InterBel Happenings: Summer 2024

AREA ADVENTURES

WHAT’S INSIDE

A MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

by JASON MOOTHART

AT INTERBEL, WE’VE ALWAYS BELIEVED IN THE POWER OF COMMUNITY.

InterBel serves more than 4,000 customers in the Tobacco Valley and beyond. While we work hard to provide the best in Fiber Broadband Technology, InterBel is about more than cables, signals, and modems.

We’re dedicated to growing our community. With a team of 34 staff members, we make up the faces you see in the community every day.

We 34 work to make InterBel your co-op: one capital credit, one donation, or one gesture of goodwill at a time.

Every decision we make and every action we take is in service to you, our members. We believe in the growth ahead of us. Your trust and faith in us empower us to move forward.

In this spirit, InterBel continuously gives back, supporting not just our customers, but everyone in our community. This is what sets us apart.

In the latest issue of Happenings, we’ve shifted our focus from our usual business spotlights and employee highlights. Instead of focusing on the lightning-fast service we provide, we’re focusing on getting you out into the community and surrounding areas. The Tobacco Valley may be small, but it’s lush with activities, events, and restaurants. The mountain scenery also makes for some pretty Instagram-able photos.

We all embrace the beautiful summers in the Tobacco Valley. Remember the 34 I mentioned earlier? Well, we 34 are your neighbors, your friends, and your family. You might see us grabbing coffee on Thursdays or taking a quick Friday hike. Maybe you’ll even see one or two of us at the rodeo!

If you do, be sure to give us a wave or say hi.

Have a wonderful summer,

Jason Moothart

JASON MOOTHART

General Manager, InterBel

HIT THOSE TRAILS

Why stay inside all summer when you can go explore some of the gorgeous views of Montana?

When summer finally hits, staying inside feels just…wrong. The sun is out, the days are long, and you’ve been cooped up inside all winter.

So, this summer, why not check out a few of the hiking trails in the Tobacco Valley (and beyond)? With such gorgeous scenery and beautiful summer weather, getting outside is a must.

We’ve compiled a list of three trails, starting with a very short and easy (but still scenic) stroll and ending with a multi-day hike (that you’ll have to travel for!).

Please be aware and realistic about your hiking level as you plan out your trips this summer, our final recommendation is only for experienced hikers and backpackers.

LITTLE THERRIAULT LAKE TRAIL BEGINNER

Whether you have little kids or little dogs, finding a hiking trail that is beautiful but easy enough for little feet can be challenging. You want something that will be visually stunning, but not so long that you have to carry crying kiddos for miles back to your vehicle.

Little Therriault Lake Trail is perfect for families, folks with dogs, and beginning hikers. Located in the Ten Lakes Wilderness Study Area, the trail consists of a single-mile loop, so you end back where you started. You might run into other people walking or running the loop during the summer months, especially in the mid-to-late summer.

More of an angler than a hiker? This is also a popular trail for fishing!

Length

1 MILE

26 FT

EXPERTS ONLY

MODERATE TO ADVANCED

BLUEBIRD LAKE VIA HIGHLINE TRAIL

We’re leveling up a bit with our next recommendation. Bluebird Lake via Highline Trail in the Kootenai National Forest is a gorgeous but moderately challenging hike. Plan to take at least an afternoon to hike Bluebird Lake via Highline Trail. This 4.3-mile out-and-back hike is scenic with great views of the lake and over 1100 feet of elevation. Like Little Therriault Lake Trail, Bluebird Lake via Highline Trail is friendly to leashed dogs. This less-traveled trail is a great choice if you prefer to watch for wildlife instead of people while you explore. Check it out during June and July especially!

4.3 MILES

GOAT HAUNT FERRY VIA BOULDER PASS AND WATERTON LAKE TRAIL

Maybe you’re not just a hiker, but you’re experienced. You’ve hiked the Tobacco Valley trails backwards and forwards and in all types of weather. You need a challenge. A mile or five or ten just won’t cut it.

If you have a few days to spare, pack your backpack, hop into your vehicle, and drive east (for about three hours) to Glacier National Park, near Polebridge, MT. There, you’ll find the Goat Haunt Ferry via Boulder Pass and Waterton Lake Trail.

With over 4800 feet of elevation, this trail is not for the novice or even moderate hiker. At 30.3 miles, this point-to-point trail takes most folks around 14 hours of hiking to complete. While it would be possible to do it in a single summer day, if you get a VERY early start, we think it’d be more fun to camp on the trail for a night or two. Why wouldn’t you want to sleep under the stars in the most remote and scenic part of North America?

An FYI: Goat Haunt winds along the Canadian border, so you will need to be aware of the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) rules, including reporting your entry at least five hours before you enter Goat Haunt. You can do this through the CBP ROAM app or at a partner location in the Waterton Townsite. And don’t forget to make sure you’ve secured your backpacking and camping permits through the National Park Service!

30.3 MILES

4,829 FT 1,118 FT

BOOTS, CHAPS, & COWBOY HATS

EUREKA RODEO IS BACK FOR ANOTHER RIP-ROARING SUMMER.

It’s higher up here than you thought it would be. Below you, the bull is warm and tense–just waiting for the gate to fly open and the time to start. You know he will do his damndest to get you off of his back and maybe spear a couple of the bull fighters with his horns.

It’s time. The gate clangs open and the bull is free. You cling to the rope for dear life and he explodes up and out, rocking back and forth and spinning round and round.

And then you’re on the ground, staring up at the ceiling lights of a bar, your little fantasy over as the mechanical bull winds down and the DJ pokes fun at you for the crowd.

Sure, the mechanical bull can be a fun one-to-eight seconds, but it will never compare to the real thing. For most of us, that mechanical bull is the closest we’ll ever get to riding a real, deadly beast. For rodeo cowboys, however, that real live bull is all in a day’s work. And you can see them in action right here in the Tobacco Valley.

THE REAL DEAL

This year, the Eureka Rodeo runs from Friday, July 26th through Saturday, July 27th. If you’re passionate about bull riding specifically, you can also check out The Bull Thing on Saturday, August 24th. This annual event is one of our favorites and we can’t wait to see them again!

Rodeos are not just bulls, though. Those dusty arenas see horses, calves, sheep, and more. From watching a cowboy on a bucking bronco to holding your breath as a horse and rider round a barrel, the rodeo is always full of adrenaline-pumping action.

Many of the events are centered around time–either enduring a challenge the longest (like staying on a bucking bronco for eight seconds) or beating someone else’s quick work (trying to wrestle a steer to the ground faster than your competitors, for example). From there, the events tend to focus on skill, physical prowess, or a mix of the two. It takes muscle to rope a cow, but it takes skill to loop it on the first throw.

GET INVOLVED

You don’t have to stay on the sidelines, either. For the adults, past Tobacco Valley Rodeos have featured adult see-saws made from steel beams, complete with an angry bull who will try to knock you off of that small seat.

Even kids can get in on the action. Mutton busting is an ever-popular event. Similar to bull riding, younguns grab onto sheep and see how long they can hold on as the wooly fiend dashes around in the dust. It’s exciting, it’s cute, it’s rodeo.

The Eureka Rodeo’s second day coincides with the National Day of the Cowboy, a day set aside to honor and celebrate the heritage and traditions of the American Cowboy way of life. There are very few better ways to observe the National Day of the Cowboy than attending a rodeo.

It’s those rodeos that have brought us together summer after summer. We watch as hardworking folks test their skills and their guts in front of the roaring crowds, celebrating the centuries of technique and history that go into each event. This tradition of dust, leather, and stock reminds us of where we Montanans come from and continues to bring us together.

Tickets go on sale soon on the Tobacco Valley Rodeo website or purchase them at the gate.

tobaccovalleyrodeo.com

EUREKA RODEO

FRIDAY & SATURDAY

SATURDAY July 26 & 27 August 24

THE BULL THING

LATTES & KOLACHES & BURGERS, OH MY!

CHECK OUT THREE OF OUR FAVORITE FOOD SPOTS IN THE TOBACCO VALLEY

We all need to eat, and we each have our favorite dishes. Whether it’s burgers to smash hunger or a giant cookie to satisfy a giant craving, the Tobacco Valley is filled with restaurants whose food and service are second to none. This summer, after a day spent hiking the trails, enjoying a late night at the rodeo, or just because, consider indulging in some local favorites.

LATTÉ 56

On those crisp Montana mornings, nothing beats a steaming mug of coffee. From robust americanos to the sweetest, tartest huckleberry smoothies, Latté 56 offers some of the finest espresso-based (and espressofree) beverages in Eureka.

If your stomach is rumbling, Latté 56’s breakfast sandwiches and assorted goodies are sure to satisfy. Stop by for a cup of coffee or hit the drive-through on your way out of town, because Latté 56 is a must-visit.

WHERE WHAT WHEN

North Shop: 484 Dewey Ave. in Eureka

South Shop: 100

Riverside Dr. in Eureka

Coffee, breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, baked goods

Hours vary; check Latté 56’s Facebook page for the most up-to-date hours

BREAKING BREAD & CAFFEINE MACHINE

Sometimes, you just really need a donut.

…or a savory kolache. Or an açaí bowl. Or a wholesome bowl of soup. Or an apple fritter. Or a loaf of freshly baked bread. Should we keep going?

Breaking Bread and Caffeine Machine, both located in the same building, can satisfy any craving, sweet to savory. Check them out on Mondays when they feature their Malasadas: a Portuguese-style donut and one of the most delicious sugar rushes imaginable.

WHERE

602 Dewey Ave. in Eureka

Breads, savory kolaches, pastries, baked breakfast items, soups, coffee, açai bowls, smoothies and other cold drinks

FRONT PORCH DEWEY BURGER & FISH CO.

The Front Porch Dewey Burger & Fish Co. is celebrated for its mastery of the art of the perfect hamburger–not just once, but twice. Crowned with the title of “Best Burger in the Nation” for their Famous Eureka Burger in 2009 on the Ultimate Hometown Grill Off on “Live! with Regis and Kelly,” and then requested at the lighting of the Capitol Christmas tree in 2017, their burgers are a national sensation. Thankfully, you don’t need to travel to DC or New York, they’re available right here in the Tobacco Valley.

For those who might find the Famous Eureka Burger–topped with Cajun sausage, jumbo shrimp, chipotle sauce, and cheddar cheese–a bit much, there’s a wide range of other innovative creations. We’d recommend trying the other recipe requested at the lighting: the Huckleberry Burger—topped with huckleberry jam, cheddar, jalapeños, bacon ...and a scoop of huckleberry ice cream. Yes, ice cream!

WHERE

WHAT WHAT WHEN WHEN

Every day 6 A.M. - 4 P.M. (closes at 2 P.M. on Sundays)

307 Dewey Ave. in Eureka

Specialty burgers, fish tacos, New England style seafood rolls, fresh squeezed lemonade with huckleberry or lavender flavorings, house-made buns and rolls

11 A.M. - 7 P.M. every day (online takeout orders accepted through 7:15 P.M.)

food in the Tobacco Valley. This summer, we hope you get to explore the buffet of flavors in our area.

Latté 56, Breaking Bread and Caffeine Machine, and Front Porch Dewey Burger & Fish Co. are just a few examples of the excellent

Tech Tips GET THE BEST SMARTPHONE PHOTOS

Capture your summer memories with these expert smartphone photography tips and tricks!

It used to be obvious who the amateur photographer was. They could be easily spotted, sporting an expensive camera slung around their neck or to their side. The slick “click” of the shutter was constant at family gatherings, community events, or disturbing the wildlife sounds on the trail. The cameras these photographers used were expensive, rather unwieldy, and very, VERY conspicuous–good luck capturing that candid moment with your grandkid when you’re pushing a zoom lens in their face.

Now, most of us have the tools needed to become accomplished photographers. The days of the heavy, intrusive camera with rolls and rolls of film plus lenses plus caps plus flashes are over. All of that equipment and more is contained in a single sleek package. You probably have it in your pocket (or in your hand if you’re reading this online) right now.

Your smartphone’s camera, whether Apple or Android, is incredibly sophisticated and powerful. It can capture stunning images that you can look back on for decades to come. It also allows you to share those photos with various audiences quickly and easily, whether you want to post that stunning sunset over the peaks on Instagram and get thousands of likes or share your adorable nephew mutton busting at the rodeo with your mom and only your mom.

TAKE TIME TO PLAY

When we were children, we were given ample time to play. We made mud pies, drew crazy drawings with crayons, and created elaborate ball games to play with our friends. These moments of play led to adult skills: cooking, writing, and working as a team. Working with new (or new-to-you) tech uses the same principle: you have to play.

Experimenting with settings is one of the best ways to learn what you like and what you don’t. Sure, a lens flare may get points docked in a college photography class, but maybe you like the dreamy mood that flare adds to your image. That’s the fun part about playing and discovering what you like: you get to say what’s “right” and what isn’t.

DON’T SHOOT FOR THE ‘PERFECT SHOT’

Take lots of photos. Lots. We cannot emphasize this tip enough. The more photos you take, the more likely you are to get that amazing image. The days of needing to conserve film are gone–with smartphones, you can take hundreds of photos without making a dent in your memory’s storage. Just remember to go through them later and delete the duds (while the photo session may not impact your phone’s memory banks, leaving everything you captured in your album will).

WIDE-ANGLE WONDERS

Choosing the perfect part of Montana’s Big Sky to showcase in a photo can be challenging. The scenery here is too beautiful to narrow down to a single phone screen. Luckily, most smartphone cameras are equipped with two modes that can help you show off that gorgeous skyline. First, remember to check out wide-angle mode. The camera shortens its focal length, which then creates a wider field of view, capturing more of the scenic outdoors. You can also try a panoramic picture. This mode helps you move your camera slowly and evenly, capturing the scene all the while. Then, it automatically stitches the photos together, creating a large, expansive view.

CAPTURE THE NIGHT

As a general rule, natural lighting makes for the best photos, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to end when the sun goes down. Many newer models come with a built-in Night Mode to capture more detail and brighten your shots in low-light situations. But even without this handy tool, you can improve your evening shots by adjusting the exposure. Simply tap the screen and drag the exposure meter up or down to your desired brightness.

Like many other art forms, photographs that adhere to the rule of thirds often feel more compositionally sound. According to the rule, the image is split into a grid of nine equal blocks. Try to get the most interesting parts of your image near the corners where the gridlines meet. This might sound difficult, but smartphones have a built-in grid setting that you can enable from your phone’s settings or on the camera screen itself. With that on-screen grid and those tiny placement modifications, you’ll be shooting like a pro in no time!

USE A GRID GO FOR THE GOLD(EN HOUR)

Named for the golden glow created by the sun, outdoor pictures captured during the Golden Hour (the hour before sunrise and the hour before sunset) are aesthetically drenched in color. Thanks to the red and gold tones from the light, images caught during these hours will often look and feel like a real-life Instagram filter.

CHECK OUT HDR MODE

Set your camera to take pictures in HDR (High Dynamic Range) Mode. The mode sounds almost intimidating, but it makes taking photos with a lot of different lighting much easier. When you’ve enabled auto HDR, it’ll bring out the details in the photo while also creating a better balance of colors. HDR mode does take a few extra milliseconds, so it’s great for snapping a sandwich or a sunset but less ideal for capturing a cowboy on a bronco.

PHOTO CONTEST

If these tips helped you, consider submitting one of the photos you take this summer to InterBel’s Customer Photo Contest!

Email your photo to itcmarketing@interbel.com by August 31. Please include your first name, last name, and where the photo was taken. The winner of the contest will receive a $200 bill credit and your photo will be featured in the next issue of InterBel Happenings!

EUREKA, MT 59917

OFFICE: (406) 889-3311 TECH: (406) 889-1500