Female Mushers at Flathead Sled Dog Days

Lido and I spent some time recently at the Flathead Sled Dog Days in Olney, Montana. Everyone was very nice and and I was struck by how many female participants there were. One of them is even going on to a race in Alaska later this year. The whole experience was really fun but REALLY cold. That being said I'm very happy to be in my warm little house now as I write this.

published: montana magazine - flathead valley mint farms

Last summer I had the chance to spend some time on a couple local Flathead Valley mint farms. Not only did they smell fantastic (almost overwhelming) they were absolutely beautiful. The story is running in this month's issue of Montana Magazine, on stands now. I'll post some more of the outtakes here soon, but for now here is the current layout. I always enjoy working with Montana Magazine and I thought they did a particularly nice job with the layout.

you are spring to me, all things to me

Spring has finally, fully reached Montana. Every year, just when I think I can't quite take anymore, Winter finally eases off and let's Spring in. And I am always ridiculously thrilled. Farmers markets are open, grass needs mowing, and the Flathead Lake cherry trees are blooming.

If you've never had a Flathead cherry you are truly missing out. They are so delicious and such a simple Montana Summer treat. Last year, my friend and I bought a giant sack of them and ate them on a drive home from Missoula. I'm surprised anything but pits made it back with us at all.

So here's to Spring -- I know most of the rest of the country has already enjoyed it and is moving on to Summer....but sometimes the best things take a little longer in Montana.

the economy: part one

As the economic slowdown continues there is no shortage of the ways it is effecting the Flathead Valley and our surrounding areas here in Northwest Montana. Over the next couple of weeks look for this ongoing series of images about the economy here and how Montana is dealing with the changes.
The Flathead Valley has over 85,000 residents and has seen a 25% increase over the past decade. The valley has seen rapid growth over the last several years, but recent changes in the economy and layoffs at major employers have changed how quickly housing is moving in the market.

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In 2006, Kalispell's city council approved the annexation of Silverbrook Estates. The area encompasses 325 acres off of highway 93. Since the annexation, the development is underway but slow. Summer is traditionally a strong time for real estate in the Flathead Valley, but till then many of the lots remain empty.