September 2013
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Section A
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
IN THIS ISSUE 13
THE NOVA CAFE
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BOZEMAN PUBLIC LIBRARY
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BOWL FOR KIDS’ SAKE
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GALLATIN VETERINARY HOSPITAL Old Faithful Geyser & Lodge, photo by Frank Byerly, ca. 1930s
By Jessica Bayramian Byerly I have a confession: I haven’t been to Yellowstone since I was a young child and I’ve never been to Glacier. Did I mention I’m a Bozeman native? I know, ridiculous. What’s even more ludicrous is that I really enjoy the outdoors and, now that I have a son, strive to get out and about as much as possible. Still, despite numerous, “Let’s go next weekend,” and, “What’s stopping us?” conversations with my husband over the past several years the current grandeur of both Parks and numerous other regional hotspots have remained a mystery. Until now. This fall, I’m seizing the moment. Autumn is arguably the most beautiful season in Montana, made all the more lovely by the absence of hordes of vacationers and the opportunity to quietly commune with nature in all its brilliantly hued glory. In an effort to get out and enjoy it this year, I’ve compiled a list of places in which I’d like to idle away a long weekend and right-in-my-backyard wonders with which I need to schedule a standing weekly play date. And, since I’m feeling rather magnanimous, I’m passing them on to you. Fires and weather permitting, I hope to see you out there.
Yellowstone National Park
Widely believed to be the first national park in the world, Yellowstone’s geothermal features and range of majestic landscapes make it an astonishingly remarkable experience for the first timer and the seasoned visitor alike. Encompassing over two million acres, Yellowstone includes one of the world’s largest calderas, which is home to more than 10,000 thermal features and 300 geysers; one of the largest petrified forests in the world; the largest high altitude lake in North America (Yellowstone Lake); and nearly 300 waterfalls. In between wildlife ogling sessions, check out Mammoth Hot Springs, the Lower Falls, Yellowstone Lake and Firehole Lake Drive – from what I can remember, they’re breathtaking!
Glacier National Park
Encompassing over one million acres, Glacier is home to two mountain ranges, 131 named lakes (and innumerable unnamed), over 1,000 plant species and hundreds of species of animals. Boasting over 700 miles of trails, Glacier is an explorer’s paradise, replete with expansive meadows, immense mountains and canyons, turquoise lakes and, of course, glaciers. Highlights include: Going-to-the-Sun-Road, Lake McDonald, Logan Pass and St. Mary Valley.
Canyon Ferry Lake
This popular lake near Helena is Montana’s third largest body of water at just over 35 acres and 76 miles of shore. A boating and fishing destination, Canyon Ferry is a great option for a day or a weekend on the water.
Lewis and Clark Caverns State Park
In about an hour, you can be spelunking in Montana’s first state park. Lewis and Clark Caverns includes approximately two miles of twists, turns and tight spots; stalactites, stalagmites, columns and helictites; and western big-eared bats. Well-lit and naturally air conditioned, the Caverns are a unique and exciting option for an afternoon of adventure.
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F11
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EARTH’S TREASURES
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CIGAR OF THE MONTH
Montana Rockhounding
Treasure hunting is never more exciting than in the Treasure State and there are some great spots for rockhounding within a short drive of Bozeman. You can dig crystals at Crystal Park, northwest of Dillon; search for agates in eastern Montana or specifically for the rare Madison Blue Agate, locally, at the Madison River; find garnets at Ruby Reservoir near Virginia City; or mine for sapphires in Phillipsburg.
Keep it Local
The truth is, Bozeman and the surrounding mountains have more than enough beauty to fill your days until the snow falls. The Main Street to the Mountains trail system (detailed in Gallatin Valley Land Trust’s incredibly helpful and inexpensive map) affords the opportunity to connect with nature literal steps from our homes and businesses. Although trails crisscross throughout Bozeman, I tend to like to get a bit further away. Some of my favorites outside of the city limits include Bozeman Creek Trail (also a great spot for cross country skiing), Hyalite Canyon/Reservoir (Palisade and Grotto Falls are both great little walks/hikes) and Cottonwood Creek (includes berry picking if you time it right). Life is short. During moments of birth and death, we remember the adage and live in gratitude, at least for a while. Then, we get busy, lose focus and forget. Work and responsibility take their respective places at the helm and we put off until tomorrow those things that truly give us joy, that remind us of the wonder we felt as children, that embody the freedom for which we all stand, that, in essence, make life worth living. And for what, really? Let’s just say no. Let’s choose our own adventures. Let’s get lost tourist style.
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HARLEY’S CORNER
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MONTANA BRIDAL TOUR
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MENTAL HEALTH MONTHLY