
1 tablespoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (organic)
1 1/2 cups All Purpose Flour (If you want Gluten Free, use this mix: 1/4 cup Brown Rice Flour, 1/4 cup White Rice Flour, 1/4 cup sorghum flour, 1/4 cup Tapioca Flour 1/4 cup corn starch - mix together - you can multiply to make many cups worth at once - measure out 1 1/2 cups of flour and add 1/2 teaspoon xanthan gum per cup.
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup Fair Trade Baking Cocoa
1 teaspoon Baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/3 cup Enjoy Life chocolate chips (semisweet mini chocolate chips)
1 1/2 cup confectioners sugar

1. In a small bowl, beat the orange juice, water, oil, vinegar and vanilla.  In a large bowl combine the flour, sugar, cocoa, baking soda and salt; gradually beat into the orange juice mixture until blended.  Stir in chocolate chips.
2. Coat muffin cups (If you Care) with cooking spray (I usually skip the spraying and it still peels off), fill half full with batter.  Bake at 375 degrees for 13-16 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.  Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pan to a wire rack to cool completely.  Sprinkle with confectioners sugar and garnish with orange.

I hope you enjoy these recipes.  Be sure to stock up on 'If You Care' products - they are good for the environment and work great in the kitchen.

Snow Hike

There is nothing more inspiring than mountains covered in snow, the frozen dust glistening in the sun, and an endless blue Montana sky.

Today I braved the frigid 16 degrees to go on a snow hike.  I'll be honest, compared to the -40 below temps less than two weeks ago, 16 degrees is a heat wave.  Early morning snow flurries cleared to a pristine Big blue Montana sky.  Over the past twenty-four hours the heart of Bozeman has received around three inches of fresh snow.

Wearing waterproof hiking boots and multiple layers, I hiked behind the Bozeman Public Library, up Peet's Hill - sled capitol of Bozeman, atop what I refer to as 'The Ridge.'  This trail follows a high bluff offering amazing views of the entire Gallatin Valley - including majestic views of the Bridger's, Gallatin, Madison, Spanish Peaks and even the fade wandering of the Tobacco Root Mountains.

The fresh fallen snow created a picturesque winter scene.  I love how the snow glimmers like jewels in the sun.  This is the jewel of the region, the treasure of skiers, and the water that fuels the dry summers on this rugged prairie-Mountain ecosystem. 

The snow crunches beneath your feet, at times you plomp along feeling like the weight of a dragon, other times gracefully sliding on the slippery surface.

The trees tall, communing with the sky, are living Christmas trees - evergreens that rise over thirty feet, their needles dusted with snow, so perfectly placed it almost doesn't look real.  The air is filled with the aroma of the oxygen life giving breath of the trees, invigorating the crisp air.

I climb up the hill, crunching along, taking time with each step to enjoy the view.  Atop the ridge I plod onwards through the snow for another mile before detouring towards the hospital trail.  The snow is deeper on this leg of ground.  At times all you see is vast plains of snow and crystal blue sky.  Several brave souls are skiing - cross country style. 

Snow hiking is silent, peaceful and brings life to winter.  If summer is love's song, then winter is a period of waiting that makes us embrace life, able to see beauty in the starkest and coldest of places.

If you are interested in snow hiking - you must get a tall set of waterproof hiking/snow boots, warm socks...wear waterproof pants as jeans get cold when wet.  Bring lots of layers.  Keep your camera and cell phone in a waterproof compartment.  Take time to enjoy the winter symphony around you!

Winter in Yellowstone Country: Bozeman Montana

Winter in Yellowstone Country: Bozeman Montana

The ideal place to start your Yellowstone Country vacation is in the heart of the Gallatin Valley in Bozeman Montana. 

Bozeman is conveniently located ninety minutes north of West Yellowstone MT (western gateway to YNP) and Gardiner MT/Northern Entrance to YNP.  It's close proximity to world-class ski resorts, Big Sky and Bridger Bowl, Ice Climbing at Hyalite Canyon,  1000 miles of Cross-Country skiing trails in area National Forests, makes Bozeman a winter paradise and mecca for ski bums.

With a population of approximately 50,000 souls, Bozeman is anchored by Montana State University.  Bozeman boasts a thriving historic downtown with an eclectic mix of local shops spread along eight blocks of sidewalk streets.

Area attractions include the Museum of the Rockies.  The MOR is home one of the premier dinosaur exhibits in the world, helmed by paleontologist Jack Horner, of Jurassic Park fame.  Horner first postulated that birds are 'modern day dinosaurs.'  The museum also features regional and cultural exhibits related to Montana history.  It is a Smithsonian Partner Institution.

Bozeman is a regional center with tons of shops and restaurants, historic neighborhoods and suburbs...

Where to Stay in Bozeman:
Bozeman has a plethora of lodging options, from cozy B&Bs and resort facilities to mainstay big chains. Here are a few suggestions.  I recommend most hotels in Bozeman except Continental and Western.

- Voss Inn: http://www.bozeman-vossinn.com/
This B&B has delicious food, and a Thirst for Tea room...it is housed in a romantic Victorian on Willson Street, minutes from Downtown.

- Lewis & Clark Motel, a bit kitschy, still the rooms are clean, the rates are fair and the staff is always friendly.  The convenient location adjacent to the Bozeman Co-Op, minutes from downtown and MSU makes it worth a stop on your YNP adventures.
http://www.lewisandclarkmotelbozeman.com/

-Hilton Garden Inn, located in the Bridger Peaks shopping center not far from Interstate 90, this is a beautifully appointed chain...other chains in the area: Holliday Inn, C'mon Inn, Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, Best Western, Days Inn...many more

-Western Heritage Inn-the location downtown by the gorgeous Lindley Park and area hiking travels makes this a good base.
htttp://www.westernheritageinn.com

Where to Eat:
Bozeman has tons of delicious homegrown restaurants.  Bozemanites are organic food lovers who expect quality at an affordable rate.   We also have an overload of local coffee shops.

Coffee Shops:
Rockford Coffee - very strong coffee
Lindley Perk - Library Coffee spot
Café M
Café Zocalo
Leaf & Bean
Wild Joes
The Daily
City Brew....the list goes on....

Restaurants (just a few of many top restaurants)
- Mackenzie River Pizza Company - delicious Montana pizza - and they have gluten free pizza (which is mouthwatering).  My favorite pizza: Gluten Free with half Tomato Basil and half Bacon Pineapple coupled with a Greek Salad (their salads are fresh, crisp and a perfect prelude to any MacRiver meal.)
http://www.mackenzieriverpizza.com

- Montana Ale Works - housed in an old rail depot, Montana Ale Works has a bustling atmosphere with a terrific menu ranging from grass fed burgers, bison steaks to fish and pasta dishes.  They have a gluten free menu; not to mention the best Baked potatoes (huge Manhattan MT bakers); Their wine list and brews is decent. I usually order the Smokestack Burger...
http://www.montanaaleworks.com

- Western Café - The Last Best Café - this is where the cowboys eat breakfast, they have world famous cinnamon rolls and big breakfasts and lunch.

-Mexican:
La Parilla Grill
Taco del Sol - Both offer fresh, organic options for Mexican cuisine at a fair price

- The Co-Op: Best place in Bozeman for lunch, with a tempted salad bar and buffet.  All organic!
http://www.bozo.coop

Dessert:
-Wilcoxson's Ice Cream - 24 flavors at Wild Joe's; Wilcoxson's is Montana made since 1912 and the creamiest, best ice cream bar none.  Favorite flavors: Moose Tracks, Coffee & Cream and Huckleberry Frozen Yogurt.

- La Chatelaine: artisan chocolates http://www.chatelainechocolates.com
- Bequet Caramels http://www.bequetconfections.com

Bars:
- Plonk
- Rocking R

More links to restaurants:
http://www.bozemanonline.com/restaurants.php

What to Do (Winter):
- Emerson Arts Center: http://www.theemerson.org
- Museum of the Rockies http://www.museumoftherockies.org
- Pioneer Museum http://www.pioneermuseum.org
- Children's Museum
- Sledding on Peet's Hill
- Winterfest (February)
- Concerts at The Filling Station
- Take in a show at The Ellen Theatre
- In town skiing/snow shoeing
- You are minutes away from numerous outdoor recreation from Bridger Canyon, Gallatin Canyon, Hyalite Canyon, Paradise Valley...Yellowstone is only a few hours....

Resources for visiting Bozeman:
Bozeman Chamber: http://www.bozemanchamber.com
Downtown Bozeman http://www.downtownbozeman.org


I hope this introduction to Bozeman has been helpful.  I will be posting more on Bozeman as it is my home base. 

Stay tuned for our next Yellowstone Winter Adventure...

Winter in Yellowstone Country - Starting Point

Winter in Yellowstone Country:

Before I showcase a list of itineraries and adventure activities, I want to give you tips to start the planning process:

How to Get Here:
Flying into Gallatin International Airport is the best option.  Great Falls, Billings, Cody (WY), Jackson Hole also are hubs to start your winter retreat into the fire and ice of winter in Yellowstone Country.

I recommend Priceline (Name Your Own Price) to fly in as our airfare isn't cheap in or out of this area.  You might also consider 'Southwest or similar' for one leg of the journey then switch.  Travel agencies might offer a deal if you book a 'package' at one of the area resorts...

You can drive in, but Mountain passes are often icy and rife with snow, so I recommend flying.  If you do drive from another state, use caution and follow major highways and interstates, keep plenty of blankets in your car, a full tank of gas, water on hand and stay tuned to weather forecasts...

What to Pack:
Plenty of layers: jackets (waterproof and windbreaker shell, with fleece lining or fleece attachment), fleece or warm water resistant jackets.  On the coldest of days it might take four to five layers to stay 'comfortable' - Ski Mask is the only thing that really keeps your face warm when the temperature dips below 0.  Wool/Fleece hats, gloves...I recommend not wearing jeans unless you are going out to eat or to a museum...they get wet and you get cold.  Ski pants, or similar, Columbia/Patagonia type water resistant pants.  You can get Capillene leggings to wear underneath if it is that cold. 

I recommend purchasing a map (National Geographic or similar) at REI for the greater area, especially if you are interested in cross-country trails...

What to Do:
We'll be covering a plethora of fun adventures for all explorers in the coming weeks...Here is a short list of 'musts'

- Yellowstone National Park:
All Interior roads are closed to all vehicular traffic (cars) - with snow mobiles, skis, snow coaches your way in or out of the park, with the exception of the Gardiner/Mammoth (North Entrance) through the Lamar Valley to Cooke City.  Cooke City is locked between national parklands and therefore it is essential to keep the Cooke City to Mammoth Road open all year.  This is a great option if you prefer driving over snowmobiles as The Lamar Valley is a hub of winter wildlife including the elusive Yellowstone Wolves...

- Bozeman Montana - with museums, great eats, cultural arts and shopping this is the perfect place to use a base camp for your Yellowstone travels.

- Big Sky Resort/Moonlight Basin - Even if you don't ski, take a trip up to Big Sky to experience the splendor of snowy Lone Mountain and the expanse of ambling powdered valleys set against the majestic winter capped Gallatin-Madison Ranges

- Gallatin Canyon

- Hyalite Canyon - premier ice climbing

- Grand Teton National Park

Here are travel links to get you started with your adventure:
Yellowstone National Park

Visit Montana - Official Travel Website for MT

West Yellowstone, Montana - your gateway to the Park for anything snow coach, skiing related...If you want to Old Faithful in the Winter - this is your starting point for entering the park.

Yellowstone Vacations

Ski Resorts:
Big Sky
Bridger Bowl
Bohart Ranch (cross-country skiing)

Museum of the Rockies - The premier dinosaur museum, with renowned paleontologist Jack Horner (Jurassic Park's Dr. Grant was inspired by Horner)

Bozeman Montana Chamber

Downtown Bozeman

Stay tuned to this blog as we unlock adventures in Yellowstone Country

Winter in Yellowstone Country-Passport to Adventure

In the coming weeks I will be blogging about 'Winter in Yellowstone Country - Passport to Adventure.'  I live in the sweeping lush Gallatin Valley, which is surrounded by towering peaks of the Bridger, Madison, Gallatin Mountain Ranges.  These monuments of rock, mud, sediment, dappled in forest rise up from the flat valley floor into the big open Montana sky.  History in motion.  It is an awe-inspiring sight that stirs even the frozen hearts and cynical mind. 

I'll be the first to admit that I live in Montana for the heavenly summers, where I spend days on end hiking, camping and exploring the endless canyons, prairies, dry expanses fed by the lifeblood of the extensive network of rivers and glacial lakes...I don't ski, a car accident ten years ago left me with a broken neck, femur and wrists - so although I'm fully recovered, I cannot risk re-injury on icy slopes.  So winter is typically a time of reflection, working intensively in the warmth of my home, taking shorter walks on snow packed trails when the weather affords.

Winters in Yellowstone Country are a frozen tundra, harsh to access, with brutal temperatures, dipping into the -40 range at times with howling wind that scars and punctures the skin with a crash callousness. (The greater Yellowstone Ecosystem runs from the Bridger-Teton Forest south of Grand Teton, east to the Shoshone National Forest/Bighorn Rec. Area, north into the Crazy Mountains past Bozeman near Big Timber...)

In spite of the cold, austere weather conditions, Winter in the Yellowstone Country is a magnificent testament to nature, a wonderland of pristine snow and ice that surpasses any postcard view of 'Winter' you will find...the massive pack of crunchy, crisp snow, the invigorating air, the aroma of fresh evergreen filling your lungs with life, the river - icy, jamming up, still has this ethereal look.  The landscape proves that though life might entail suffering, there is beauty in even nature's hardship, the water fueling the thirsty forests for a torrid summer...the still quiet of the landscape, it sparks a fire in your heart to embrace life even in adversity and to be content to quietly reflect your own humility in the seemingly endless valleys of snow.  It is a paradox of wonder. 

So join me through a series of upcoming Blogs about planning a trip 'Into the Great Unknown of Winter in the Yellowstone Country..."

Gingerbread Hot Cocoa & a Cozy Mystery

Working on my next cozy mystery, visions of cocoa and gingerbread dance through my head.  The idea for 'Gingerbread Spiced Cocoa' distracted my senses. 

I have played around with a few recipes for this holiday concoction and think this is the best one.

Ingredients
2 cups of sugar
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa (Fair Trade CO OP is what I use)
1 1/2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 gallon (Organic Valley) Milk
Pinch of cinnamon

Preparation
1. Whisk ingredients together in a 6 qt. Dutch oven (or wing it like me and use a large pot), until blended; gradually whisk in milk.  I used 1% Organic Valley milk.
2 Setting your burner on medium heat, stir constantly, 20 minutes or until thoroughly heated.

If Hot Cider is more your scene:
- Columbia Gorge, Musshelman's are two of my favorites because they are organic and don't add preservatives. You can mix with a mulling spice variety (Aspen Brand works well)
- You can add a tinge of hot caramel (King's Cupboard)
- Whipped cream on top.

Accompany these winter drinks with Midel's Ginger Snaps or Gingerbread Cookes - they have Gluten Free varieties that taste delicious.

Cozy up with my new mystery: Playhouse Mystery Series: Murder in Custer State Park

 

 

Eco-Friendly Gift Ideas

This Christmas give eco-friendly American made gifts that will bring joy to your friends and family while making a positive difference.  Here are a list of out of the box, affordable ideas that are 'Green' and 'American Made.'  I will regularly be blogging about eco-friendly companies and American made-locally sourced products.  If you have any suggestions, feel free to comment!

- Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy has a wide array of eco-friendly gifts for the nature lover in us all.  From symbolically adopting an animal to adopting an acre of endangered wilderness, calendars, mugs and more...you gift from the Nature Conservancy will fight to protect our planet, while spreading good cheer.

- Sierra Club
The Sierra Club actively works to protect endangered ecosystems, maintain hiking trails and raise awareness about wild places.  Giving the gift of a membership to The Sierra Club entitles you to discounts in their online bookstore and gift shop, information about hiking meet ups and lectures in your area...a Sierra Club calendar is sure to please anyone on your guest list.

- Gift Museums
A membership to a local museum or zoological park not only funds vital expenses to keep these beloved non-profits afloat, it is a gift that one can enjoy year round, touring exhibits, taking part in membership events, meeting friends through museum outreach.  Members also typically receive a discount in the museum gift shop...

- Give the Gift of Outreach -
Catholic Charities, Episcopal Relief & Development, UNICEF, American Red Cross...are a few outreach organizations that assist with everything from domestic violence, disaster relief, medical relief, feeding the hungry...providing clean water...You can even purchase a heifer or donate towards building a school in Africa...


- Give the Gift of Time -
Commit to volunteer in honor of a friend or family member at their favorite non-profit.  You will receive joy in this giving...pick something you enjoy - volunteer at a soup kitchen, or if your forte is art then pick up a few shifts at an Art Museum...Even an hour or two helps.

- Give the Gift of Art -
Art can be costly, but if you rummage through local galleries, Co-Ops and Holiday Craft Fairs you can find quality prints, handmade jewelry, photography stills, pottery...for $10-$50.  This supports arts and cultivates community. 

- Adopt and Animal from Defenders of Wildlife. -
Living in Montana I have learned how vital bison, bears, wolves, elk, lynx...are to the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem...Defenders of Wildlife persistently fights to protect wildlife based on scientific studies.  At $25-$50, coming with a cute stuffed animal, this is the perfect gift for a kid.

- Buy Green -
Green is the color of the season...there are lots of green stocking stuffers, toys, clothing to fit the fancy of even the pickiest Christmas Wish List.  Make a conscious effort not to buy plastic, focus on Fair Trade, ethically sourced, organic products.  Make-up like Burt's Bees is a great place to start...Whole Foods and Community Co-Ops are ground zero...
Ultimate Green Gifts
Get n Green (Montana based and online)

- Plant Trees -
For $10, ten trees will be planted on your behalf.  How cool is it to think that you are planting life giving oxygen, carbon eating trees to a friend - in my opinion it is the best gift of all.

Plant A Billion and National Forests are both excellent and trusted resources.  I prefer NationalForests.org slightly because it plants trees in the US...

- Give the Gift of our National Parks -
Buy a family member a National Parks Pass, available online through NPS or in store at REI.  Our parks are the backbone of America - they entertain our senses and preserve our land for future generations, with countless cuts to our parks this helps to support NPS...You can also support National Parks by supporting non-profit foundations like The Yellowstone Association, Grand Teton Association and Greater Yellowstone Association...if you have a favorite park you can donate directly to their foundation.

Buy Made in America:
From ornaments, to clothes, purses, food...when you purchase American made you cut carbon emissions from overseas imports and fuel our economy, which is great for everyone.  ABC News has tracked a lot of Made in America companies, you can learn about their reports online:
For clothing I recommend: 'Made in Heaven' It is akin to Chico's - affordable and completely American made!
https://www.facebook.com/AmericanMovement

Better yet...

Buy LOCAL - Each state has a plethora of Made in...novelties...Made in Montana - Huck Jam, or Made in NC furniture to Made in Washington State - organic wine...search your state's 'Made in __' and you'll discover terrific gifts and lifestyle items.

- Adopt or Fund a Shelter Pet -
Local humane societies are in desperate need of food, cash, supplies to help keep these innocent creatures alive.  You can also make a big step of giving the gift of a forever home to a deserving, cat, dog, rabbit...you name it...

-Animal Rescue/Greater Good Network -
They have a ton of cute gifts that go directly into their outreach programs.

- Buy Carbon Offsets to negate your carbon emissions in 2014


- Fund your local HRDC (Human Resources & Development Council); Homeless Shelter, Domestic Violence Shelter...
In Bozeman you can purchase a quilt to help fund our Warming Center.  It ran out of money last year and in this cold climate it is an essential resource, as many of the homeless have jobs, but are struggling to find apartments or have disabilities...

There are countless other ideas, but hopefully these will help kick start the brainstorming process.

Winter Precipice - A poem

"Winter Precipice"
A poem by Adele Gibbes*

Clash of wind
Snow sets adrift
Ice it splinters
Jamming on the River's Run
Crunch of steps
On this frozen tundra
Blizzard's breath
The frigid depths of beauty
Desolate wonder
Life lingers still, merely asleep
In the quiet, restless stark peace
Ancient monuments of wood stand strong
Fueling our lungs with roaring oxygen
In this symphony of December
Whistling Jack, the howl of the wolf
Dances in the glistening alpenglow
The Frost of Winter's Breath
Cannot extinguish the candle
Even on this cold winter night
A heart's fire burns bright

Picture from U.S. National Weather Service - an image of the Rosebud area of Montana

Christmas Music for any Mood

The chill of crisp December air, the colorful array of lights, towering Christmas trees, glistening snow...winter is upon us and the advent of Christmas fills the mood with holiday cheer. 

Nothing gets you in the spirit of the season quite like a melody of Christmas tunes.  There is no way a self-professed music junkie like myself can conclusively narrow down a list of the definite best Christmas/Holiday songs...you have classical, traditional, carols, pop, jazz, funk, Indie/Americana, Bluegrass, Soft Rock, International...it is overwhelmingly exciting just thinking about the plethora of good music to warm our hearts with good cheer.

Nonetheless I have compiled a short list of 25 Christmas Songs to add to your list, as well as 10 albums that offer a holiday bang for your buck. I am trying to have a mix of traditional and modern... (For the record this list is 'North Pole Approved.')

1. White Christmas by Bing Crosby...the quintessential holiday song, masterfully composed by Irving Berlin.  It is the signature song for the soundtrack to one of my favorite Christmas movies: 'Holiday Inn' Bing sings it best...I don't bother with any other renditions - they don't have intonation and frosty dreamlike atmosphere...The lone exception...The Drifters version, which is out of the box with a cool beat.

2. O Come All Ye Faithful/Adeste Fideles - Nat King Cole...no one does Christmas better than Nat and this is my favorite version of this timeless carol...

3. Christmas Waltz...it is that time of the year when the world falls in love...My two favorite versions:
Frank Sinatra and The Carpenters...

4. Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas...Featured originally in 'Meet Me in St. Louis' sung by my favorite singer - Judy Garland.  Judy's version is bittersweet, as the future of love is in question, yet hope in the Christmas season holds the love together...while Ella Fitzgerald's version is upbeat and swanky jazz that you can tap your heels too, dancing in the light of the Christmas tree.

5. Joy to the World: The reason for the season - Christ's birth and a call to love and serve with compassion, peace and mercy...

6. Hark the Herald Angels Sing

7.  Let it Snow...Living in Montana this is the theme song for the winter.  Big puffy glistening snow flakes fall heavy and fast, coating the ground into a...

8. Wonderful Christmastime - Paul McCartney

9. The First Noel

10. Sleigh Ride - I like the Ella version, it puts pep in your step.

11. I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm

12. Last Christmas

13. Merry Christmas Darling, by The Carpenters

14. The Christmas Song  - Nat King Cole - this sets the bar.  I refuse to listen to any other version of this song but Nat's.  It simply is the best.

15. All I Want For Christmas is You - Mariah Carey

16. Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)

17. Home for the Holidays - Perry Como

18. Ave Maria - Sarah Brightman

19. Tie: Little St. Nick and Run, Run Rudolph

20. What Christmas Means to Me - with Steve Wonder, how can you go wrong?

21. Everybody Knows The Claus - Hanson

22. Angels We Have Heard On High

23. Santa Claus is Coming to Town...Bruce Springsteen pumps rock and cheer into this classic.

24. Wizards of Winter - Trans Siberian Orchestra - the collision of classical, fusion, rock, Christmas in spectacular fashion...

25. Silent Night

10 Albums that I replay ever year:

1. White Christmas by Bing Crosby (all the hits, including Mele Kalikimaka - my winter warming song, Christmas in Killarney and of course White Christmas)
2. Christmas Songs by Sinatra - Frank Sinatra is always a good mix of Christmas
3. Mariah Carey -
4. The Messiah by Handel - I have half a dozen versions of The Messiah - truly inspired...
5. Jackie Evancho - Heavenly Christmas - this is a new favorite that I purchased last year
6. Muppets Christmas with John Denver - A Christmas Together
7. Sarah Brightman - Winter Symphony
8. Nat King Cole - The Christmas Song Album
9. The Carpenters - Christmas Portrait
10. Have Yourself a Jazzy Little Christmas - this album features songs by Ella Fitzgerald, Mel Torme, Billie Holliday and more.


Others albums off the top of my head:
Mary Chapin Carpenter has a folky/Americana album -

Come Darkness Come Light: Twelve Songs of Christmas

 

Jewel's Christmas Album showcases her rich angelic voice with folk overtones.

Sting - If On a Winter's Night

Trans Siberian Orchestra - The Lost Christmas Eve - or any of their Christmas albums - great background music to keep you pumped for baking cookies and fruitcakes...

What are your favorite Christmas Songs/Albums?

The Bozeman Christmas Stroll

On Saturday December 7th, my mom and I braved record setting frigid temps to celebrate the holiday season in the beloved Downtown Bozeman Christmas Stroll.

In its thirty-third year, this community festival features arts, crafts, fun family activities, caroling, a live nativity, horse drawn carriages that dash through the snow, food vendors, gingerbread houses, Santa and more.  Main Street is closed off to vehicular traffic for four blocks from  North Rouse to Grand Avenue, allowing strollers to meander this winter wonderland, a bucolic scene of ice, snow and lights.  The atmosphere is akin to a Robert Frost poem or a Christmas card.  Even the bah humbug cynics and scrooges of this world are stirred to embrace the spirit of the season during the Christmas Stroll.  It is the one event that brings the community of Bozeman together.  Hundreds of souls overcoming the bitter cold, with the warmth of this vibrant gathering.

Dressed in five layers, including the 'Darth Vader-esque' ski masks, my mom stepped out of our apartment onto Main Street, the glow of the sun dim, the mountain peaks rapt in an alpenglow of warm red and pink.  The temperature as we started our excursion, -10 degrees at 4:00, the high temp for the day. 

Downtown Bozeman is the anchor of the community with dozens of local shops, eclectic coffeehouses, grocery stores, banks, offices, art galleries, a variety of restaurants, clothiers...if you need it you'll probably find it downtown.  Downtown Bozeman is what drew me to settling here, the community of locally owned shops and walkability.  We step out of our front door and are a block from numerous coffee nooks, restaurants, the library, bookstores...LIFE IS DOWNTOWN.

Our steps crunched on the frozen snow, glistening white, shimmering as dusk shadowed the landscape.  Stopping on the corner of Black and Main, we watched as Santa galloped downtown on a horse drawn caravan.  Jolly St. Nick kicks off the Christmas Stroll by lighting the way to Christmas, stopping at each intersection to turn on the colorful array of luminous Christmas lights.  With the sun disappearing into a winter's night, the hundreds of bulbs, joyously signal a chorus of 'Merry Christmas.'  In even the loneliest of  bitterly cold Montana nights, dark and unyielding, these holiday lights, offer reprieve and hope in the spirit of the season.  The cold becomes invigorating as a call to community action and hope, instead of the dead frozen wasteland.  The Christmas Stroll gets people to step outside and embrace the season of love, mercy, peace and community. 

After enjoying Santa's parade, we followed the glow of the freshly lit orbs of reds and greens, strung on street lights.  We fled the arctic cold for a temporary shelter inside, the jolly warmth of the 'Gingerbread Village.'  Wells Fargo Bank, displayed dozens of handmade gingerbread houses.  As I maneuvered the crowds, I was instantly struck by the talent and creativity of each of the gingerbread house entrants.  Children barely six years of age designed inviting cozy houses.  The detail and innovation in the architecture beyond awesome.  Who would have thought that pretzels could turn into intricate siding, cereal - grand shingles, Twizzlers siding...melted blue gum drops turned into a lake, while bison shaped cookies adding a 'Montana spice' to the Gingerbread pasture.  It is hard to describe the mastery of all the houses.  Each one deserved a top award.

Topping off the gingerbread tour with a sizzling cup hot chocolate in the warmth of the bank, we cautiously reemerged into the elements. Our next stroll stop - a tour of the Emerson Cultural Center, Bozeman's go to destination for art, culture, music and dance...Housed in a grand art deco-gothic fused brick and mortar, designed by famed Bozeman architect Fred Willson, The Emerson is home to over ten art galleries, classroom space, non-profits, a inviting swanky bar and grill and theatre.  It hosts community events year round, from the Winter's Farmers Market, concerts, theatre and dance productions, lectures, exhibits, Lunch on the Lawn and of course The Christmas Stroll...

Galleries stayed open late on Saturday night in the Emerson.  Bozeman is home to an amazing array of world-class artists, from Native American traditions to grand western landscapes, watercolors, mixed media, pop art...it is an art lovers paradise.  The awesome thing about the Emerson galleries is that they showcase affordable quality art from $10 enchanting watercolor stills to $300 oil on canvas landscapes depicting Bison on the Range to Old Faithful Geyser to the majesty of the Montana mountains.  The Emerson builds a cultural bridge to introduce art to new audiences and attract aesthetes. 

The Emerson hosts a fun-packed day of Christmas Stroll festivities from gingerbread house making, live music and arts performances, Santa and kids crafts...the galleries host demonstrations from wood-turning to card making. 

I always leave The Emerson lifted up by the colorful paintings, eclectic crafts and jewelry.  This visit we discovered several Bozeman based artists...Investing in art is the best investment you can make.  It might not yield fortunes in gold, but it always lifts your spirit.

We left The Emerson at six o'clock.  Bangtail Bikes, hosted a bike off to raise money for the Bozeman Warming Center/HRDC.  We took a moment to applaud the efforts of the bikers enduring frozen conditions to raise warmth and compassion for a critical community non-profit.

The sounds of caroling, 'Noel,' Silent Night,' and 'O Christmas Tree,' filled the air with sweet music.  Stepping into The Historic Baxter Hotel, we enjoyed a cup of hot mulled cider before journeying on.  Over the next half hour we ambled in and out of shops, enjoying music and food while getting ideas for Christmas gifts and learning about non-profits and their Holiday drives.  Bozeman has so many important non-profits that ensure the vitality of the region. 

We enjoyed dinner at the Community Co-Op, before finishing the night at the Live Christmas Nativity.  In the distance the sound of sleigh bells, a magical send off that prompted me to make a Christmas wish on a lone star, saying a silent prayer of joy and hope.

Picture from Bozeman Daily Chronicle

For more information:

Emerson Center for Arts & Culture:
http://www.theemerson.org/galleries.htm

Downtown Bozeman:
https://www.facebook.com/downtownbozeman

Cold Smoke

As I type this blog, the arctic grip of winter is clutching Montana.  In West Yellowstone it dipped down to -33 degrees last night, with temps in Bozeman around -10 to 6 degrees.  n spite of the bitter chill of Jack Frost's breath, it is impossible not to fall under the spell of winter in Montana.  The snow is pristine, shimmering in the light.  The cold crunch under your feet, invokes the spirit of Christmas and holiday spirit.  The white-capped towering mountains and wandering snow dusted footpaths and frozen creek is a scene out of a winter postcard.

Native Americans refer to the snow packed powder of Montana as 'Cold Smoke.'  A few years ago, staring off at the alpenglow of a near winter night, I wrote this poem.  I hope that you enjoy it. 

"Cold Smoke"
Cold Smoke
Set ablaze the mountain
Paint the canvass of a winter scene
The powdery white glistens in the light
As dawn breaks with a fresh fallen snow

The frozen dew sets the mood
That in solace there is still life
The wilderness whispers
A frost bitten sonnet
With the stirring of the arctic wind

Oh the secrets this mountain keeps
Under its snow piled deep
Suspended in polarity until spring plants its seed
The air so dry and the altitude high

The sun is reflected back into the heavens
Encapsulating the cold
Harsh beauty sets the tone
Here there are trails, no roads

Those who enter this picture glide in
With certain trepidation they dance
The cold smoke
Until light becomes dusk
Purple and gray
And night so cold littered with stars
Ceases the day

(Copyright 2010)