tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62986671688999228842024-03-07T18:02:31.169-07:00Ann VinciguerraA curated collection about life and adventure in Bozeman & BeyondAnn H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-14979452809917698312024-03-02T16:44:00.020-07:002024-03-03T11:07:53.280-07:00Treading Lightly on the Planet<p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Thoughts on thrift and 14 ways I lessen my impact on the earth</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When I was a little girl, I sometimes made cookies with my mother. I can still hear her say, “Your grandmother could make a dozen cookies with the batter left in that bowl” when I put what I thought was an empty bowl into the sink. I don’t know if my mother was able to get 12 cookies out of what remained, but the lesson made an impact on me and was one of many messages on thrift that I heard throughout my childhood.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPDLldn9XpqtmSIp6po_CtuLB7vQwhQwK6lVub9DY0gv_ctrgfg-4r5BPNf9SUH0670XKERygTYmEf9I3-K_gJKVU5iF9OTzsgYPRkhtRmuJ6_F2_6Wobz4nrOFlCJL6PDdwI7HQyr0lLFPYDLx6A_ATgUrxlUS4AKVXwz_dJmInOliEn1FEBiqM_vXzk/s750/GettyImages-51125957-jimmy-carter2-b8e87b04db2848e69a71984b433a29d9.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Jimmy Carter said "Put a sweater on"" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="750" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBPDLldn9XpqtmSIp6po_CtuLB7vQwhQwK6lVub9DY0gv_ctrgfg-4r5BPNf9SUH0670XKERygTYmEf9I3-K_gJKVU5iF9OTzsgYPRkhtRmuJ6_F2_6Wobz4nrOFlCJL6PDdwI7HQyr0lLFPYDLx6A_ATgUrxlUS4AKVXwz_dJmInOliEn1FEBiqM_vXzk/w320-h213/GettyImages-51125957-jimmy-carter2-b8e87b04db2848e69a71984b433a29d9.webp" title="Jimmy Carter said "Put a sweater on"" width="320" /></a></span>My parents instilled in me the importance of taking only what you need and not wasting things. These beliefs were passed on to them from their parents who lived through the Great Depression and reinforced to them as children during World War II. I remember waiting in gas lines in the 1970s, and Jimmy Carter’s plea to turn the thermostat down and put a sweater on* was taken seriously by my family. In addition, my hometown, Randolph, New Jersey, started mandatory curbside recycling in the early 1980s and my parents were avid proponents from the start. With these messages during my formative years, it was easy to begin modifying my behavior when the evidence became overwhelming that human activities and consumption were having a major impact on climate change. <span></span></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lately, I have been thinking about what I have been doing to lessen my impact on the planet. Here is my list. Feel free to share your thoughts and suggestions in the comments section of this post.<span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">1.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Reduce consumption, reuse items, recycle – in that order.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">2.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Think about food choices – eat meat sparingly, buy local food when possible (sometimes hard to do in Montana), avoid food with excess packaging, avoid foods from exotic places.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">3.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bring reusable bags to the grocery store, a reusable mug to the coffee shop, and keep a bamboo utensil set in my purse. Bring a container when I eat out in case there are leftovers.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">4.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Compost food scraps.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">5.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Grow food appropriate for my area and plant a garden only as big as I have time to manage well. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">6.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Bike or take the bus to work every day. Walk or bike for errands when possible.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">7.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fly only a few times a year.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">8.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Drive an older car (2009 Honda CR-V) that gets decent mileage for its size.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">9.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I plan to have my car as long as possible (My 15-year-old vehicle has only 91,000 miles on it.) and plan to buy an alternative fuel vehicle when it’s time for a new car.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">10.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I don’t let my car idle. (I<a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/12/idle-free.html" target="_blank"> wrote about going idle-free here</a>.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">11.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Live in a modest house by today’s standards, 1,675 square feet for the two of us. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">12.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>I have a plan to make energy efficient upgrades to my home as my budget allows.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">13.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Keep the heat in my house at 65 degrees during the day and 55 degrees at night and use extra blankets or a sweater if needed. Our house does not have air conditioning.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">14.<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Stay informed about climate issues and make decisions accordingly.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sometimes I find myself frustrated and agitated when I obsess over my purchasing choices (<a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/09/woody-allen-confronts-produce-section.html" target="_blank">as I wrote about here</a>). These 14 things can be a lot of work but at the same time it doesn’t feel as if I’m doing enough. I sometimes think if I were to do more, would it really make a difference? After all, it’s the actions of many that will make a difference. Sadly, I think the United States has a long way to go before we see widespread changes in consumption patterns.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsD7yGYaD5vnxahHaBoI722yiahe8tOuTTM1yD6cW9mPbQ4pgYh2CQpQnkwiWAT-elnKV0rmcLD_4gmi8WzOxTZh6xVGk11jQ7v6WGkGnt9uJeBG-p0UCaJKwAh84HixOlcjkvtbRtjRPVBOBBlOwfvDdvmUKaKeLP0-HL-Xdb65fQD3LjCBEm9j-wa3X8/s4032/War%20Rations.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsD7yGYaD5vnxahHaBoI722yiahe8tOuTTM1yD6cW9mPbQ4pgYh2CQpQnkwiWAT-elnKV0rmcLD_4gmi8WzOxTZh6xVGk11jQ7v6WGkGnt9uJeBG-p0UCaJKwAh84HixOlcjkvtbRtjRPVBOBBlOwfvDdvmUKaKeLP0-HL-Xdb65fQD3LjCBEm9j-wa3X8/w320-h240/War%20Rations.jpeg" /></span></a></div><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">When I was cleaning out my parent’s house after they passed away, I found my mother’s war ration booklet from 1943 and was struck by the government's messaging that promoted a communal sense that we are in it together and one’s activities have an impact on others and the country. And they were serious about it. “Any attempt to violate the rules is an effort to deny someone his share and will create hardship and discontent.” Violators were subject to a $10,000 fine, imprisonment, or both.</span><div><p></p><p></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The government encouraged everyone to live by the rule “If you don’t need it, don’t buy it.”</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdzChddClIPO5SUBEty5o0HFohwXURym4oyBx_uA_d9ZtAAonlRnxcMchHdieyVvoa_cOwshiQKjdigyeaRy1k2WpR8Phv8wgZgS1i5jPbsdS0QlIjHY4nltQGgWY1pOoLkgRIp2n9k-TJPWhEQ-eKC34JjYRSSmF7BAC8DxBXtGnt8X881cyNxVPwFcH/s4032/Rations.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="If you don't need it, don't buy it." border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYdzChddClIPO5SUBEty5o0HFohwXURym4oyBx_uA_d9ZtAAonlRnxcMchHdieyVvoa_cOwshiQKjdigyeaRy1k2WpR8Phv8wgZgS1i5jPbsdS0QlIjHY4nltQGgWY1pOoLkgRIp2n9k-TJPWhEQ-eKC34JjYRSSmF7BAC8DxBXtGnt8X881cyNxVPwFcH/w400-h300/Rations.JPG" title="If you don't need it, don't buy it." width="400" /></span></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">While I don’t wish for war, could anything less dramatic cause masses of Americans to re-think their consumption habits? In many ways, the United States has become a society that that is extremely self-centered and focused on personal freedoms. We have become a nation that is dead set against having anyone tell us what we can or cannot do. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">People freak out when there is talk of charging for or banning plastic bags in grocery stores. One’s daily cup of coffee comes in a paper cup with a cardboard sleeve and plastic lid. We live in huge houses and drive huge cars. Rather than spend a few minutes in a cold vehicle, we let them idle before getting into them. Instead of an extra blanket or putting a sweater on, we crank up the heat. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As Mike once famously said, “We've lost our collective edge. Thrift and toughness are on the wane. Posturing and laziness, however, are easily found.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Can the average American make sacrifices for the greater good? I’m not sure we can.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’m a strong believer that climate change is real. The scientific evidence it too compelling to believe otherwise. But if it were ever shown that the scientists had it wrong, I would have no regrets and show no resentment. I would not lament the bigger car I could have driven or the fact that I could have gone to the grocery store with little concern over what went into my cart. I would not bemoan the effort it took to recycle, compost, remember my reusable bags and coffee mug. I would not regret my decisions one bit. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">What matters is that we keep being mindful of our consumption and our impact on the planet and we encourage others to do the same. Going light on the planet is the right thing to do.</span></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i></i></span></blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>*"There is no way we can solve it (the energy crisis) quickly. But if we all cooperate and make modest sacrifices, if we learn to live thriftily and remember the importance of helping our neighbors, then we can find ways to adjust, and to make our society more efficient and our own lives more enjoyable and productive....There is no way that I, or anyone else in the Government, can solve our energy problems if you are not willing to help. I know that we can meet this energy challenge if the burden is borne fairly among all our people—and if we realize that in order to solve our energy problems we need not sacrifice the quality of our lives." </i><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmlcLNA8Zhc" target="_blank"></a><b>Jimmy Carter, February 2, 1977, report to the nation on energy<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmlcLNA8Zhc" target="_blank"></a> </b></span> </blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b></b></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://millercenter.org/the-presidency/presidential-speeches/february-2-1977-report-american-people-energy" target="_blank">Find the full audio recording and transcript is here</a>. </span> </blockquote><blockquote style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmlcLNA8Zhc" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">A short video excerpt is here</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span></blockquote><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">More from the blog:</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The original rant - <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-rant.html" target="_blank">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-rant.html</a></span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">You are not what you drive -<a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2014/10/you-are-not-what-you-drive.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2014/10/you-are-not-what-you-drive.html</a></span><p></p></div><div><p class="comp mntl-sc-block mntl-sc-block-html" id="mntl-sc-block_1-0-2" style="background: 0px 0px rgb(255, 255, 255); border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #393845; counter-reset: section 0; font-family: Grad, Times, "Times New Roman", Georgia, serif; font-size: 20px; margin: 0.625rem 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"></p><blockquote><br /></blockquote><p> </p><p></p></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-4100315400681894152024-02-18T13:22:00.005-07:002024-02-25T16:32:10.526-07:002023-2024 Snow Update<span style="font-family: verdana;">Bleak. Meager. Sporty. Lame. All of those words have been used to describe this year's winter. I have long said that a long, snowy, cold winter is just what we need to drive out all of the poseurs but this year is not the one to do it.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: left;"><img alt="Skiing the M, Bozeman, Montana" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh69J3crrBDn9WY21UVhkYgNL0h17U5FInNHALcClOLI-O9QkaKOOEfhHohK0NQM4ad1AAkpjTdFpC9oaAE11w3Wh8zlLJJ6_9KmpAr8NljXDjNsUXOuKFF-UArF7-1kVT10y3sZNOXWw9apcHrJJWwY6XNFpPxp6UBth8s9T7RVrK-vqr8nMJ8JSlwQ-JI/w400-h300/Tracks_On_M.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Skiing the M, Bozeman, Montana" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption"><div style="text-align: center;">Glory days from last winter</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></td></tr></tbody></table><span><a name='more'></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />While last year's winter didn't produce best-ever conditions, it was long. Snow first hit the valley floor at the end of October, stuck around into the spring, and there were no real melt-downs. There was an epic in-town dump of snow in March and groomed in-town Nordic skiing held out into April.</span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">This year the winter began on a promising note the last week in October with a storm and groomed in-town skiing at Lindley Park. Our good luck did not last and each month has produced bad news for avid skiers. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">In November, the Rendezvous Trails in West Yellowstone canceled their annual ski</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> festival due to lack of snow. There were a few scrappy turns to be had at Big Sky but other than that, places to ski were hard to find. It pains me to say that I did not ski once in November.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcwGPiy9O23yEWMx5Z5t6_nDFx_sHUsDVFKIUIwAxvIoPJeBiUthQNB3EXMsIu_NGrYHiwzigg7DFLEldsXjbIA1VoqQB1L0IBBT-gYrCRPTLxsbvDm-xa2IMW5U6Y5nyDMnBfO1AREPEsZ2q3uyAjAQMcnUkxGipi-YkY8C9iwc21sZeiLSkQQgMFvIl/s2000/Annie%20V%20diving%20in,%20Bradley,%202018.JPG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Epic Powder, Bridger Bowl" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNcwGPiy9O23yEWMx5Z5t6_nDFx_sHUsDVFKIUIwAxvIoPJeBiUthQNB3EXMsIu_NGrYHiwzigg7DFLEldsXjbIA1VoqQB1L0IBBT-gYrCRPTLxsbvDm-xa2IMW5U6Y5nyDMnBfO1AREPEsZ2q3uyAjAQMcnUkxGipi-YkY8C9iwc21sZeiLSkQQgMFvIl/w400-h300/Annie%20V%20diving%20in,%20Bradley,%202018.JPG" title="Epic Powder, Bridger Bowl" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption">Not this November<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>December brought warm weather with above average temperatures (Monthly average in Bozeman of 43 vs. the normal 32) and a Bozeman record of 62 degrees on December 6. (Up from the 1939 record of 57). </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bridger Bowl ended 2023 with a 15" base and a meager 29" of snow since November 1.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">January was a mix of deep cold and warm weather. A record setting cold spell hit the area for a few days around Martin Luther Day weekend but January ended with period of 50 weather in town. Bridger Bowl managed to hold on to a 23" base for most of the month.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5SOgahGJbF3R4mMRnbfbYaCre0Q8hrsFrd2ZHqq1b1_uIotH_QSQcgmGL6oFannFuVpqH4OO3o1vqhmUODGm7znHR9mHtQva0BePBA9xb59tT1Hv9RYLlY2R4Y5ySYafCdUZLJA4eGnSLNxB9tT_mmXT2WqLjuN0Va2qrHs2rAEgaQLRQIR4Cg6vLL9I/s3264/Ski%20The%20Great%20One%2028.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Back in my tele days" border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="2448" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY5SOgahGJbF3R4mMRnbfbYaCre0Q8hrsFrd2ZHqq1b1_uIotH_QSQcgmGL6oFannFuVpqH4OO3o1vqhmUODGm7znHR9mHtQva0BePBA9xb59tT1Hv9RYLlY2R4Y5ySYafCdUZLJA4eGnSLNxB9tT_mmXT2WqLjuN0Va2qrHs2rAEgaQLRQIR4Cg6vLL9I/w300-h400/Ski%20The%20Great%20One%2028.JPG" title="Telemark skiing Bridgers" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back in my tele days</td></tr></tbody></table>On February 8, Teton Pass Ski Area near Choteau, Montana closed for the season. A few small storms came to southwest Montana in the past two weeks and things seem more wintery. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mike and I toured up Little Ellis today and while we made it to Checkpoint Charlie, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">it felt more like mid-December than February 19. L</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ots of grass was poking out of the meadow as we skied towards Wild East. There we found some soft untracked snow. It was just enough to cover the logs and stumps, so we savored a few sweet turns before skinning back to Checkpoint Charlie. The front side clearcuts still have a long way to go.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Steenburgh Winter comes to an end on February 24. This is the first day the sun rises to 35 above the horizon and each day it rises a bit higher in the sky. As this happen, there is more of a chance that the sun will have a negative impact on the snow and as time goes on, even north facing aspects will see crust if the sun comes out. There is still lots of skiing to be had but beyond this point, great powder conditions will become more fleeting. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">With a low snowpack at the ski areas and continuously sketchy conditions in the backcountry, this year has been a challenging one for skiers requiring lots of patience and creativity. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is always the chance that big snow storms may come in March. The added snow will not be good news for our weak backcountry snowpack but will be good for the ski area. And let's face it, fresh snow always brightens one's outlook. Let's see what happens...</span></div><div><div><p>~</p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Historic Snow Stats</span></b></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A good winter is measured by an unknowable recipe of snow, temperature, sun, and wind. Stats at the ski areas don't tell the full story so click on the dates to read see what people were saying in previous years.</span></div><div><br /></div>Figures = Ski are base depth, snow fall year-to-date<div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px; margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: arial;"> <u>Big Sky</u><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><u>Bridger Bowl</u><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><u>Alta</u><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><u>Crested Butte</u></span></div><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial;">February 19, 2024<span> </span><span> </span><span> 37" (NA)<span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span> 37" (86")<span> </span><span> </span><span> 142" (414")<span> 65" (195")</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/02/22-23-snow-stats.html" target="_blank">February 24, 2023 </a> 66-70" (NA) 74" (177") 153" (536") 57" (216")</span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/02/2021-2022-snow-update.html" style="color: #3d83f7; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">February 24, 2022</a><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/02/2021-2022-snow-update.html" style="color: #3d83f7; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"> </a> 27"- 49" (NA) 43" (147") 89" (283") 61" (199")</span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/02/2020-2021-snow-stats.html" style="color: #3d83f7; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">February 18, 2021 </a> 56"- 63" (NA) 77" (171") 120" (332") 59" (150")</span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2019/12/2019-2020-snow-update.html" style="color: #3d83f7; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #006677;">February 21, 2020</span> </a> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>56"- 96" (NA)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>78" (227") 125" (416")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>51" (156")</span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2019/02/2019-snow-update.html" style="color: #006677; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">February 17, 2019 </a><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>48"- 89" (NA)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>70" (192") 133" (386")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>71" (186")</span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/02/2018-snowpack-update.html" style="color: #3d83f7; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #006677;">February 19, 2018</span> </a> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>63"- 95" (NA)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>77" (210")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>76" (183")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>48" (112")</span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #006677;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/02/blog-post.html" style="color: #3d83f7; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">February 14, 2017 </a></span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>48"- 72" (188")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>45" (143")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="color: #006677;"><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2016/02/-snow-update.html" style="color: #3d83f7; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">February 12, 2016 </a></span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>43”- 65” (277")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>56” (209")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2015/02/snow-update-geeking-out-one-year-later.html" style="color: #3d83f7; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #006677;">February 17, 2015</span> </a> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>42”- 63” (294")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>56” (228")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; font-size: 13px;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2014/02/geeking-out-about-snow-conditions.html" style="color: #3d83f7; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #006677;">February 12, 2014</span> </a> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>57”- 85” (236")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>76” (166")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><b>Introducing the Steenburgh Winter<br /></b><br /><a href="http://wasatchweatherweenies.blogspot.com/">http://wasatchweatherweenies.blogspot.com/</a>. The Steenbrugh Winter begins when the snow stake at Alta reached 100" and ends on February 10, the day the sun first reaches 35 degrees above the horizon. (Bozeman/Big Sky area, February 24;. Crested Butte, February 4; Salt Lake area, February 10)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>More about Snow</b><br /></span><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">A classic post from 2012 - </span><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2012/11/types-of-snow-how-many-have-you-skied.html"><span style="font-family: verdana;">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2012/11/types-of-snow-how-many-have-you-skied.html</span></a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">And a more recent favorite - <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/02/nothing-to-strava-about.html">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/02/nothing-to-strava-about.html</a></span></li></ul></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0Montana, USA46.8796822 -110.362565818.569448363821152 -145.5188158 75.189916036178843 -75.2063158tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-78223348597505605672024-01-05T13:03:00.012-07:002024-01-05T13:27:41.060-07:00The A-List Eats - Rediscovering Storm Castle Café<div class="separator"><div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Storm Castle Cafe Bozeman" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbAHNaLxbyJ0AWs6eE3m3o0oMaNYwc672djGAYEczhiHntUrKqpWeeBI47gxRtRLlM1YJVNajiBPmlV126LHr8VkE4nh5xem6APIvRd9CblcFKh4eqZRe20M-pKO8cdvVCpownUPHMzKemX0dS5xCH9URmR66qmZ_oHiPQePOYxsxOkXgb8uLa3x0w5Nq/w400-h300/storm-castle-cafe-bozeman.jpg" style="font-family: verdana; font-style: italic; text-align: right;" title="Storm Castle Cafe Bozeman" width="400" /></div></div><div class="separator"><i style="font-family: verdana;">One of Bozeman’s best and most authentic comfort food restaurants, Storm Castle </i><i style="font-family: verdana;">Café, is tucked in a low-slung strip mall home to a doughnut shop, Mellow Mood tobacco, and a laundromat. Since 2010, the husband-and-wife team of Scott Peterson and Nicole Warner have been dishing up hearty eats from their unassuming Tai Lane location across from the MSU campus.</i></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br />With excellent food and service, reasonable prices, and a casual setting, it is a welcome change from the Anywhere U.S.A. feel that is starting to predominate many "New Bozeman" establishments. I seldom go out for lunch during the work week, but I did once over the holidays. I had only been to Storm Castle one time about 10+ years ago and couldn’t remember much about the food or the setting. I am glad I checked it out again. Here's what I found.</i></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>~</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><a name='more'></a></span><br /></span><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Keeping Old Bozeman Alive</span></b></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Storm Castle Café is bustling when I arrive. From the small, crowded entryway I pop my head into the restaurant. At first glance, the words rustic, homey, and authentic come to mind. The ambience screams "Old Bozeman," and I am immediately drawn in. The guy at the front of the line says he’s been waiting for half an hour but lucky for me I’m dining solo, and the waitress immediately ushers me to a corner seat at the bar. <br /> <br />Storm Castle is in the throes of its lunch rush. The hustling staff exudes a sense of knowing what they’re doing and wear the uniform of Bozeman of yore when casual ruled. The middle-aged waitress/hostess, in jeans, a blouse, and sensible sneakers, keeps the line moving and waits on her tables, giving a sense of leadership and efficiency. Young waitresses and a scruffy-bearded male server donned in Carhartt's, a t-shirt, and a chunky winter hat follow her lead. Man buns, designer jeans, and tangerine cashmere sweaters (I’m looking at you, Jam.) are nowhere to be found. <br /> <br />Waitstaff are pleasant but do not engage in unnecessary chitchat (“Hi! My name’s Suzi, and I’ll be takin’ care of you.” “So, do you have any fun plans today?”) and know the perfect amount of fussing (Not too much) adding to the sense of competency. I am given water right away, and my order is taken shortly after I set my menu down. From my perch in the bar, I take in the scene as I wait for my food. <br /><br />A curated playlist of Hayes Carll, John Prine, and other Americana tunes waft through the speakers. A random assortment of tchotchkes is on display and casual framed photos and paintings that would be at home in a backroads motor lodge line the walls. Mounted elk antlers hang on one wall and stamped tin chandeliers dangle over the bar. Peterson’s H-4 certificate from 1984 is in with the décor, adding a nice personal touch. <br /><br />Seating is in elevated booths in the bar area and at an assortment of tables, some with brown chunky brown armchairs that scream 1970s homestyle restaurant. The front window is set against faux brick walk wall and is covered by a white gauze curtain with a ruffled top that recalls one’s grandmother’s house. <br /> <br />Between the music, the furniture, and the décor, Storm Castle exudes a vibe that is casual, homey, and Western. The owners have put thought into creating this space, which is not hokey, overdone, or dated, and the mixing of styles blends nicely.<br /><br />The young men seated next to me oooh and aaah as behemoth meals are placed in front of them. My curiosity is piqued so I ask about the food. The massive sandwich is the Monte Cristo, the dish Storm Castle is famous for. Monte Cristo sandwiches are always a multi-tiered affair, and this one is heaped high with shaved ham, cheese, and French toast that is dipped in pancake-batter and deep-fried. The other meal, the G.O.A.T French Toast, features colossal chunks of vanilla custard-dipped French toast. Both meals came with eggs and hash browns.<br /> <br />My burger and fries arrive next, and the hearty 8-ounce patty is slightly charred on the outside yet tender and uniformly pink on the inside, the epitome of medium rare. A few dots of juice seep into the bun, the tomatoes are chunky, and the lettuce is crisp. One bite is all it takes to realize I have found hamburger perfection. If I weren’t dining solo, I’d be raving to my dining companion about my meal. I am certain this is the best burger-and-fries combo in Bozeman.<br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Soon my awesome meal and leisurely lunch break is coming to an end, and I sadly must return to work. I am so smitten with Storm Castle that I ask the waitress about my meal and the café. She speaks enthusiastically and knowledgeably as she tells Storm Castle’s story. Yes, the fries are hand cut, and</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RTZbOfpByq2kDTpm07F05Eb_AaCzenAsaIodRkwZxsQ9Yqcw9biPrDYa-If9QC5wypRr9Z-NHBPhx5uOX5Yyc8ycPQQ918_TWdcyoUUylGICC7x2gFqFSClD7V1VF-0bs2uiYP9xJg26PYEdwtIENdHz1pEeQDiB-ztwuqsC202oE9JjyJr6cLez2zfT/s1024/Hilltop%207.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Hilltop 7, Storm Castle Cafe, Bozeman" border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RTZbOfpByq2kDTpm07F05Eb_AaCzenAsaIodRkwZxsQ9Yqcw9biPrDYa-If9QC5wypRr9Z-NHBPhx5uOX5Yyc8ycPQQ918_TWdcyoUUylGICC7x2gFqFSClD7V1VF-0bs2uiYP9xJg26PYEdwtIENdHz1pEeQDiB-ztwuqsC202oE9JjyJr6cLez2zfT/w200-h200/Hilltop%207.jpg" title="Hilltop 7, Storm Castle Cafe, Bozeman" width="200" /></a></div>yes, the meat is local. Three generations of the Peterson family run Hilltop 7 Farm, allowing Storm Castle to stay true to their claim “We are the farm and the table.” Peterson is culinary school trained and Warner has extensive front-of-the-house restaurant experience. They have created an authentic café with excellent food, and their expertise shows.</span><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’m glad Storm Castle is in this location, which the unadventurous may consider out of the way. It is not downtown or in either of Bozeman’s new restaurant hubs (Cannery, Ferguson Farm) so visitors are unlikely to stumble upon it, and the exterior isn’t going to grab their attention if they find it. In a Bozeman that is becoming more expensive, pretentious, and buffed to a monotonous sameness, Storm Castle is a refreshing change. It is nice that something as simple and time-honored as hearty comfort food can be done so well.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>If You Go...</b></div></span><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">• <b>Find Them At </b>– 5 Tai Lane across from the MSU campus. They’re currently open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday through Sunday. <a href="https://www.stormcastlecafe.com/" target="_blank">https://www.stormcastlecafe.com/</a><br /><br />• <b>What We Know</b> – After graduating from MSU, Peterson attended the New England Culinary Institute and worked at restaurants in France, San Diego, and Bucks T-4 in Big Sky. In 2001, he remodeled the Winchester Cafe in Livingston’s Murray Hotel and opened Peterson’s Spirits & Eatery. The restaurant was sold in 2004, and in 2008, Peterson and Warner started a catering business leasing out of Castle Rock café in Gallatin Canyon. They soon took over the restaurant and in 2010, moved it to Bozeman. <i>Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives</i> visited Storm Castle in 2018 calling the Monte Cristo a “destination dish.” Online reviews are plentiful and largely positive.<br /><br />• <b>Try It If </b>... you’re looking for filling comfort food made to perfection in a casual, welcoming atmosphere.<br /><br />•<b> Portion Size and Price Point</b> – Healthy portions at a fair price.<br /><br />• <b>What's on the menu?</b> All day breakfast, an assortment of sandwiches, burgers, and other hearty comfort dishes. The bar serves beer and adult milkshakes. <br /><br /></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">o Omelets - $15-18 </span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">o Enchiladas -$16 </span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">o Meatloaf sandwich - $20 </span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">o Burgers - $15 for an 8-ounce burger and hand-cut fries. Specialty burgers range from $18 to $20, and a double burger is $26.</span></div></div></blockquote><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />• <b>The Verdict</b> – The A-List gives Storm Castle 5-stars. <br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcZjKyuB_ingGg94ekL0IQYrjwx1zylykkNUuBWuo84FHNAyhic_GVlywNMlTbLeLpKGRtAIW44er-odta5DGR3NcN9KO40HlK8o9SaUXtvYObe6oHO7kzgduoE2kQBhstduSz8p0gzSfi72HNrH_Nz93i6y0UlC4ltQ4Qg5sRvecS2moaGQzEYyEe97A/s348/storm.jpg"><img alt="Storm Castle Cafe, Bozeman" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhcZjKyuB_ingGg94ekL0IQYrjwx1zylykkNUuBWuo84FHNAyhic_GVlywNMlTbLeLpKGRtAIW44er-odta5DGR3NcN9KO40HlK8o9SaUXtvYObe6oHO7kzgduoE2kQBhstduSz8p0gzSfi72HNrH_Nz93i6y0UlC4ltQ4Qg5sRvecS2moaGQzEYyEe97A/w400-h400/storm.jpg" title="Storm Castle Cafe, Bozeman" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>More about restaurants</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Best pizza in Bozeman - <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/10/best-pizza-bozeman.html" target="_blank">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/10/best-pizza-bozeman.html</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Japanese soul food - <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/10/tanoshii.html" target="_blank">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/10/tanoshii.html</a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All restaurant reviews <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/restaurant%20review" target="_blank">- https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/restaurant%20review</a></div></span></div></div></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com05 Tai Ln, Bozeman, MT 59715, USA45.6635033 -111.054439517.353269463821157 -146.2106895 73.973737136178841 -75.8981895tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-55814736649657044492023-12-12T13:45:00.009-07:002023-12-23T08:41:32.836-07:00The Old Farm - A Memoir<p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XmZpXS4rnAWJej1CjGegNWu9NSL57YjNXWxK2h3WMRvpqd1Npzj4bfYPnP4fcuboIY-ZqwLkNtVAnsdzE7F37kiH7bQTD07wlnMJ0WIV_by7ViXbWYgHcrhtzHV2TT3FxqmDSulcLmHruczEkyHATJaxvgheM5zd2NhGwwwDuIxb3cRBbYBMp-MIcCy-/s1032/Old%20Farm.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Old Farm, a memoir" border="0" data-original-height="692" data-original-width="1032" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-XmZpXS4rnAWJej1CjGegNWu9NSL57YjNXWxK2h3WMRvpqd1Npzj4bfYPnP4fcuboIY-ZqwLkNtVAnsdzE7F37kiH7bQTD07wlnMJ0WIV_by7ViXbWYgHcrhtzHV2TT3FxqmDSulcLmHruczEkyHATJaxvgheM5zd2NhGwwwDuIxb3cRBbYBMp-MIcCy-/w400-h269/Old%20Farm.jpg" title="The Old Farm, a memoir" width="400" /></a></div>What follows is <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/11/rip-mary-ann-vinciguerra.html" target="_blank">my mother's</a> recollection of her summer days at The Old Farm, her family's first summer home near Blairstown, New Jersey. Although her family sold the property when she was nine years old, she fondly recalled those days until the end of her life at age 84. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">She presented her story on 31 handwritten pages, which my uncle recently shared with me. I am guessing that she wrote this sometime in the early to mid-1990s, as she mentions it had been 50 years since she summered at the Old Farm. </i><i style="font-family: verdana;">I feel fortunate that she left these memories, and I enjoyed preserving her story. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">I added the headings. They were not part of the original story.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The Old Farm, Warren County, New Jersey" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8mtcJ-5ZEAfXUBB6mg0MjqH8v1qdErndlZfCqZtBUosZo9Fv18_xI8vhDaaBVSyWR3bcHuUchoWT_bOdD3xJphyoobglDoNIk0P_TF3sImSiWUoKIyWRI9KFRFTIFba57Ih5phYj_2UJCSbNtGzqrk6gFgv4hTbxdmgStcl5aqLmORqJWD4UC-GR1aATN/w400-h300/Pages.jpeg" title="The Old Farm, Warren County, New Jersey" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~</div><p></p><p></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b>The Old Farm</b></div><b><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Memoir By Mary Ann Manno Vinciguerra</b></div></b></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Though I was born and grew up in Newark, New Jersey, I spent all my summers as a little girl in Warren County. Our place was an old farm on a steep, narrow dirt road near Blairstown off Route 94. My father called it Walnut Valley Road, but I have heard it referred to as Mountainside Road. The Yards Creek Plant is now at the top of that road. <i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju61LuhDI0ktGaRXdf3u0n8Gn1ttcqw8mi8OtZpcDliMUe7pY2IKzqr9A5JWrtBPq9YVCgcYIeW9lZgjMkyDpig5VHJ65O-30vFz505C_E-Kwp8lhqEH2KnnIHwtTmR53Bxs8OUXWTs1AsUvvrd729OuIPr1aLTAyAzOuXzj7SuhCcJ7Q2XrFLffpec1LM/s3447/Intro.jpeg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img alt="Handwritten history, The Old Farm, Warren County, New Jersey" border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju61LuhDI0ktGaRXdf3u0n8Gn1ttcqw8mi8OtZpcDliMUe7pY2IKzqr9A5JWrtBPq9YVCgcYIeW9lZgjMkyDpig5VHJ65O-30vFz505C_E-Kwp8lhqEH2KnnIHwtTmR53Bxs8OUXWTs1AsUvvrd729OuIPr1aLTAyAzOuXzj7SuhCcJ7Q2XrFLffpec1LM/w400-h153/Intro.jpeg" title="Handwritten history, The Old Farm, Warren County, New Jersey" width="400" /></a>(Transcriber's note: The plant was built in 1965.)</i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our curious old house, much altered now, was on one side of the road, but the barns, orchards, and most of the property, which went up into the mountain, was on the other. Fred Belet now makes his home in the big barn and the other big barn, in which we often played, is now his garage. There was an enormous old touring car in there with a big wooden steering wheel. We played cops and robbers in that car. I guess it was the robber’s car for one of my female cousins was always Masie, the robber’s girlfriend. I also remember the big iron anvil in that barn, and the grinding wheel upon which we would play bicycle. Fred Belet has restored the building beautifully inside and out, and I’m so glad a small part of the Old Farm is so lovingly reserved.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br />The Nicolettis</b></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnI9rwpm_cAZtZbb1prY23rnNkNP6mZRTYrJUziLEfu6ZTTZuNkKopNgUcpDlBgruermTMiRaDe9gskWtYhgNJNhTyhC6cJkorxRtvqj7xz-BKj3S0N2x-Kses2NE3MRtuOxJOUtj7qstckOhajAW54cZYXkK0fjdFQa0Lm7OP6SknS25TLxBC97lckfK/s1386/Girls.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="The Old Farm" border="0" data-original-height="826" data-original-width="1386" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnI9rwpm_cAZtZbb1prY23rnNkNP6mZRTYrJUziLEfu6ZTTZuNkKopNgUcpDlBgruermTMiRaDe9gskWtYhgNJNhTyhC6cJkorxRtvqj7xz-BKj3S0N2x-Kses2NE3MRtuOxJOUtj7qstckOhajAW54cZYXkK0fjdFQa0Lm7OP6SknS25TLxBC97lckfK/w400-h239/Girls.jpg" title="The Old Farm" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Across from our house behind the stone wall topped with a wooden fence, were three summer houses in a row. People from New York used them, and they were all related. Old Mr. and Mrs. Nicoletti lived in the first house. The middle house I don’t know much about, and the Perrys lived in the last house. Connie Perry was my brother’s age, and they were very close, excluding my sister and me from their activities. Carmel and Ralph Perry were almost grown, at least in our eyes, and didn’t play with us.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mrs. Nicoletti kept chickens. Sometimes I was there when she butchered one. She had a funnel shaped device nailed to the corner of the house and after catching a chicken she would put it upside down in the funnel. There it was an easy matter to cut off its head. After she took it out it flopped around on the grass for a while. I don’t remember watching the plucking part.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Nicolletis had an ice cream churn, and when they made some, we were invited over.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Besides butchering chickens and making ice cream, I remember something else the Nicolletis did. When it was time for the men to drive back to the city on Sunday night, Mrs. Nicoletti would give us all bells, and as the cars drove down the road, we would ring the bells in farewell until the cars were out of sight. This didn’t last long, as the road had a curve soon after our houses, so we children rang furiously to take advantage of that special moment. Since the Nicolettis were from New York, I don’t know if this farewell was a Warren County tradition, but it is a part of my memories of summers spent there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Nicoletti’s grandson spent some summers with them, and our cousin Frankie liked to play with him. Once we were up in our apple tree, hidden by the leaves. Mrs. Nicoletti, in her long skirt and apron, came to the orchard calling for her grandson to come home. Not wanting to leave, Frankie waited until Mrs. Nicoletti was under the tree and shook apples down onto her head.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Keeping House</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Busy playing all day and being outdoors as much as possible, I gave little thought to what it took to keep the house at the Old Farm running. The scent of kerosene stirs something in my memory, but I was too young to really remember when the kerosene lamps gave our only source of light. We had an icebox, too, and I was always surprised that the delivery men knew where to find us up that long, dusty road. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don’t remember the kerosene lamps, but I do remember the outhouses (We had two). After out last trip of the day, before bed, we rushed back to the house not knowing what scary things were lurking in the still countryside that surrounded us.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">People still talk about the blueberry pies my mother turned out from the ovens and coal stove. We picked blueberries in the fields across the road, always taking with us long sticks for the snakes. We could fill pails of berries in no time, and I don’t think my mother ever made fewer than six pies at once.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Needing wood for the stove, we had a woodshed, a small building with a shingled roof. I remember the moist, sappy smell of the place. When the wood box needed to be filled, Frankie would have us hold out our arms, and he would load them with logs as high as possible. There we would march proudly into the house with our loads.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Walking to Get Milk</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the necessary but special things we did a few times a week was our walk down the hill to get the milk. We set out after dinner while there was still plenty of light. Past our barns, we went around the bend. There we passed Stony Brook and Stony Lonesome on either side of the road. They were summer places and couldn’t be seen from the road. We liked the names. One of the “Stonys” burned down during the winter, and the following summer when we walked to the place to see the ruins, I found a burned, twisted spoon in the ashes.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">After Stony Brook and Stony Lonesome the road became even steeper, and we went down Price’s Hill. Mrs. Price was also a summer person. She always had pretty flowers around the outhouse. We thought the outhouse was special because it was supposed to resemble a phone booth with the number 4U2PP. When we were old enough to understand, we thought that was hilarious. Mrs. Price’s house was another that burned to the ground one year, and I guess the outhouse went with it too.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Across from Mrs. Price in a very little house lived old Fred. Sometimes on the walls of his big barn Fred would have nailed the head of a snake. He told us you had to do that after you kill a snake because they really didn’t die until (<i>indecipherable</i>). Whenever we passed Fred’s, we looked on the barn to see if anything was hanging there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don’t know why we though that Fred, his little house, and his big barn all “belonged” to Mrs. Price. It may be that it was Fred’s own little patch of land.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then our walk took us around the big bend (The “new” road to Yards Creek doesn’t go here.) and over the arched stone bridge. We always stop to look over both sides of the bridge down to the brook and sometimes dropped a few stones in it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Continuing down to the right we would see Jams & Jellies, which was on (<i>indecipherable</i>) Road. This was the only name we knew for the ladies who lived there, for that’s what their sign said. Our cousin Frankie was very enterprising and a few times he picked berries in Jams & Jellies own fields, and then walked to their door and sold those to them.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">After Jams & Jellies, we would pass the stone pillars with lions’ heads set in them that marked the long driveway to Villa Sansone. On the right was the little cabin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkC1JmMvjZIdRsCyF_yh3B07YoEVOJHtathpe9fsJUkCdkta7MJ0P1hGfhBhs_wL4r_4U71A_4bUQPAL-xwq9PRFrlSdsWM8_5t4eiJxOWuYGWY6p-Vy_wEMCMPtnUl796nUZyFzJSe16xSqn2LXn8ApzWnBkQI7orYm0jb1x72CEsTIbNMUsm1yrshf1/s1056/Orchard.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Orchard at the Old Farm" border="0" data-original-height="1056" data-original-width="758" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifkC1JmMvjZIdRsCyF_yh3B07YoEVOJHtathpe9fsJUkCdkta7MJ0P1hGfhBhs_wL4r_4U71A_4bUQPAL-xwq9PRFrlSdsWM8_5t4eiJxOWuYGWY6p-Vy_wEMCMPtnUl796nUZyFzJSe16xSqn2LXn8ApzWnBkQI7orYm0jb1x72CEsTIbNMUsm1yrshf1/w288-h400/Orchard.jpg" title="Orchard at the Old Farm" width="288" /></a></div><br /> of the man whose son was killed when he fell off a roof. This was a good time for my mother to remind us what happened to children who didn’t mind their parents.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then, still going lower, the “farmers’” houses were next, one on each side of the road. We called them farmers but the biggest crop they grew was children. There were always several of them up on the porches and more about the property. I admired their ability to walk anywhere barefoot, but I was glad I could wear shorts or slacks or a sundress in the summer. Those little and big girls were always in the same type of dress, no matter what the weather.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">On we continued, and the road began to level out. On the left was a house with a low porch across the front and often an old couple (I guess all adults seemed old to us.) were sitting on the porch. The man had a ear trumpet to aid his hearing. Once when my father was driving by his house, he ran over one of their chickens. They negotiated a settlement, and I guess that ear trumpet was a great aid to the old man at that time.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then finally we were at the Channing’s. The house was neat, the barn was neat, and Mrs. Channing was neat. We never watched the milking. Maybe the barn was off limits to us as we often watched the milking at the next summer place we had. But I do remember visiting the pigs. Their pen was the only untidy place on that farm. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">After the milk was in, I sometimes watched Mrs. Channing strain it into a cloth. I think this was done in the house either in the neat kitchen or possibly the neat tearoom.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before we left the nice farm, we usually visited the outhouse. The interior was papered in pretty magazine covers and it was a pleasure to sit there and see kittens, babies, flowers, and other illustrations. It was nicer than Mrs. Price’s outhouse, which was mostly for show anyway. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Then we took the still warm milk and began the long walk back. By this time dusk was rapidly falling. Summer nights must have been cooler there, for I remember we wore sweaters and whenever bats swooped too low, we would grab the backs of our sweaters and cover our heads. We thought that bats could drop something sticky onto our heads and it would have to be cut out along with our hair. Maybe Fred told us that.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, clutching milk bottles and protecting our heads, we trudged up the hill until at last we approached our bend and could see a part of our big red barn. Sometimes at this point we would sing, “Just around the corner there’s a rainbow in the sky. So let’s have another cup of coffee, and let’s have another piece of pie.” (This bend in the road is where Mrs. Price lived and has been by-passed by the new road.)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>(<i>Transcriber's note: The song they sang was Irving Berlin's Let’s Have Another Cup O' Coffee.</i>)<div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WWpuRX1Igv8TAM_5Z-S019G-41CVIv7JJRxJf2ajdb0om0OB3yrgRCHO1cJzgUAzB5IywkTQFrX14X8HoO3UiKSAbO9XCk8R6FgOPZdnRXPudi0k8S6obafpuvyg5_GjS0k2bRuXEwDnjUlPO7feIzMdu4LJhgVPtMWe3yzXRKMljGJMv4Cpyux2hKcb/s1008/Car.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Car at the Old Farm" border="0" data-original-height="1008" data-original-width="713" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2WWpuRX1Igv8TAM_5Z-S019G-41CVIv7JJRxJf2ajdb0om0OB3yrgRCHO1cJzgUAzB5IywkTQFrX14X8HoO3UiKSAbO9XCk8R6FgOPZdnRXPudi0k8S6obafpuvyg5_GjS0k2bRuXEwDnjUlPO7feIzMdu4LJhgVPtMWe3yzXRKMljGJMv4Cpyux2hKcb/w283-h400/Car.jpg" title="Car at the Old Farm" width="283" /></a></div><br />Modes of Transportation</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The only time we would go further down the road would be on a Saturday morning when we were expecting my father. If Frankie were staying with us, sometimes he would take us down to Route 94 to wait for him. When we finally reached the highway, we would wait by the concrete bridge. There was a date inscribed on it. 1923? 1929? Frankie would sometimes lift us up, so we had a seat as we waited. I think that bridge is still there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My father always had a big grin on his face when he saw his nephew and children waiting for him. Into the big Buick we clambered. Even with a week’s supply of food and other things there was more than enough room for all of us in that old car. The “trunk” was actually a trunk attached to the back and was big enough to hold our many necessities. (When the car was sold my father kept the trunk and my brother packed it and shipped it up to Maine when he started college. He said he was the only Freshman whose trunk said, “Body by Fischer.”)</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back up the hill we traveled, past the lovely stone house on the corner, past the next old house, which had a charming old-fashioned garden, past the little schoolhouse, and then to Channing’s. Up, up, up until we came to the <i>(indecipherable)</i>. As we crossed over the brook, we had to slow down for the big bend in the road. Would the reduced speed make it impossible to make it up Price’s hill on the first try? Would my father have to back up and make a fresh attack on the hill? We would all lean forward in the back seat to “help” the car along.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another exciting happening would be meeting with an infrequent car coming down the road. Then both drivers would have to steer to the right side, right into the dusty bushes. With smiles and waves our car would proceed while the other waited. Probably the car going up that steep hill had the right of passage!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">It wasn’t often that cars drove by our house and whenever we heard one, even if we were at the dinner table, we all jumped up to see who was passing by. We weren’t reprimanded for this as the grownups did the same thing.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Besides the Saturday rides, we usually didn’t ride in a car all summer. I remember once going to Blairstown with someone staying with us. I was allowed to buy something in the 10-cent store, probably a coloring book or paper dolls. Another time I remember a short ride in a rumble seat. But otherwise, we walked everywhere we had to go.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDJKJcge7J1dEfP856kaHCQL0IJyRU7XjLLzsoYYwcfFSC064TFahsrmT2YKIw00G5-97S30Dk51qCivM0H4T84nyVEplNGYwwTmAOykKl4-Bw6uLLqrkR0KE5cd4AqOu1rUAT2VSiqOOsjDtS57P2AVbdZ0EchASEeLrX9Bxq_uG3YzXPZ4tYvC4EMhV/s1148/Hay%20ride.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Hay Ride, the Old Farm" border="0" data-original-height="1148" data-original-width="832" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwDJKJcge7J1dEfP856kaHCQL0IJyRU7XjLLzsoYYwcfFSC064TFahsrmT2YKIw00G5-97S30Dk51qCivM0H4T84nyVEplNGYwwTmAOykKl4-Bw6uLLqrkR0KE5cd4AqOu1rUAT2VSiqOOsjDtS57P2AVbdZ0EchASEeLrX9Bxq_uG3YzXPZ4tYvC4EMhV/w290-h400/Hay%20ride.jpg" title="Hay Ride, the Old Farm" width="290" /></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">The people across the way would have their field mowed once a summer. If there were “older” young people visiting them, they would organize a hayride. The driver was very obliging. He probably was one of the farmers from down the road. These hayrides were the only other mode of transportation and much less frequent than even a car ride.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Though we went down the road a lot, we didn’t travel in the other direction as much.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Once we visited Ray Bender when he broke his leg. He lived past the Prices, well off the road. His house was a tranquil, rustic, unpainted cabin with a porch high across the front. Ray was in a wheelchair on the porch. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">His mother told us that one day the bailing ball rolled under a piece of furniture and when she stopped to retrieve it, she found a copperhead coiled there. Ray sometimes wore rattlesnake rattles. We would have loved to take one back to school, but Ray charged 50 cents and my mother wouldn’t pay that much.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ray’s father walked by our house every morning on his was to work. He carried a tin lunch pail. He had to go all the way to the highway, and I think when he got there, he had to hitch a ride to where he worked. In the evening he had the long walk up again. I wonder what he did in the winter.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Genuine Swimming Holes</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Past Ray’s, past houses that I think said “Bauer” and “Bender,” we would sometimes swim in Vanilla’s pool. Vanilla’s also had a well out front, and we always stopped to let down the pail and have a good drink. There is a little (<i>indecipherable</i>) garden there now where the pool used to be. The house is at the end of the road, where the Yards Creek entrance is.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We had a few genuine swimming holes. When we were very little, we swam in the brook across from Mrs. Price’s. Fred would get his sickle and make a path for us down to the water when we arrived for our first swim of the summer. There was a small, quiet pool where we did our bathing, and the water that ran into and out of the swimming area rushed along and babbled like a brook should. There were big smooth slabs of rock we could spread out on when we got out. The water must have been frigid, and the rocks warmed by the sun must have felt wonderful. I do remember how we loved to go there and the fun we had in the water.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Further down from the brook we would turn off the road and go down the road past Jams & Jellies. On that road was a dam. You couldn’t see the dam from the road but had to walk through a big field. On a hot summer’s day, the grasses felt stiff and crunchy, and </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">after a while </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">it was quite a contrast to find ourselves in deep shade under huge pine trees. When I think of going to the dam, the scent of dry grasses and pine needles always comes to mind. I think there was a tiny house of sorts where we sometimes undressed. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The big kids swam from the concrete dam itself. Sometimes Frankie would climb up a tree on the other side and swing from a tire and drop into the water. We swam at the other end where the water was shallow.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The other swimming hole was closer to our house, down Jake’s Lane. This was past our barns at the bend in the road. The charming stone cottage at the corner is still there. I have heard my father tell the story of how Jake Eckstein appeared at our house one day greatly agitated. He had bought land adjacent to ours and had started to build himself a house when he discovered we was building on our land. My father soon reassured him that it was okay, and they came on a neighborly agreement. I think the affair of the run-over chicken and the man with the ear trumpet was harder to settle.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">In contrast to the way to the dam, Jake’s Lane was bordered with trees on both sides, and when I think about walking there, I remember the damp, earthy smell of the woods. Once as we approached the lake a great white heron rose up and flew away startling us all.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sometimes we would take a bar of soap with us to these places, even after we had a bathroom. It was fun to bathe outdoors and play with the suds.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whenever we returned from swimming, especially if we had been to the brook or the dam, we were very thirsty. We would run to our pump house and Frankie would pump up the coldest, most delicious water in the word. We kept jelly glasses there for drinking, and everyone had a turn. At these times it was good to be the youngest and go first.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Saying Goodbye to the Old Farm</b></span></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9Du2orHsOq4XXODhJZZ2hDkeZzxuT2HCq-wWRrgdqJMGVze-08fPNpIU75-DZoq0q7Da7igv734JAbpsu8bQ29h83zFcDvmT-HlMHXy694cb15IKa_FsRAGhYYZbS-6tpz_JvehhKAL6UliFLTetvdeVuOCMZmA78xmFHZWMiIXmyrpAz06j05Jtnj13/s4032/War%20Rations.jpeg" style="clear: left; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="War Rations" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo9Du2orHsOq4XXODhJZZ2hDkeZzxuT2HCq-wWRrgdqJMGVze-08fPNpIU75-DZoq0q7Da7igv734JAbpsu8bQ29h83zFcDvmT-HlMHXy694cb15IKa_FsRAGhYYZbS-6tpz_JvehhKAL6UliFLTetvdeVuOCMZmA78xmFHZWMiIXmyrpAz06j05Jtnj13/w400-h300/War%20Rations.jpeg" title="War Rations" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">"If you don't need it, don't buy it."</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Our last summer at the Old Farm was in 1943. With the war and gas rationing, my father was worried about making the trip each week. As he was self-employed, he had a very low allotment. For some reason and probably because the children were getting older and craved more action in the summer, the New York people from across the way didn’t go up much. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My mother told me just a few years before she passed away that she never slept well when my father wasn’t there. She even wanted my father to sell the place the first time the three of us got poison ivy!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, the Old Farm was sold to the Gebhardts, who had a summer camp for children there for a while. Now the farm has been divided, a new road goes behind the house, and only two of the barns are left across the way. They are beautifully kept by Fred Belet. The apple trees are gone, but the mountain beyond will always be there.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Back to the City and on to the Next Old Farm</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">During the months we were in the city, we would hear infrequent news of what was happening back in the country. We read in the <i>Newark Evening News</i> that the last covered bridge over the Delaware River was washed away in a storm, of a bear caught by hunters on our mountain, of a wreck of a small airplane there, too.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">When we heard of these happenings, we felt set-apart and more privileged than our friends because of our knowledge of these places. They never walked on a road where there was no traffic. They never had to go for the milk or go down to the brook for a swim or have a hayride. They didn’t even know what poison ivy looked like or what kinds of places to avoid because of snakes. Yes, we were privileged.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We had another summer place to go the next year, an old farm in Morris Country, and we like it, too. My parents eventually retired there. It was their last home.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whenever I think of childhood summers it is back to the Old Farm I go. Even after 50 years, the sights and sounds and smells of those long, hot summer days are with me, and when they come to mind I relive once again the perfectly wonderful summers of childhood. </span></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>A bit more about the Old Farm</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My mother's younger sister Helen had these recollections after reading the memoir....</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>I was too young to remember much except the names. Yes, I had to walk to Channings for milk even though was only a few years old. I was also too young to be allowed to go many places without an adult, unlike my brother and sister. I remember being in the barn and in the old car but that is all. I remember going to the brook to swim. One story she forgot was us walking to the brook (I thought it was Jake but maybe it was Fred) who came out when we all screamed because there was a snake in the road. He killed it for us. It was poisonous, but I don't remember what kind. My memory only includes having electricity. Our cousin Frankie took me all over on his bicycle. How my mother let me go with him I do not know as he was a little bit of a trouble maker. But he was wonderful to me and all us kids. I guess I was 3-5 when he took me and I have no idea what he was up to as there wasn't much to do.</i></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Your mother loved the Old Farm. The there was something magical about it. Maybe the isolation. Her writing makes it sound like there were people all over but we could go days and days without seeing anyone outside our house. We always had company as I don't think grandma would have stayed there otherwise. No one had a phone! No one had a car. Not even the neighbors. It was a special time. I wish I remembered more.</i></span> </blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here is a map of the area. You'll notice Walnut Valley Road, the reservoir, and the Yards Creek Generating station, all which are mentioned in the memoir. You'll also notice the green dotted line at the top of the map, which is the Appalachian Trail.</span></p><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ONc_r1bD7eOoSbxDF2iNK123Ntkuujk66eL6hdIO4ljZguAQJeMPRAAnf7LlfX7vy9a1iAOv4XmiJAOlD685bBuS2mZNVLQ6Um3IQlwPQviRUvM9i3rAGap7Rj-P869AeWRyqwk_Wv8suy1It0NxybbumBg_Hvbu9INa4gpTby22iCOd5SZ5h-fSJvHB/s1188/Old%20Farm.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Old Farm, Blaristown" border="0" data-original-height="993" data-original-width="1188" height="534" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ONc_r1bD7eOoSbxDF2iNK123Ntkuujk66eL6hdIO4ljZguAQJeMPRAAnf7LlfX7vy9a1iAOv4XmiJAOlD685bBuS2mZNVLQ6Um3IQlwPQviRUvM9i3rAGap7Rj-P869AeWRyqwk_Wv8suy1It0NxybbumBg_Hvbu9INa4gpTby22iCOd5SZ5h-fSJvHB/w640-h534/Old%20Farm.PNG" title="The Old Farm, Blairstown" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>I only went to the Old Farm once to scatter some of my mother's ashes. Here is the house in 2018, obviously much changed since it was last owned by my grandparents in 1943.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZj8dxPqvMTfOcRdEPEAN9GYlP1rIAdvWu9ZflJZ6lQDNgLPstq25HmH5cv_JA30X6hKqz5bry2ZVCFOyI5QgvNj9ONBLdRXrisP7ur8kTxVmfHVCu_wApdspfIpspqdVSF9UKP7iQ9AvX0yCzQoUrdo1JkEv8wYA3nUtv8yza_To0IHj5H5zLD4Tk5ne/s4032/IMG_0036.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Old Farm, Warren County" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEZj8dxPqvMTfOcRdEPEAN9GYlP1rIAdvWu9ZflJZ6lQDNgLPstq25HmH5cv_JA30X6hKqz5bry2ZVCFOyI5QgvNj9ONBLdRXrisP7ur8kTxVmfHVCu_wApdspfIpspqdVSF9UKP7iQ9AvX0yCzQoUrdo1JkEv8wYA3nUtv8yza_To0IHj5H5zLD4Tk5ne/w400-h300/IMG_0036.JPG" title="The Old Farm, Warren County" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">One of their barns.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCweY-5g_lBG0-mzeDXeeB1ss8Fml9KCK4Uyric9LV5jPnK8XYALrqHPR_OE0RQDtb68wA4TKyfES71BBTF6wXjYmRO7begKa6BPTOtb5x0_EUwFQOgqjcnvuuzAhmb5CH7McuO9oCw_FlubklnXHQIdGndbxxTlFWq-j1KFMIrRfLE_jIHK6t9TKT5sDv/s4032/IMG_0038.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Old Farm, Warren County" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCweY-5g_lBG0-mzeDXeeB1ss8Fml9KCK4Uyric9LV5jPnK8XYALrqHPR_OE0RQDtb68wA4TKyfES71BBTF6wXjYmRO7begKa6BPTOtb5x0_EUwFQOgqjcnvuuzAhmb5CH7McuO9oCw_FlubklnXHQIdGndbxxTlFWq-j1KFMIrRfLE_jIHK6t9TKT5sDv/w400-h300/IMG_0038.JPG" title="The Old Farm, Warren County" width="400" /></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div>This is up the road from the house. It is still a very quiet and peaceful road with few houses and little traffic. Some may be surprised to know a place like this still exists in densely populated New Jersey.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI-y2AevkP5UFkhZzd8EwK-wfK_zLn89RA3yFdfboTP9heD-dX-vEY_tLsvY2tCzF7WKhfvBUJV19Ld0flVY9Jpi3hNFVjtXyJ6L69sybeoFg2g2FfsKjxEI69NUz0r-9p5q9SEwerg4wShHkGP3y8vpTOvDJov0Z5X6xdq3rjD6xUdMqiYBfrpSR7f3W/s4032/IMG_0039.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The Old Farm, Blairstown, NJ" border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGI-y2AevkP5UFkhZzd8EwK-wfK_zLn89RA3yFdfboTP9heD-dX-vEY_tLsvY2tCzF7WKhfvBUJV19Ld0flVY9Jpi3hNFVjtXyJ6L69sybeoFg2g2FfsKjxEI69NUz0r-9p5q9SEwerg4wShHkGP3y8vpTOvDJov0Z5X6xdq3rjD6xUdMqiYBfrpSR7f3W/w300-h400/IMG_0039.JPG" title="The Old Farm, Blairstown, NJ" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What in earth is an apple knocker? The Old Farm features prominently in this post: <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2015/07/what-on-earth-is-apple-knocker.html">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2015/07/what-on-earth-is-apple-knocker.html</a></div></span></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-48613570550721080622023-11-28T17:55:00.003-07:002023-12-26T14:27:17.120-07:00The Shortcomings of American Know-How<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61KllugC-32NO6FZwi5BdsQF4NONTEc9p7gwtgbXtf3Bk5-NFBBRgsHiqdpdgIs0r9sKKeSHf_b-F7spdaGurWmPl9g2aZjLSlvZ2f1XJfXXyPiwqppdPzl7rQ3-0sf-I5GUeNfVtYkhDOwJ-oTQg3FCDebuCzvMTKPDEC4t_gbEw9XkCU9g7UAGeNA/s2048/DSCN0531.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="American Know-How" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj61KllugC-32NO6FZwi5BdsQF4NONTEc9p7gwtgbXtf3Bk5-NFBBRgsHiqdpdgIs0r9sKKeSHf_b-F7spdaGurWmPl9g2aZjLSlvZ2f1XJfXXyPiwqppdPzl7rQ3-0sf-I5GUeNfVtYkhDOwJ-oTQg3FCDebuCzvMTKPDEC4t_gbEw9XkCU9g7UAGeNA/w400-h300/DSCN0531.jpg" title="American Know-How" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My Swedish friend <h3 class="LC20lb MBeuO xvfwl" style="display: inline-block; line-height: 1.3; margin: 4px 0px 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-size: small; font-weight: normal;">Å</span></h3>sa says that European companies like to hire people from the United States because they possess "American Know-How."</span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">American Know-How is the belief that anything is possible given the willingness to work hand. Whether it be by talent, skill, or many times shear force of will, Americans are known for their willingness to </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">find creative solutions to pressing problems and make the best of, and even thrive, in challenging situations.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> American </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Know-How is a secret sauce of </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">creativity, ingenuity, and motivation that has helped Americans</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> develop bold new ideas a</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">nd create innovations that are now commonplace across the globe.</span></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">At the same time it puzzles me that a country like ours, with so many "firsts" and so much abundance, can't apply this American Know-How to things that uplift all people. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">We continue to be important leaders and innovators on a global level yet we fail to p</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">rovide a</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> social safety net that cares for everybody. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Essentially all other wealthy counties have managed to provide their citizens</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">, especially the </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">youngest, oldest, and more vulnerable members of society, with public services and </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">resources so that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, can maintain an acceptable standard of living.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are so many ways the United States is failing its citizens. If a mass shooting in an elementary school can't solve our gun and violence problems and a pandemic isn't enough to separate health insurance from our job, is there any hope that these things (plus many other ills in society) will ever change? </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">How long will it take until we use our American Know-How to shape a just, equitable society? </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are a few places where American Know-How could help usher in change.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIFdDxChCNzECxPqzGNl0VRy01xKxYPjR50d66sJX5SjafCis4Sb0WVkDbjxyegN7BGzZ7ZK59cTaFQLY4-hchoFqwVJxjiHHA97vD_7l-uYfRnZnqnnrEYQUXtNnsu-9-iiIzeeADEM6-vwNNv62hlVPEVR2MAoUfp6A0WcD0SdFl9sbrvB2O7nJ9Q/s500/'merica.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><span style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" merica.jpg="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpIFdDxChCNzECxPqzGNl0VRy01xKxYPjR50d66sJX5SjafCis4Sb0WVkDbjxyegN7BGzZ7ZK59cTaFQLY4-hchoFqwVJxjiHHA97vD_7l-uYfRnZnqnnrEYQUXtNnsu-9-iiIzeeADEM6-vwNNv62hlVPEVR2MAoUfp6A0WcD0SdFl9sbrvB2O7nJ9Q/s320/" /></span></span><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Create a universal/single-payer health care system</b>. Through the Affordable Care Act, health insurance is now widely available including for those with a pre-existing condition but it is still largely unaffordable. Many policies require a monthly premium and spending thousands of dollars before actual coverages kicks in. Policies that actually cover preventative care, vision coverage, and dental care come with a high monthly premium. If you're lucky enough to have decent coverage through your job, a layoff will find you and your family uninsured. The United States is the only industrialized nation without universal healthcare and medical bankruptcy, still common despite the Affordable Care Act, is almost unheard of outside of the United States.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Get money out of politics. </b>Large corporations have lobbyists to fight for their interests and wealthy Americans make large campaign contributions that shift the outcome of elections and shape policy. In addition, billions of dollars are spent during the presidential campaign cycle ($4.1 billion in 2019-2020. <a href="https://www.fec.gov/updates/statistical-summary-24-month-campaign-activity-2019-2020-election-cycle/" target="_blank">Source, Federal Elections Commission</a>.) in addition to the money spent on races at all other levels of government. Imagine if we could re-direct even a fraction of this money to other places.</span></li></ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Tax the wealthy and large corporations a fair amount. </b>We have allowed<b> </b>inequality to grow to staggering levels. The outdated notion is still alive that by not taxing large corporations and the wealthiest Americans these riches will somehow magically "trickle down" to the masses. Income and wealth inequality are rising, especially when you compare the United States to other developed countries. Programs/policies to increase minimum wage, expand access to education and job training, and a more progressive tax structure are slow to come.</span></li></ul><div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Establish government mandated vacation time for all workers</b>. The United States is the only wealthy country that does not mandate paid vacation. In addition, family-friendly work policies are also lacking. We're one of a few developed countries that does not </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">require employers to provide paid time off for new parents.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Keep abortion legal</b>. The right wing hopes to eliminate all abortion, which does nothing more than force people to give birth. Yet these same individuals do not want to provide affordable birth control, hope to limit sex education, and vote to cut services for the those born to poverty.</span></li></ul><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Enact strict gun control laws</b>. How much more is there to say about gun violence and gun control? Something needs to change.</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Is American Know-How a thing of the past or can we use it to uplift all people? </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">As you read this list, why do you think the United States lags behind so many countries in these areas?</span></div></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p><p></p></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-36727243567034629222023-11-26T12:51:00.057-07:002023-11-26T13:47:44.898-07:00Citizen Diplomacy in the Bozone<div class="separator"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKjGeuRknatGUI6cidV-jEpvngEiPkqIUJzjx1MCZ8tztof0_UneJ1yaBnCs7sXlBZqZaexogM56L64LbDghae5IFGO26YshRIYUy4aOm2yoVRUnIjGu6BDxXdGv5AWBE4r7aeDxNMlmcoP6yrXCuhHEoAaIXF9qsxTqw5x3O6lL2-9e3eGcJQU2Y3_av/s2048/Mail_Tatyana_luncheon.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Fulbright T.E.A. (Teaching Excellence and Achievement)" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKjGeuRknatGUI6cidV-jEpvngEiPkqIUJzjx1MCZ8tztof0_UneJ1yaBnCs7sXlBZqZaexogM56L64LbDghae5IFGO26YshRIYUy4aOm2yoVRUnIjGu6BDxXdGv5AWBE4r7aeDxNMlmcoP6yrXCuhHEoAaIXF9qsxTqw5x3O6lL2-9e3eGcJQU2Y3_av/w400-h300/Mail_Tatyana_luncheon.jpg" title="Fulbright T.E.A. (Teaching Excellence and Achievement)" width="400" /></span></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">This fall, Mike and I volunteered to be the "Friendship Family" for two members of the T.E.A. (Teaching Excellence and Achievement) group that was recently in Bozeman. Our guests were Mali, a chemistry teacher from Laos and Tatjana, an English teacher from Belarus.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">T.E.A. is a Fulbright program bringing teachers from around the world to the United States to learn about different teaching methodologies and about American culture. Our job as their hosts was to give them the chance to experience American culture first-hand through everyday activities. It was a great way for us to find out more about other cultures and get a different perspective on the place we call home.</span></div><div><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span></div><div><div><div class="x11i5rnm xat24cr x1mh8g0r x1vvkbs xtlvy1s x126k92a" style="margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word;"><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Building Peace One Handshake at a Time</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBGTGX6y4r6GO2sqLBgv_F2VcB4zGrwry7hG10QlCYRkylgXJfpZ_xpYnc6UdM6bcyolU0rZwp6RvS3t-b0HZxK6qXda-ydPk8N36yDmzFwmqhG1IoRo16M2PoaNzYn6GgQYW-yAZ-VSsLxJDHxQ27DZ-JENdI2jtdyIwRDgdImgvyJU7J140E-CDp-z7/s2048/Brdger_Mali.jpg" style="background-color: white; font-family: verdana; font-size: 15px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><img alt="Raptor Festival, Bridger Bowl" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRBGTGX6y4r6GO2sqLBgv_F2VcB4zGrwry7hG10QlCYRkylgXJfpZ_xpYnc6UdM6bcyolU0rZwp6RvS3t-b0HZxK6qXda-ydPk8N36yDmzFwmqhG1IoRo16M2PoaNzYn6GgQYW-yAZ-VSsLxJDHxQ27DZ-JENdI2jtdyIwRDgdImgvyJU7J140E-CDp-z7/w400-h300/Brdger_Mali.jpg" title="Raptor Festival, Bridger Bowl" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />During the six weeks Mail and Tatjana were in town their weeks were filled with classes, practicum sessions in the local high schools, preparing and giving presentations to various groups, and taking part in extracurricular activities through their program. We visited with them each weekend and took them to Hyalite Canyon, Yellowstone, Peets Hill, and the Raptor Festival at Bridger Bowl. We also had picnics, meals with our friends, took them on a walk in our neighborhood, plus a few other outings. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">These activities were a subtle way to give our guests a look at "everyday life" in America. It is these experiences beyond the classroom that make programs like T.E.A. so valuable for both the visitors and their hosts.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">When ordinary citizens like Mike and I visit with people like Mail and Tatjana, we become unofficial ambassadors for the United States. Our role as volunteers allowed us to show our guests who Americans are beyond generalizations and the actions of our government. Attitudes against newcomers and those who are different remain prevalent throughout much of the U.S., so I was glad Mike and I could show our guests that our country is home to tolerant people who welcome others and are keen to discover the world beyond the boundaries of the United States. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">In addition, becoming a Friendship Family was a chance for me to see Bozeman in a renewed light. Rather than focusing on Bozeman's growing crowds, rising costs, and constant changes, I saw our visitors’ excitement at experiencing Bozeman's stunning natural landscape for the first time and watched their reactions at they met the friendly, helpful, and bright-eyed people of Bozeman. It was a reminder that the combination of these two things make Bozeman a great place to call home. </span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3QIL_CACLJstwzvTqc-7TvznK2lmZ7TVG44vGv3cKtLdvdW_I9sg8qLSjCHlKxnG0ipOfKDXwEWrxpi_mGgTpXtLUwryfoXVg3FevYwXqSQSFj5WJCchT4GPLM8oqKmA0vVz9kyQuSEL4WH0eVCMVNPVKbJOodAW_8604m5Xr4sIR16k-7uSAnM7xJ_E/s4032/Ski%20Bridger.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Raptor Festival, Bridger Bowl" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj3QIL_CACLJstwzvTqc-7TvznK2lmZ7TVG44vGv3cKtLdvdW_I9sg8qLSjCHlKxnG0ipOfKDXwEWrxpi_mGgTpXtLUwryfoXVg3FevYwXqSQSFj5WJCchT4GPLM8oqKmA0vVz9kyQuSEL4WH0eVCMVNPVKbJOodAW_8604m5Xr4sIR16k-7uSAnM7xJ_E/w400-h300/Ski%20Bridger.JPG" title="Raptor Festival, Bridger Bowl" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><b>How to Become Involved<br />Becoming a Citizen Diplomat</b></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Diplomacy is carried out by the U.S. government on a daily basis, but all U.S. citizens have the chance to take part in the process. Citizen Diplomacy is the idea that any individual can help shape U.S. foreign relations “one handshake at a time.” Citizen diplomacy is also a way learn about new places, customs, foods, and more, and </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">volunteering with a program like T.E.A. is a easy way to become involved.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I recommend anyone interested in different cultures to find ways to become a Citizen Diplomat. Here are a few things you can do in Bozeman. If you're reading from elsewhere, you can start by contacting the international programs department at your local college or university.</span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Peets Hill, Bozeman" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtOnnwZi6hf5r2FbiVakMF6bQDpmJExtTQT6HDxabIq7lKvCEkJJEQoP71JJchtGvai2CnqBedZbXChHl2WFTh0FU8lNRVyBMAPJxqD85Nkv0sAAMJk4cNf9qzVK9eEvo2yw6RCbMQFvhbsVF7H4ldMNpnxR7WI41ePOX4Gc0RzuX9tBUURdtRtHr02qh7/w400-h300/Jumping.jpg" title="Peets Hill, Bozeman" width="400" /></span></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="https://www.montana.edu/international/" target="_blank">Montana State University's Office of International Programs</a> (OIP)</b> offers several opportunities to interact with intentional visitors and students. They coordinated the details of the T.E.A. visitor's stay in Montana and have hosting opportunities beyond the annual T.E.A. group including the Middle Eastern Partnership Initiative, numerous programs with Japanese visitors, and others. Call or email OIP at 406-994-4031 <a href="mailto:international@montana.edu">international@montana.edu</a>. </span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">OIP also recently started <a href="https://www.montana.edu/international/bozeman_friends_of_international_students.html" target="_blank"><b>Bozeman Friends of International Students</b></a> to connect international students with locals. </span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href=" https://worldmontana.org/" target="_blank">WorldMontana</a></b> (Formerly Montana Center for International Visitors) also hosts international visitors for short-term programs. Mike and I have hosted numerous groups for dinner parties, which is a great </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">low-commitment </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">way to become involved. They website is pretty out of date and I haven't received an email from them in a while, so I'm not sure how active they are right now.</span></li></ul></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>World Montana is an affiliate of </span><a href="https://www.globaltiesus.org/"><b>Global Ties U.S.</b></a><span>, an organization that works with the State Department to facilitate the International Visitor Leadership Programs. Currently, 90 community-based organizations like WorldMontana are affiliated with Global Ties U.S..</span></span></div></div></blockquote><div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The <b><a href="https://www.montanaworldaffairs.org/">Montana World Affairs Council</a> </b>is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering global understanding and awareness in Montana’s communities and classrooms. They are based in Missoula but conduct programs across the state with upcoming programs in Bozeman on November 30 and February 2.</span></li></ul></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span><div style="font-family: Times;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Good Times with T.E.A. Fellows</span></b></div><div style="font-family: Times;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>A few Photos of Our Adventures</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here we are on our first outing together in Hyaltie Canyon. There was constant enthusiasm, stoke, and selfies.</div></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Hyalite Canyon, Bozeman, Montana" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB9D7fM9xaZYKEXKoGU5UD1MNRBooX6FaE7YQ8o9emy_JzGwUxEw8iGOXZEEM7lgbPuY7qMwpq9ktLNHSsClokjoyV3ysLJSlJXkuR_zu4UJReDIC2DCX3cjRHq0NogjnapCqNYDyws-csWtKU6b3f5Wtdibk8EU19KbyKZs4S0K2RcqLui36a33ts9DDY/w300-h400/In%20Hyalite%20w_tea_fellows.jpg" title="Hyalite Canyon, Bozeman, Montana" width="300" /></div><span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Two photos from a trip to Yellowstone National Park. It was fun to head up to Dunraven Pass where Mali saw snow for the first time and visit the wide open spaces of the Lamar Valley.</div></span><br /><img alt="Dunraven Pass, Yellowstone National Park" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMS5el-bl0OCGIHg5DR8DSmXRRRbF4BZRUxp3-x5cbuwyWx_m7o_uhU75XCDBjaDoSSsxAcf5yLoMaAJm-NkMrRjFr_jMTab22Yxc3V-Ew0jrxboHxzdkcB2kW7PpTxOiD_prB_Qxlqg8gKvfPCleSu_5-BN7f64hLx3M_1SVHFKc99IMPKiN2jFTijUjq/w300-h400/Snow.JPG" title="Dunraven Pass, Yellowstone National Park" width="300" /><br /><br /><img alt="Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_y7GmsReBkEItt5BcVeF0-MaQ3cfXqbPZGXNU3wib730RfYWPo_KwrncLLQtxMB_A6NKcKU6aZEWdN6IlIdbkyX_QQAN87YyOJqXRDaFgGxO5M6XUw7QJQn53g0KLeI3O1WgBcUd1nFSVQO0WmC1sBBFwbqfJXqwmZUs6EN9BEpeWEf2gyQ_XMYHlZFya/w400-h300/Bison.JPG" title="Lamar Valley, Yellowstone National Park" width="400" /><span><br /><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Meeting some locals at a dinner party</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img alt="Citizen Diplomats, Bozeman, Montana" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEO4EghB6LmL0B-BsRrZeNTDyyc5372b9HgYq2yEk6e7OqypT21yE3EvxTxyws9wQPDSa9ljjowhlMQhJxS6w6vqJCuarEwD3C8Nl2vvA2LDX_mSuoL16cLN0n9GoJhbV20LwaXtI12V5CMlXwejjbKRSOijy8itwTmDgX9KFE5fabeBXJ0sxZWaIE1h2V/w400-h300/Dinner.JPG" title="Citizen Diplomats, Bozeman, Montana" width="400" /><br /><br /><span><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Hanging around Bozeman's Story Mill Park</div></span><br /><img alt="Story Mill Park, Bozeman" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJnq-Rg0DVbS9_G8K0-LbIHZWUdE4un_0GfIdmMp0LsrkO1c_WNk1A32oxmEFjRR_-baHn85Pf4gddIrBX0zG7OC9fw66iOlsUlK9UcpqjFw59-lWPya4UBtLfD9drPoIgk3Nq8z65njkQqanFu1TT2u4ZC3lQOSutyV8wiYqUJ_UzPpGQpIG_4fQYzz2v/w400-h300/On%20rock.JPG" title="Story Mill Park, Bozeman" width="400" /><br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Becoming a Friendship Family</div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUemcvDnO5YyLaLfhK9C3HfLK0vEUBgBGoOLeXRIatm2lPJJ-mzZ6eewWLZH05CfLv8O8472PNqq8m0LOM1mt1NVhja72xOo-fnONEUkEqqCQbTbe4MrqXAh2jhxAigqdXjGgjQk9xN4oz9k13kwcG1ZoVxZPue6QGoWv0EGJQYT4GlafX3jQAEgrat-Q/s2048/PeetsHill.pg.jpg"><img alt="Friendship Family, Bozeman, Montana" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUemcvDnO5YyLaLfhK9C3HfLK0vEUBgBGoOLeXRIatm2lPJJ-mzZ6eewWLZH05CfLv8O8472PNqq8m0LOM1mt1NVhja72xOo-fnONEUkEqqCQbTbe4MrqXAh2jhxAigqdXjGgjQk9xN4oz9k13kwcG1ZoVxZPue6QGoWv0EGJQYT4GlafX3jQAEgrat-Q/w400-h300/PeetsHill.pg.jpg" title="Friendship Family, Bozeman, Montana" width="400" /></a></span></div><div><br /></div></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0Bozeman, MT, USA45.679311899999988 -111.03725917.369078063821142 -146.193509 73.989545736178826 -75.881009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-87315497018557052152023-11-16T20:52:00.002-07:002023-11-22T10:42:40.286-07:00Bozeman Restaurant & Retail Comings & Goings - Fall 2023<p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNS3M2xe5Ux_5I3IchBY2GlSkVjFliQvlmjTyXA3UGL0fTCGVtDXdOTBLggZj-Wkx4nSK68Z91a-l-F9bCxYrXtOW-u9w3Dg4DdW1mgZ5S3lkjgf0Xnu59Rb39L4KxSE0vjb-njpuc6-EVVw5jKoLPSMIc7ZLnFyeamtKZs1b8P8E1OIJFtfBq7SthWeT/s4032/IMG_5384.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Bozeman, Montana" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbNS3M2xe5Ux_5I3IchBY2GlSkVjFliQvlmjTyXA3UGL0fTCGVtDXdOTBLggZj-Wkx4nSK68Z91a-l-F9bCxYrXtOW-u9w3Dg4DdW1mgZ5S3lkjgf0Xnu59Rb39L4KxSE0vjb-njpuc6-EVVw5jKoLPSMIc7ZLnFyeamtKZs1b8P8E1OIJFtfBq7SthWeT/w400-h300/IMG_5384.JPG" title="Bozeman, Montana" width="400" /></span></a><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you’re a local and haven’t made it out in a while, an MSU alumni wondering what happened to your beloved college town, or if you’re reading from afar dreaming of your next trip to (or possibly even moving to) Bozeman, here is the latest.</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~ </span></p><p></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Bozeman Update<br /></b><b>Fall 2023</b></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">While growth is nothing new to Bozeman, this recent round of development seems to be more widespread and long lasting than previous booms. No part of town is free from development with large machinery and earth moving equipment building roads, apartment buildings, homes, and commercial spaces in every quadrant of the city.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Town must have hit some sort of magical threshold in terms of population and demographics as a proliferation of chains now call Bozeman home and several businesses from Jackson Hole are expanding their empires to include a place in Bozeman. While this is the sign of a vibrant economy and Bozeman’s status as desirable place to live, we lament the Bozeman of yore where local businesses dominated, prices were reasonable, and downtown was a vibrant, friendly place to hangout. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is sad to see local businesses shutting their doors while chain stores are becoming commonplace giving Bozeman more of an Anywhere U.S.A feel. Additionally, it is heartbreaking to see so many vacant fields being developed while some buildings remain vacant or are falling into disrepair. I wish there were a way for these empty/derelict building to be revitalized before more open space is torn up. Is possible to make development happen this way?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Below is a list of business happenings around Bozeman. With stores offering $175 flannel shirts and $4,000+ cowboy boots, Bozeman is drawing more luxury shops and national and global brands. Take a look. <span style="text-align: center;">What do these new establishments say about what Bozeman is becoming? Are these changes good or bad? What will we think 20 years from now when we look back on this point in Bozeman history?</span></span></p><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Downtown</span></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Last Chance Mexican, a pricey but excellent Mexican restaurant with competent staff and an attentive owner, is closed. The short-lived Barley and Vine, the very popular and much missed Over the Tapas, and Sweet Pea Bakery all once occupied this now vacant space.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Meridian Men opened in the former home of Silver Annie’s. The original Meridian Boutique is a popular women’s clothing store that has been in Bozeman for 20 years and Meridian Men is the first foray into men’s wear. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">While it’s good to see a local business expanding, it’s strange to see Bozeman now has two men’s clothing stores on Main Street (The other is Revolvr, 30 West Main Street.) up from zero when I moved here in 2005. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Fjällräven moved into 1 East Main Street, the space formerly home to Girls Outdoors, a retailer selling outdoor inspired clothing and accessories for women. This local store had been around since 2006, had a good selection, reasonable prices, and an involved owner who retired and was unable to sell the business.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejXvBXz0soqmOmTngHY_6ehm-2xw6Zom8_vPsWiOiqoZ04sg3tmzEY9jrSjcndkKE8_eL-CLOLHpK9WGHd_DsUkYbFvIjntLCnWrAkM00hwpHO4cv1SeLGSUp4UTYOV12Nyqgy87WrW2t-QZaXam3E9-qw6S_qvA6bXACsdPzSDxkYRXNT5WSdoi6VRzK/s1440/Bags.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Fjällräven Bozeman" border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1440" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhejXvBXz0soqmOmTngHY_6ehm-2xw6Zom8_vPsWiOiqoZ04sg3tmzEY9jrSjcndkKE8_eL-CLOLHpK9WGHd_DsUkYbFvIjntLCnWrAkM00hwpHO4cv1SeLGSUp4UTYOV12Nyqgy87WrW2t-QZaXam3E9-qw6S_qvA6bXACsdPzSDxkYRXNT5WSdoi6VRzK/w320-h178/Bags.jpg" title="Fjällräven Bozeman" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Similar to Girls Outdoors, Fjällräven, a Swedish company, offers the same style of clothing but includes items for men. Before their arrival, I was only familiar with their whimsical backpacks, which I noticed primarily in Europe. I wasn’t aware that they also had a full line of clothing from burly outdoor jackets and trousers as well as tents, sleeping bags, and accessories. The Bozeman store focuses on casual apparel. </span><p></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There’s nothing you can get at Fjällräven that you can’t get elsewhere in town. Prices for this sort of lifestyle wear can be expensive and their prices are a bit higher than expected. A flannel shirt will set you back $90 to $170.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Lucchese Boot Company will open a shop on Main Street in the space that once housed Little Angels Boutique. The company was founded in 1883 in San Antonio, Texas and was sold to Blue Bell Overall Company, Wrangler’s parent company, in 1970.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">According to their website, cowboy boots start at $445, and prices go as high as $4,495. They have a dozen or so stores in Texas and Oklahoma, and a few in random places like Telluride and soon Bozeman. The signage that covers their windows shows impeccably coiffed yet rugged looking men and women atop horses in weather-beaten settings. I suspect that rhinestone cowboys, not ranchers, will be shopping at Lucchese.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> The clothing store </span>Inland replaced the longstanding Carter’s Boots and Repair (They’re now located at 1662 Bobcat Drive off Huffine). Inland is the purveyor of a large selection of hokey Western apparel and home to Meshika hats ($500-$1,300+), a company whose clients include Lady Gaga, Madonna, and Johnny Depp. If you're in the market for a Big Dumb Hat, this is the place for you.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The large storefront formerly occupied by El Camino and the Kitty Warren Social Club is still vacant solidifying the space’s reputation as one of Bozeman’s cursed locations. (Who remembers Fin?) The Okay Cool Restaurant Group ran these establishments before the building was put up for sale in January.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The Osborne Building, 223 East Main Street, was the last of the buildings to be rebuilt after the 2009 explosion. One of the owners of the Okay Cool Group was behind the project, with the new building opening in 2021. Main Street Market, a series of local shops centered around a coffee/sandwich shop was on the first level but didn’t even make it two years. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The space has been cut in half with Stio, a Jackson Hole company selling technical outdoor gear and lifestyle clothing, now open in one half of the building. Casual flannel shirts for women fall in the $115 to $175 price range.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Belle Cose, a “luxury lifestyle boutique” encouraging shoppers to “live life beautifully,” sells home goods, clothing, and jewelry. They will be moving into the other half of the Osborne this fall. I remember their original store from my Jackson Hole days, and since moving from there in 2005, Belle Cose has opened stores in Florida, California, Big Sky, and soon Bozeman.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Mountain Trails Gallery, another place I remember from Jackson Hole (Are we sensing a theme here?) now occupies the space at 303 East Main Street. Two largely forgettable pizza places occupied the space prior to Mountain Trails.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mountain Trails features Western art depicting forlorn frontier landscapes, vast opens spaces, and unspoiled territory. Paintings in chunky gold frames and sturdy bronze sculptures predominate. It's the kind of artwork you'd expected to see in a log McMansion or a business trying to promote a rustic Western image.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>At the far eastern end of east Main Street the mysterious mirror fronted Vac Shack sits empty as does the building that once housed East Main Traders. You’ll occasionally find a few squatters behind the Vac Shack but no encampments as of yet.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Mid-Town</b> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The city has been encouraging re-development of the <a href="https://www.midtownbozeman.org/ " target="_blank">Mid-Town</a> area for years but change is slow to come. The area is still largely squat one-story buildings, and the overall appearance and vibe haven’t changed much. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Elm opened in 2021, a few of the old motor lodges have gotten facelifts, and food trucks have proliferated.</span> </li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blog.bozemancvb.com/blog/midtown-district-bozeman" target="_blank">Aspen Street</a>, once home to Mixers, the old Feista Mexicana location (They’re now on 712 Wheat Drive by I-90), and a trailer park, is now a vibrant micro-district. The ground floor of the new Aspen Crossing building features the whiskey bar Bourbon and the Ponderosa Social Club, a</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> surprisingly stylish </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">restaurant with bowling, billiards, and other bar games. I found bit of a disconnect between the décor and the idea of a casual place for games but otherwise it was a comfortable spots for drinks and food. Condos are on the upper floors of the building.</span> </li></ul><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A second new building on Aspen Street features Freefall Brewery and Audrey's Pizza. Twinkle lights crisscross the street giving the area a lively feel, and Aspen Street is now classified as Bozeman's first “festival street,” which gives it the ability to close to traffic for events. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The lot once home to the City Center Inn and the Black Angus restaurant has been sitting empty since 2017 and around the corner from it on 7th and Mendenhall the building that once housed Café Internationale has been sitting vacant for about a decade and is looking tattered. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Midtown Tavern, <a href="https://people.com/politics/donald-trump-jr-kimberly-guilfoyle-denied-campaign-rally-montana-restaurant/" target="_blank">famous in 2020 for refusing to entry to Donald Trump, Jr.</a>, has been vacant for about two years.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>The space where K-Mart once stood is still empty and the large building that housed Aaron’s Appliances is for sale.</span></p></blockquote><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Other parts of town</span></b></p><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Café Zydeco building is for sale, but the restaurant is still open.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://www.montanarightnow.com/bozeman/nordic-brew-works-prepares-to-close-doors-as-new-restaurant-owner-takes-over/article_2a69f276-5e23-11ee-ab63-272e0b1bd32f.html" target="_blank">Nordic Brew Works has been bought by the Blue Collar Restaurant Group</a> with plans to open a Bozeman branch of Merry Piglets, their Tex-Mex restaurant. This will be the fifth restaurant in Bozeman for the Jackson Hole company. The brewing equipment has been removed, and I imagine the wood fired pizza oven is gone as well. While Nordic had its problems with service and consistency, they built a bright, modern restaurant with a streamlined, eye-catching mix of metal, wood, and brick. I don't imagine this look would feel right for a place like Merry Piglets so I suspect the décor is gone as well. </span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Read more about Bozeman - <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/Bozeman">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/Bozeman</a> </span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Follow the Bozeman development series - <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/bozeman-development-series.html">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/bozeman-development-series.htm</a></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few restaurant reviews - <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/restaurant%20review">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/restaurant%20review</a></span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><br /></p>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com1Bozeman, MT, USA45.679311899999988 -111.03725917.369078063821142 -146.193509 73.989545736178826 -75.881009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-69622266758034980092023-09-29T17:49:00.005-06:002023-09-30T08:31:26.925-06:00Thermal Magic in Yellowstone<span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWJCXM8XbMiUUD7hC7lIYfD0gut_6BZo_HTSqmjMRfWYwMvjnS0oUfKgyF25Aez9lNm_W4WVEZLgx7iXpHPkmy2ILUSudV0m9BI4E-cse_tAzQlks4EdNIlR4qXKTqczdqT3dLsqrmUBxSTtZBdXjyhsvyn_-ohulI3o90QwrY-wE_jq7krENrCLQrIy8/s888/Capture.PNG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Backcountry thermal area, Yellowstone" border="0" data-original-height="663" data-original-width="888" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdWJCXM8XbMiUUD7hC7lIYfD0gut_6BZo_HTSqmjMRfWYwMvjnS0oUfKgyF25Aez9lNm_W4WVEZLgx7iXpHPkmy2ILUSudV0m9BI4E-cse_tAzQlks4EdNIlR4qXKTqczdqT3dLsqrmUBxSTtZBdXjyhsvyn_-ohulI3o90QwrY-wE_jq7krENrCLQrIy8/w400-h299/Capture.PNG" title="Backcountry thermal area, Yellowstone" width="400" /></a></div><br />For those living far from Yellowstone, a trip to the park can be the highlight of the year. For Bozemanites like myself, who have two park entrances within 90 miles of home, Yellowstone is one of many nearby outdoor playgrounds. With wildlife, sweeping vistas, thermal areas, mountains, rivers, and more, there is an almost endless landscape to explore. At the same time, summertime crowds and the stop-and-go-traffic are a hassle making it is easy to get jaded about the park. With several mountain ranges an easy drive from Bozeman many locals avoid the chaos of Yellowstone in the summer. I had long done the same but over the past handful of years, I have developed a fondness for backpacking in the park.<br /><br />The National Park Service estimates that 98% of Yellowstone’s four million+ annual visitors never explore further than half a mile from their car. With over 900 miles of trails and over 290 backcountry camp spots, it’s easy to get away from the crowds. My most recent trip in August was the first time I backpacked beyond Yellowstone’s marked trails to a land few people visit. I came away with an even deeper appreciation for the park, its special features, and how lucky I am to have it close to home. Yellowstone is popular for a reason, but those wishing to put in the time and travel beyond the known will be rewarded for their efforts.</i></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeJIomxMmHa3pTOEl_3t4fxBIelF1t56-7J9ftqMC_MvtJ1M5mMNkc5pAugPSP0UIQmMHtW75OUgZA_MfE49_2Ijv-_Qyv_wn_512DUiAJfNI_dghPmAggO4r05U9Re8s0yG1orjLu7olBoJViV3X0DehKeED5S_Jc8LAttBI5tvYkyGwIEvej2XZpH0g/s1024/Fall%202.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheeJIomxMmHa3pTOEl_3t4fxBIelF1t56-7J9ftqMC_MvtJ1M5mMNkc5pAugPSP0UIQmMHtW75OUgZA_MfE49_2Ijv-_Qyv_wn_512DUiAJfNI_dghPmAggO4r05U9Re8s0yG1orjLu7olBoJViV3X0DehKeED5S_Jc8LAttBI5tvYkyGwIEvej2XZpH0g/w400-h300/Fall%202.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; text-align: left;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">A Backpacking Bushwhacking Adventure<br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Yellowstone National Park, August 2023</span></b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></b></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i8uuBesYIw677NAl5_svgb8CW9fdZ-siMV0nWXQvcIBzbkPFHs-gmbF59HeeYQV24lGCUVCetKdREhhWqHVj5HZoX-FSap2skFPy3EG7r46mvklRT03v-mi-c00I7aib3J_V0uA1JZ9lASHlYW5jaI36DwvAJ_WC-r7diNMCSYGB0PhyfPtOz6vXRppm/s1024/C58997E9-5708-493F-8717-EFD14D27784B_1_105_c.jpeg" style="clear: right; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Backcountry thermal area, Yellowstone" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4i8uuBesYIw677NAl5_svgb8CW9fdZ-siMV0nWXQvcIBzbkPFHs-gmbF59HeeYQV24lGCUVCetKdREhhWqHVj5HZoX-FSap2skFPy3EG7r46mvklRT03v-mi-c00I7aib3J_V0uA1JZ9lASHlYW5jaI36DwvAJ_WC-r7diNMCSYGB0PhyfPtOz6vXRppm/w400-h300/C58997E9-5708-493F-8717-EFD14D27784B_1_105_c.jpeg" title="Backcountry thermal area, Yellowstone" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">The thermal feature we named Four Sisters</span><br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">For this backpacking trip, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Jodi, Lynda, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Michele, and I headed out for three days and two nights. Days one and three</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> were on marked trails but day two was an off-trail bushwhack to a seldom visited thermal area. It is always wild to see thermal features beyond the park’s roadside boardwalks, and the prospect of visiting this area was especially exciting as there was no marked path leading the way.</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />When I suggested this trailless adventure, Jodi, Lynda, and </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Michele </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">agreed with little hesitation. As we drove to the trailhead, I wondered if it was a good idea. Of the several friends I asked, only one had heard of it but had not visited. A ranger friend of Michele’s didn’t know much about it and a web search revealed little. I thought back to my trip to </span><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2016/09/random-lakes-madison-range.html" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">No Man Lake in 2016</a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> when I couldn’t find much info ahead of time and ended up navigating hundreds of downed trees. After that I was convinced that if you can’t find good trip reports for an area, it’s probably for a reason. It seems as if nothing is secret anymore and almost everything worth doing has been written about. Were we setting ourselves up disappointment or worse?</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />My unease was heightened by the fact that I have a bad sense of direction and it doesn't take much for me to feel lost</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. But Jodi and Lynda had the Gaia app on their phones and were skilled at using it. Plus, there were four of us to survey the landscape and take part in the decision making.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />On the second morning of the trip a waft of Sulphur floated into our camp, a reminder that thermal features were nearby. I assessed my pile of gear while packing up and was satisfied to know that everything I needed (And not a bit more) was in front of me. A profound sense of excitement helped alleviate my doubts.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our quartet set out by following a trail from the campsite. It faded quickly and we began bushwhacking through the timber. Downed trees were scattered along our route, but they were single logs that were easy to step over, not piled pick-up-sticks style like the ones I found on the trail to No Man Lake. It was a pleasant woodland with nicely spaced trees, not scraggly and monotonous like Hyalite Canyon, and carpets of whortleberries and interesting fungus lined the forest floor. It was straightforward travel, and we reached the thermal area by mid-morning.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1991-usWITRMlf0PAOVVzglDoIVmi-Vrq9vpe7KY-c_7S9wZHn97JxxIIh2YkM9_E6na4tG69Jgqz07ErQ6onvLE70s8kEYu6VrIJU-GdFoyNdNB6lN79Q4xX6rUV9cPQ8JOooSBxNdKwtuVPWuv0nNB5LSjZFcPhE8kUkhtYurJ7yl6KznuuG2fI2P3J/s1024/24201D37-15F1-4F5D-8760-7A7C4B345381_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Fungi, Yellowstone National Park" border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1991-usWITRMlf0PAOVVzglDoIVmi-Vrq9vpe7KY-c_7S9wZHn97JxxIIh2YkM9_E6na4tG69Jgqz07ErQ6onvLE70s8kEYu6VrIJU-GdFoyNdNB6lN79Q4xX6rUV9cPQ8JOooSBxNdKwtuVPWuv0nNB5LSjZFcPhE8kUkhtYurJ7yl6KznuuG2fI2P3J/w300-h400/24201D37-15F1-4F5D-8760-7A7C4B345381_1_105_c.jpeg" title="Fungi, Yellowstone National Park" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Fun fungi</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">To the right, squalls of steam rose from the ground, but a ruckus drew us to the left. As we followed a thermal creek with lime green water, the noise grew into the dull persistent rumble of a small aircraft. Soon we arrived at a </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">bland,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> rough, rocky hillside.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZTN3EGIHzXHkYv1KyxhB90gPVUKOq755wP1zGVi7b0j_4m_6MJVLaf9zTQRq6X_5E2LcLxAKko7xyvoAw39zP_b6sd9rK5vQEsGjVw6kwz9XXjpPbk2ateFAWhGv3KMDuQNOwJQcXF55806ugjshtuVuq1wWkKX73Qe2W0betIXzuCTqZ3eZrESCkNBD/s661/Thermal,%20green.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="661" data-original-width="479" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEZTN3EGIHzXHkYv1KyxhB90gPVUKOq755wP1zGVi7b0j_4m_6MJVLaf9zTQRq6X_5E2LcLxAKko7xyvoAw39zP_b6sd9rK5vQEsGjVw6kwz9XXjpPbk2ateFAWhGv3KMDuQNOwJQcXF55806ugjshtuVuq1wWkKX73Qe2W0betIXzuCTqZ3eZrESCkNBD/w290-h400/Thermal,%20green.jpeg" width="290" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Following the poison green trickle</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Jodi, Lynda, Michele, and I stood staring as we watched the steam vents that constantly puffed, wheezed, and whistled. It wasn’t a traditionally pretty setting, but the slope was booming, and we were captivated. After exclaiming banalities like “wow” and “amazing,” I knew had a take short video, something I seldom do. We named the feature Four Sisters after the four of us and the four vents that spoke to us constantly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhfpP7V7rRk2UZKBn-52YNH4koSSuSp7P-YnUTTP52tBhQB0z7v-KQb8UM0CmoA5xz6bDloR5OY8mUBWmGjQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Next, we headed towards the smoke we noticed when we first arrived and rambled through an area dressed in subdued gradations of white, tan, and grey. In this muted landscape the brightest thing was our spirits.<br /><br />Fumaroles and thermal vents bubbled and splashed. A small mucky mud pot spewed grey and white glop. Between the hissing of the thermal features, the burble of the creek, and the soft crash of a few small waterfalls, we were surrounded by a constant dull roar. It was a backcountry landscape and soundscape like no other.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLWd7YlwXFownJgC7iMY32U18mr0-JzAX2ETlStfExOjvziijMA9JcSkIVUahnlo3S2Dz5QQuOXHXO_d1dWKJ_OgdA0bcgPxhNHn2hcRvo7Q0qyYjAgarOmSuayLEaJNxlSDZzYwKsYcPnkTDTYGN0kVu_NCuQzXhkLht4FxH64azAlMZi4LBdHGnO-UY/s1182/3EB6011E-AB13-499E-90E5-B79FEE86DC81_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Small waterfall, Yellowstone" border="0" data-original-height="665" data-original-width="1182" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLWd7YlwXFownJgC7iMY32U18mr0-JzAX2ETlStfExOjvziijMA9JcSkIVUahnlo3S2Dz5QQuOXHXO_d1dWKJ_OgdA0bcgPxhNHn2hcRvo7Q0qyYjAgarOmSuayLEaJNxlSDZzYwKsYcPnkTDTYGN0kVu_NCuQzXhkLht4FxH64azAlMZi4LBdHGnO-UY/w400-h225/3EB6011E-AB13-499E-90E5-B79FEE86DC81_1_105_c.jpeg" title="Small waterfall, Yellowstone" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Cascading waters<br /><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifI8QaWTiPUWCi-3hD2yjJITbYH9-MU8jrq8ee_ejv4378LAz0_n3QmYj2PVlGziTsl6DOmVe9DtkUiEqfhC-TPoS95a8v4CXCLejCcpOal9-XHFMJjVsDjBS-sQQ1FJ9P4cKrbFBpGhyyGxYv2iN0Xu8M1LO1yCBKUahxXIl_OXI9ay4uqnzM5FE78yfb/s1024/Thermal.jpeg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Yellowstone" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifI8QaWTiPUWCi-3hD2yjJITbYH9-MU8jrq8ee_ejv4378LAz0_n3QmYj2PVlGziTsl6DOmVe9DtkUiEqfhC-TPoS95a8v4CXCLejCcpOal9-XHFMJjVsDjBS-sQQ1FJ9P4cKrbFBpGhyyGxYv2iN0Xu8M1LO1yCBKUahxXIl_OXI9ay4uqnzM5FE78yfb/w400-h300/Thermal.jpeg" title="Yellowstone" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Another feature that bubbled and spewed</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Wandering, snapping photos, taking a lunch break, sitting silent and taking it in made the afternoon whoosh by and it was time to leave this wonderful and other-worldly place. More stark hillsides tumbled down to the creek, but soon tufts of verdant grass and evergreen trees began working their way back into the panorama. Another creek flowed up the valley, the one that would lead us to our backcountry home for the night.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I15ePjrXGIDzkCaX9ZlmjOTPzBr8V6918mQgF2gBQYw2uf6gpTUh0Z_aqj5xjbt85BLw7HfRAbNKt3fe8lH_PAkf1lWZ5A7_tqSbEksfaBLzbMNb3vS3TpZ06pHBvZAWj88nBa4RSAhdF8AEkstjCHcIPWuTkJN80CcUDE0U2Ec8fKXuDqpV8cHCuJEG/s1024/1E41322E-0A05-4335-BFD4-D0B5E6CA570D_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Yellowstone backcountry" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0I15ePjrXGIDzkCaX9ZlmjOTPzBr8V6918mQgF2gBQYw2uf6gpTUh0Z_aqj5xjbt85BLw7HfRAbNKt3fe8lH_PAkf1lWZ5A7_tqSbEksfaBLzbMNb3vS3TpZ06pHBvZAWj88nBa4RSAhdF8AEkstjCHcIPWuTkJN80CcUDE0U2Ec8fKXuDqpV8cHCuJEG/w400-h300/1E41322E-0A05-4335-BFD4-D0B5E6CA570D_1_105_c.jpeg" title="Yellowstone backcountry" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Magical landscape</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few campsites are scattered along this creek so we thought the second part of our journey would be easier than the first. Park Service put backcountry campsites here so a steady stream of people must visit the area. A social trail must exist. Right?</span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgxJewzF8Fa7xH-LmxKxUOSbvSvbIiIGiCJ3Oy9SBsL-M4k_GtlT4dTGJquvaElnDRnyzWliYQnBbCIkr0nG9-8SN_Wskc2UsFZPcRJ6-J6njlzXVFObdRU6uoh1gKmcqrCdc7al6tzJ6RItHQxCzvYWi4Ult-NgLAk7_uVjDZMttdrrQfbipbytGoFUS/s1024/Weaving%20creek.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEgxJewzF8Fa7xH-LmxKxUOSbvSvbIiIGiCJ3Oy9SBsL-M4k_GtlT4dTGJquvaElnDRnyzWliYQnBbCIkr0nG9-8SN_Wskc2UsFZPcRJ6-J6njlzXVFObdRU6uoh1gKmcqrCdc7al6tzJ6RItHQxCzvYWi4Ult-NgLAk7_uVjDZMttdrrQfbipbytGoFUS/s320/Weaving%20creek.jpeg" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">Meandering with the creek</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">We knew our route followed the creek, but we weren’t prepared for the curvy, grassy, marshy landscape in front of us. Random animal paths and corridors of trampled grass crisscrossed the area, but these never lasted long. Only occasional piles of scat plus a few human footprints let us know this area sees few visitors. The sense of remoteness was palpable, almost eerie.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRP_6EqO4Ar7dBR13Tx3lUFrLhN5kpcyooBooaFVf94sqhqqoT5i-gMh4ft7lgIDp2swb5O-Yz6y0aZ7oueUJ5R5m8vZPHMNX7GNYPNUINXTXi8iTF-kvB4FeYQmUdRLq02tLY2yFjJHrecMeC4TnlpSFEO7OxLUYzAROokIwQbvh0h1zREmrV_NY39YR/s1024/678DF9B9-65A6-4FD7-8117-9F32D4AB6051_1_105_c.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><img alt="Bison skull, Yellowstone National Park" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhRP_6EqO4Ar7dBR13Tx3lUFrLhN5kpcyooBooaFVf94sqhqqoT5i-gMh4ft7lgIDp2swb5O-Yz6y0aZ7oueUJ5R5m8vZPHMNX7GNYPNUINXTXi8iTF-kvB4FeYQmUdRLq02tLY2yFjJHrecMeC4TnlpSFEO7OxLUYzAROokIwQbvh0h1zREmrV_NY39YR/w400-h300/678DF9B9-65A6-4FD7-8117-9F32D4AB6051_1_105_c.jpeg" title="Bison skull, Yellowstone National Park" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">This guy had seen better days</span></td></tr></tbody></table></div><br />Soon Jodi, Lynda, Michele, and I came to our first creek crossing. We navigated it with river sandals, which we kept on as we knew that there would be more fords. In a few spots, jumbled piles of logs served as bridges. A bloody toe forced me to put my shoes back on, but the creek crossings kept coming so the four of us decided to save time by clomping through in our hiking shoes. In a few places, the creek curtailed our pathway forcing us up a steep slope to skirt it. Numerous ups and downs like this slowed our progress.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNBbj4c98fiTu9Y0axs7zBXcvmg5WgG_UZYhmdZW9wYpLgQYEOmqF8lPqXLdsv8rNvaJNtHL3NSXQFyX8PhKxDVDXTyxQgH7xvJzfQrNxQLlTAF4ESuPWefUeTR1jnFcfi6WNWCtvplSmfymrNHw0ja085jYHeN-UnOW0WBz55uGE8Fy4qnMn6Y3UjC99/s658/creek%20crossing.PNG" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Creek crossing Yellowstone" border="0" data-original-height="658" data-original-width="494" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHNBbj4c98fiTu9Y0axs7zBXcvmg5WgG_UZYhmdZW9wYpLgQYEOmqF8lPqXLdsv8rNvaJNtHL3NSXQFyX8PhKxDVDXTyxQgH7xvJzfQrNxQLlTAF4ESuPWefUeTR1jnFcfi6WNWCtvplSmfymrNHw0ja085jYHeN-UnOW0WBz55uGE8Fy4qnMn6Y3UjC99/w300-h400/creek%20crossing.PNG" title="Creek crossing Yellowstone" width="300" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: x-small;">The creek crossings did not let up</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><div></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The bushwhacking was tough but not demoralizing, the temperature was cool and perfect, the rain held off, and the sense of discovery kept us (mostly) perky. Nine hours after we set out and two hours before dark, we found our camp, a lovely spot at the edge of a wide meadow. It was a long day, and we were happy to be done with it.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYOE7hdA3ZfQ-BxuYcbcWOnM7R110JlAvoon8UhHG71jEFaqooKF8XsBaTHWJRZU5vMktRDHZQt3AoqjE6yGhaJZdXYRp52EWLLtXP4iP654-ymS5P9Lh9aZ4KYcUt5IJv8kCAzrWdmpzTmvUCyABeT8welygoY6tKKNJxo9P5ftfYsHaP30F0ttTJZnF/s1024/Fall.jpeg" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="Yellowstone backpacking" border="0" data-original-height="768" data-original-width="1024" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikYOE7hdA3ZfQ-BxuYcbcWOnM7R110JlAvoon8UhHG71jEFaqooKF8XsBaTHWJRZU5vMktRDHZQt3AoqjE6yGhaJZdXYRp52EWLLtXP4iP654-ymS5P9Lh9aZ4KYcUt5IJv8kCAzrWdmpzTmvUCyABeT8welygoY6tKKNJxo9P5ftfYsHaP30F0ttTJZnF/w400-h300/Fall.jpeg" title="Yellowstone backpacking" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Autumn is upon us</td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">The next morning rain began as we started the 16 mile trek back to our car. More open meadows, meandering creeks, uninterrupted vistas, a small thermal area. A few bushes and patches of grass were starting to turn yellow and red; a reminder that autumn was on its way. About 15 minutes from the trailhead, we came across the first people we had seen since day one of our trip, a mother, father, and small child decked out in raincoats. They asked how long we’d been out and were impressed with our accomplishment. Validation from this trio helped puff up my ego, and I felt like a badass. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk1ObrzuZ8lsceeUSa0wsBTVwV8_hv8Gf1AXtD1F6Yt1jpd-GnJiezqRuXItmQ3roL24GK_-l0yfLdVnyBRwAzUyM8PeDjy9sTraHcAlLmVS1OSTtWGNFHxEaOv9-fzLBA-8STuiuBes6LBtWf9ZZ96f__cR2kdWZ7mRCzfcGI8lQJOKw66garovnQdk3/s654/Wild.PNG" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img alt="This is what a "badass" looks like." border="0" data-original-height="654" data-original-width="484" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuk1ObrzuZ8lsceeUSa0wsBTVwV8_hv8Gf1AXtD1F6Yt1jpd-GnJiezqRuXItmQ3roL24GK_-l0yfLdVnyBRwAzUyM8PeDjy9sTraHcAlLmVS1OSTtWGNFHxEaOv9-fzLBA-8STuiuBes6LBtWf9ZZ96f__cR2kdWZ7mRCzfcGI8lQJOKw66garovnQdk3/w296-h400/Wild.PNG" title="This is what a "badass" looks like." width="296" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is what a "badass" looks like.<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the rainy parking lot, we changed into warmer, dry clothes and dumped our soggy gear into a big plastic bag. Despite the less-than-ideal conditions, I couldn’t stop smiling. This trip was magic</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ru-0EQE0r_D8H9jbSRL_VFXSOYqJqtExzGTXfUkpb3_NMvnUwP-LiQG436TbV8tSJAkWzyyRPKSTBJRftRBRNPXrqZ2vEb6Cc6kMPDn2yfJ1MlX1EPYZoqSfMyVb8mOWMLKPiQw9624WIqsrSejZJF0jl6WP4weqwt8SGKiZGCb_WT_YcLx3NvDkyfsf/s594/Bridge_Comparison.PNG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Yellowstone National Park" border="0" data-original-height="594" data-original-width="426" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ru-0EQE0r_D8H9jbSRL_VFXSOYqJqtExzGTXfUkpb3_NMvnUwP-LiQG436TbV8tSJAkWzyyRPKSTBJRftRBRNPXrqZ2vEb6Cc6kMPDn2yfJ1MlX1EPYZoqSfMyVb8mOWMLKPiQw9624WIqsrSejZJF0jl6WP4weqwt8SGKiZGCb_WT_YcLx3NvDkyfsf/w286-h400/Bridge_Comparison.PNG" title="Yellowstone National Park" width="286" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our last creek crossing!</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />We hear there is another even more magical off-trail thermal area beyond the one we explored. Even fewer people visit, and a web search reveals little. Those who write about it say it’s hard to get to and piles of downed trees make for a slow and arduous journey. We are tempted but perhaps this trip is enough.<br /><br />As time goes on and my memory of the challenges begins to fade, will this other thermal area and its anticipated grandeur fill my thoughts? Will I be content with this one random trip, or will I aim for the sense of discovery that comes from visiting another seldom visited site? A place few people have been to and most will ask “Where is that?” when I mention it; a place to renew my sense wonder and wow over Yellowstone if I again get jaded with the crowds and traffic. <br /><br />We will see...</span></div></div></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>More about Yellowstone</b></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><u>Skiing</u></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/06/skiing-sepulcher.html">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/06/skiing-sepulcher.html</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2016/06/ski-tour-yellowstone.html">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2016/06/ski-tour-yellowstone.html</a></span></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2015/01/skiing-near-big-horn-peak-in-yellowstone.html">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2015/01/skiing-near-big-horn-peak-in-yellowstone.html</a></span></span></li></ul><div><u>Backpacking</u></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2015/08/an-overlooked-gem-sky-rim-trail-in.html">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2015/08/an-overlooked-gem-sky-rim-trail-in.html</a></span></span></li></ul></span></div><br />Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com2Yellowstone National Park, United States44.427963 -110.58845516.117729163821153 -145.744705 72.738196836178844 -75.432205tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-22358353734617505712023-08-26T18:42:00.011-06:002023-08-28T09:47:38.723-06:00Bike Commuting in Bozeman - Okay or Crazy? (Plus Seven Top Tips)<p><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgD0Nn0b1yDLEmDfAhhSCMfNIUnFAODEzVcVEY3elE_gUUKL75Rh5lMVuuLyiVP4r2P27rH37BFvUYNCcPFhtYv_DeI9M7pf1xOOiHQXfMiBMym4WfFqnnJRWlq0OjXxWBMuvmtQGrc_c_4DnxFePDzYv4j7vMJyI6w5fQJytat_RftjXyKmpbhq8065q/s3024/Bike_Roof.JPG" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bozeman Bike Commuting Tips" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="3024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitgD0Nn0b1yDLEmDfAhhSCMfNIUnFAODEzVcVEY3elE_gUUKL75Rh5lMVuuLyiVP4r2P27rH37BFvUYNCcPFhtYv_DeI9M7pf1xOOiHQXfMiBMym4WfFqnnJRWlq0OjXxWBMuvmtQGrc_c_4DnxFePDzYv4j7vMJyI6w5fQJytat_RftjXyKmpbhq8065q/w400-h400/Bike_Roof.JPG" title="Bozeman Bike Commuting Tips" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">This post focuses on biking to commute to work, social events, grocery shopping, errands, etc., not recreational biking.</span></i><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>I'm curious to hear your opinions, tips, and resources for bike commuters. Leave them in the comments section of this post (You can post anonymously without an account) or send me a message using the Get in Touch form on the upper left of my homepage.<br /></i></span><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></i></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In Bozeman, it’s hard to reach a consensus on the state of things for bike commuting. Is it good, just okay, or an accident waiting to happen? While there are places where bike infrastructure has improved since I moved here in 2005, no one ever claims bike commuting in Bozeman is great.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bozeman has been growing fast for decades, yet is still a very car-focused town. P<a href="https://www.kbzk.com/news/local-news/downtown-bozeman-paid-parking-no-longer-in-the-works" target="_blank">eople are whooped up over lack of parking, reject placing parking meters downtown, and call for more parking garages</a>, and bike infrastructure and public transportation seem to be secondary or lesser concerns. Given Bozeman's already dense urban landscape, it will be difficult and expensive to improve bike commuting conditions in town.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Despite these limitations, each day the roads are snow-free, I bike from my home on the west side of Bozeman to my job at Montana State University Library – about 3+ miles each way. H</span>alf of my ride is on West Babcock Street in a dedicated bike lane with no cars parked on the street and a stop sign at every intersection. There’s one slightly tricky merge into traffic followed by a left turn </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">across West Main Street near Albertson’s </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">(Fortunately, the light has a left turn arrow) but then it’s a quick right turn onto quiet residential roadways followed by a bike path to campus. </span></p><p><span class="ContentPasted0" style="font-family: verdana;">Some, including enthusiastic recreational bikers, think my commute is dangerous. Yes, a separated bike lane with a barrier from traffic<span class="ContentPasted0" color="inherit" style="border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></span><span class="ContentPasted0" style="font-family: verdana;">(Posts, planters, etc.)</span><span class="ContentPasted0" style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span class="ContentPasted0" style="font-family: verdana;">would be better </span><span class="ContentPasted0" style="font-family: verdana;">but it is far from dangerous or “crazy.” I don’t think I’m out of my mind or naive (As some have suggested) by making this trip most days. </span></p><p><span class="ContentPasted0" style="font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">My ride is part of my daily ritual, as enjoyable as a morning cup of coffee or writing in my journal and reading in the evening. It is rewarding to begin and end my work days with a bit of exercise, and getting around on two wheels is my way to lessen my impact on the planet. I won't let less than ideal conditions stop me, and o</span><span class="ContentPasted0" style="font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">ver the years </span><span class="ContentPasted0" style="font-family: verdana; font-style: inherit; font-variant-caps: inherit; font-variant-ligatures: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">I have developed a few strategies for staying safe while pedaling </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are my tips. (I won’t get into what kind of bike to ride, helmets, lights, etc. The internet is full of articles on biking commuting. Just Google it.)</span><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>The A-List Guide to Bike Commuting in Bozeman</b></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Top Seven Tips</b></span></div><p></p><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be patient. </span></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Take your time. You’re likely going to work or the grocery store so you can spare a few minutes.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> Pick the most relaxing route, not the shortest.</span></span></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="white-space: pre;"></span></span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Never try to outrun a yellow light.</span></p></blockquote><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Keep your eye out for everything and anticipate obstacles. </span></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Road Work Ahead signs in the bike lane (not uncommon in Bozeman during the summer), parked cars, pedestrians, potholes, colleges kids on scooters...obstacles are endless. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Be prepared to adapt and slow down if needed.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Act predictably by letting others know what you’re doing to do before you do it.</b> </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Communicate with drivers and pedestrians. (Smiles and waves are appreciated and can lighten the mood when things get tense.)</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><a href="https://bikeleague.org/videos/signaling-and-scanning/" target="_blank">Use hand signals</a>.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Use a bike bell and/or say “Bike behind you” if you want to pass a pedestrian. (I avoid “To your left/right” because it often creates confusion. Many times we see predestinations move to the left/right when we say that rather than letting us pass by on their left/right.)</span></p></blockquote><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiNRReCUisbAEXUQbZNhb428f0iNcfhpyIdoCanr3vvmn8-pK9dKypxTwQkfQCudTzBZ7GXVwKq03uNJV6mDDZNUpbCb7Whf_knzQBN-nNlFkOUvENEW2SQImXQMqQoKooFpx1SyOlUQokXuvrwwTiKmuS31VCEA3hEx1XEvR0GKQJUvlAIv-bOWuw6tK/s4032/Biek%20rasining.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Bozeman Bike Commuting Tips" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhiNRReCUisbAEXUQbZNhb428f0iNcfhpyIdoCanr3vvmn8-pK9dKypxTwQkfQCudTzBZ7GXVwKq03uNJV6mDDZNUpbCb7Whf_knzQBN-nNlFkOUvENEW2SQImXQMqQoKooFpx1SyOlUQokXuvrwwTiKmuS31VCEA3hEx1XEvR0GKQJUvlAIv-bOWuw6tK/w400-h300/Biek%20rasining.JPG" title="Bozeman Bike Commuting Tips" width="400" /></span></a><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">4)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Assume cars don’t see you and assume they will turn without</span></b><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> signaling.</span></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Use caution when biking in front of a car at a stop sign. Do they see you? Slow down, look them in the eye, and don’t pass until they look in your direction. (Another opportunity to be friendly and acknowledge drivers.)</span></p></blockquote><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">5)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Avoid being “doored.”</span></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Look for heads in car windows and taillights – signs a car may open its door or pull out. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Ride away from parked cars if possible by leaving a door size space between you and the cars.</span></p></blockquote><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">6)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Get off your bike and walk across a busy intersection if you have to. </span></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Cars often seem to give more room to pedestrians and being on foot can make you more nimble if you need to maneuverable quickly. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> B</span>ikes are considered vehicles and must follow all traffic rules. Cars do not have to stop for bikes as they do for pedestrians. If a car does stop for you (This often happens in Bozeman – people think they’re being nice), acknowledge them by waving, nodding, or smiling. This is not the place to get into an arm waiving “You go,” “No, you go” conversation. </span></p></blockquote><p><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">7)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t be a jerk.</span></b></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Yes, I know you’re fast and fit and you “bike everywhere.” That doesn’t make you superior and that doesn’t mean everyone in a car “hates bikers” and is out to ruin your day. Enjoy the journey. We're all in this together.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t expect to be able to flick your head over your shoulder and zoom across traffic without signaling or slowing down. If a car gets close to you in these situations, it’s not because biking in Bozeman is “crazy." Please think about your role in this circumstance.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t argue with drivers while on your bike. It is impossible to educate a driver from the seat of your bike, it makes bikers look angry, and it does nothing to endear the public to the idea of bike commuting.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Don’t be the one who dies saying “But I had the right of way.”</span></p></blockquote><p style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bike Resources</span></b></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>I encourage everyone to commute by bike when practical. The more people who get around on two wheels, the more people who are out there to get involved and help make a case for improved commuting infrastructure. Here are some ways for you to make a difference</span>.</span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://gogallatin.org/#/" target="_blank">Join the <b>Go Gallatin Commuter Challenge</b></a>.</span></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://gogallatin.org/#/">Check out the<b> </b></a><a href="https://weblink.bozeman.net/WebLink/Browse.aspx?id=240435&dbid=0&repo=BOZEMAN"><b>Bozeman Transportation Advisory Board</b></a>, a citizen group committed to improving biking and walking conditions throughout town. Consider becoming a board member </span><a href="https://www.bozeman.net/departments/city-commission/advisory-boards" target="_blank">https://www.bozeman.net/departments/city-commission/advisory-boards</a>)</li></ul></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://gallatinvalleybicycleclub.org/advocacy/" target="_blank">The <b>Gallatin Valley Bike Club</b> has an advocacy page</a>. They are a resource for biking but I'm not sure if it is kept up with their advocacy work.</span></li></ul></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The group <a href="https://www.peopleforbikes.org/" target="_blank"><b>People for Bikes</b></a> is doing great work on a national level. Check them out.</span></li></ul></span><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><a href="http://triangletransportationplan.com" target="_blank">The Triangle Pla</a>n</b> </span>is Bozeman's guide for developing pedestrian and bike infrastructure. There is a detailed report, but I couldn't find any information on what the next steps are or if any progress has been made so I emailed Gallatin Valley Land Trust to find out more. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">They told me of a possible extension of the bike path along Huffine Lane, which will be a step forward in implementing the plan. They also mentioned that "much of that plan is focused on ensuring developers build connections as they subdivide and build. In that vein, GVLT is reviewing subdivision applications in the Triangle area to ensure compliance and submits comments to the Planning Department, which becomes part of the staff report to the Commission."</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />Public input was sought and thousands of dollars were spent to create this plan. I question the logic of leaving the implementation to developers. I think we can do better as a community but the question is how and with what resources. What are your thoughts? </span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">More on bike commuting</span></div></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/01/snow-biking.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/01/snow-biking.html</a></span></li><li><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/01/bike-commuting-in-snow.html"><span style="font-family: verdana;">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/01/bike-commuting-in-snow.html</span></a></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">And one piece about fun times on a bike:</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2013/07/fat-tire-exploration-in-gem-city.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2013/07/fat-tire-exploration-in-gem-city.html</a></span></div></div><div><div><div><p></p></div></div></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com6Bozeman, MT, USA45.679311899999988 -111.03725917.369078063821142 -146.193509 73.989545736178826 -75.881009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-89574019345005741402023-06-29T17:45:00.008-06:002023-07-03T12:15:14.959-06:00A Moment in Mostar<p><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i></i></div><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKNoVqnLCY0g2W-8G3m9Z5XRbhKA-itbuxA5NzfvOxSoSSG3Z6rkdpxDHuiicImRkHPuYkYJxgGYABBCfvTOK_j8r1l5M85Uatlupa-w6U0c1U4Xa0DBzUFZF2NM7fyGtA_FaK9KxSygy71E1PoJKeoc2V6y7b4sjKmbaIkDkeqkh8xmGoOQqKBBSOaij/s4608/Bridge_Pastel_Buildings.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Mostar, Bosnia" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfKNoVqnLCY0g2W-8G3m9Z5XRbhKA-itbuxA5NzfvOxSoSSG3Z6rkdpxDHuiicImRkHPuYkYJxgGYABBCfvTOK_j8r1l5M85Uatlupa-w6U0c1U4Xa0DBzUFZF2NM7fyGtA_FaK9KxSygy71E1PoJKeoc2V6y7b4sjKmbaIkDkeqkh8xmGoOQqKBBSOaij/w400-h300/Bridge_Pastel_Buildings.JPG" title="Mostar, Bosnia" width="400" /></a></div>Here is one that got lost in my drafts folder. It's a quick sketch of a night in Mostar, Bosnia during our Croatia and Bosnia trip last summer.</span></i><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a name='more'></a></span></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Another day of exploring the Bosnian countryside is coming to an end. Mike and I are back in Mostar, our rental car is safely and legally parked on a narrow backstreet (A huge relief), and it's time for dinner. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>We pick a restaurant on a terraced hillside. Our secluded perch is far enough away from the </span>main thoroughfare that we can hear frogs cheeping in the verdant canopy. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">We're here during a heat wave and are thankful for the trees that provide shade making it the coolest and most pleasant part of our day.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Night has set in as dinner comes to an end and twinkles of light prick the inky sky. It's still relatively early and it’s a shame to head back to our room, so Mike and I grab a bench along the cobblestone streets of Kujundžiluk (The Old Bazaar). </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMwZz6dMmsGPhhUYnXfeBOe278s38r5ErbLlob_ryUIvcneFU2RVJaOknQhD_pCykfD_5HCFh1GpCF-x2f1NIlgs3R9Uy0MXm1AE28mSfUcbeuVA4nex521cnsZfYziVOwm2I-_jD29XT7HujKhARMHfUgS6Fd03YBz4hX9ALgNxlr5vPbY6SCOXliASf/s4608/Shops.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Mostar, Bosnia" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYMwZz6dMmsGPhhUYnXfeBOe278s38r5ErbLlob_ryUIvcneFU2RVJaOknQhD_pCykfD_5HCFh1GpCF-x2f1NIlgs3R9Uy0MXm1AE28mSfUcbeuVA4nex521cnsZfYziVOwm2I-_jD29XT7HujKhARMHfUgS6Fd03YBz4hX9ALgNxlr5vPbY6SCOXliASf/w400-h300/Shops.JPG" title="Mostar, Bosnia" width="400" /></a>This area, a pedestrian zone, is home to coppersmith studios, galleries selling original art, and shops hawking t-shirts and other tourist garb. Nearby, restaurant patios overlook the Neretva River. There are all of the right ingredients to draw people out and a pleasant buzz fills the air.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mostar's famous bridge, Stari Most, forms our backdrop. This masterpiece, originally built in the 16th century, rises 130 feet above its base and gracefully traverses the </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">river in a single arch. It is considered an exemplary piece of Balkan Islamic architecture and was brought back to life in 2004, 11 years after the original was destroyed during the Bosnian war. </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS70ClplA5B1Ffp9OEGp_fhSjLnw0X33179E_LVyHFzJmnscyBdvaFqxhGWC9RcmIAQO70C33w_EncifmEimKxznoxeG1EwDNxfPuEutzvNYvlGuZc-sKFHJcBetX1j7M5QY54n-rbR5FjMctYtSJ1GaWsp0lAMaxp9nwmumnekNG96nqWwL1jaqqqbZdR/s4608/Bridge_at_NIght.JPG" style="font-family: "Times New Roman"; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Mostar, Bosnia" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhS70ClplA5B1Ffp9OEGp_fhSjLnw0X33179E_LVyHFzJmnscyBdvaFqxhGWC9RcmIAQO70C33w_EncifmEimKxznoxeG1EwDNxfPuEutzvNYvlGuZc-sKFHJcBetX1j7M5QY54n-rbR5FjMctYtSJ1GaWsp0lAMaxp9nwmumnekNG96nqWwL1jaqqqbZdR/w400-h300/Bridge_at_NIght.JPG" title="Mostar, Bosnia" width="400" /></a></div><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Mostar is a land where spindly minarets poke skyward and share a skyline with </span>Catholic and Orthodox church towers and a synagogue. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">They say the bridge is a symbol of unity c</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">onnecting the Muslim and Orthodox sides of the city. Is this </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">land a true blending of cultures in harmony or is it a place of thinly disguised animosity</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">?</span> <span style="font-family: verdana;">The truth? Locals will tell you that this, along with much about the war</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and the situation in the Balkans, is complicated. The romantic in me (And probably the tourist board) likes to think that all is good so I adopt a Pollyanna attitude and get wrapped up in the scene. </span></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKePDGYS6odwU6dd9uKJpAlceT40iy7oNvsrLd56-yAeklEk2Xj5PDKLOJD4Rd3pxfbdOHs4BaPOdXq0EuiScq-45s238eTARN0SC36eLFwyO_nbJA7KF3j48WCkan8w5-q0zkYwIG5_1tC7ZA0rDy3y9piGe0wMW6hXoU33LsBFyJFQyCZkPWen_oXK_/s960/Mostar_B&W.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Mostar, Bosnia" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFKePDGYS6odwU6dd9uKJpAlceT40iy7oNvsrLd56-yAeklEk2Xj5PDKLOJD4Rd3pxfbdOHs4BaPOdXq0EuiScq-45s238eTARN0SC36eLFwyO_nbJA7KF3j48WCkan8w5-q0zkYwIG5_1tC7ZA0rDy3y9piGe0wMW6hXoU33LsBFyJFQyCZkPWen_oXK_/w320-h240/Mostar_B&W.jpg" title="Mostar, Bosnia" width="320" /></a></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">From here, scars of war are hidden, and all I see are happy unified people. Gaggles of teenagers giggle and eat ice cream cones in sensible European sized portions. Families, local and tourist alike, take part in evening perambulations. Women in head scarves share the pathways with people decked out for the clubs. Everyone strolls easily.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ali-Baba is nearby (It is literally a club in a cave) and is getting ready to </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">welcome revelers</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. Its neon lights start to pulse and the club begins pushing the bumpin’ tunes out of the speakers. At the same time, the c</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">all to prayer warbles from minarets and </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">it's hard not to be captivated by the haunting voice summoning the faithful to pause for a moment of worship.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> These contrasting sounds intermingle and are joined by hundreds of voices speaking in who knows how many languages. So many different sensations ricochet off of my eardrums, the familiar and the exotic, the natural and the electronic all jumble into one. To steal words from Neil Diamond, it's a beautiful noise.</span></p><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="The cats of Mostar, Bosnia" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK8EkMFxSp5vYtQRr49FQ7cy8VZOAG2dpaho1kLqPmkARxDogtsdbLVTb-EmxQcCRY-y53x10wMJ09wBWHUPUkaM5uZpu6NOS8PQZgXrvnVtEeALfbYB2gu4q9n69hVlWVFptGXOSvP3Q08bjNpSMHDvvrdCAHzYti1eVpYW6G4Bjj5nAPqJhqEJBtsPi/w400-h300/Red.jpg" style="font-family: verdana;" title="The cats of Mostar, Bosnia" width="400" /></div><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><br />Nothing special or remarkable happened tonight. There was no epic Michelin Star meal, great concert, or other memorable happening. It was nothing more than taking part in all of the simple “ing” activities – enjoying, being, observing, seeing, imagining, connecting, lounging, dreaming, smiling. <br /><br />It is a beautiful and alluring feeling in a vividly fanciful setting. A heartfelt sense of excitement and awe wash over me. I feel alive and fully enmeshed in my surroundings. Inwardly I'm giddy but outwardly I'm serene. True moments of stoke like this are all too rare in “real" everyday middle age life. The magic of travel is real.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMo_-0VIhpeJUq68vTa0e8i53zN7ZgkLFN062Lhte4aMugpePUDvneDr3rOxBNOqybdt5cUKKOundok6Au_nntympOgAzG4vcfcIandiLCApY3zjaQQOp-wVjgfyqAlsTRkROeb77JNQRvmnFVhj5n5xDxJAsCFaULIgaEoyNit4MmWkAi_z5vJ756Vfm/s2048/Mostar%20Don't%20Forget.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mostar, Bosnia" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIMo_-0VIhpeJUq68vTa0e8i53zN7ZgkLFN062Lhte4aMugpePUDvneDr3rOxBNOqybdt5cUKKOundok6Au_nntympOgAzG4vcfcIandiLCApY3zjaQQOp-wVjgfyqAlsTRkROeb77JNQRvmnFVhj5n5xDxJAsCFaULIgaEoyNit4MmWkAi_z5vJ756Vfm/w320-h240/Mostar%20Don't%20Forget.jpg" title="Mostar, Bosnia" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>More travel sketches</b></span></p><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>A postcard from Slovenia</b> - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/11/postcard-from-slovenia.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/11/postcard-from-slovenia.html</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Three sentence travel story - Italy</b> - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/10/three-sentence-travel-story.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/10/three-sentence-travel-story.html</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Taking the night train - Belgrade to Bar</b> - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2013/08/riding-810-pm-night-train.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2013/08/riding-810-pm-night-train.html</a></span></li></ul><p></p><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoK8EkMFxSp5vYtQRr49FQ7cy8VZOAG2dpaho1kLqPmkARxDogtsdbLVTb-EmxQcCRY-y53x10wMJ09wBWHUPUkaM5uZpu6NOS8PQZgXrvnVtEeALfbYB2gu4q9n69hVlWVFptGXOSvP3Q08bjNpSMHDvvrdCAHzYti1eVpYW6G4Bjj5nAPqJhqEJBtsPi/s2048/Red.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0Mostar 88000, Bosnia and Herzegovina43.343774800000013 17.807757815.033540963821167 -17.3484922 71.654008636178858 52.964007800000005tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-47429851688814152142023-06-22T13:28:00.004-06:002023-06-25T10:33:43.062-06:00Montenegro - Ten Days & Ten Photos<div class="separator"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here's the write up on the second part of my trip. Once again, I challenged myself to tell the story using just ten photos.</span></i></div><div class="separator"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/05/austria-2023.html" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Click here to read about the first part of the trip, which was to Austria</span></i></a></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Kotor, Montenegro" border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjxcNoPA9hLw34JURFqfaP9OAzqdAs3wPHL0SLxmS41bMAAlG4CdhVRMtHQAIGczZWav8yjvuBM9CxIEFs75voBzaA6lVyNig7AmdemBQ-rerAsxafwq6Q6HFIRlFmEqeGGTj3OEprXcR1MUtcO542Qm7ntxNGvP7J_58I2jeOR5Qm4VaBj8kTuAVMw/w400-h300/DSCN7644.JPG" style="font-family: verdana;" title="Kotor, Montenegro" width="400" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a name='more'></a></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span>There's not denying it. I am hooked on Montenegro. This was my fourth trip here since 2013, and I convinced my college buddy Jen to join me. I was excited to show her the land of wild beauty for the first time, and we got a lot done in our ten days there.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><div style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><b>Kotor</b> - We started off by spending three nights in Kotor. </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you can only visit one place in Montenegro, make it Kotor.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> With its compact old walled town, numerous restaurants, bars, and shops, and mountains rising from all sides, this wonderful town on the</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> bay offers plenty of sites and all of the amenities one needs when traveling.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here, we climbed the city walls, strolled old town, bought produce at the farmer's market, ate, drank, pet stray cats, took a day trip to Perast, and reveled in the ambiance of this charming location. It was three days of beautiful weather, great sites, and interesting people watching. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Perast, Montenegro" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxyTgr_4fT1ISt9-Ovc-mW9gw3ZIk7RUdz2wNG6kCcfkLNqHLbnSg8D6j8cnz89TDIJVUpxR-GDmdurrdoZcR6ya_8YSIHxpR1Li4dZ9fGbeC75TgunXq1_4n4JOrQ6teVP3xwWtrLmRF2jkX9OqgJq_4w2r43wBfWVgGlpy-aCtzu6s2v-Vv3iEdbJg/w320-h240/DSCN7679.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Perast, Montenegro" width="320" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Living her best life<br /></span><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Enjoying a spritz in Kotor" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjamBJHK9_EJWT-Teli6cBcFykHw6nd4haJuUygVSWrPXSMOrHRLMTtESfeCQ2N8jdUNJ8qPAt6txBfA5-2mY3tkxUQlX92rXWCRvNW1pcII6zHH5xVNvBsRsxs1YCwXfiOU3C7Ps58pH86NiHlVxA8ARMdpJXdAG1mUy_8ueRhY0SASDUngzrsV0yB4g/w400-h400/DEBAE723-C717-42BF-BE7E-17FC3E0618BE.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Enjoying a spritz in Kotor" width="400" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">Spritz time Kotor</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeZ02l0PJ_U8g_QIlJiZ8m6x6SBLq5ueGJxSKnOYu-WDsawxRzWJBziIidS2jJnTQJ515AJ0-wSC10BNYSsDpMZczCVahy5FUet899hVT9GfsujQSUnCRALQ3b8MD7tQ3dfwr3gua3uxjycFVrjQeBDLnoiu1a8C_x2OUagtwBb6dHuuwjQzJsLEKLw/s2809/IMG_4711.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Evergreen Jazz Bar, Kotor" border="0" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmeZ02l0PJ_U8g_QIlJiZ8m6x6SBLq5ueGJxSKnOYu-WDsawxRzWJBziIidS2jJnTQJ515AJ0-wSC10BNYSsDpMZczCVahy5FUet899hVT9GfsujQSUnCRALQ3b8MD7tQ3dfwr3gua3uxjycFVrjQeBDLnoiu1a8C_x2OUagtwBb6dHuuwjQzJsLEKLw/w400-h384/IMG_4711.JPEG" title="Evergreen Jazz Bar, Kotor" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">Pivo and cats, Kotor classics</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span><b>Hiking from Kotor to Cetinje</b> - Jen and I left Kotor with all of our gear on our backs. </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">We knew some parts of our walk from Kotor to Cetinje would be along popular routes while others were a mystery. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>We started our trip by heading up t</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>he Ladder of Kotor. </span>We left old town, crossed the Scurda River, and passed a number of ramshackle buildings, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ordinary apartments, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">local feeling bakeries and restaurants, and an old </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">hydroelectric plant. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was surprising how quickly Kotor transformed from a polished tourist town into everyday lived-in city. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><br />Until Austrians built the nearby road in the late 19th century, the Ladder of Kotor <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmkh9_EvR5HfMeHmFMIqMYD7Zk6QFKSgcQPFIYJvKPim0NrAHgOQqMqwBXi1mH4SN2qJ04QUrTxZ38bluK8UJDPNu3qwlWH1_hA7_muaMeAAAklPSgl31dXPCeEQGYp7PVa1iUz97FvdVfDXy8pZQ8KhHbP0hxDdpV7R_fufQNoNkJo4gqxsygChGK3U0/s1024/Walls%20w.%20dot.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Ladder of Kotor, red and white dot" border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpmkh9_EvR5HfMeHmFMIqMYD7Zk6QFKSgcQPFIYJvKPim0NrAHgOQqMqwBXi1mH4SN2qJ04QUrTxZ38bluK8UJDPNu3qwlWH1_hA7_muaMeAAAklPSgl31dXPCeEQGYp7PVa1iUz97FvdVfDXy8pZQ8KhHbP0hxDdpV7R_fufQNoNkJo4gqxsygChGK3U0/w320-h240/Walls%20w.%20dot.jpg" title="Ladder of Kotor, red and white dot" width="320" /></a></div></span><span>was the only route connecting Kotor to Njeguši village and the inland region near Cetinje.</span><span> </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Since the ladder was built to transport goods using</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> pack animals, its 70 switchbacks rise in a steady rhythmic fashion and make for steep </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">but very manageable walking. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Before we knew it, we were looming</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> above the old town walls. Across the bay, Vrmac Ridge rose 785 meters (2,575 feet) above the sea dividing the bay into inner and outer</span> <span style="font-family: verdana;">sections. Further up the trail, one wide, open overlook presented stunning views and seemed to be the stopping point for many.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Upward we went. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Jen and I continued on into the forest where the landscape changed from Cyprus trees and wild irises to a verdant forest. Although we could still see the bay, we were now on the inland side of the mountains and the landscape was noticeably different. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Soon we were at </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Krstac Pass, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">940 meters above sea level (3,083 feet) and four miles from our starting point</span>. <span style="font-family: verdana;">Restaurant Nevjesta Jadrana, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">right across from the entrance to </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lovćen National Park,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> was a good spot for a cool drink before heading on to peaceful</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Njeguši for the night. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Tup_r_q22y-PPiMFDKtCESNaMQKPZEFTQ88kaMO-85EvwdSZfFm9-OG3vYAJrL1zs0Sb49Ath3h78eJebzjmUjynMF0O-M4ex27XXOrAbvC2NsISgNarAB1K3eWJ0zz7k09MSgf_QeAsSGkGLk7SpJSgMTdWh8Ok7BbZmxmVdJWqNdFAA6jRxcnwHA/s4032/IMG_4722.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Tup_r_q22y-PPiMFDKtCESNaMQKPZEFTQ88kaMO-85EvwdSZfFm9-OG3vYAJrL1zs0Sb49Ath3h78eJebzjmUjynMF0O-M4ex27XXOrAbvC2NsISgNarAB1K3eWJ0zz7k09MSgf_QeAsSGkGLk7SpJSgMTdWh8Ok7BbZmxmVdJWqNdFAA6jRxcnwHA/s320/IMG_4722.JPG" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">If you go by foot, you won't be in danger of needing<br />to call the auto šlep</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>The next morning, day two of our adventure, it was on to Ivanova Korita </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">(IK) in </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lovćen National Park</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. Once again, Jen and I followed the red and white dots, which brought us through stony terrain, open fields, vacation homes, and one confluence of roads complete with souvenir stalls. We landed in </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">IK where we spent two nights</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Dolovi Village, Montenegro" border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihNPxuTS77jKFxaM1MfJHnNox0YLBmULl5IayQ0oiTxzpeUk083ZcgaXhtjlVxdT4QH_nFI_SkdvMOUG_pHGrb1ymwqyx3HYdHzA2dKwTBamRYwiGR4n2_4T7ojc10ocSrnGn6ZVpvPlpV2QN1Xdtd2JKxBEpiStQOKa2Ur3f_uXo-70AKD3d-l0QkeQ/w300-h400/DSCN7748.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Dolovi Village, Montenegro" width="300" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">On the way to Dolovi village, Montenegro</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></span>From IK, on day three of our journey, we took a day hike to Jezerski Vrh and the Njegoš Mausoleum with panoramic views of the Bay of Kotor, the mountains, Lake Skadar, and beyond. Back in IK, Jen and I had coffee at the atmospheric <a href="https://www.instagram.com/forest_caffe_bar/" target="_blank">Forest Cafe</a> and lounged for a bit before heading out on our second hike of the day. This time we headed to quiet village Dolovi.<br /><br />Our walk began an old asphalt path/road behind the Ivanov Kanok Hotel. The walk as a lovely walk mix of forest and open views of the mountains with the p</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ath/old road taking us to the top of the quiet village. From here we followed a trail back to IK just as it began to rain.</span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dolovi was filled with old stone houses in various states of repair. Some had receive a lot of attention but others were old and crumbling. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">As with many things in the Balkans, it is hard to know the state of a place so the status of these houses remains a mystery. Who owns them? What are they - country hideaways for the professional class or old family homesteads falling into ruin? How difficult is it to buy and remodel one of these places? </span></div><div><br /></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Day four of our walking adventure was from IK to Cetinje. The weather was iffy when we were in IK, and we weren't sure about the route to Cetinje, but Jen and I w</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ere determined to complete the tour on foot. We received information from a </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">few hikers we ran across and were told of a good map app so we were prepared as we were going to be. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Luckily, the route was along a (mostly) easy to follow trail and there were only a a few places where we walked along a road. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mid-afternoon on this rainy day the mountains deposited us in the outskirts of town where we passed shops, houses, parks, cemeteries, and other signs of everyday life. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I love moments such as this when you first arrive in a place and there is much anticipation for what you might discover. I really enjoyed seeing the many faces of Cetinje (City at the edge of the mountains, a place for locals, a lively old town with amenities for visitors, etc.) and making the journey here by foot offered the perfect pace to savor the experience.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><b>Cetinje</b> - Jen and I spent two nights here. Rain was expected to continue and we needed to wash clothes and regroup after our hiking days. </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">With a population of 15,000, Cetinje is not a large place (Surprisingly, it is the seventh biggest town in Montenegro) but is home to several museums and a pedestrianized town center with shops, restaurants, and other services for visitors. It suited us perfectly.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dIRe89xuLh8pqnn4VselSxBw8BNcn8a0qNKORMSvQLsSGIAJ9O-eX0P5ysM6FX2YWeXTd2lAUvBnNr4xmc5SWl8vaOFcX-7tSM1fvfVPjiHldsd4YV3NeeIT7jcePn6Stetmi8x948UldsUKzAMv5Nvw4p9yArt8u6tIXzbTRhwRED-pxkQVTKYahLLI/s4032/IMG_4730.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4dIRe89xuLh8pqnn4VselSxBw8BNcn8a0qNKORMSvQLsSGIAJ9O-eX0P5ysM6FX2YWeXTd2lAUvBnNr4xmc5SWl8vaOFcX-7tSM1fvfVPjiHldsd4YV3NeeIT7jcePn6Stetmi8x948UldsUKzAMv5Nvw4p9yArt8u6tIXzbTRhwRED-pxkQVTKYahLLI/s320/IMG_4730.JPG" width="320" /></a></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">One of the highlights of our stay was the <a href="https://www.myguidemontenegro.com/things-to-do/art-gallery-miodrag-dado-djuric" target="_blank">Miodrag Dado Đurić Gallery</a>, an offshoot of the Montenegrin Art Gallery. Housed in five story glass and concrete structure, the gallery, </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">opened in 2012,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> features contemporary art. Admission is free and there is helpful (But not hovering) staff. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Excellent views of town and the mountains can be seen from the top floor exhibit space.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">My first visit to the gallery was in 2013, and I have fond memories of the well-curated exhibits and the surprise of finding such an engaging, somewhat edgy modern art gallery in Montenegro, and my return visit lived up to my expectations. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">I'm not sure what kind of reputation the gallery has among the modern art community, but I am impressed and give it five stars.</span><div><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://krcadinac.com/work/projects/svesvrstani-allaligned/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">All Aligned, </span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://krcadinac.com/work/projects/svesvrstani-allaligned/" target="_blank">a digital design project by Serbian artist Uroš Krčadinac</a>, was the featured exhibit. All Aligned uses an AI to design flags and raises questions about identity creation and its relationship to technology. A film about Nonument Group’s performance art piece <a href="https://nonument.org/nonument_groups/from-nowhere-to-noplace/" target="_blank">From Nowhere to Noplace</a> explored the ill fated Pioneer Railway that was constructed in Slovenia during Tito's rule. Those were two of the exhibits that stood out to me, but there was more on display. The gallery is just the right size to get drawn into the exhibits and engage with a cross-section of contemporary art without being overwhelming. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Budva</b> - After Cetinje, Jen and I </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">headed to </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Budva for one final night on the sea before heading to </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Podgorica for our onward flights.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Contrasts dominate in Budva. During our walk from the bus station to our room in old town we passed lots of construction sites and massive new developments, which was a stark contrast to the charming </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">walled old town </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">with its </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Venetian walls, narrow passageways, and marble streets. </span></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>After dropping our bags off in our old town lodging, Jen and I headed out for a stroll along Slovenska Obabla, the seaside promenade, and Slovenska Pla</span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ž</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>a, the adjoining beach. The outing was much longer than we expected as we </span></span></span>made the 5+ km trek all the way to </span></span>Bečići and Rafailovići. </span></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Along the sea, docks were filled with boats of all sizes and restaurants ran the spectrum from elegant fish places to pirate themed watering holes. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">The </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Slovenska tourist village is a showpiece of</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">old Yugoslav architecture and </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">the squat old </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">"Grand Bazar" building has seen better days but a new gleaming high rise towered above it. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">A few nightclubs were found along the route, some were<span><span> junky, others abandoned (Including one with an outdoor pool), and others were in business. A</span></span><span><span> nice seaside path through the trees near </span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bečići offered a touch of nature in the chaotic mix of seaside humanity</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span>. It was a wild</span></span> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">cornucopia of tourists and locals, new and old, fancy and ramshackle with a touch of</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> nostalgia for the Yugoslavian times.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>We had dinner along the promenade and rounded out our night with a spritz (me) and a pivo (Jen) in old town. </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>In the morning, before catching the noon bus to Podgorica, Jen and I visited Morgen beach with its looming cliffs pathway and twin coves. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /><span><b>Podgorica</b> - We arrived </span><span>in Podgorica, Montenegro's capital, </span><span>on another rainy afternoon and stayed at Hotel Podgorica. If you're a fan of </span><span>concrete</span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Yugoslav architecture, be sure to check it out. Hotel Podgorica is conveniently located, has spacious rooms with huge balconies, a bar and restaurant, and an accommodating staff.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Jen and I were keen to visit the Duklja/Dolcea ruins, located only a few kilometers from town. It is possible to walk there as there's a signed route, but given the rain and our late arrival, we opted for a taxi. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1X0WUT9S4SZcI02SwM4BdAJoWmylfsy705mKL1Y8LFChEONCuNFf5V6M3jfp5jCgiYv56DYwNOgb2Qh0z4SJJ4SM5M8iYGm1JCiVNGI1UahG-qHpwUMgrMhaGJoQE62tptoUWUg1TijSVO7iTmp8OCkDJMbUi71lycuSeZB1-tp2dIW71sAWfK_DCMA/s4032/IMG_4798.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1X0WUT9S4SZcI02SwM4BdAJoWmylfsy705mKL1Y8LFChEONCuNFf5V6M3jfp5jCgiYv56DYwNOgb2Qh0z4SJJ4SM5M8iYGm1JCiVNGI1UahG-qHpwUMgrMhaGJoQE62tptoUWUg1TijSVO7iTmp8OCkDJMbUi71lycuSeZB1-tp2dIW71sAWfK_DCMA/s320/IMG_4798.JPG" /></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Duklja/Dolcea is </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121;">on the <a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5563/" target="_blank">t</a></span><a href="https://whc.unesco.org/en/tentativelists/5563/" target="_blank">entative list of properties to be nominated for UNESCO world heritage status</a> and is considered the most important archeological site in Montenegro. <span>Situated on the wide flat plateau between Zeta and Morača Rivers, Duklja/Dolcea was</span><span> named after the Illyrian tribe Docleati and </span><span>was f</span><span>ounded in the first century. </span><span>During the Roman times it was a significant urban center in Montenegro. </span></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Excavations began in the second half of the 19th century, and research continued after World War II. Artifacts found in the tombs (Now kept in the Museum of Podgorica) tell of wealth along with cultural, and trade relationships between Duklja/Doclea and the rest of the Roman empire.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Remnants from the Roman era including temples, bridges, gates, and basilicas.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></div><div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSasi1BzhHLy8MbMc9LAMn5MYWKL5JVLvLocyzx3Gs02qEISpLMBwhOdHv6JEi6h9kPKYSvczfUZ6jUku-YoHVqgeKfvgVjvR3NLE9JNki1wQVtP2y2uRg9FmXMbRUcJn5mN_lwmq7vjaYEMa2TXonHHEc7FLYQsDrflFN-C_kUTRD89FJ1ymMzOlhzA/s4032/IMG_4832.JPG" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSasi1BzhHLy8MbMc9LAMn5MYWKL5JVLvLocyzx3Gs02qEISpLMBwhOdHv6JEi6h9kPKYSvczfUZ6jUku-YoHVqgeKfvgVjvR3NLE9JNki1wQVtP2y2uRg9FmXMbRUcJn5mN_lwmq7vjaYEMa2TXonHHEc7FLYQsDrflFN-C_kUTRD89FJ1ymMzOlhzA/s320/IMG_4832.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The Montenegrin army band & Yugoslavia's version of a Coca Cola</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;">Back in Podgorica, Jen and I explored the pedestrian zone, where we later had dinner, and Republic Square where we stumbled across the most random thing we saw on our trip. <a href="https://www.band.eur.army.mil/" target="_blank">The U.S. Army Europe Band</a> was there for a free concert. The Montenegrin Army Band was performing when we arrived so we were able to talk to some of the U.S. members. These were first Americans we talked with and possibly the only Americans we saw during our time in Montenegro. From them we learned that the U.S. Army formed this ensemble in the 1940s. They reside in Europe and their mission is to be musical ambassadors for the army giving performances throughout Europe. Go figure.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the morning, Jen had an early flight while I had a few hours before mine so I had breakfast at a trendy spot in the pedestrian zone, walked through Stara Varoš, the old Ottoman neighborhood, and explored the riverside pathway and nearby parks. I was sad the Montenegro part of my trip was over but excited to meet up with Mike in Vienna for two nights before heading home.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Similar stories</b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">More about wild beauty - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/Montenegro">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/Montenegro</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">A fun game for the returning traveler - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/07/welcome-home-bingo-european-edition.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/07/welcome-home-bingo-european-edition.html</a></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">And from further north in the Balkans - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/11/postcard-from-slovenia.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/11/postcard-from-slovenia.html</a><br /></span><div><br /></div></div></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0Montenegro42.708678 19.3743914.398444163821154 -15.781860000000002 71.018911836178845 54.53064tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-10344818583473577202023-06-03T15:13:00.005-06:002023-06-12T20:40:52.107-06:00Austria, Spring 2023 - Photos & Narrative<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMBulJB2zTW1S0Z2FrOGPFiMh-dAjK-TnMSz8E7jyCzfH8DHt17Pw8aWGG4d2EgzmiRH69d3PZDdDqazvNI2LyZoXxfFm7hnfVH1ME8wC8zAvIziUiptkc2XpG4xJoupGfkr-dNBuXH7FuaxxK2Kd0b9CJWzRCXAw_vRmICS6-UvNpaqbmhhz9oBIqw/s1280/A04103CA-56CF-4DF2-979F-2BEFEFED2F4B.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Belvedere Palace, Vienna" border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="1280" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMBulJB2zTW1S0Z2FrOGPFiMh-dAjK-TnMSz8E7jyCzfH8DHt17Pw8aWGG4d2EgzmiRH69d3PZDdDqazvNI2LyZoXxfFm7hnfVH1ME8wC8zAvIziUiptkc2XpG4xJoupGfkr-dNBuXH7FuaxxK2Kd0b9CJWzRCXAw_vRmICS6-UvNpaqbmhhz9oBIqw/w400-h300/A04103CA-56CF-4DF2-979F-2BEFEFED2F4B.jpg" title="Belvedere Palace, Vienna" width="400" /></span></a><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rather than plopping a bunch of photos on social media, I thought I'd write about my most recent trip to Europe here. I challenged myself to using only ten photos to tell the story. <br /><br />Please read to the bottom as I need your insight on spritzes, </span></i><span style="font-family: verdana;">lederhosen, and dirndls. You can leave your thoughts in the comments section of this post. (No login required.)</span></div><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was a two-part trip so there will be another post.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a name='more'></a></span></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg Summer Palace" border="0" data-original-height="2146" data-original-width="4162" height="206" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh0R8jI4UTwQOK28mGtzuftS6OA9Q4x4F58UdfFQTk-xAemR8c6KdU-zvau6GUszQMqxC7-3lolz2_eFfPDX6EE-WYo7gticn2JnHPm05-R-NaIAYRRlFjLH0e_gLszq8N_BN3hzGsZnsioQDw8RjAEmRAqPBhJ6FaA8QzwaQgv89sfXUzLpwckIohyw/w400-h206/Salzburs_Summer_Palace.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg Summer Palace" width="400" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Schloss Hellbrunn, Salzburg Summer Palace</span></td></tr></tbody></table><b>Munich, Germany & Salzburg </b>- We started our trip off with a night in Munich. Rain and jet lag prevented us form doing much but we did make it to Marienplatz and then to the edge of the English Garden as twilight set in. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">The next morning it was off to Salzburg, a small city of medieval squares, baroque domes and spires, a hilltop fortress, and a mountainous backdrop. We spent two nights there and found time to venture out of the city to explore the early 17th century summer palace, Schloss Hellbrunn, and take the cable car up the still snowy 1,853 meter peak Untersburg on the German border. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Travel Hint: The Salzburg Card is a great deal. It will get you into the city museums and attractions, is good on the cable car, and can be used on the bus to the summer palace and other locations. It will be easy to get your money's worth.</span></i></div></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GWd1-3zZXNbggi7t1CXab2-8_LGICKMsbMNVVw6VGtpPawZ0ymx7XQkaGA8QTLLtdovzHXam6K-mR78lJ1uMiBWwcrXbcWYvt_QlKpWB8XyfAv0VEc5DmBprp7VngV75vv-AKdzpnTZ1TDKW334UGM-vlaM10Cks2qdaMVN9ioVFLjsbwSOsxVBCTg/s4608/DSCN7568.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_GWd1-3zZXNbggi7t1CXab2-8_LGICKMsbMNVVw6VGtpPawZ0ymx7XQkaGA8QTLLtdovzHXam6K-mR78lJ1uMiBWwcrXbcWYvt_QlKpWB8XyfAv0VEc5DmBprp7VngV75vv-AKdzpnTZ1TDKW334UGM-vlaM10Cks2qdaMVN9ioVFLjsbwSOsxVBCTg/w400-h300/DSCN7568.JPG" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: xx-small;">Melk, Austria</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Melk, Austria</b> - This small town </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">overlooks the Danube River and</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">is apparently one of the most popular destinations in Austria. It was a clear pleasant day when we were there and it was busy but fortunately, it was far from being mobbed. <br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Visitors come to Melk to visit the grand Benedictine abby Stift Melk wit</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">h an impressive marble room, stately library, grand church, and hilltop location looming over the small town. After visiting the abbey, we strolled the cobblestone passageways and had dinner on the square. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: verdana;"><span>See the observations section below to find out more thoughts on Salzburg and Melk.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Burgruine Aggstein, Wachau Valley, Austria" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7UUsY1mBMixJFsL-q92Hh1T3BaV-chWEaa1nwXqdKlCngTNmaU5zFytV5UpbC38OsVtKGTJiNoDotaLG3ep6tZxn67Yks7Xh6nr4kMkrMBWfADUxGssVxd-xZcaIvRD5oWMA_RZkkNXjAndQJi804yFzYLg82klCcD6P6AK1UhjMDLP2wceGqz7D1g/w400-h300/DSCN7577.JPG" title="Burgruine Aggstein, Wachau Valley, Austria" width="400" /> </span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><b>Walking along the Danube </b>- The next morning, Mike and I began a two-day walk along </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.donau.com/en/the-danube-in-lower-austria/outings-activities/exercise/wachau-world-heritage-trail/wachau-world-heritage-trail-stages/">t</a><a href="https://www.donau.com/en/the-danube-in-lower-austria/outings-activities/exercise/wachau-world-heritage-trail/wachau-world-heritage-trail-stages/">he Wachau World Heritage Trail</a></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">, a 14 stage marked trail between Melk and Krems. This route is known for its rolling hills, vineyards, and cultural sites, and we started off with stage 10 taking us from Aggsbach Dorf to Hofarnsdorf. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">O</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">ur first stop and the day's highlight was the Burgruine Aggstein, a 12th-century castle perched atop a rocky outcropping 950 feet above the river. The extensive ruins featured hidden stairways, courtyards, towers, a dungeon, and more. As with many old castles, it was easy to marvel at how hard it must have been to build all those centuries ago, and the visit left a lot to the imagination. The cool, grey, drizzly weather added to the atmosphere.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another photo of the castle, this time with the Danube in the background.</span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7M8-F1eA5IFtfeRATZlSMGQuRi3H2gWimJ_KoW4pM5TVg_rTzmpJtbLGXkcYckPtruA6yN5vxFrKSo5syoVieVYzxXpfzh71layY5za2w8OG-SEW11hOwDB-RU3cuO-BiXvMANyCF_VNnMRwiUFjiwaBrK7l6VlRkvxgUMovnBYQjhvYhHEY_Kt_dng/w400-h300/DSCN7579.JPG" width="400" /></span></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">A scene from our rainy jaunt.<br /></span><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGGwfTZChlppqiKOCAaDvCmJJ0NO2FLMA6k1BwQHHd7Buvpy3nzZjBqU00DzO4FW9PLbEm-sCUOjg_prY0E4Fs8X6HMOFcZD2QokKBQU-Mco2R1NVUu0hPEiaiW_mk-OIY4UCgoU8n8EHr9brZ48D-uWXAmPXjYmuvj-2c1ki-gtxnMKULbAc-Oe3VQw/w400-h300/DSCN7583.JPG" /></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii8p2jcxVni1-fw1_R9k-TvzXLi91go0yur071sSIyj9GSIRqe8Gm27XMzDveqry-ZpCV4OhSdG_F-mu4zZCwHy9rNNZwr07klcLhg9KyeojfdTeB8VyG_Dy8n7klJJsqYGxUijxLDE1xRYDqFCwKv1F7KOsLqI7gw7tw2L1vT-SMSOFZvSgaWBsh8gQ/w400-h300/DSCN7598.JPG" width="400" /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">We finished the walk at the Danube and caught a ferry across the river to Spitz. This ancient barge-like contraption had room for about three small cars and standing room for a smattering of folks. The crossing took about ten minutes and the ferry ran frequently.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Dürnstein</b> - From Spitz, we took a bus to Dürnstein. With narrow passageways, a striking p</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">owder blue baroque church, old</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> buildings, and a backdrop of terraced hillsides, this small town oozed charm. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">G</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">rey skies, drizzle, and low-slung clouds added to the ambiance,</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> and I was instantly smitten. </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Dürnstein, Austria" border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_j2YDZYzZ3CVBj0QAXUIYrwmucHdeb4P3xQdHfD1RpKgCKW67WrGx03Ftrf5gIFfoNnr5CkZ80sYpdU2Ro5B723bNFiebGVerT_9OpC30DiYLnMUiKpJquRTH2_iXQsBv_L3EPUgH_e4Skl5E_zJS0rAu5HGlxjiAa9JV4tODvSmnaJQw6XyCJBPW3A/w300-h400/DSCN7606.JPG" title="Dürnstein, Austria" width="300" /></div><br /><span style="font-family: verdana;">It was off-season and quiet when we were in Dürnstein. Very few people were out, and I love the fact that I was able to capture photos of these passageways with no people in them. I imagine it's hard to find them empty during high tourist season.<br /><br />There were two restaurants open so we chose the Altes Presshaus (Old press house) for dinner. The house was built in 1713 and the wine press operated there from 1752 until 2003. The old building has been preserved and parts of the press fill a corner of the dining room.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />The restaurant makes its own wine and offers homemade goulash, schnitzel, strudel, and other hearty Austrian fare perfect for a cool damp evening. It wasn't full, and we joined several tables of lively locals for the evening. The service was attentive but low-key, and the owner, aided by one of the young waitstaff who translated, stopped by to chat with us. It felt like an "authentic" place for a meal - a nice night out.</span></div></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx440-tIKX4goJXmeBjvSG8Umjzivu8oSQ2aZBQqA5aRziHpt3dhzIF4lFm8cBusRLfqPpOt1VA6oyKaSrYFwAnMvc9wpXEjyu-nH_yfNjZcb8BsWV4COrYar5jX3ns63D-Dglis4gNJCy7kEjnakhUe_rK4ZGBeEBD5VqweKUQKBqwfo-H1naeS6rQQ/s4608/DSCN7618.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Dürnstein, Austria" border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx440-tIKX4goJXmeBjvSG8Umjzivu8oSQ2aZBQqA5aRziHpt3dhzIF4lFm8cBusRLfqPpOt1VA6oyKaSrYFwAnMvc9wpXEjyu-nH_yfNjZcb8BsWV4COrYar5jX3ns63D-Dglis4gNJCy7kEjnakhUe_rK4ZGBeEBD5VqweKUQKBqwfo-H1naeS6rQQ/w300-h400/DSCN7618.JPG" title="Dürnstein, Austria" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRignkPwhnp7l2XdDYQAywUItvo0IXqBqf9TI2gRaF-kayoB8h8Sh7tE3QaDIvz7RVQqyCAy-KQeehfEqv_7rlgfX63I4SNDJ2KYjEhYH5QxLGQGtM6j-V7modk6RTL6idghojUm_SqphCJJKrkKqfkwsqBaVLLv58vEwvZvYQrwLa-xU-Q7AYu4JDoQ/w400-h300/DSCN7629.JPG" width="400" /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span>Dürnstein to Krems</span></b> - T<span>he next morning, we set off to walk from Dürnstein to Krems, stage one of the Wachau trail. It was another delightful day with forested pathways, stone walls, terraced hillsides, benches overlooking the Wachau Valley, and easy to follow trails. Our trek featured more vineyards, river views, distant castles (Crumbling and well-maintained), several ups and downs, a few steep climbs, and a surprisingly long climb after the town of Stein before making the final descent into Krems. Once in Krems, we escaped the drizzle by lounging under an umbrellaed table and enjoying a coffee before catching the train to Vienna.<br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><b><br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Vienna</b> - Mike and I spent a night in Vienna. The next morning Mike headed to Slovenia, and I headed to Montenegro to meet up with my college buddy Jen. Mike and I met up in Vienna ten days later and spent two nights there before heading home. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><img alt="Belvedere, Vienna" border="0" data-original-height="1978" data-original-width="3504" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1IWMwgGVFylb84FIK_mehgtwMLAx1kJd3EkYFTX2cEy8mP9IbEl-RbfJ8bGSKkXsDGTjpHZeQ4aIqTt57MCR8BsRZUeLeNPPJnjl7JLUvWyIVIgmKcQmVJMZzAhFpZLkUBH1jYuIWgR65awLx_RDZ0Nu0rSCBxjNtYP7xkt4wwBSSDUyQsiNO75iXA/w400-h226/DSCN7824.JPG" style="font-family: verdana; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Belvedere, Vienna" width="400" /></span></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Belvedere, Vienna</span></td></tr></tbody></table>This was my third time in Vienna and Mike's first. My original impression of Vienna (A nice but fusty and subdued city) becomes less so with with each visit. The more I explore, the more I see </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>a vibrant, dynamic, and interesting city with endless museums, parks, concert venues, restaurants, cafes, palaces, and more. Vienna's </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">wide-reaching, clean, and easy to navigate </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">public transportation system makes it possible to explore widely</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>. </span></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">During this visit, we stayed at <a href="https://www.wombats-hostels.com/" target="_blank">Wombat's</a>. Since its founding in Vienna in 1999 and its expansion into Budapest, Munich, and London, Wombat's has developed a well-deserved reputation as a great place to stay. Mike and I </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">reserved two bunk beds in a four-bed room with its own bathroom, and the entire place was clean, organized, and lively. Although Wombat's has its own bar and a welcoming lobby with great lounging areas, this is not a party hostel, and we were pleased to find several people in our age-group staying there. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><span>Travel hint: If you're looking to find an affordable place to stay while traveling, I encourage you to check out Wombat's (or any other hostel). Just take a look at a few online reviews before booking and avoid the ones where reviewers rave about the party scene.</span></i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">We stayed at the Wombat's location (They have two hostels in Vienna) near the Naschmarkt, which was a great discovery. Naschmarkt began as a </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">farmers market in the</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> 16th century and is now filled with over 100 places to eat, drink, and buy produce. The area stretches for almost a mile and holds a flea market on Saturdays. Here you'll find a mix of indoor and outdoor seating, many types of cuisine, and great people watching. It was handy to have this treasure right across from our lodging. I highly recommend checking out the Naschmarkt if you make it to Vienna.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">While in Vienna, we also visited the grounds and art museum at baroque palace Belvedere, strolled around that part of the city, and visited with my former colleague, Kenning, who is now working at Central European University Library. As for culinary delights, Kenning took us to classic beer hall, and Mike and I stopped in for coffee and cake at Cafe Sperl, a traditional Viennese cafe complete with chandeliers, comfy yet slightly tattered booths, well-dressed waiters, and an old-world charm.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mike arrived in Vienna two nights before I did so he had more chances to explore, and I was jealous as there was so much of Vienna I wanted to revisit or see for the first time. During our last night in Vienna (Also the last night of our trip), as we enjoyed cocktails on the rooftop terrace at Kenning's apartment, I looked across the Vienna skyline to the rolling hills outside the city, envisioning more days spent exploring Vienna, Austria, and beyond. I was already starting to plan my next trip.</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>A few observations </b></span></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Young women in Germany and Austria were seen wearing </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">dirndls and young men donned lederhosen shorts with suspenders. We first noticed this at a fair taking place in a city park in Munich - we thought maybe they were fair employees wearing a uniform but we continued to notice more young people in lederhosen and dirndls throughout Munich and Austria. Hmmm....maybe this is a new trend? I don't recall seeing these outfits in previous trips to Germany or Austria. If you have any insight, please share in the comments section of this post.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The spritz has become a very popular drink - we noticed them everywhere. These brightly colored concoctions, served in their own elegant yet slightly bulbous wine glasses, are the type of thing I roll my eyes at when in a cynical mood. One evening I wanted to avoid the heaviness of beer, so I tried the Hugo spritz. Although I felt a touch silly ordering it, I was surprised at how much I enjoyed it. I was also surprised to find spritzes named Hugo in subsequent places we traveled. Wow, who knew spritzes were that popular and came in named varieties? Maybe it's just a trend in Europe? Maybe they're popular in the U.S. too but I never noticed? Any insight? I'm curious to see how long it takes me to find a spritz on a menu in Bozeman.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">In 2000, I was on a train that passed through Salzburg. This small city along the Salzach River, with its old fortress sitting above the city and the rocky hillsides tumbling down to town, caught my eye. I had long heard of Salzburg and knew it was a popular tourist destination, but sfter seeing how charming it was from the train, I concluded that it must be a magical place to visit. It took me over two decades to make it there, and I was excited. <br /><br />A couple we spoke with on the train from Munich to Salzburg raved about it, and my anticipation soared. While I thoroughly enjoyed my time there, I was not dazzled. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Next we moved on to the much-hyped Melk, but I had the same response. There is no doubt that both Salzburg and Melk are worth visiting. Would I return? Certainly. But these weren't places that instantly grabbed me, and I didn't find myself longing to spend spend more time in either. I did not engage in a travel-induced fantasy of living there for a stretch. <br /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />A ton of thoughts ran through my mind. Am I the only one who is not gaga for Salzburg and Melk? Am I getting grumpy and cynical as I move through middle age? Does anything wow me any more? Is my youthful enthusiasm gone forever? Luckily, I was seduced by our next stop, Dürnstein so I know can still muster stoke for new places and first-time experiences, even if my enthusiasm levels are more low-key than in my younger years. Traveling is a great way to keep youthful energy and a sense of discovery alive.</span></li></ul></div></div><p>~</p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Read more about traveling - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/Wanderlust" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/Wanderlust </a></span></p><p><br /></p><div><p></p></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0Austria47.516231 14.55007219.205997163821152 -20.606178 75.826464836178843 49.706322tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-28372613669034047442023-05-27T08:50:00.007-06:002023-06-16T11:34:04.175-06:00The A-List Shops - Whole Foods Bozeman<p><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></i></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3SNMz95KnF0hQGpvvlIHt2Qt_69sIyOhgPPw2DFFtQ7vrq51ScmMyecuSqdodBeuFLhvEe7EUaxXzrm16W_kbwohh1lJXj_RRXehLql65a7ExU-YUeqRYPidS-CTJJpjLzNAdox5PksJTIZ5yHjnJPNkPJFBA25os-hJyu2rsn29teLY105eJIm7AA/s749/Whole%20Foods%20BDC.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Whole Foods Bozeman" border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="749" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF3SNMz95KnF0hQGpvvlIHt2Qt_69sIyOhgPPw2DFFtQ7vrq51ScmMyecuSqdodBeuFLhvEe7EUaxXzrm16W_kbwohh1lJXj_RRXehLql65a7ExU-YUeqRYPidS-CTJJpjLzNAdox5PksJTIZ5yHjnJPNkPJFBA25os-hJyu2rsn29teLY105eJIm7AA/w320-h214/Whole%20Foods%20BDC.jpg" title="Whole Foods Bozeman" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Courtesy Bozeman Daily Chronicle</span></td></tr></tbody></table><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">For a town its size, Bozeman manages to have an extraordinary number of grocery stores. Depending on how you count, there are at least a dozen places to buy food. </span></i><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">In February, Whole Foods opened a store in Bozeman, its first in Montana.</span></i><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Locally, there was a lot of anticipation both good and bad about Whole Foods. Several weeks after the store opened, I stopped by to find out what the hub-bub was about. I was also curious to see if the chain lived up to its earned nickname Whole Paycheck. Here's what I learned.</span></i></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></i></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><a name='more'></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><br />There had long been talk of Whole Foods coming to Bozeman. </span><a href="https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/whole-foods-market-coming-to-gallatin-valley-mall/article_a8cd449d-7006-5cb9-9df4-78ff70a04540.html" target="_blank">Demolition of Fuddruckers building began in fall 2020</a>, and <a href="https://media.wholefoodsmarket.com/new-whole-foods-market-in-bozeman-montana-is-now-open/" target="_blank">the store opened on February 1, 2023</a>. </span><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Foods is owned by Amazon so that has me thinking about the implications of shopping there. Rumor has it that despite being owned by an evil retail empire, the company has given Whole Foods a lot of autonomy and the chain t</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">reats is employees well</span><span style="font-family: verdana;">. The truth? Who knows.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u>First Impressions</u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are some things I noticed and had reported to me.</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">It's hard to tell the size of the store. In some ways it felt small but the shelves were stacked higher that a regular grocery store so perhaps it can jam a lot into its space. Either way, the store didn't as feel huge or impersonal as I was expecting.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The day I shopped there they had a great selection of organic produce. The only disappointment was that they did not have loose spinach. </span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Folks reported that the meat counter is very well stocked with a wide selection and competitive prices.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The bulk section was extremely lacking with only a handful of bins of nuts, seed, rice, and a few other staples. </span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Throughout the store I noticed labels tagging items as Kosher so I thought there might be a wide selection of </span>international<span style="font-family: verdana;"> foods. When I got to the </span>global <span style="font-family: verdana;">section, I found it was surprisingly small. Even then Mexican food was lacking and that has in some ways become an American grocery store staple, no longer an exotic item.</span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Foods offers a great selection of packaged goods (cookies, chips, snacks, etc.) for parties and festive occasions, and their selection of gourmet cheeses was surprisingly large (And pungent!) with a variety of wheels, blocks, and logs.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">There was an extensive prepared foods section with a salad bar, deli dishes, sushi, and more.</span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">One friend reported that he was "deeply offended" that Whole Foods offered Amazon Prime shoppers a discount, and he swears he'll never set food in the store again. </span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Most people reported that they were indifferent about Whole Foods and probably won't shop there often but they all acknowledged Whole Foods had at least one item not found elsewhere.</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><b><u><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Vibe</span></u></b></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">To me, Whole Foods wasn't any different than any other grocery store. Words like posh, elitist, and stuffy have been attached to Whole Foods, but I didn't find it to be any of those things. A grocery store is a grocery store, right? </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>A cross-section of Bozeman was out shopping at Whole Foods on the cold snowy evening I was there with the coiffed "new" Bozeman crowd (U</span>rbane dressers, man buns, young hipsters with scrappy facial hair, etc.) <span>outnumbering the fleece and flannel "old" Bozeman crowd. </span>It was interesting sight-seeing with the most memorable shopper being an especially decked out young woman in a long leopard print tunic, leggings, and ballet flats with her ankles showing. An interesting choice on a cold snowy night.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><u>The Verdict</u></b></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span>My feelings about Whole Foods are much the same <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/12/winco.html" target="_blank">as what I wrote about WinCo</a>. Yes, it could</span> threaten local retailers, but we all have the ability to combat that by shopping locally. Bozeman keeps growing and as far as I can tell, the grocery stores in town, l</span>ocal and chain alike, all seem to be busy. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">Will I shop at Whole Foods? Probably not on a regular basis.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Food shopping in Bozeman is often a multi-store ordeal with it mandatory to go to two or more stores in one outing to get what you need. The main food shopping routine for me (and many people I know) is to go to Town and Country primarily for packaged items and then hit the Co-Op for produce, fish, and other fresh foods. A</span>s with WinCo, I now know that I have one more grocery store to go to if I can’t find what I need in the plethora of options around town.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><b><u><span style="font-family: verdana;">Price Comparisons</span></u></b></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I saved the receipt from my visit to Whole Foods and took a look at the prices of severals items on the shelves while I was there. Additionally, I checked out prices during subsequent visits to other grocery store. The experiment revealed a few things about costs across several Bozeman grocery stores... </span></div><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">No one store was the most expensive or the least expensive for every item I looked it. Some stores that were less expensive overall had higher prices on a few things and vice versa.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Food has very competitive prices for packaged foods.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Community Food Co-Op, also with a reputation for high prices, had surprisingly reasonable prices on several items.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Town & Country lives up to its reputation for value with good deals on many items but it was surprising to find prices on some items more expensive than at other stores.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">For the most part, the Bozeman Rosauers is expensive!</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Below is my list. None of these items were on sale so these were the store's regular prices on the days I shopped there. I picked primarily package goods as produce costs tend to fluctuate depending on time of year and so forth.<br /><br /></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Annie's Mac & Cheese</b></span></div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Co-op - $1.69</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rosauers - $3.29</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Town & Country - $2.02</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Foods - $2.49</span></li></ul></ul></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Bulk peanut butter – per pound</b></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Co-op - $5.99</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rosauers - $4.39</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Foods- $5.99</span></li></ul></ul></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Mary's Gone Crackers</b></span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Co-op - $5.83</span></li></span></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rosauers - $6.29</span></li></span></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Town & Country - $5.47</span></li></span></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Foods - $5.79</span></li></span></div></div></blockquote><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Nature's Bakery Fig Bars</b></span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Co-op - $6.32</span></li></span></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rosauers - $6.99</span></li></span></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Town & Country - $6.23</span></li></span></div></div></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Foods - $4.79</span></li></span></div></div></blockquote><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Panzanelli crackers</b></span></div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div><ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Co-op - $5.19</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rosauers - $4.99</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Foods - $5.29</span></li></ul></ul></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Quadratini</b></span></div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div><ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Co-op - $5.99</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Foods - $5.49</span></li></ul></ul></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.uniquesnacks.com/snacks/pretzels/" target="_blank"><b>Splitz Pretzels</b></a> (If you're a pretzel fan, you should check these Pennsylvania pretzels out. They are amazing!)</span></div></div></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rosauers - $4.19</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Foods - $5.19</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">World Market - $3.99</span></li></ul></ul></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Talenti Gelato</b></span></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Co-op - $5.99</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rosauers - $7.79</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Town & Country - $6.29</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Foods - $6.49</span></li></ul></ul></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Wallaby Smooth Yogurt</b></span></div></div></blockquote><div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Co-op - $6.99</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Rosauers - $5.99</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Town & Country - $5.89</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Whole Foods - $5.29</span></li></ul></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/12/winco.html"><span style="font-family: verdana;">More on grocery stores - a look at WinCo</span></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/10/trader-joes-bozeman.html" target="_blank">Is Trader Joe's coming to Bozeman</a>?!</span></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com02905 W Main St, Bozeman, MT 59718, USA45.671590599999988 -111.078676217.361356763821142 -146.23492620000002 73.98182443617884 -75.9224262tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-57095840248658034742023-03-06T11:04:00.003-07:002023-03-06T11:06:13.341-07:00How to Become Unelectable in Bozeman<span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-senator-jon-tester-will-again-run-2024-boon-democrats-2023-02-22/" target="_blank">Jon Tester recently announced that he will run for senate again in 2024</a>. I am glad he's still willing to fight for opportunity for all Montanans. A farmer and former music teacher, Jon is known for his down-home manner. His centrist approach makes him appealing to both rural and urban Montanans, and he is currently the only farmer in the senate.</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">This has gotten me thinking about what it takes to to be elected to public office. In the past 40+ years, an actor (Ronald Regan), a body builder (Arnold Schwarzenegger), a professional wrestler (Jessie Ventura), and a sleazy real estate developer have all landed in high offices in the United States so in some ways it seems anyone could do it. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Like many people in Bozeman, I find myself lamenting the state of local and Montana politics and the lack of progressive thinking from the people who find themselves in office. Maybe I should run? I like to think of myself as someone who has the skillset to become a city commissioner or member of the state legislature, the ability to listen to others, and the willingness to build rapport and work with others to make changes that impact the city or state. </span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">After 17+ years in Bozeman I still have not run. Why you ask? There is no question about it... I have made myself unelectable in Bozeman. Here's why.</span></div><div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a name='more'></a></span></span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">I wasn't born in Montana.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't think Bridger Bowl is the best ever.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't love dogs unconditionally.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't have kids.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have some not so nice things to say about the paved pathway to the M trail. (I intend to write about this some day.)</span></li></ul><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">An now a few stories about someone who has what it takes to be elected.</span></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/04/dinner-with-democrats.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/04/dinner-with-democrats.html</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2016/06/cory-booker-united-book-review.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2016/06/cory-booker-united-book-review.html</a></span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div></div></div><div><br /></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0Bozeman, MT, USA45.6814733 -111.031992517.371239463821155 -146.1882425 73.991707136178846 -75.8757425tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-84174744886303233472023-02-27T20:03:00.037-07:002023-03-13T09:21:39.000-06:00Bozeman Restaurant News - February 2023<span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6wOmVs9H0HwUr5O9bKia-kka7mObrTnOu1VQbcAoDGwVMDmy7U4odpFifXsxMXnp8w_msVaEICTfZkesuN1k50vxq11WKuxq74Pnvt3i4stGPovbV445fQMPsZiwwyWDf_Te-f3M8eiPaRaeUJrkLuzcsQTOkcEiK81QYf66SivD8RMzSxqr_JbZwQ/s640/New.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="Bozeman restaurant scene" border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV6wOmVs9H0HwUr5O9bKia-kka7mObrTnOu1VQbcAoDGwVMDmy7U4odpFifXsxMXnp8w_msVaEICTfZkesuN1k50vxq11WKuxq74Pnvt3i4stGPovbV445fQMPsZiwwyWDf_Te-f3M8eiPaRaeUJrkLuzcsQTOkcEiK81QYf66SivD8RMzSxqr_JbZwQ/w320-h214/New.jpg" title="Bozeman restaurant scene" width="320" /></a></div><br />The latest restaurant news from Bozeman, Montana and a few thoughts.</i><br /><br />~</span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a name='more'></a></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">A Mexican restaurant is coming to the Cannery District</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">I can hear a collective groan as I type these words. "How many Mexican restaurants do we need in Bozeman?" many will ask. Apparently, the answer is a lot. I'm not sure the exact count, but if you consider restaurants, food trucks, and fast-food joints, we easily have over a dozen places to get Mexican and Mexican-inspired food in the Bozone. </span><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>What sets this new Mexican joint apart is that it comes to us from New York City. In mid-March, <a href="https://www.esquinanyc.com/" target="_blank">La Esquina </a>makes its Bozeman debut and will open in the space that once housed the 406 brewery. </span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylezU7UfLiOBb45SXJ72y0JXC6p4Hobhz9FtAC76xUitxBBWSElNWIwTNBWfBV_hCn2_-6BN2ee_HmQ2CjS8FO_2OnigklzO73ns5K6p9bP4PE4WUJUN6ciJgOje60LPNg61Kl2lEk7mIfwNaaEhWWWZqFNe2AimvcgxGq3_0yIpbjJ3qLEF_kbw3xA/s300/download.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="La Esquina, Mexican restaurant, Bozeman & New York City" border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhylezU7UfLiOBb45SXJ72y0JXC6p4Hobhz9FtAC76xUitxBBWSElNWIwTNBWfBV_hCn2_-6BN2ee_HmQ2CjS8FO_2OnigklzO73ns5K6p9bP4PE4WUJUN6ciJgOje60LPNg61Kl2lEk7mIfwNaaEhWWWZqFNe2AimvcgxGq3_0yIpbjJ3qLEF_kbw3xA/w320-h179/download.jpg" title="La Esquina, Mexican restaurant, Bozeman & New York City" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span>According to the La Eqsuina website,<i> "By day and by night a stylish crowd gathers ... eager for the fast casual delights delivered muy rapido by the taqueria..., a Sexico fusion of elegant funkiness and intimate ambience, a place you could bring your lover or even your mother....A true New York City rendezvous...a cool mix of bohemian creatives adding extra texture to Esquina’s unfakeable authenticity... fueled by the sensual effects of extraordinary food, fine wines and high-spirited tequilas....Now with satellites circling the SoHo mothership, on 55th near Broadway, 73rd and Second Avenue, and Bozeman, Montana opening Spring 2022."</i><br /><br />They're a bit behind on the spring 2022 opening but that's not surprising given the aftershocks of the pandemic. What is surprising is that this Big Apple restaurant selected Bozeman for its fourth location. They have an <a href="https://www.instagram.com/esquinabzn/ " target="_blank">Instagram page for their Bozeman outpost </a>and update it regularly if you want to follow along. Interestingly, they find is necessary to tag the Yellowstone Club in some of their posts so it would be easy to come to a conclusion about what that says about their desired clientele and their price point.<br /><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><span>A </span></span><a href="https://bozemanmagazine.com/restaurants/bozeman-mt/8896-la-esquina" target="_blank"><span>Bozeman magazine</span></a><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibch0jVH22o1yzmoNH6AzfpWmEzjQHF-ecl33BnxLwDBiaw6oyAhHzSfW0cf-J835QRfyEQbIfSSU6N-cC_nBZ4rkm7v9NM7EzJ2eUe6AC7HFo-1g6MAHUJaNmRFYoGRhx0hWc-YxpIYxCQRhzH5HRJTk6D4piEZ5MW6UoeVWcdcjQvKth4J5vNc0LMQ/s886/MG_0851-Version-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="La Esquina, New York City & Bozeman, Montana" border="0" data-original-height="886" data-original-width="882" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibch0jVH22o1yzmoNH6AzfpWmEzjQHF-ecl33BnxLwDBiaw6oyAhHzSfW0cf-J835QRfyEQbIfSSU6N-cC_nBZ4rkm7v9NM7EzJ2eUe6AC7HFo-1g6MAHUJaNmRFYoGRhx0hWc-YxpIYxCQRhzH5HRJTk6D4piEZ5MW6UoeVWcdcjQvKth4J5vNc0LMQ/w319-h320/MG_0851-Version-2.jpg" title="La Esquina, New York City & Bozeman, Montana" width="319" /></a></span> <span>article</span><span> states, </span></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">"A band of misfits and renegades looking to welcome you to our unique bohemian yet professional community, and join in bringing the electricity of an urban oasis to Bozeman, MT."</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">La Esquina translates to "The Corner." This picture is the storefront of one of their New York City locations. Very urban indeed. If you peak into the window of the new Bozeman spot, you'll see that a mural of this image hangs on the wall. It will be interesting to see how the "electricity of an urban oasis" does in Bozeman.<br /></span><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Thai/Chinese mountain tavern coming to the Cannery</span></h3><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>Restaurateur and writer Jarrett Wrisley will open his first restaurant in Bozeman. Prior to moving here, he owned both Thai and Italian restaurants in Bangkok and Hong Kong. Additionally, he is the author of cookbook "The Roads to Rome" (The Splendid Table's Francis Lam was his editor.) </span><a href="https://www.jarrettwrisley.com/" target="_blank">https://www.jarrettwrisley.com/</a><span> You can find his bio on the website and read about his restaurant and writing careers - both very impressive with his by-line and news of his establishments appearing in several well-regarded, high-profile publications.</span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBh5kD2eEEt_E6XlPa7vv9_nSQEgJLghvXNmFxKzCB97XLQjrIlB8UY9xq9Jz3ilpeef_tP8peE3XR-lpincgfJEJ7e-5s6q6phJ0dB1o7E5srMn6oO4nEpgVGEnte7a8FhHaRY9bih_RfkEB-0b00RLXmg_u0diIgC65ZK9--OcaHe8pmS9xY_AmBw/s524/Capture.PNG" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="524" data-original-width="261" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEBh5kD2eEEt_E6XlPa7vv9_nSQEgJLghvXNmFxKzCB97XLQjrIlB8UY9xq9Jz3ilpeef_tP8peE3XR-lpincgfJEJ7e-5s6q6phJ0dB1o7E5srMn6oO4nEpgVGEnte7a8FhHaRY9bih_RfkEB-0b00RLXmg_u0diIgC65ZK9--OcaHe8pmS9xY_AmBw/w158-h320/Capture.PNG" width="158" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">EatAtShan on Instagram</span></span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span>Jarrett first announced his new Bozeman restaurant via email in September. Copied from the email (Emphasis added) </span><i>"The restaurant is inspired by the mountains that surround us, and the climate in this part of the west, the beautiful proteins from the prairies nearby, and my own experiences cooking and eating in Asia. <b>I want to open a little mountain tavern with a particular sense of place, where the flavors might be from Thailand’s north, or China’s southwest, but the restaurant itself could only happen, here</b>." </i><a href="https://shoutout.wix.com/so/e8ODhJmZo?languageTag=en&cid=5f5b9885-98c7-43cf-95fd-fd9f2443c262" target="_blank">Click here to read the full email</a><span>.</span><br /><br /><span>Jarrett's website doesn't mention anything about his new place, Shan, but it already has </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/EatAtShan/" target="_blank">an Instagram page</a><span>. Not much has been posted but they are hiring. They will be located in the old Lot G space.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">It sounds wonderful and unique, something we can't complain about having too much of in Bozeman. Bring it on is what I say. Let's hope he can find the staff and the products he needs to make it a success.</span></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><br /></span></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Open Range has new owners</span></h3><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span>According to the Bozeman Daily Chronicle, <a href="https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/business/nashville-musicians-buy-open-range-steakhouse-in-downtown-bozeman/article_b996e8b4-a18b-11ed-a5c8-d7f71cd3e6a1.html" target="_blank">Nashville brothers Gavin and Joe DeGraw have purchased Open Range</a>. </span><span>(Open in an Incognito window if you don't have a subscription) </span><i>"Gavin and Joey DeGraw bought Open Range from local restaurateur Jay Bentley. The brothers are known for their success in the music industry, but have also carved a path in the restaurant world with successful ventures in New York City and Nashville. For example, the DeGraws’ Nashville Underground is a massive restaurant, bar and live music venue nestled amongst a sea of bars on the city’s Honky Tonk Highway."</i></span></div><div><br /></div></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><h3><span>Okay Cool restaurant group changes</span></h3></div><div><span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfzbYf-3H6Ko33b4RdNuO19ihG4OEU-PnPmzjKDH-AR5hBW-NF9IFsOVa3ebnSgu1mpy0WYBvt3z2qlgG3W-Ghy3BREIWc7hEymzcnC_ulT2U0kF6MntoCXAl7SaXkuk0A1fnXdY5kLWfMHmINFnL6jXrjvpD3lyerlCoIKGtFF0hmUw8KKUBn4h2gg/s2048/IMG_1404.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="El Camino Bozeman for sale" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1575" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqfzbYf-3H6Ko33b4RdNuO19ihG4OEU-PnPmzjKDH-AR5hBW-NF9IFsOVa3ebnSgu1mpy0WYBvt3z2qlgG3W-Ghy3BREIWc7hEymzcnC_ulT2U0kF6MntoCXAl7SaXkuk0A1fnXdY5kLWfMHmINFnL6jXrjvpD3lyerlCoIKGtFF0hmUw8KKUBn4h2gg/w246-h320/IMG_1404.jpg" title="El Camino Bozeman for sale" width="246" /></a></div>Okay Cool has put two of their bars/restaurants up for sale. This article from the <a href="https://www.bozemandailychronicle.com/news/business/two-downtown-bozeman-bars-to-be-put-up-for-sale/article_13836684-9c39-11ed-82cc-ffdeba8a512f.html" target="_blank">Bozeman Daily Chronicle</a> </span><span>reports that El Camino (<a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2019/11/el-camino-bozeman.html" target="_blank">Read my review</a>) and Kitty Warren Social Club are on the market </span><span>$400K. For about the price of a starter condo in Bozeman, you can own two Main Street restaurants. Wild.</span></div><div><span><br />The article also reports that</span><span> </span><span>Happy Box, </span><span>Okay Cool's Korean-inspired karaoke bar</span><span>, which opened in June 2021, is under new ownership. </span><span>The new owners are planning to renovate the space and it will open in the spring. I couldn't find out anything else.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div></span></div></div><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Update - March 6, 2023 </b>- Over the weekend, I passed by the old Happy Box location where there was a sign announcing that <a href="https://www.instagram.com/est1864bzn/?hl=en" target="_blank">est. 1864 (A Noir Bar & Restaurant)</a> will be opening soon. Some internet sleuthing revealed that <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Co8CqyJgNwH/?hl=en" target="_blank">chef Allison Fasano is chef/owner behind this new establishment</a>. est. 1864 is "an homage to the trailblazers, roughnecks, vigilantes & natives that dared conquer these lands." They will feature house-made pasta, local meat, and modern seasonal Americana, and they intend to stay open late.</span></i></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><i style="font-family: verdana;">Prior to moving to Bozeman, Allison worked in Michelin Star restaurants in New York City. She has appeared on Food Network programs such as Beat Bobby Flay and Chopped.</i></p></blockquote></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p></blockquote></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I don't know much about the Okay Cool group other than that they have been operating restaurants in Bozeman for over a decade. Their first was Copper, sometimes described as a Plonk for Men, which has locations in Bozeman and Big Sky. Next they also opened, but quickly abandoned, the Red Chair in the old Weebee's location, and over time they opened El Camino, Kitty Warren's, Tips Up in Big Sky, and the Osborne Building on Main Street, which houses the (mostly empty) Main Street Market, Brigade (An upscale French-inspired restaurant), and the karaoke bar. I'll be curious to see what happens next with their holdings.</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0 0 0 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><b>Update - March 12, 2023</b> - There seems to be a big shake up at the Okay Cool Group. The Big Sky branch of Copper has been sold and is now Block 3 Kitchen, Tips Up has been sold but is still operating under the same name, and the Main Street Market is now completely closed. </i></span></p></blockquote></blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some Thoughts</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">It is interesting to see new-comers entering Bozeman's restaurant scene, but I can once again hear a collective sigh as readers learn of these changes. While it is heartbreaking to watch our town grow, there is often a "knee jerk" reaction when people hear news like this. It's easy to blame newcomers for Bozeman's growing pains, make assumptions about what they'll do with their restaurants, and pass judgement on the types of people we think will frequent them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I couldn't help but notice that both La Esquina and est. 1864 refer to the perceived outlaw nature of Bozeman. At La Esquina, they have a </span>"band of misfits and renegades" running the place and est. 1864 takes its inspiration from "<span style="font-family: verdana;">trailblazers, roughnecks, vigilantes and natives." I think it's a bit cliché to focus on this "wild west" image of Montana, especially in a town that has become as polished (Almost to the point of dullness) and trendy as Bozeman. Again, I'm trying not to pass judgement or make assumptions and will be curious to see if or how these elements play out once they open.</span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div><span>I'm working on keeping a positive attitude and hope all of this spells good things for the Bozeman restaurant world. Is Bozeman ready for urban vibes and late night dining or will the kitchens close by 8 or 9 p.m.? Will Bozeman diners embrace interesting flavors or will they stick with the same old things? Will the restaurants tantalize our taste buds with bold spices or keep it tame to please the masses? Will prices be out of reach for most, another indicator that Bozeman is becoming more posh and more "ruined"? Only time will tell.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section of this post. You don't need an account to do so.</span></div><div><span><br /></span></div><div><span>~</span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span>Read more...</span></h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Restaurant reviews: <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/restaurant%20review" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/restaurant%20review</a></li><li>The essence of Bozeman: <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/bozeman-essence.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/bozeman-essence.html</a></li></ul></div></span></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0Bozeman, MT, USA45.6814733 -111.031992517.371239463821155 -146.1882425 73.991707136178846 -75.8757425tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-20349404764486385452023-02-24T15:58:00.003-07:002023-03-06T12:45:28.233-07:002022-2023 Snow Stats<div class="separator"><br /></div><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01H-vjdcmROm8EEyMoyLem0Y51zGPDQWYeEii2vsi74MkEB7pmy-EUe8xLvt3sFcbR7uuF63NKc5iTHbU8AvmKlvcAwP1PT6-EQ1wAgBV9JeBh_KWL2xmwAym_YsP7wNszfDolGdSGupIRpszFutHARG8lPafHu7YUmhV7oYGj09mYh2zKyhRTChCfA/s4608/Influencer.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Backcountry skiing Montana" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi01H-vjdcmROm8EEyMoyLem0Y51zGPDQWYeEii2vsi74MkEB7pmy-EUe8xLvt3sFcbR7uuF63NKc5iTHbU8AvmKlvcAwP1PT6-EQ1wAgBV9JeBh_KWL2xmwAym_YsP7wNszfDolGdSGupIRpszFutHARG8lPafHu7YUmhV7oYGj09mYh2zKyhRTChCfA/w400-h300/Influencer.JPG" title="Backcountry skiing Montana" width="400" /></a></div>A good ski season is measured by an unknowable recipe of snow, temperature, sun, and wind. </span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Since Bozeman's Steenburgh Winter comes today, it's time to take a look at where we stand with ski conditions. Below is </span></i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>a running list of conditions at a few select ski areas and some thoughts on this year's winter.</i></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i>~<br /></i></span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span><a name='more'></a></span></span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The Steenburgh Winter ends today (Jim's post from this year <a href="https://wasatchweatherweenies.blogspot.com/2023/02/steenburgh-winter-ends.html" target="_blank">https://wasatchweatherweenies.blogspot.com/2023/02/steenburgh-winter-ends.html</a> The Steenburgh Winter ended on February 10 in Utah). This is the first day the sun rises to 35 degrees above the horizon, and each day we find it</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;"> rising higher in the sky. Slowly, it will begin having a greater impact on snow conditions across all aspects. It's a good reminder to get out as often as you can as light, powdery conditions will become harder to find.</span></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">So how does this winter look so far? Here's what I know...</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2htuOmBKId083xFr96O7hc94fHb05rAkPHW0YNTBDmF5S6H-8DWpm15lRv94lEH2DgnFzf5iJZxJzVTNz_LPDbVzxm7pCK3hAxvmERcScsbmHnlqrevwbgIst-BnJdvQ6uL9A174KZlOKJQH7tCS9rjFT4t28PqzypyWU2iTGZSitr8dr76odXTE2w/s4608/Mike_Tracks.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Powder Belt, south of Big Sky, Montana" border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU2htuOmBKId083xFr96O7hc94fHb05rAkPHW0YNTBDmF5S6H-8DWpm15lRv94lEH2DgnFzf5iJZxJzVTNz_LPDbVzxm7pCK3hAxvmERcScsbmHnlqrevwbgIst-BnJdvQ6uL9A174KZlOKJQH7tCS9rjFT4t28PqzypyWU2iTGZSitr8dr76odXTE2w/w300-h400/Mike_Tracks.JPG" title="Powder Belt, south of Big Sky, Montana" width="300" /></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Snow first came to Bozeman in late October, and we've received regular snow ever since. (</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bridger Bowl received over 4 feet of snow with the recent storm and other mountain ranges have received about two+ feet.) I first went shuffling on cross country skis in the ball field and parks near my neighborhood on October 23, and t</span><span style="font-family: helvetica;">he in-town Nordic ski trails were first groomed on October 24. It is always nice to get out on skis in October, and this helped the winter start off right. By mid-November, the Nordic grooming folks said we were experiencing January conditions on the town trails. Woo hoo!</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span>Since Wednesday, it has been below zero in Bozeman. This is one of a few cold snaps we've<br /> had this winter, and while they've been only a few days each, the first came in mid-November and they have been cold (One dropped down to 30 below right before Christmas). </span>While we've hit temperatures in the upper 30s in town at a few points this winter, there have been no real melt-downs. The ten-day forecast calls for high temperatures in the 20s to just above freezing in town, and this spells good things the Nordic trails, which will easily hold out into March. Exactly how long they can groom, we will see.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">To me, this year feels about average, maybe a bit above, but the thing that sets it apart is how good the skiing has been for so long. It started early, and although we went most of January without any significant storms, things have held up and there has been no shortage of good skiing. Bridger Bowl is expected to close on April 9, so we'll see if they can extend their season as they sometimes do. Big Sky closes on April 23.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I will update this post in the spring.</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Here are the snow figures from several ski areas. When you take a look at them, it seems as if southwest Montana have a good winter and the stoke factor from skiers says the same. </span></div><div><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Figures = Ski are base depth, snow fall year-to-date</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /><i>Numbers don't tell the full story. Click on the links to read about previous years and form your own opinions.</i></span></p><div style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333; margin: 0px; position: relative;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span> <u>Big Sky</u></span><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><u>Bridger Bowl</u><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><u>Alta</u><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><u>Crested Butte</u></span></div><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">February 24, 2023<span> </span><span> </span><span> 66-70" (NA)</span><span> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>74" (177")<span> </span><span> </span><span> 153" (536")<span> 57" (216")</span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/02/2021-2022-snow-update.html" target="_blank">February 24, 2022</a><span><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/02/2021-2022-snow-update.html" target="_blank"> </a> </span><span> </span><span> </span><span>27"- 49" (NA)<span> 43" (147")<span> </span><span> </span><span> 89" (283")<span> </span><span> 61" (199")</span></span></span></span></span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/02/2020-2021-snow-stats.html" target="_blank">February 18, 2021 </a> 56"- 63" (NA) 77" (171") 120" (332") 59" (150")</span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2019/12/2019-2020-snow-update.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #006677;">February 21, 2020</span> </a> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>56"- 96" (NA)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>78" (227") 125" (416")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>51" (156")</span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2019/02/2019-snow-update.html" style="color: #006677;" target="_blank">February 17, 2019 </a><span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>48"- 89" (NA)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>70" (192") 133" (386")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>71" (186")</span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/02/2018-snowpack-update.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #006677;">February 19, 2018</span> </a> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>63"- 95" (NA)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>77" (210")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>76" (183")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>48" (112")</span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #006677;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/02/blog-post.html" target="_blank">February 14, 2017 </a></span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>48"- 72" (188")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>45" (143")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="color: #006677;"><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2016/02/-snow-update.html" target="_blank">February 12, 2016 </a></span> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>43”- 65” (277")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>56” (209")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2015/02/snow-update-geeking-out-one-year-later.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #006677;">February 17, 2015</span> </a> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>42”- 63” (294")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>56” (228")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><p style="background-color: #eeeeff; color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2014/02/geeking-out-about-snow-conditions.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #006677;">February 12, 2014</span> </a> <span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>57”- 85” (236")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>76” (166")<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span></span></p><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="white-space: pre;">~</span></span></div></div><ul style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdEJKdJU_MHXUWNvxDfSMAHUia_aeip-bo2KJzt5j2bHKet4F6L6DCi2EM8iZ62PWrUGgmCEDucfCXYU_CreW_NEand2mJ8Zu4D3sIXC0I8GfEPlDhXVy5OX00Pnmv8Sto4DL7WXEWUnLX9_jEpI4w_Cb4HmYF5btQr8jU8MaBkW4GQvse5c5BowNKA/s4608/012.JPG" style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><img alt="Powder Belt, south of Big Sky, Montana" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYdEJKdJU_MHXUWNvxDfSMAHUia_aeip-bo2KJzt5j2bHKet4F6L6DCi2EM8iZ62PWrUGgmCEDucfCXYU_CreW_NEand2mJ8Zu4D3sIXC0I8GfEPlDhXVy5OX00Pnmv8Sto4DL7WXEWUnLX9_jEpI4w_Cb4HmYF5btQr8jU8MaBkW4GQvse5c5BowNKA/w400-h300/012.JPG" title="Powder Belt, south of Big Sky, Montana" width="400" /></a><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Wondering about types of snow? Here's a rundown. <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2012/11/types-of-snow-how-many-have-you-skied.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2012/11/types-of-snow-how-many-have-you-skied.html</a></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Let me tell you a little secret. My favorite ski spot in Bozeman. <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/01/favorite-ski-bozeman.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/01/favorite-ski-bozeman.html</a></span></li></ul></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0Bozeman, MT, USA45.6814733 -111.031992517.371239463821155 -146.1882425 73.991707136178846 -75.8757425tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-38805205102000831772023-01-23T13:37:00.006-07:002023-01-24T06:08:45.189-07:00The Essence of Bozeman<p><i><b></b></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Deconstructing Bozeman - Part Two<br /></span></h3><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IPSiOc-Pw5H8Tun8KBHG5mIpRKia2JrfnzRCrYJpMRSC48z8evZp5B8Lp7kOGBw1r5FtxrOdqrmH46ek80AMRQhJNZS8V2d9phc_wNyZGwyKRzbpbHmKyTd4Y9dCDQqb3VBcvS8oHWx72-j4i7MHhACiYK5HF6qOSbeuHuTYB3h4b8_MdN9GNq3dDA/s360/321137276_1219171672329928_7229965965939712338_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The essence of Bozeman" border="0" data-original-height="269" data-original-width="360" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5IPSiOc-Pw5H8Tun8KBHG5mIpRKia2JrfnzRCrYJpMRSC48z8evZp5B8Lp7kOGBw1r5FtxrOdqrmH46ek80AMRQhJNZS8V2d9phc_wNyZGwyKRzbpbHmKyTd4Y9dCDQqb3VBcvS8oHWx72-j4i7MHhACiYK5HF6qOSbeuHuTYB3h4b8_MdN9GNq3dDA/w400-h299/321137276_1219171672329928_7229965965939712338_n.jpg" title="The essence of Bozeman" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></div><p><b style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Essence – noun<br />From Latin, esse, to be </span></b></p><p><i><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">The intrinsic nature or indispensable quality of something, especially something abstract, that determines its character. </span></b></i></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Travel magazine editors ask writers to capture the “essence” of a place. Even well-regarded publications like <i>National Geographic Traveler</i> include the following in their <a href="https://www.nationalgeographic.com/traveler/about/guidelines_w.html " target="_blank">writers’ guidelines</a>, (Emphasis added) “Thank you for your interest in contributing to <i>National Geographic Traveler</i>… <i><b>a Traveler story must capture a </b></i></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><b>place's essence </b></i>in a way that inspires readers to follow in the writer's footsteps…” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">What is the essence of any place? Is it possible to write about a place’s essence without sounding trite or cliché? After years of being just another pretty face in the crowd, Bozeman, my home since 2005, is getting noticed and the population has exploded. There's no doubt Bozeman's essence is changing.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Given its rise in popularity as a place to live and visit, magazines and newspapers are eager to write about Bozeman. Travel writing is intended to “sell” a location so it’s not surprising that only the pretty points of Bozeman are featured. But many people are visiting and moving here, often influenced by what they read, so I want to add my voice to the conversation as a 17+ year resident. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~ <br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span></span></p><p><span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">With over 53,000 people calling Bozeman home, it is by no means a huge place but it’s big enough to have many personalities. Here are a few things that capture my essence of Bozeman. </span></h3><blockquote style="border: medium none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="700" data-original-width="364" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6BDAa4DpRqERhPwpYOwoX71eAHXdH4QIOUYFnmXoMSDr-6f35dLj1eDSfWCLb3Lf1MWJdWASnKda_f-zoCcmOB9Ki6liF4kjyK6DQ_1T5Ho2CilCqckIXwUWRB04qthE38TdOymq7IcVatXBqihwtcd8slwC8Uj4Ji1B8h-Rn4mG9tKzRsWCs96tug/s320/AngieMangels_SkiingTheM_Illus.jpg" width="166" /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>1) Outdoors</b> - A first-time visitor is immediately struck by the mountains, rivers, and seemingly endless outdoor amenities surrounding Bozeman. Six ranges are close to town offering everything from short jaunts to multi-day epic adventures, and there is no shortage of outdoor activities to partake in year-round. People move here a to ski, climb, and mountain bike, or simply to live life surrounded by the mountains and admire them from afar. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>2) Bozemanites are community minded</b> - Residents like living where things happen. Young people pursue careers with non-profit arts, environmental, and social service organizations helping make Bozeman a better place to live. Retirees move here and become involved as volunteers and philanthropists. There’s a thriving music and arts scene thanks to those who donated time and money. (A community radio and a symphony were founded in 1968, Intermountain Opera was established in 1978, and Montana Ballet Company joined the cultural mix in 1984.) Those who are scientifically inclined have helped build a small but thriving tech community offering well-paying jobs drawing newcomers to town and allowing others to stay here after they outgrow their ski bum years. </span></p><p><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1383" data-original-width="1115" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPrgBPYj7v_WS3Hr_DKSaBOmq8WDMcpzkTdi9Cbnif7Z9_nj-LjXOGVezxHHvS070TV0J0_6k_OsVF514jmHKgf4R7MwIzbzsi-AsQFSTR08U7LXGaiWZeHAWcwVgiq1_8Dg0h1xLzvwMaPFuiylHGyoPU-cWMDBGGGeZ6Vty3sQicFjoOZsLenhiRQ/s320/Hop%20on%20over%20EDITED.jpg" width="258" /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>3) College town </b>– Bozeman is home to Montana State University and many people are drawn to Bozeman because of it. Some say MSU helps ground Bozeman in reality, setting it apart from other outdoor-oriented towns; it's not just another outdoor Lala Land but a place where you can balance adventure with cultural and intellectual pursuits.</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPrgBPYj7v_WS3Hr_DKSaBOmq8WDMcpzkTdi9Cbnif7Z9_nj-LjXOGVezxHHvS070TV0J0_6k_OsVF514jmHKgf4R7MwIzbzsi-AsQFSTR08U7LXGaiWZeHAWcwVgiq1_8Dg0h1xLzvwMaPFuiylHGyoPU-cWMDBGGGeZ6Vty3sQicFjoOZsLenhiRQ/s1383/Hop%20on%20over%20EDITED.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"></a></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I work at Montana State University Library and a colleague had this to say when I posed the question “what is the essence of Bozeman?” on Facebook. </span></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>“I'm thinking of how the university shapes the essence of Bozeman. It's arguably the biggest source of diversity and influences our politics. It bridges Old and New West: hometown sports, especially football and rodeo with community-focused events attached to each, plus ag, animal science, and wildlife / land management meeting tech innovation, progressive arts, science, and culture, and tourism economics and business.” </i></span></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>4) Downtown </b>- At only a few blocks long, a lot is jammed into Bozeman’s small downtown. An abundance of pubs, restaurants, galleries, and boutiques keep things lively. Tourists stumble vapor-locked clutching little bags from the shops and gawk at the architecture on Main Street. They squeal things like “It’s so cute,” “Just charming,” and “I would love to live here.” Events happen year-round and a local business organization touts the idea that “Life is Downtown.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>5) People are friendly and like to make small talk</b> - In Bozeman and throughout Montana there is a desire to help your friends and neighbors. Folks do not hesitate to lend a hand if their neighbor's basement has flooded, will pull over to dig a car out of a snowbank, and will shovel the driveway for an elderly neighbor. People say hi on the trails and service workers take the time to ask how you are doing. To many, these simple acts of kindness are important part of being “from here,” making life and day-to-day interactions very civil. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>6) Agriculture</b> – It’s a big part of Bozeman history, but it's not part of my essence as I don’t have a lot of interaction with that community. I won’t comment further, but I share a friend’s thoughts in the next section. </span></p></blockquote><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The essence of Bozeman" border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkhXZXCu9qQJtpLwn8hpetEEK5zcW_imjMJRm-miTQfh5ioPzedeWkR8nI9U4_YDT9VPG_KvorLdJVvQhd-bnkDQVvV0Ouh99A8o60ssdi5kqzHCGl52V0zR3sUisF9FG0A8FqmgfN4s3OEyfRvXW8X-efkXxy34bNHLRxkg1kIW71R_cWrmBc18L0w/w400-h300/8%20Bike_Mounted.JPG" title="The essence of Bozeman" width="400" /></span></span>Bozeman is a great place to live but it’s growing rapidly, and these changing times have brought some not so nice essences. </b></span></h3><blockquote style="border: medium none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>1. Growth </b>– Growth has been steady since I moved here over 17 years ago. The pandemic exasperated it, the Yellowstone television series has catapulted the area further into the limelight, and growth has exploded.</span> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: medium none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> Development fills vacant fields, cranes and earth digging machines are everywhere, and a staggering number of apartments are being built. T<a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/bozeman-development-series.html" target="_blank">hings we already know and have heard ad nauseum</a>, about traffic, crowds at trailheads, escalating prices, lack of affordable homes or rentals, are becoming impossible to ignore. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Growth has happened so quickly that the City of Bozeman has a hard time handling it. (Is it even possible to know what to do during times like these? Is there a right way or an easy-to-follow method for dealing with growth?). As a result, we end up with thoughtless development, sprawl, town infrastructure that can't keep up the influx of people, lack of public transportation, poor routes for bike commuting, and on and on. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>2. Us vs. Them mentality</b> – With growth comes unfamiliar faces. Bozemanites can be very quick to judge and categorize one another, and there is a growing divide between long-timers and newcomers, who are easy to blame for Bozeman current woes. “It’s ‘all those people’ who are moving in and ruining Bozeman,” is a common refrain when talking about change. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Folks pride themselves in being fourth generation Montanans or for being born in Bozeman and can be among those to complain the most about growth. (Surprisingly, they seldom run for office.)</span> <br /></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: medium none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Town is strongly Democrats but Gallatin County still votes Republican. As a progressive, I can attest to surrounding myself with like-minded people, but I have to work hard (and often fail) to accept the large conservative population in the county.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Outdoor enthusiasts identify with one clan or another. Mountain bikers versus road bikers. Backcountry skiers versus ski area folks versus lycra clad Nordic folks. Human powered versus motorized recreation. Trail conflicts between user groups are more common than they used to be. </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: medium none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><b style="font-family: verdana;">3. False friendliness</b><span style="font-family: verdana;"> – As mentioned above, Bozemanites are helpful and nice on the surface. While these gestures are appreciated, real connections can be hard to make. Bozemanites want to be liked and appear friendly but “We should get together sometime” from a new acquaintance rarely results in an invite. I know I can count on many folks to help me out during a crisis, but I often have trouble rounding anyone up for something simple like a drink or just hanging out. In heated moments, the most bitter and entitled among us may tell a newcomer to "go back to where you came from". </span></blockquote><blockquote style="border: medium none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>4. The pace of life is changing</b> - While articles about Bozeman tout the “slower pace of life,” it is not uncommon for people to lament “I’m so busy.” I have noticed this for many years, long before the pandemic brought in the latest round of newcomers. Busyness is everywhere these days and Bozeman is no longer as “chill” or as special as we’d like to think.</span> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: medium none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>5. A shrinking agriculture community</b> – A friends and former colleague had this to say. </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: medium none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p></p><blockquote><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Probably the biggest change is that agriculture has become mostly scenery (which is steadily dwindling) and the odds of having a</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> meaningful interaction with someone from the agricultural community has become highly unlikely unless you’re interacting with MSU students or frequenting farmers markets - though one could make the case that ag people at farmers markets are a bit like exotic animals in a zoo.” </span></i></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>6. Loss of local businesses</b> – Popular Main Street local businesses like Leaf and Bean, Barrel Mountaineering (Both closed), and Cactus Records (Moved) have left downtown and chains like Lulu Lemon and Athleta are moving it. Whether it’s cost of downtown rent or personal shopping preferences is hard to tell. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>7. Girls with big dumb hats</b> – Just kidding. I couldn’t resist a chance to poke fun at the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4bvwKqSNAgk&ab_channel=SaturdayNightLive" target="_blank">SNL video</a>. Girls in big dumb hats are a growing population in Bozeman as are places to buy big dumb hats. </span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">A friend and former co-worker said the following when responding to my Facebook post mentioned above. </span></p><p></p><blockquote><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>“Having lived in the valley for 23 years now, I would suggest the essence is what you make of it. With each new change, year, or milestone, the Bozone has taken on different meanings for me - some good, some not so good. In the end it is what it is, right?” </i></span></blockquote><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">She has given me something to think about. Perhaps the only real essence of Bozeman is change. What do you think? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section of this post.<br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Read more <br /></span></h3><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><span style="font-family: verdana;">All about Bozeman </span></b><span style="font-family: verdana;">- </span><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/Bozeman"><span style="font-family: verdana;">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/Bozeman</span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><br /></li></ul><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>The Rant</b> - <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-rant.html">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-rant.html</a> </span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span><br /></li></ul></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Dreams about getting out of town</b> - <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/10/bozeman-blues-new-haven-fantasy.html">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/10/bozeman-blues-new-haven-fantasy.html</a></span></li></ul><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></p><br /><p></p></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0Bozeman, MT, USA45.6814733 -111.031992517.371239463821155 -146.1882425 73.991707136178846 -75.8757425tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-88588583573291873642023-01-08T11:27:00.019-07:002023-01-11T08:33:47.282-07:00My Path to Bozeman<h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Deconstructing Bozeman - Part One<br />One Perspective on Living in an "It" Town</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i></i></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLT0Hin2pZ-bdCqFMMzTKlKmSNCqkeQiof72lagZwPT1nBySZCH3tJvLGm3GHYTbSpsx_89OPbHHRNHw3WC00lvYD-xaeSrwiNjZtRrwIdwyTfYO-mPaFAyhCYQT_Dhc2e9u1aSzDprlnweIFtKfCAjE4JVvskBFKf1rTBCzySwzziOpiWZvAZaofqQ/s1980/downtownboz2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="1980" height="73" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLT0Hin2pZ-bdCqFMMzTKlKmSNCqkeQiof72lagZwPT1nBySZCH3tJvLGm3GHYTbSpsx_89OPbHHRNHw3WC00lvYD-xaeSrwiNjZtRrwIdwyTfYO-mPaFAyhCYQT_Dhc2e9u1aSzDprlnweIFtKfCAjE4JVvskBFKf1rTBCzySwzziOpiWZvAZaofqQ/w400-h73/downtownboz2.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></i></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i><br />Here is the story of my path to Bozeman and some thoughts about living in one of the West’s most popular “It” Towns. </i></span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><i>Feel free to add to the conversation by posting in the comments. You can do so anonymously but please be civil.</i></span><p></p><p><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></i></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a name='more'></a></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a graduate student new to the West from the East Coast, I had always wondered what it would like to live in a trendy, outdoor orientated town; those old mining towns turned resort towns with their pastel Victorian homes; the trendy ski towns that “everyone” talked about; those precious cute-as-a-button places I saw immortalized in glossy magazines. Let’s call them “It” Towns.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’d travel to these locales during spring break and over the summer and they had me captivated. With an abundance of outdoor activities and thriving town amenities, they seemed like great places to call home. I wanted to live the carefree life I felt radiated from the locals I saw working at the pubs, restaurants, and shops. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I once chatted with a young woman on a Colorado ski lift who was working in marketing for a local museum. I was in awe. If I could be that person, the one who moved to an “It” Town, lived in the mountains, and got outside all the time, that would be great. If managed to have a professional, rewarding job in such a place, that would be a bonus and I’d feel as if I reached self-actualization. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">So, I moved to an “It” Town after graduation, first to Big Sky, Montana and next to Crested Butte, Colorado. I skied, mountain biked, and backpacked as often as I could and took jobs that allowed for that freedom, but I was never able to settle into service work. Working in a hotel and aspiring to be a hotel manager was not for me, and I was a disaster when it came to waiting tables. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">After fumbling about as ski bum for three years, I was torn. I wanted to find a way to ski and get outside often, but I also wanted to balance outdoor fun with a job that made a meaningful difference to the community. The girl on the chairlift came to mind, and I still wanted to be her. Could I be at the point where I was seeking the dreaded “real job” that is the death to all ski bums? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Without putting in serious effort, a series of random circumstances lead me to a professional job in a third “It” Town, Jackson Hole, Wyoming. I was now the equivalent of the girl I sat with on the chairlift years prior. While I thrived in Jackson professionally and socially, and I skied, backpacked, and mountain biked farther and wider than ever, I had always wanted to move back to Montana. After six years, I sold my condo in Jackson, bought a new one in Bozeman, and made the move with a few leads but no job. My return to Montana was a shock.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The other towns I lived in prior to Bozeman were popular, but they were in different stages of their popularity. At one end, Big Sky, when I moved there in 1996, was still really mellow with a population of 800 to 1,100. The year prior, the tram had opened offering easy access to the vast terrain off the summit of Lone Peak. Big Sky was starting to get noticed by hardcore skiers, but it was still far from hitting the prime it’s in now. It was small and quiet, and felt like it was “ours.” At the other end, Crested Butte and Jackson Hole had been busy, popular, and written about decades. The attention was nothing new, and it didn’t feel like the change was as widespread or noticeable as it was in Bozeman.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bozeman, when I moved here in 2005, was transitioning from being just another town to becoming an “It” Town. <a href="https://scrapplemovie.com/" target="_blank">To quote my favorite ski town movie Scrapple</a>, it had “all the right ingredients to become the number one destination in North America.” </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Shortly after my arrival, Bozeman appeared on lists of Best Places to Retire and Best Mid-Size Towns for Free Wi-Fi Access. (I’m not making that up. It was 2005 so free Wi-Fi wasn’t as ubiquitous as it is now). As time when on, Bozeman began appearing with more frequency in magazines and on top-ten lists – Best College Towns, Best Outdoor Towns, the list goes on and on. Features in high profile publications such as <i>The New York Times</i> and <i>Travel and Leisure</i> came next, and tourism ticked up. The pandemic and the Yellowstone series exasperated growth. It’s now 2023 and there’s no doubt Bozeman’s time has come.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">What’s it like to live in Bozeman?</span></h3><span style="font-family: verdana;">Some may wonder, as I did, what it’s like to live in Bozeman. Here are a few random, surface thoughts. </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">There's a lot to say (</span><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/Bozeman" style="font-family: verdana;" target="_blank">I post about Bozeman often</a><span style="font-family: verdana;">.) but I'll start you off with these points. </span><p></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="clear: right; float: right; font-family: verdana; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7n20RBDzi4fBHB-uu-bw4THOYhIPiqRnZuYI0vutB7mXcNOX4ixPEmnN4tS6eteukj_79DbkHE4LgrywKm5UEnUSQbMn3ZtaIC-HlUUqRA-d7D48pgLhAx1jjqoXHgnE4At2p-IIurjowDByQVKq8HZN5pIJH1DaPj-DeO_LlNjgSLdMDcF0daGceBw/s320/New.jpg" width="320" /></span><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Life is Life</b> - Living in Bozeman, in many ways, is like living anywhere else. You get your teeth cleaned, scoop the cat’s litter box, pay your bills, navigate the various personalities and egos at work, and navigate all the minutia of life. You get sick, get better, deal with insecurities, thrive during moments of bliss. You live life with all the ups, downs, and in-betweens that come your way. The scenery may be better and the outdoor recreation more abundant, but at the end of the day, it’s just life.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Weather </b>- You can’t talk about living in an outdoor orientated town without mentioning weather. To put it bluntly, Bozeman weather is not for wimps. Temperatures of 30 below are real. Most years you’ll find snow on the ground in town from November through March and regular snowstorms linger into April and May, occasionally into June. While Bozeman’s winters are not as grey as in Kalispell or Missoula, they are nowhere near as sunny as the mountain towns in Colorado and the winter days are much shorter. The glorious summer season, with longer days and pleasant weather, is slow in arriving and is over in the blink of an eye. </span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Restaurants</b> - Although “good for a town this size,” some may find them to be ho hum and others may consider service to be subpar. Bozeman restaurants have always closed early. It has always been tough if not impossible to get food after 9:30 p.m., and now, with changes brought on by the pandemic and the great resignation, kitchens sometimes close as early as 8 p.m.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">•<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span><b>Diversity</b> - Whether it be racial, culinary, shopping, services, etc., diversity is improving but many will find it is still lacking.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you want to live in a cool, trendy town, Bozeman or otherwise, I say give it a try and see if it’s for you. Pretty as it is, it is not for everyone.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Burning Out on Paradise</span></h3><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Good places get discovered and don’t say the same forever, so if you live in Bozeman long enough, you find things to become jaded about. Many residents feel a sense of ownership and want to “save” Bozeman and “protect our way of life.” But what does this really mean? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Who doesn’t wish that town would stay the way it was when we moved here? A million thoughts races through your head. After all, you moved here from somewhere else, so you know you shouldn’t judge. Deep down, you realize folks in Jordan, Poplar, and dying Montana towns would love to have a fraction of Bozeman’s good fortune, but you hate seeing town change and you struggle with the dilemma. The crowds and increased traffic are getting to you. Tempers flare as developers gobble up open space, and it can be hard to keep equanimity.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9sEiCDBVOn91pGThD2tK3xbzkD0IaqH4wTQBpvZ35Ba5snBIbeesB3480_0l28l0pLLzH4bU9cPVHXbiCai-Rjwem5ZpshO89nofz9IHI_73DfwcaDNrORgpclKVg8QWkxrD1WojG9052_BlMrQm1iJNKbEggk3F4ntHJCN5JSP6k-z4C2sBmF0kXQ/s2048/DSCN0137.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bozeman Gentrification Saga" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc9sEiCDBVOn91pGThD2tK3xbzkD0IaqH4wTQBpvZ35Ba5snBIbeesB3480_0l28l0pLLzH4bU9cPVHXbiCai-Rjwem5ZpshO89nofz9IHI_73DfwcaDNrORgpclKVg8QWkxrD1WojG9052_BlMrQm1iJNKbEggk3F4ntHJCN5JSP6k-z4C2sBmF0kXQ/w400-h300/DSCN0137.JPG" title="Bozeman Gentrification Saga" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2022/10/bozeman-blues-new-haven-fantasy.html" target="_blank">If you live in Bozeman long enough, you likely get to the point where you contemplate moving</a>. You are not immune to searching for the next great place. It would be great to recapture what it felt like to move to Bozeman, a place that felt uncrowded, undiscovered, and full of possibility. It is your dream to relive those years when you loved it and thrived; before “everyone” was talking about it and moving here; before you got jaded.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />In the 1990s, I had a friend who kept moving north in Colorado from Durango to Telluride to Crested Butte. Each time he felt town had gotten too busy, too crowded, “ruined.” Bozeman and Montana were far from the limelight at the time, and I joked that he'd make it to the Treasure State before he knew it. I’m not sure where he is today and if he ever made it to Montana, but if he did, I’m sure he’s now disappointed.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Does the next great place exist? Could it be possible that a country as large as ours has run out of good places? Surely everything can’t be ruined. Currently, Bozeman is having its day as Aspen, Jackson Hole, and Sun Valley did decades ago.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There is no doubt Bozeman is a great place to live but, in many ways, it’s like anywhere else. No matter how wonderful the mountains are, at the end of the day it’s just life. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Feel free to add to the conversation by posting in the comments. You can do so anonymously. And feel feel free to read more.</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Links to all posts in the Deconstructing Bozeman series - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/deconstruction-bozeman-series.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/deconstruction-bozeman-series.html</a></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Bozeman Development Series - <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/bozeman-development-series.html" target="_blank">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/bozeman-development-series.html</a></span></li></ul><p></p>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0Bozeman, MT, USA45.6814733 -111.031992521.163991707170247 -146.1882425 70.198954892829761 -75.8757425tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-45342097371352272212023-01-06T10:04:00.011-07:002023-01-08T19:37:51.923-07:00Bozeman Development - The Series<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVp94IYNtewlypju6_KzVZuu37ZxlOHUQR0164QgMytRZNugL_ucwBGAgj6-rmFyk9WITMht_UI6laWtI8ISKstKvnCj9_qa04B2ymVC3VuoPMByt6F2ICNcE0WW5D1PQMsL34qTVjbGMI/s2048/DSCN0137.JPG" style="background-color: #eeeeee; color: #3d83f7; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; font-weight: 700; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-decoration-line: none;"><img alt="Bozeman Beta - what's new, what's hot" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVp94IYNtewlypju6_KzVZuu37ZxlOHUQR0164QgMytRZNugL_ucwBGAgj6-rmFyk9WITMht_UI6laWtI8ISKstKvnCj9_qa04B2ymVC3VuoPMByt6F2ICNcE0WW5D1PQMsL34qTVjbGMI/w320-h240/DSCN0137.JPG" style="background: rgba(20, 20, 20, 0); border-radius: 0px; border: 1px solid rgba(20, 20, 20, 0); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.2) 0px 0px 0px; padding: 8px; position: relative;" title="Bozeman Beta - what's new, what's hot" width="320" /></a></div><p><span style="color: #001551;"></span></p><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: #001551;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">A series on Bozeman development</span></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #001551;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #001551;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Note: This was created in 2017 as a mulit-part series. I have built this landing page with all of the links as I have added to the original series and will continue to post more.</span></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><p></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Paradise Ruined</b></span><span style="font-family: verdana; font-weight: normal;">: <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/01/paradise-ruined.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/01/paradise-ruined.html</a></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Bozeman Alley Tour</b>: <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/07/bozeman-alley-tour.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/07/bozeman-alley-tour.html</a></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span><b>A few conclusions (2017)</b>:</span> <span style="color: #0000ee;"><u><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/09/development-series-conclusions.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/09/development-series-conclusions.html</a></u></span></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Touring Mid-Town </b>- <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/09/bozeman-touring-midtown.html" target="_blank">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/09/bozeman-touring-midtown.html</a> and <b>Midtown three years later</b> <a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/06/midtown-update.html" target="_blank">https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/06/midtown-update.html</a></span></li></ul><div><ul><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Bozeman Graffiti Wars</b>: <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/10/bozeman-graffiti-wars.html" target="_blank">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/10/bozeman-graffiti-wars.html</a></span></li></ul></div><div></div></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0Bozeman, MT, USA45.6814733 -111.031992517.371239463821155 -146.1882425 73.991707136178846 -75.8757425tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-78885482672530449872023-01-06T09:53:00.010-07:002023-01-23T13:59:35.972-07:00Deconstructing Bozeman - The Series<p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ym_dghM7Qkg5jpYiDHDqGz45DVMbew1_9icPam57y60j7FXFE8E0rH5Yp5Nr5qMbxoiNqjJZUSJND6ljDGqUBKFzEVyl0NTmPLgNJF8n0pRgIfE4C8OQLB_voD_9KvC5chfa7vN06OdNPGz2QWMY9KPL-ylPzJXjh2JNdf57qZg4h5kw0R0r88c7Qg/s640/New.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Deconstructing Bozeman" border="0" data-original-height="428" data-original-width="640" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1Ym_dghM7Qkg5jpYiDHDqGz45DVMbew1_9icPam57y60j7FXFE8E0rH5Yp5Nr5qMbxoiNqjJZUSJND6ljDGqUBKFzEVyl0NTmPLgNJF8n0pRgIfE4C8OQLB_voD_9KvC5chfa7vN06OdNPGz2QWMY9KPL-ylPzJXjh2JNdf57qZg4h5kw0R0r88c7Qg/w400-h268/New.jpg" title="Deconstructing Bozeman" width="400" /></a></div><p><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">All links to pieces in the series will be posted here.<br /> <span></span></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p></div><div style="text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Part One - My Path to Bozeman <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/path-to-bozeman.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/path-to-bozeman.html</a></span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> <br />Part Two - The Essence of Bozeman <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/bozeman-essence.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/bozeman-essence.html </a><br /><br />~</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br />Check out other series</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Lost and Overlooked Ski Areas -<a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/11/overlooked-lost-ski-areas.html"> https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/11/overlooked-lost-ski-areas.html</a> </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Bozeman Development - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/bozeman-development-series.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2023/01/bozeman-development-series.html</a></span></p></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-44642866421349868152022-12-22T21:25:00.073-07:002022-12-26T13:28:42.992-07:00Montanans - Please Join Me in Going Idle-Free<p><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Q42gGMXHIC2gDSsf20kehhKySGj33QRQE3K72Cm8jzXra587fN4aFBj-lekXAvGY_ui_XQZI6lq3KHa_6dU7DYzfffTSkuBxe6glMoV_CtHw5X_1BVxuIQKilOThxm1Tpv6T0R05q4rdzLuTEPnNv1XMfX_Kj6H-sZcdxk8AwCLtOUs2lTJLCJ_prA/s225/Air.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Join me in going idle-free. Montana" border="0" data-original-height="224" data-original-width="225" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Q42gGMXHIC2gDSsf20kehhKySGj33QRQE3K72Cm8jzXra587fN4aFBj-lekXAvGY_ui_XQZI6lq3KHa_6dU7DYzfffTSkuBxe6glMoV_CtHw5X_1BVxuIQKilOThxm1Tpv6T0R05q4rdzLuTEPnNv1XMfX_Kj6H-sZcdxk8AwCLtOUs2lTJLCJ_prA/w200-h199/Air.jpg" title="Join me in going idle-free. Montana" width="200" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Idling cars drive me crazy. Over the past few years, I have noticed this happening more and more around Bozeman. It’s a year-round phenomenon, which I have spotted everywhere including places one wouldn't expect such as the parking lots at the Community Food Co-op and Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. Additionally, it’s not uncommon to see people sitting in their idling cars tapping on their phones before they drive off after a trip to the store, and you could make a game out of counting how many idling cars you spot on a cool morning in late fall as you commute to work by bike. </span><p></p><span><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a name='more'></a></span></span><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recently, I stumbled across a Facebook post from XL Country, a local radio station, that once again got me all whooped up about idling. <a href="https://xlcountry.com/how-long-should-you-let-your-vehicle-warm-up-in-montana-winters/?fbclid=IwAR0Po1_-YeP7BHEnpwzwF_5ZeMRFWNEuruMBVC2TMhn_nFCvQGUNJFOuAdU&utm_source=tsmclip&utm_medium=referral " target="_blank">The guy posting asked the question “How Long Should You Let Your Vehicle Warm Up in Montana Winters?” and provided a link to the station’s website where you could read his full article</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The piece starts off by saying, (Emphasis added), “Did you know that there are several states where letting your car warm up on a cold winter's day is against the law? In fact, the majority of states across the U.S. have such laws in place. <i><b>The reason, it helps the environment. Luckily for us, Montana isn't part of that group.</b></i>”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Although he dispelled the misconception that it’s necessary to let your car warm up before driving it and correctly states that 30 seconds is okay before driving off, he goes on to say, “I'm a fan of getting into a warm car on a cold day so much so that I made sure to install a remote car starter on mine.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The author concludes his piece by saying, (Emphasis added) “Some of you might think that I hate the planet and that's not true. <i><b>I love the planet, but what I hate is sitting in a cold car more</b></i>.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Several people joined in the conversation on Facebook and the consensus seems to be that it’s just fine to let your car idle between 10 and 30 minutes before driving off. Some respondents even said the proper time to warm up a car is “as long as you want.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Idling is bad enough but article, along with the social media comments in response, had me close to losing my cool. I wanted to add my thoughts to the thread but hated the idea of engaging in a social media spat. I considered going the polite route by encouraging everyone to “join me in going idle-free,” but that still seemed too confrontational. Instead, I simmered for a while before I got around to posting my thoughts here.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Idling is Not a Montana Value</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">People are eager to talk about “Montana Values” during election seasons. <a href="https://www.daines.senate.gov/meet-steve/legislative-issues/montana-values/" target="_blank">Montana Senator Steve Daines even has a section of his website devoted to the topic</a> where he talks about his “respect for life” and his interest in working “to encourage <b><i>healthy</i></b> and stable families.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We hear folks saying repeatedly how nice and considerate Montanans are. Montana is the kind of place where residents pride themselves in being friendly and quick to help one another out. Montana's fresh mountain air, clean water, and clear skies are some of our state's best features, and residents consider themselves lucky to live someplace that places a high value one preserving the natural environment. All of these characteristics are what contributes to Montana’s wonderful "quality of life."</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">While these points are valid, I don’t see how the waste and pollution that result from idling play into Montana Values, help our environment, or increase anyone’s quality of life. Considering the harms of idling, are we really being nice to one another if we allow our cars to idle? What is the noise from an idling car and stinky stuff it emits doing to the beautiful, peaceful environment we cherish? Montanans like to think of themselves as rugged people, but it doesn’t sound very rugged if you can’t drive off in a cold car or get into a warm one during the summer.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There are the things I hoped to mention in response to the XL Country story, but I didn’t want to spend my time condensing my message down to sound-bite size so it could be heard over the noise on Facebook. If I had taken the nice route, I would have presented the following three reasons I encouraged everyone to join me in goin g idle-free.</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qJpcPEH3DDqel6-kZtukGXJ-4phyzkJMQCy6zRrceGO9v78PxbqbYfIjL6dxpO8IAj-0B5cRXCM7GOeaP5t2KIWNfzrP7IoQEQ6_9i_43YaT61UshQUUwP1pt3zo9-B4aTD2edQlcqqHZEScZTMLBwr9QEFmODDK_xQDeIs7OOfKF9xG_ohtPv6ojw/s257/Young_Lungs.png" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Join me in going idle-free. Montana" border="0" data-original-height="257" data-original-width="196" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qJpcPEH3DDqel6-kZtukGXJ-4phyzkJMQCy6zRrceGO9v78PxbqbYfIjL6dxpO8IAj-0B5cRXCM7GOeaP5t2KIWNfzrP7IoQEQ6_9i_43YaT61UshQUUwP1pt3zo9-B4aTD2edQlcqqHZEScZTMLBwr9QEFmODDK_xQDeIs7OOfKF9xG_ohtPv6ojw/w153-h200/Young_Lungs.png" title="Join me in going idle-free. Montana" width="153" /></a></div><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">1)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Idling is bad for the environment. Idling emits of carbon dioxide into the air, which contributes to climate change.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">2)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>Idling cars are noisy and emit harmful chemicals, gases, and particles into the air. This exhaust can aggravate those with asthma and allergies and can be especially harmful to children.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">3)<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>It’s wasteful. </span></p></blockquote><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Read more about the harms of idling</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are a few places to go to read more about the harms of idling. I have included some highlights from the links. As always, feel free to add your thoughts to the conversation by posting in the comments. And share any resources you may have.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://deq.utah.gov/air-quality/be-idle-free" target="_blank"><b>Be Idle Free Utah</b></a> - I love it how they get right to the point: </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">“Idling your vehicle gets you nowhere. It increases our dependence on petroleum, reduces the fuel economy of your vehicle, costs you money, emits pollutants, and wastes precious natural resources … When you make an effort to turn your vehicle off, you are doing something good for yourself, your finances, your environment, and your community.”</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Modern Cars Don’t Need to Idle</b></span> </p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Advances in vehicle technology have eliminated much of the need for idling…. Computerized controls in today’s vehicles bring the engine and catalyst up to their operating temperatures more quickly when the vehicle is moving than when it is idling…Today’s gasoline and diesel vehicles alike do not suffer damage from turning the key on and off. Starters and batteries are much more durable than people believed they were in the past. </span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Consider Your Circumstances</b></span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Most idling can be avoided… If the temperature is moderate, it is a good idea to turn off the engine. This is especially important while waiting to pick up schoolchildren because parents’ idling vehicles can impact air quality. Since children’s lungs are more susceptible to damage than adult’s lungs, unnecessary idling around schools can exacerbate childhood asthma and other respiratory ailments.</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://deq.nc.gov/about/divisions/air-quality/motor-vehicles-air-quality/idle-reduction/why-idling-harmful" target="_blank"><b>North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality</b></a>: </span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Idling causes air pollution</b></span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">An idling vehicle releases harmful chemicals, gases and particle pollution ("soot") into the air, contributing to ozone, regional haze, and global climate change. Every gallon of gas burned produces more than 20 pounds of greenhouse gases.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Idling is unhealthy for you and me!</b></span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The pollution in exhaust can aggravate asthma and allergies, as well as cardiovascular and respiratory disease. Higher levels of air pollution have been linked to increased school absences, hospital visits, and even premature deaths. Vehicle emissions are still present and harmful even when you can't see the exhaust. Children are more sensitive to air pollution because they breathe 50 percent more air per pound of body weight than adults.</span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Idling wastes fuel and money</b></span></p></blockquote><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px; text-align: left;"><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">For each hour spent idling, a typical light duty truck burns approximately one gallon of diesel fuel, and a typical car wastes 1/5 gallon of gasoline. Idling for 10 seconds uses more fuel than turning off the engine and restarting it. Idling is like burning dollar bills!</span></p></blockquote><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://utahcleancities.org/idle-free/#toggle-id-7" target="_blank"><b>Utah Clean Cities</b></a> - </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you scroll to the bottom of the Utah Clean Cities webpage, you will find free downloadable resources including idle-free cards, brochures, and signs. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></p><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Read more from my blog:</span></h2><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another rant - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-rant.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/06/the-rant.html</a></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">And a personal dilemma - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/09/woody-allen-confronts-produce-section.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2020/09/woody-allen-confronts-produce-section.html</a></span></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">You are not what you drive -<a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2014/10/you-are-not-what-you-drive.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2014/10/you-are-not-what-you-drive.html</a></span></li></ul><p></p>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com1Bozeman, MT, USA45.6814733 -111.031992517.371239463821155 -146.1882425 73.991707136178846 -75.8757425tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-50378535914365489182022-11-22T18:26:00.036-07:002023-03-02T09:06:13.324-07:00 The A-List Eats - Soft Serve Ice Cream<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxRnLun8eZ-2mVijUxGGyVosbQvTBSwXkrHm1PN3UQJHpz8jSy6IdvgAhJUGlzg-dDByTdq1f4Cw74sm_lPftJ8sArYw5ylfNNaPDt4vMIWbm2hGbbmpGXy8U_vE8ib2z2T-bhsJ0VKxHfdFTNbBYQ3fs4qFyPOhKtnLpVCDoGJvEHyeXaf9oMdsrvQ/s1473/SoftServe.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Classic soft serve swirl cone" border="0" data-original-height="1473" data-original-width="1080" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihxRnLun8eZ-2mVijUxGGyVosbQvTBSwXkrHm1PN3UQJHpz8jSy6IdvgAhJUGlzg-dDByTdq1f4Cw74sm_lPftJ8sArYw5ylfNNaPDt4vMIWbm2hGbbmpGXy8U_vE8ib2z2T-bhsJ0VKxHfdFTNbBYQ3fs4qFyPOhKtnLpVCDoGJvEHyeXaf9oMdsrvQ/w235-h320/SoftServe.jpg" title="Classic soft serve swirl cone" width="235" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a child in the 1970s and 1980s, my family maintained healthy eating habits. Vegetables from our vast garden, home-cooked meals, school lunch sandwiches made with whole wheat bread, and other wholesome foods were staples of our diet. TV dinners were out and an occasional glass of Coke with pizza or, my favorite, a soft serve ice cream cone, were rare treats.<span><a name='more'></a></span></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">This bleached white ice cream served in a flat bottom cone was a much-anticipated delight. On those festive occasions when I found myself at the Randolph, New Jersey Dairy Queen, I was in awe as the server pulled the lever on the machine and an ice cream cone magically formed in front of my eyes. The triangular treat grew until it was topped off with an elegant twist. To be a server at Dairy Queen was one of my earliest job aspirations. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I hadn’t thought about soft serve ice cream in decades and my sweet spot for it remained buried until somewhere around the spring of 2020 when I began to crave it. That summer, a celebratory cone was what I looked forward to at the end of my <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/Centennial%20Trail" target="_blank">124-mile Centennial Trail thru-hike</a>, and my two-cones-per-summer indulgence had begun. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkepwywY2qCYha8hoGOxT4BENwiCYZpVqYirAi5kMqTsTJeaJEvErW61GvG7aBPxBJe2u9VIREdq2wnB4stwRFfHeFSMhYkb_dk9PENVoniudWGmiNsRfV8miV3vZWxNbSKSBzoxc-2XfkI9U7QSNT069HdyFs2I_T8d3w_h6oK1JQIXflfHc-3nTig/s2000/dairy-queen.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="A classic Dairy Queen" border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmkepwywY2qCYha8hoGOxT4BENwiCYZpVqYirAi5kMqTsTJeaJEvErW61GvG7aBPxBJe2u9VIREdq2wnB4stwRFfHeFSMhYkb_dk9PENVoniudWGmiNsRfV8miV3vZWxNbSKSBzoxc-2XfkI9U7QSNT069HdyFs2I_T8d3w_h6oK1JQIXflfHc-3nTig/w200-h150/dairy-queen.jpg" title="A classic Dairy Queen" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Today, the concoction remains unchanged since my childhood. These frosty confections are still pumped out of a machine and swirled into peaks, and the color, coolness, and consistency are the same as well. In rapidly changing Bozeman, where prices are constantly rising and everything is becoming more boutique-y and top dollar, soft serve cones are still inexpensive and give me a nostalgia for a younger, simpler time in my life.</span><p></p><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mike was puzzled when my craving first came about, and friends looked at me confused. I too was a bit mystified with my new fascination. We all had questions. What is soft serve made out of? When, how, and why was it invented? Is it possible to make homemade soft serve? Why is it so soft and how to they make it so starkly white? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I set out to find answers to these questions. Here is what I learned.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Exploring Soft Serve Ice Cream</span></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">What is it?</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Soft serve is less dense than traditional ice cream or gelato as air is introduced at the time of freezing. It is the air that keeps it a smooth and light. It is served at a temperature a few degrees warmer than hard-packed ice cream and is made with a soft serve machine, which is key to maintaining the correct temperature. Eggs are not added to the mix, but stabilizers help create the magic. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBHrbs3TlsZm8ER5oyzqi5DFpbV5bb2RnrcM8tv7iiAbzbqv5ObQtWCwgObrJpmUG_JOMYXDM8LpxHRDi5YY6vMCO-IsyzK-Yn2DChPkoySY9dGBgmNhCI3WcHXNP9ZVqQsFjpmgXsyWgT0ak8mQPWGz97qRGlqFKrghVPJsZk_ULnHWEefC0hHLSgA/s1001/carvel.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Carvel - old sign" border="0" data-original-height="1001" data-original-width="872" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihBHrbs3TlsZm8ER5oyzqi5DFpbV5bb2RnrcM8tv7iiAbzbqv5ObQtWCwgObrJpmUG_JOMYXDM8LpxHRDi5YY6vMCO-IsyzK-Yn2DChPkoySY9dGBgmNhCI3WcHXNP9ZVqQsFjpmgXsyWgT0ak8mQPWGz97qRGlqFKrghVPJsZk_ULnHWEefC0hHLSgA/w278-h320/carvel.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Carvel - old sign" width="278" /></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table>When and why was it created?</span></h3><span style="font-family: verdana;">Soft serve has several origin stories with both Dairy Queen and Carvel staking claim to the feat. The Carvel story has it that Tom Carvel got a flat tire as he was driving in his ice-cream truck on Memorial Day in 1934. He began selling his melting products to those passing by and opened his first Carvel store two years later.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Another widely circulating rumor names Margaret Thatcher, the former Prime Minister of England, as the inventor of soft serve. Early in her career she worked as a food chemist for conglomerate J. Lyons & Company and was part of a team developing an emulsifier that whipped air into ice cream allowing it to be made for less by using fewer ingredients (<a href="https://www.newyorker.com/news/news-desk/the-margaret-thatcher-soft-serve-myth" target="_blank">Read more about it here in the New Yorker</a>.) </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As with many things, I’m sure the truth lies somewhere in the middle of these theories. Either way, soft serve has been around for almost 90 years.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Can you make it at home?</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you’re craving soft serve, it’s possible to make it at home without having to buy the mix from the Sysco truck or being the owner of a behemoth industrial machine. <a href="https://www.williams-sonoma.com/products/cuisinart-mix-it-in-soft-serve-ice-cream-maker/?catalogId=79&sku=8432788&cm_ven=PLA&cm_cat=Google&cm_pla=Electrics%20%3E%20Ice%20Cream%20Makers&region_id=657650&cm_ite=8432788_14571727863&gclid=Cj0KCQjwk5ibBhDqARIsACzmgLS4uAeblBIXNafxRa73Tv7KAPNb7hNxPMfVLpqB4L3pr5buLOt-_MEaAqn-EALw_wcB" target="_blank">William Sonoma sells a Cuisinart kitchen countertop soft serve maker for $125</a>. The Cuisinart website has <a href="https://www.cuisinart.com/recipes/desserts/soft-serve-vanilla-ice-cream-with-sprinkles-and-waffle-cones/" target="_blank">a recipe that works in the machine</a> using whole milk, granulated sugar, and pure vanilla extract. </span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">The A-List Guide to Enjoying Soft Serve Ice Cream in Southwest Montana</span></h2><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">If you wish to partake in the guilty pleasure of a soft serve cone from time to time, here are my recommendations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Skip Dairy Queen</b> – It would be obvious to head here as they are still around and can be found in many small towns across Southwest Montana. For me, however, Dairy Queen has fallen out of favor. Their lobbies, at least the ones I have come across during my summer travels, are all closed. (Although that doesn’t stop people at the Bozeman Dairy Queen with piles of idling cars wrapping around the building and spilling out onto North 7th Avenue.) Part of the allure of a getting a cone is stepping into the store to partake in the retro-ness of the experience, interacting with the server, and watching the cone come to life. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Luckily, we have some independent alternatives in Southwest Montana. While the soft serve might not be original, these are all locally owned businesses so they're worth checking out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Sugar High, Ennis</b> - Sugar High is located in a relatively new building. The top resembles a barn and there is a splash of brick on the lower part of the building. Local pride is obvious with a large Go Ennis painted on the wall and posters of high school sports teams are posted throughout the building. </span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpdLovNcZZMVTk88BhC9iXokk9fbptYr3mjf2vMxQ_t5obJp3979Srz-shBRcsogu8GLaRWClhIZPHbU29W4woA72Xev_6Rv5f61BZ-VWOz1aVOYrpmqzYxqT7EB9qS6MeN9y-XieQv2vsxJFGvL6v7jHPkK9BBIJ0Hz0YzJ6hVvQnRlOQ7pXf-5Hew/s720/Sugar%20High.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Sugar High, Ennis" border="0" data-original-height="495" data-original-width="720" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBpdLovNcZZMVTk88BhC9iXokk9fbptYr3mjf2vMxQ_t5obJp3979Srz-shBRcsogu8GLaRWClhIZPHbU29W4woA72Xev_6Rv5f61BZ-VWOz1aVOYrpmqzYxqT7EB9qS6MeN9y-XieQv2vsxJFGvL6v7jHPkK9BBIJ0Hz0YzJ6hVvQnRlOQ7pXf-5Hew/w320-h220/Sugar%20High.jpg" title="Sugar High, Ennis" width="320" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sugar High is no-frills establishment that is only open in the summer. There’s not much inside other than a few seats and the counter where you place your order. The day Mike and I went a teenage girl working at the counter and a man was working in kitchen who I’m guessing was the manager or the owner. The girl was not put out or bored looking as you sometimes find with high school kids who work in the service industry, and she was friendly without being phony. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Sugar High serves typical America fare, and their hamburgers are handmade with beef from a local meat shop. They have three soft serve flavors, vanilla, chocolate, and huckleberry, and it is possible to get two flavors swirled.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We each got a simple vanilla come and ate our pillowy delights at the picnic table under a covered outside area. It was a great spot to rest our feet, stare at the Madison Range where we had just been backpacking, and revel in the splendor of a perfect Montana day at this friendly location.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b></b></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSxkphdggSlwqSAD_Wd0Q8YqiQOrmNONJhE4TT2Hb9fjtWdz1YtRlds7eR2eurPZptGlkmsqom_9v1_MSeIezGnn1YRx3VdFhKMo6Tc5n_twam7f-YJN1ghPkAljGKwTgBfSRJYyndyP3HSwVgqt-pNNjtrpiCQChNeofAelgtJw5pO-zQHoRA3R5XA/s550/red-box-car-inc.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Red Box Car Drive In, Red Lodge, Montana" border="0" data-original-height="412" data-original-width="550" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvSxkphdggSlwqSAD_Wd0Q8YqiQOrmNONJhE4TT2Hb9fjtWdz1YtRlds7eR2eurPZptGlkmsqom_9v1_MSeIezGnn1YRx3VdFhKMo6Tc5n_twam7f-YJN1ghPkAljGKwTgBfSRJYyndyP3HSwVgqt-pNNjtrpiCQChNeofAelgtJw5pO-zQHoRA3R5XA/w400-h300/red-box-car-inc.jpg" title="Red Box Car Drive In, Red Lodge, Montana" width="400" /></span></a></b></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Red Box Car, Red Lodge </b>- Who isn’t drawn to a restaurant in an old train car? The Red Box Car makes its home in a 1903 train car from the Rocky Fork line, which was converted into the restaurant in 1972. In 1889, the rail line reached Red Lodge. Northern Pacific Railway Company acquired the line in 1890 but abandoned it after World War II. A web search did not reveal the history of the establishment, but I always wonder about the story behind a train car turned into a restaurant.</span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Red Box Car is only open in the summer, and they only accept cash, which adds an old-fashioned element to the experience. This is a simple operation and orders are placed at the window counter. While there is a small inside seating area, the highlight of grabbing a bite at the red Box Car is the large deck which overlooks Rock Creek. (Surprisingly, neither the deck nor the restaurant were destroyed in last summer's flood, and <a href="ttps://www.kulr8.com/news/red-box-car-helps-feed-volunteers-as-red-lodge-recovers-from-flooding/article_4420ae18-ec2c-11ec-b712-c3c55f04a160.html" target="_blank">the restaurant was able to help feed the community during the crisis</a>.) A handwritten sign lists its standard burgers-and-fries menu, and food is served in cardboard foot trays lined with red and white </span><span style="font-family: verdana;">checkered</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> wax</span><span style="font-family: verdana;"> paper.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Mike and I headed there for a burger and a cone after skiing in the Beartooths over Memorial Day weekend. The gurgle of Rock Creek, the roar of traffic heading to and from the mighty Beartooth Pass, and a smattering of motorcycles parked outside gave the Red Box Car a classic Americana feel. Montana's majestic sky gleamed cobalt and the sun warmed the landscape with pleasant spring temperatures. On the cusp of summer, watching tourists filter by in piles enjoying the state we call home, and bringing back memories of the carefree days of my youth, it was hard not to be smitten with the Red Box Car.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9B01VrEoYySTGxx64oAUEfSXO_R6LTS_diJ_MYIM7fwDqRQbsjL911lKmBmSmbMw-FS4uXqq6spNdwcsosLpx84nyGZDz2f4-MfQVv_Sav7gI0DHsdDtk8LVmuIqFIfRIphJEzKnM46kqL4OCNcqAuzQIxv4ex7ydmbnaDHiWfyulnPo8v5RehHwXA/s680/Dew%20Drop%20Inn.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Dew Drop Inn, Absarokee, Montana" border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="680" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf9B01VrEoYySTGxx64oAUEfSXO_R6LTS_diJ_MYIM7fwDqRQbsjL911lKmBmSmbMw-FS4uXqq6spNdwcsosLpx84nyGZDz2f4-MfQVv_Sav7gI0DHsdDtk8LVmuIqFIfRIphJEzKnM46kqL4OCNcqAuzQIxv4ex7ydmbnaDHiWfyulnPo8v5RehHwXA/w400-h300/Dew%20Drop%20Inn.jpg" title="Dew Drop Inn, Absarokee, Montana" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>Dew Drop Inn, Absarokee </b>- Housed in a squat one-story building, the Drew Drop Inn has, according to their sign, been “serving since the 1960s.” <br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Signs on their building advertise pizza, monster burritos, and Indian tacos but a majority of the menu is standard burger-and-fries eats. Food is ordered at the counter window (Cash only) and there are picnic tables along with a covered open air dining area that has car seats for seating. The covered area was a tad scuzzy but not so much so that we felt it unsanitary or uncomfortable. This humble drive in was quite popular the day Mike and I went, and the staff was able to handle several larger parties efficiently, so we didn’t have to wait long for our food. And coming from Bozeman, the lower prices (Hamburgers with handmade patties, were $5.50, and tater tots were $2) really stood out.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">We had come from a weekend hiking and camping in the Beartooth mountains. To get here, we had dropped from over 10,000 feet above sea level to just above 4,000 feet in Absarokee, and the change in the weather was as stark as you could imagine it being. The thermometor on the bank across the street said it was 99 degrees – yikes! Although the Dew Drop Inn wasn’t a “best ever” soft serve experience, we were hot, tired, and hungry, and it was fine. We’d go back again.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana; font-size: small;">Soft Serve Beyond Montana</span></h2><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><b>A Northern New Jersey Soft Serve Standout</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CwJ1cb8DwtgB8n-jMQjQRRC7yCP3axJn5qzFDwzJMKEzm-G-AteNXwH3aAFMBNL2CKTERKw7ACaJWEXaVZhojVUg6wyGkTI9Lnq1JUop2Rq79D-GJvNNQyMbGcCEAfCGY8YVn6a2-7XqW1J0JhDvdJqmx__F_w6QT6_y1A6KEZmtbfykto5ZxYzrEg/s1532/after.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="The After Charbroil & Ice Cream Parlor, Flanders, New Jersey" border="0" data-original-height="1050" data-original-width="1532" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_CwJ1cb8DwtgB8n-jMQjQRRC7yCP3axJn5qzFDwzJMKEzm-G-AteNXwH3aAFMBNL2CKTERKw7ACaJWEXaVZhojVUg6wyGkTI9Lnq1JUop2Rq79D-GJvNNQyMbGcCEAfCGY8YVn6a2-7XqW1J0JhDvdJqmx__F_w6QT6_y1A6KEZmtbfykto5ZxYzrEg/w400-h274/after.jpg" title="The After Charbroil & Ice Cream Parlor, Flanders, New Jersey" width="400" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: verdana;">This discussion would not be complete without a shout out to <b>The After Charbroil and Ice Cream Parlor in Flanders, New Jersey</b>, a family-owned business founded in 1970. Although my grandparent’s house was across the street from it, I have only been there two or three times. </span><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">In the 1940s, my grandparents purchased an old farm on 60 acres in Flanders. The road where The After is located was built in 1927 and intersected the farm. In the 1960s, my grandparents sold off a large chunk of the property including the land that eventually became The After. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">As a child, I went to my grandparent’s place often, but a cone at The After was not part of these visits. (See paragraph one of this post – the whole healthy eating thing got in the way of that!). I was in awe as they, unlike the Randolph Dairy Queen, had a machine that swirled the chocolate and vanilla ice cream together making a bi-color treat. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">After my grandfather passed away in 1989, my family sold his property to a landscaping company, who allowed us to scatter <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/11/rip-mary-ann-vinciguerra.html" target="_blank">my mother</a>’s ashes on the property after her passing in 2018. (Interestingly, the landscapers sold their business, and the property is now being turned into a Wawa. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/756157398100505/about" target="_blank">See this Facebook group</a> “to keep local residents informed of the proposed site changes to remodel Herold's Landscaping into a WaWa Food Store and Fueling Station.” ) Afterwards, I visited The After with my cousin and was glad to find little has changed since my childhood. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">The After is housed in an unassuming brick and shingled building and a plastic replica of a soft serve cone dons the roof. There is a small outside seating area with picnic tables, and inside, the wood paneling speaks to another era but is well-maintained, so the place didn’t feel worn out or sloppy. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Orders are placed at the counter, and the extensive menu is written on a chalkboard above the counter. Burgers in baskets with crinkle cut fries, and other classic diner fare dominate but you can also find more contemporary (yet still largely American) offerings such as bison, veggie, and black bean burgers. Homemade desserts, along with Welsh Farms ice cream, and soft serve round out the menu. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Much like Sugar High, The After gave off a friendly, local vibe, and teenage girl who took our order was engaged and personable. My cousin and I mentioned that our grandfather owned the property before it became The After. She squealed with delight and thought that was "so cool." She giggled when she told us her father used to go snowmobiling in the fields behind the building. This was a nice change of pace as the landscapers were uninterested in the history of their property.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">With the memory of my grandparents and my mother fresh in our minds, my cousin enjoyed a milkshake and I enjoyed a soft serve cone. This trip to The After had a way evoking nostalgia for my younger days and providing comfort during a difficult.</span></p><div><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Want to read more?</span></h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/restaurant%20review" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Here are several posts about restaurants</span></a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/recipe" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Posts with recipes</span></a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;"><a href="https://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/01/allamuchy-general-store.html" target="_blank">And if reading about The After has you curious, here's a post about another great New Jersey restaurant</a>,</span></li></ul></div><div><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></div><div><br /></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-91156757166596073392022-10-03T22:05:00.029-06:002023-03-22T13:52:11.079-06:00Remedy for the Bozeman Blues: My New Haven Fantasy<p><i></i></p><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP03AWBgsUt3HwAa_-miR7pT5k_4zU6biPn9K8u9Jy82WIg4frzsAR3Bjb1H7LYpih5iFR60y_bDtzv7_ytNTHeKmL7SN47gXpgBrEoA-K-o9rQG1D3j5M5AYgVAgvliyc9AbxTKnz63giKzx8ALEWECDLHNeirdgr03EcboIe2t_kQLpF91U4GJ65g/s252/bar.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="New Haven Illustration by Amos Catfish" border="0" data-original-height="200" data-original-width="252" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoP03AWBgsUt3HwAa_-miR7pT5k_4zU6biPn9K8u9Jy82WIg4frzsAR3Bjb1H7LYpih5iFR60y_bDtzv7_ytNTHeKmL7SN47gXpgBrEoA-K-o9rQG1D3j5M5AYgVAgvliyc9AbxTKnz63giKzx8ALEWECDLHNeirdgr03EcboIe2t_kQLpF91U4GJ65g/w400-h318/bar.jpg" style="cursor: move;" title="New Haven Illustration by Amos Catfish" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A meandering piece exploring my boredom with Bozeman and my fantasy of escaping for a few years. My love of New Haven features prominently.</span></i><div><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></i></div><div><i><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Read to the bottom before you call me crazy.<br /></span></i><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><span style="text-align: center;"><i>(<a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/AmosCatfish?ref=simple-shop-header-name&listing_id=743360201" target="_blank">You can buy this print and other New Haven illustrations by clicking here.</a>)</i></span><br style="text-align: center;" /><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">~</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><i></i></span></p><a name='more'></a><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Several weeks ago, a three-day weekend was approaching, and I couldn’t think of a single thing I wanted to do. Everything was so familiar and even unexplored areas of nearby mountain ranges sounded unappealing. I was not stoked about anything. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Each year, thousands of people vacation in the Bozeman area eagerly awaiting their chance to explore our mountains and rivers, stroll our charming Main Street filled with restaurants, pubs, and boutiques, and partake in the good life the Bozeman area offers in abundance. Bozeman is on so many Top Ten lists these days (College towns, outdoor towns, places to retire, etc.) and folks are moving here in droves ready to partake in the fabled Bozeman lifestyle they have read so much about.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">But I want to get out and it wasn’t just this one weekend. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In 2005, I moved to Bozeman when the population was 35,000 people. Familiar faces were everywhere, trailheads were seldom crowded, and you were never short on social and cultural happenings in town. It was perfect, and I reveled here for many years.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Since my arrival 17 years ago, the town has grown to over 53,000 people. What was once a largely undiscovered mountain town has become one of the West’s most popular “It” towns and in many ways the growth has not been pretty. Developers are building and selling real estate of all kinds, mostly at the boutique price point. Downtown was once home to the classic local businesses like Barrel Mountaineering and the Leaf and Bean but now sports chains like Lulu Lemon and Athleta. Housing prices have skyrocketed, traffic has increased, parking can be a challenge, public transportation and biking commuting infrastructure still suck, trailheads are more crowded, and tempers sizzle.</span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2jCyCFOr1XDGq0he6IR8hmxgcg-pt31kQgS6c2a97ZwWWJiq8iMeiHrfxEaDUdaFbj0EnQk8NvTZn3jLRTZcrvL9Txq2GJwx0g0GaJlGQcastkk-9IVEM8sPAGFCLZlIcuaCeiWqaerM8tx0X-qMlPtsWtNBUo7J52xDIq_Q9ELkEZIibFkoR6EIig/s225/download.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="Bozeman Rant" border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia2jCyCFOr1XDGq0he6IR8hmxgcg-pt31kQgS6c2a97ZwWWJiq8iMeiHrfxEaDUdaFbj0EnQk8NvTZn3jLRTZcrvL9Txq2GJwx0g0GaJlGQcastkk-9IVEM8sPAGFCLZlIcuaCeiWqaerM8tx0X-qMlPtsWtNBUo7J52xDIq_Q9ELkEZIibFkoR6EIig/w200-h200/download.jpg" title="Bozeman Rant" width="200" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">While we all feel the growing pains and the heartache that comes from watching the transformation of our once peaceful town, it’s the attitudes of so many that make me want to leave.</span><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Those who live here want to “protect” Bozeman, which just means keeping it the same as was when they moved here. This leads to a sense of entitlement and a growing divide between long-timers and newcomers.</span><div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">People want to appear friendly and still say hi to others on the trails, and while that is nice on a surface level, Bozemanites can be very quick to judge and categorize those who are new. “It’s all ‘those people’ moving in that are ‘ruining’ Bozeman,” is a common gripe. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I find myself getting frustrated with the complainers but at the same time becoming impatient with what traffic we have and snarl when I see a Sprinter van with Texas license plates move into my neighborhood. In a place with so much abundance, how can we be so self-absorbed and entitled? I am sick of it. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">It has been obvious for a long time that I need to get out of here. Not forever but a good long break would do me good and help me put Bozeman into perspective. Many of my friends feel the same. We all talk of leaving but we never get far. The conversation goes like this.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“I’m sick of Bozeman. I want to get out of here,” I say. Others agree.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“How about Flagstaff or Boise?” someone suggests. But a growing college towns near the mountains are too similar to Bozeman, so we nix them. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“Duluth sounds cool and low-key,” another friend chimes in. But the weather sounds too muggy, so we head to dry places. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Fort Collins is too big. Laramie is too windy. Whitefish, Tahoe, or Steamboat could work but no one is willing to put up with the expense or the tourists.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The New England is a maybe, but we’re not sure how we’d deal with limited public lands and the tree-smothered mountains. We need views and freedom to roam. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Minneapolis has a good reputation, but cities are out. The Southeast and Texas are a big no. Some areas of the upper mid-west sound nice but we can’t generate much enthusiasm for them.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Soon my friends and I have considered the entire 3+ million square miles of the lower 48 states and can’t think of a single place to go. What we’re looking for is something that has the mountains, weather, and vibrancy of Bozeman but is not Bozeman. So, we all stick around.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">I shudder when I find myself thinking this way. I have often thought of myself as an adventurous, adaptable person, but am I getting set in my ways? Am I really that faint-hearted that I can’t do something completely different? Would I have a hard time adapting to someplace new?</span></p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAEQFuvm-tuyL42CjLVhoiW2S5DvDKw22dyG6YZtl_GgnC7iKpIEI3_TUyNLVfWiVCkwmGTLyidFxd7rn_d-qoLG2PIr7ki2uPvx_t6JvXr9WvyjxG6EywRcm90tIbvoFNWffV5sHf73Pibbxz_y_5tIR81nq6IwFXcr31I0PLGxsVuHd2TD2VxWRWA/s2048/Arial-View-of-New-Haven-1.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFAEQFuvm-tuyL42CjLVhoiW2S5DvDKw22dyG6YZtl_GgnC7iKpIEI3_TUyNLVfWiVCkwmGTLyidFxd7rn_d-qoLG2PIr7ki2uPvx_t6JvXr9WvyjxG6EywRcm90tIbvoFNWffV5sHf73Pibbxz_y_5tIR81nq6IwFXcr31I0PLGxsVuHd2TD2VxWRWA/w400-h266/Arial-View-of-New-Haven-1.jpg" /></a><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Of course not. I could get out of here if I put my mind to it. Here is my fantasy… I take my much-needed break from Bozeman and move to New Haven, Connecticut for a few years.</span></p><h2 style="text-align: center;">Heading to the Elm City</h2></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">A Brief History</h3><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">New Haven was founded in 1638 and was one of the first planned cities in the United States. Eight <span style="text-align: center;">streets were laid out in a grid of nine squares with the central square left open as the city green. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">For decades, manufacturing and industry drove the economy. These activities brought prosperity to the Elm City in the late 18th century, the economy thrived during the Civil War, and the population grew until it peaked at 160,000 in the 1950s. But the postwar period brought rapid industrial decline, population dropped to the 130K+ , and New Haven experienced a steep rise in crime that continues today.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Founded in 1701, Yale University is a big part of New Haven’s downtown and an integral part of the city's economy. Yale’s stately Gothic buildings give New Haven an old-world, European vibe rare in the United States. Today, downtown and the area near Yale are filled with many great theatres, museums, restaurants, and shops.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzZGFcfa65mTDbEKakJBh4DVMcX7NBi-9okP5_leALjuk4PlHyVKG0vp567bkV86KRbXP7xsPjcfsvurl8-Rn_kGIVg5Wc52jLe2LwwPaBLVtXazpZIA8UVmyzpVCvWDzlvdNqXpekhT6aVmCPAOuYCkjDru_gY0wGEUCJ89V-iKA05slatoD2ppinQ/s1600/100_4832.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: helvetica; font-size: 18.72px; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUzZGFcfa65mTDbEKakJBh4DVMcX7NBi-9okP5_leALjuk4PlHyVKG0vp567bkV86KRbXP7xsPjcfsvurl8-Rn_kGIVg5Wc52jLe2LwwPaBLVtXazpZIA8UVmyzpVCvWDzlvdNqXpekhT6aVmCPAOuYCkjDru_gY0wGEUCJ89V-iKA05slatoD2ppinQ/s320/100_4832.jpg" width="320" /></a>History, decay, prosperity, youth, promise, individuality, and nature sit side-by-side in New Haven. Historic, old-world charm collides against an urban grittiness, and as you explore, the city can change within a few blocks in any direction - from an old college town to a down-and-out second-tier city to a hip and contemporary urban center to a park-filled city with leafy residential neighborhoods. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">The city’s scope (Big enough to be urban but small enough get to know easily), its long history, and its contrasts make New Haven appealing and drastically different than Bozeman. It’s the perfect spot for an escape.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Resting My Head</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">When it comes to a place to call home, the Elm City offers many possibilities. The State Street/East Rock area is the first thing that comes to mind and suits me best. My new abode is an old, well maintained, and distinguished three-story Victorian. This colorful house is filled with multiple fireplaces, crown molding, a splash of stained glass, a sweeping front porch, and a quaint second floor deck. New Haven classics like brunch at the Pantry, hot wings during happy hour at Archie Moore’s, and Modern Pizza along with neighborhood favorites waiting to be discovered are nearby and downtown is easy to get to by bike or foot.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Not far from the State Street/East Rock area, I could consider the Audubon Arts District if I prefer to be closer to downtown. Here, I’d keep it simple and snap up a flat in a repurposed building with stately brick walls, exposed ducts, and regal arched windows overlooking the center of this vital neighborhood. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">An old brownstone in Wooster Square is another option so I can be there when the cherry blossoms blush pink in the spring. It’s a short walk to the best pizza places in the city and an easy jaunt downtown. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If I go the suburban route, I’ll settle down in <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/05/realestate/keymagazine/105newhaven-t.html" target="_blank">Westville</a> within a short walk or bike ride to Westville Village with its antique shops, brunch joints, boutiques, and a bar or two.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Getting Outside</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">“But what about the outdoors,” people ask when I share this fantasy. “Won’t you miss being able to get out all of the time?” I have the same question but luckily, the Ann in the fantasy is resilient and adaptable and will find a way to get outside. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">With numerous parks and green spaces in New Haven it wouldn’t be hard. East Rock and West Rock loom above the town and their adjoining parks sit just over four miles apart bookending the city, so I’d have places to go to get above it all. Edgewood and Englewood parks, two of the bigger parks in the area, are not far from East and West Rocks, or I could head out to one of the many smaller parks in New Haven or to Sleeping Giant Park in nearby Hamden.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If want to stay active on two wheels, I can set out by bike on the repurposed <a href="https://fchtrail.org/ " target="_blank">Farmington Canal Trail,</a> maybe even take it the entire 80+ miles to Northampton, Massachusetts. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">And then there’s the water. Kayaking on the Mill River, dipping my toes in the Atlantic and getting sand on my legs at Lighthouse Park, rowing activities at the <a href="https://www.canaldock.org/about" target="_blank">Canal Dock in Long Wharf</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Running is an easy city activity so I could become a runner, enter races, and train for a marathon. I’d bound up the Giant Steps in training runs, join a Crossfit gym within walking distance of my house, and kick ass. I’d resemble the strong, lean peanut of a person I was in my gymnastics days.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Escapes to Vermont and New Hampshire, annual backcountry ski trips to the Northern Rockies, and backpacking trips to Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks would keep my mountainous passion alive. </span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Working</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In New Haven, I’d have my pick from a plethora of fabulous and meaningful places to work –universities, arts organizations, NGOs, social service groups, and others. I’d meet interesting and dedicated people working collaboratively to educate, serve the underprivileged, bring arts to the community, and make a real difference by increasing the quality of life for all in the Elm City .</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Embracing Elm City Delights & Navigating Urban Challenges</span></h3><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOunBMUpOVFGrMBCzY4AacWu4kOqtYp3QVwjHYe5F_McTJE40ODbAjmqxEvRdA8s7kyP_64XD0IwzWeTyvgEp6H4RR_fLDdo-4L75vtFE_xC7EmWlddOWU4J5n2nSvK5N9vncILR33LrA7Ehd-IvE5J4dD8vWhe1KQljI0jqbeo5vOF6gxGoE1c4ZRQ/s544/o.jpg" style="clear: right; font-weight: 700; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;"><img alt="Group W Bench, New Haven" border="0" data-original-height="544" data-original-width="426" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheOunBMUpOVFGrMBCzY4AacWu4kOqtYp3QVwjHYe5F_McTJE40ODbAjmqxEvRdA8s7kyP_64XD0IwzWeTyvgEp6H4RR_fLDdo-4L75vtFE_xC7EmWlddOWU4J5n2nSvK5N9vncILR33LrA7Ehd-IvE5J4dD8vWhe1KQljI0jqbeo5vOF6gxGoE1c4ZRQ/w314-h400/o.jpg" title="Group W Bench, New Haven" width="314" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">An Elm City classic</span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">In this daydream, I’m tough enough for a city as gritty as New Haven. I’d figure out how to navigate its dangers without hampering my social life. I’d settle into urban life taking advantage of the abundance of social, cultural, and culinary offerings. Off-the-radar corners of the city would reveal their local secrets and help keep things interesting. I would navigate primarily by bike, foot, or bus, by car only when absolutely necessary. Short escapes to New York City and Boston are only a train ride away.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">A Citizen of the Elm City</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Would New Haven have its problems? Sure. Residents would be whooped up about any number of issues just as they are in Bozeman. But these problems would be new to me and some of them would be very different than the ones that get us worked up in Bozeman. (Instead of complaining about how many cars are at the trailhead or how “mobbed” it is downtown, New Haven problems, crime, drugs, poverty, racial strife, would be “real.”) I’d like to think that a city with challenges like New Haven won't be so insufferable. I’d like to think the smug we’re so special/we’re not like other places/sense of entitlement you find in Bozeman would be gone. I’d find a way to get involved, make my voice heard, and make a difference.</span></p><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Revitalizing</span></h3><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Some may read this and think I’m out of my mind for dreaming of leaving Bozeman for New Haven, and in some ways you’re right. But the most important thing to remember is that my temporary move would help snap me out of the middle age funk I’m wallowing in and renew my fondness for Bozeman. I’d return with a new and not so jaded attitude, ready to embrace everything that kept me engaged here for so long. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">No place is prefect. But I’m bored and fidgety and in need of a change, even if it’s just a temporary one. Even if it’s just a fantasy.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;">~ </span></p><p><span style="font-family: helvetica;"></span></p><h3><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Read More</span></h3><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">This is not the first time I've written about <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/Bozeman" target="_blank">Bozeman</a> or <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/New%20Haven" target="_blank">New Haven</a>.</span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">If you're a longtime fan of New Haven, check out the "where are they now" list of establishments. <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/06/new-haven-establishments-2021.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/06/new-haven-establishments-2021.html</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: helvetica;">Bozeman restaurant reviews are here: </span><a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/restaurant%20review"><span style="font-family: helvetica;">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/restaurant%20review</span><br /></a></li></ul><p></p></div></div></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-74532437497599170952022-09-10T23:03:00.011-06:002022-12-15T09:24:32.846-07:00The Phenomena of Ugly Shoes<p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDSnXHl6Niks6wvFzDSHIDp3fhCfs92ihU4KO0DZh-OZ4We0dBqpeIIA_zAj78dRlNVQ-mi1_0EL1jtbK6u1x6dZphqI9XZgIb-ad-5ojsTW5ObWCU4QZhCl9YiU1KetiDEyp56yrX3rSeA_FEqnGqxfkSDhSTajSNLxrZJOozfSQ26HkEGRIiGfnCQ/s1300/130219297-collection-of-stylish-elegant-shoes-and-boots-of-different-types-isolated-on-white-background-bundle.webp" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img alt="Shoes" border="0" data-original-height="622" data-original-width="1300" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaDSnXHl6Niks6wvFzDSHIDp3fhCfs92ihU4KO0DZh-OZ4We0dBqpeIIA_zAj78dRlNVQ-mi1_0EL1jtbK6u1x6dZphqI9XZgIb-ad-5ojsTW5ObWCU4QZhCl9YiU1KetiDEyp56yrX3rSeA_FEqnGqxfkSDhSTajSNLxrZJOozfSQ26HkEGRIiGfnCQ/w400-h191/130219297-collection-of-stylish-elegant-shoes-and-boots-of-different-types-isolated-on-white-background-bundle.webp" title="Shoes" width="400" /></a><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"></span>The “ugly shoes” phenomena is something I first noticed during my college days. It’s a three-part cycle that goes like this. First, I spot the hideous shoes. “Wow, those are ugly” is my immediate reaction. Next, I begin to see them more and more frequently, and soon they are ubiquitous. “Why are so many people buying these dreadful shoes?” I wonder. “You’ll never catch me in a pair.” Finally, over time, I come to want a pair myself. Over the years, my wardrobe has been filled with ugly shoes. Here are a few.</span></i></div></span></i><i></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">Ugg boots, five toe running shoes, Doc Martens, Dr. Scholl’s (Who remembers them?! I had a pair in middle school and they may have been my original tren</span></i><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">dy yet ugly shoes.), Crocs (I have a pair in pink), the list of ugly shoes goes on and on. What are your favorite ugly shoes? Share your story in the comment section of this post.</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><i><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></i></div><p></p><span style="font-family: verdana;"><span></span><span></span><span><a name='more'></a></span></span><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Birkenstock Sandals</span></h4><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoRRhvMYAD0fpM6vmsYmWQb6h7F_uFNkBfT3I9vXOomZ946styvxLvIixTLf9bdcDBy-ANoY8mlpq0EZxKMk7fCIqusKFtDu2CdrP_mJaYt-xxNmOtRD7aFDs9pXdVVv5Old5KXz7nnSkwd3RfGu-yYe_TKNaR4rXh5BFVeTdMhjZRKEULRnTRyWJaA/s827/birkenstock.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Birkenstocks, the original ugly sandal" border="0" data-original-height="560" data-original-width="827" height="271" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIoRRhvMYAD0fpM6vmsYmWQb6h7F_uFNkBfT3I9vXOomZ946styvxLvIixTLf9bdcDBy-ANoY8mlpq0EZxKMk7fCIqusKFtDu2CdrP_mJaYt-xxNmOtRD7aFDs9pXdVVv5Old5KXz7nnSkwd3RfGu-yYe_TKNaR4rXh5BFVeTdMhjZRKEULRnTRyWJaA/w400-h271/birkenstock.jpg" title="Birkenstocks, the original ugly sandal" width="400" /></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">I noticed Birkenstocks during my college days as they were popular among the Dead Head/jam band crowd I identified with at the time. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Birkenstock in those days were primarily suede, so they could easily get a bit tatty. The more diehard (And often times scuzzy) members of the Dead Head/jam band clan had them first and wore them constantly. Often, the suede was matted, the color was a putrid sawdust hue, and when worn with chunky wool socks (Also in drab earth tones), Birkenstocks were about as fashionable as a potato sack dress. “No, thanks,” was my first impression. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Over time, practicality and wanting to be part of the tribe got to me and I bought my first pair of Birkenstocks. This was before internet shopping was a thing, and I snapped up a pair at a shoe store on Tinker Street in Woodstock, New York. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">There weren’t many colors or styles to choose from in those days. Two big swaths of leather crossed my feet and the sculpted footbed provided cushioning. These crunchy kicks were great for dancing at a show, provided easy on and for access when it came time to kick a hacky sack, and could be worn comfortably for hours. Why hadn’t I gotten a pair sooner?</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I was pleased with myself. Not only did I now have Birkenstocks, I purchased them in Woodstock, a small Bohemian paradise in the Catskills. This was a sure sign I was a “real” Dead Head, not a poseur.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I have owned several pairs of Birkenstocks over the years and eventually, some of their more stylish sandals joined my wardrobe along with the traditional hippie sandals. Whether it was the two-strappers or the more fashionable kind, I always kept mine nice and clean and never let the suede or the footbed become ratty. I wasn’t one of those Dead Head girls running around in broomstick skirt and ragged sandals. </span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WZDZXO6E12Oad74w_dvpM_WmF4iZLHTExTJFDABV8RDDG9JvuuhKDA6t1XYdjcv61atO-KwcLUMuCb_Sxua_FVd7KuBOpO425bQulZ4q_kEiyLzgMIiHidYfQkIVhhWLhj7YMSwr3uYuAQyhv6ncFrUsFOownXcayT5ShGbncZTKaBGQ8FKiM0DCdA/s1108/Dansko.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Dansko, the original ugly clog" border="0" data-original-height="695" data-original-width="1108" height="201" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6WZDZXO6E12Oad74w_dvpM_WmF4iZLHTExTJFDABV8RDDG9JvuuhKDA6t1XYdjcv61atO-KwcLUMuCb_Sxua_FVd7KuBOpO425bQulZ4q_kEiyLzgMIiHidYfQkIVhhWLhj7YMSwr3uYuAQyhv6ncFrUsFOownXcayT5ShGbncZTKaBGQ8FKiM0DCdA/w320-h201/Dansko.jpg" title="Dansko, the original ugly clog" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dansko Clogs</span></h4><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Dansko clogs made it into my scene in the early 2000s when I was in the first few years of my career. Danskos are not overly casual nor are they overly dressy. These clunky shoes are shaped like a bulbous kidney bean and sport a boxy, orthopedic-looking sole. There’s a heft to these clogs making them a bit clompy; the kind of shoe my grandmother would call a clodhopper. I have even heard them called the Volvo station wagon of footwear; boxy and utilitarian but well-made and practical.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Other than the occasional wobbly ankle after a misstep on a pebble, Danskos are easy to walk in and comfortable. I have owned a few pairs over the years, always brown or black. Danskos can be worn with work clothes or jeans, they work well with a Demin mini skirt, and their easy on/off nature make them my go-to choice for quick errands around town. A staid black pair is part of my wardrobe today. </span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">Blundstone Boots</span></h4><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHl1I4GUeS8TpCYoESjqgwT_aNbCUoT7GodrDjC0welwzgjmIwgaTnC_nHdeYvvW7ylpLdIQMdwUuG5aIROA_z-UOnS-GK82KQXSut0fmULiKxQ6jLgI3gzDRNuXFpHw9M2kETAL-aDbmCQsNdC9b3lVXluT2S6fROqAWjV5VwD7m_JajdbWmyh8IkQ/s695/Blundstone.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; font-style: italic; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: verdana;"><img alt="Blundstone, ugly farm shoe" border="0" data-original-height="618" data-original-width="695" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsHl1I4GUeS8TpCYoESjqgwT_aNbCUoT7GodrDjC0welwzgjmIwgaTnC_nHdeYvvW7ylpLdIQMdwUuG5aIROA_z-UOnS-GK82KQXSut0fmULiKxQ6jLgI3gzDRNuXFpHw9M2kETAL-aDbmCQsNdC9b3lVXluT2S6fROqAWjV5VwD7m_JajdbWmyh8IkQ/w320-h285/Blundstone.jpg" title="Blundstone, ugly farm shoe" width="320" /></span></a><span style="font-family: verdana;">These days there’s a new type of hideous shoe that has crept into my consciousness. A few years ago, I noticed an uptick in popularity of Blundstones, those no-frills Australian farm boots. They don’t come in many styles or colors, and there isn’t much variety to them other than a women’s model with a modest heel. Made of durable leather with a rubber bottom, they are sturdy for sure but fashionable they are not. My first impression, once again, was “not for me.”</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Recently, I’ve been looking for a pair of black shoes. My Dansko clogs are holding up well, but their low profile can be troublesome during a snowy Montana winter. I was hoping to something a little taller; not really a tall boot but one that comes to the ankle. Maybe a pair of Blundstones. I had refused for a long time but the other day, I tried on a pair.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">Miraculously, the store had my hard-to-find size, women’s 5.5. And they had them in black. It was a sign, and I was almost certain I’d walk out of the store with my next pair of ugly shoes. Unfortunately, my foot, with its high instep, was reluctant to slide into them. I tugged. I pulled. I probably even grunted. It wasn’t pretty, but once I got them on my feet they were comfortable. I was torn. I was up for a new pair of shoes, but did I really want a pair that was an ordeal to put on? The salesgirl suggested I buy a size up or take them into Carter’s to get them stretched. Did I really want to spend the money on shoes to go ahead and spend more money to get them altered? </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I left the store empty handed. The newest trend in ugly shoes was not to be part of my wardrobe. Will I break down and buy a pair? We will see.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">I’m curious to see the next type of ugly shoe that becomes popular to the masses. I’m not sure what it will be, but I imagine that they will be comfortable and utilitarian. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;">~</span></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: verdana;">I haven't written about fashion before but several times I have written about <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/High%20performance%20gear" target="_blank">gear</a> and <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/search/label/lifestyle" target="_blank">lifestyle wear</a>. Here are a few of my favorites:</span></h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Contemplating gear choices: <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/02/outdoor-idiosyncrasies.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2021/02/outdoor-idiosyncrasies.html</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">Be an outdoor athlete or just look like one: <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/12/lifestyle-apparel-2.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/12/lifestyle-apparel-2.html</a></span></li><li><span style="font-family: verdana;">The Louis Vuitton chalk bag: <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2019/07/vl-chalk-bag.html" target="_blank"> http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2019/07/vl-chalk-bag.html</a></span></li></ul><p></p><p><span style="font-family: verdana;"> </span></p>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6298667168899922884.post-11569975085156174892022-07-17T17:55:00.009-06:002022-07-18T18:30:32.615-06:00Welcome Home Bingo - European Edition<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u8FQjh0sKbyiKNGKc2iv2yC6ku3YR7n0aiFYN4xAxgt3LqKdIipp7rSke8LR2L-h62AgLbdzKmqsVuDzrgWQ3a7BYm1iDWFklWOS_H-hMsAy5YmGT44A3Fg9LeJxtnMEA_gkR6O2FyNsoPKNedK3DOZwuNk1g14W1SDp-Mc7dP3o-YFWObg7ofFFhA/s2056/IMG_0150.JPG" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img alt="Sutjeska Memorial at Tjentište, Bosnia" border="0" data-original-height="2056" data-original-width="1535" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5u8FQjh0sKbyiKNGKc2iv2yC6ku3YR7n0aiFYN4xAxgt3LqKdIipp7rSke8LR2L-h62AgLbdzKmqsVuDzrgWQ3a7BYm1iDWFklWOS_H-hMsAy5YmGT44A3Fg9LeJxtnMEA_gkR6O2FyNsoPKNedK3DOZwuNk1g14W1SDp-Mc7dP3o-YFWObg7ofFFhA/w299-h400/IMG_0150.JPG" title="Sutjeska Memorial at Tjentište, Bosnia" width="299" /></a></div>Here's a fun game you can play when you return from your next trip to Europe. See how long it takes before you see or experience the following. Challenge your travel companions to see who can be the first to check off all of the items found on the list.<div><br /></div><div>Do you have items to add to the list? If so, please share them in the comments section of this post.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><i>Note: This list is based my experiences during numerous trips to Europe. I just returned from a trip to Croatia and Bosnia and many of the items found below are specific to the trip. I am by no means suggesting that this is how it is everywhere both home and abroad. And it is not my intention to pass judgement or to say that one way is better or worse than the other. These are just my observations. You may find different things during your travels and where you live.<br /><br />Please take this game <u>lightly</u> as it is intended. Most importantly, get out and travel.</i></div><div><p style="text-align: left;"><i></i></p><h2 style="text-align: center;"><i>~</i></h2><span><a name='more'></a></span><p></p><h3 style="text-align: center;">Welcome Home Bingo<br />European Edition</h3><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Driving & On the Road</h4><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-E71itRQywP5TLWrR8oq_3YOVqrBRTywaDrGGcUg7bLytmF9-Ete4LpFYF0nPwa8npxi6I6FZZJSvN0cGn-FaLaNnisXcnt5aTVb2IzqzwNe0ssyur-vbMoIG-XA6xUHSIVD-4qmdIpTJCu09wTRTwep2u38cIikhatL6QMxdEKFN9DDshSd53Gd3Kw/s2048/Mostar%20Cats%20on%20Car.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img alt="Cat in Mostar, Bosnia" border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-E71itRQywP5TLWrR8oq_3YOVqrBRTywaDrGGcUg7bLytmF9-Ete4LpFYF0nPwa8npxi6I6FZZJSvN0cGn-FaLaNnisXcnt5aTVb2IzqzwNe0ssyur-vbMoIG-XA6xUHSIVD-4qmdIpTJCu09wTRTwep2u38cIikhatL6QMxdEKFN9DDshSd53Gd3Kw/w400-h300/Mostar%20Cats%20on%20Car.jpg" title="Cat in Mostar, Bosnia" width="400" /></a></div><br />1) Black Audi sedans driving fast on curvy two-lane country roads are replaced by oversize white SUVs and trucks driving fast everywhere.<p></p><p>2) Gas is $4.79 per gallon versus $6.75+ per gallon. </p><p>3) Cars are left idling anytime, anywhere regardless of the temperature outside.</p><p><br /></p><h4 style="text-align: left;">Dining & Sipping</h4><p>4) Cappuccino comes in 12 to 16 ounce sizes.</p><p>5) To-go coffee is everywhere.</p><p>6) Restaurants are filled with the dinner crowd by 6:30 p.m. The kitchen closes at 9 p.m. (Obviously this is not true if you live in New York City or most other major American cities. But for much of the U.S., this is reality.)</p><p>7) Your server at the restaurant tells you their name and perkily says "I'll be taking care of you this evening." They check in often throughout your meal.</p><p>8) At a restaurant, the check is brought to you without asking. Gone is the mystery of figuring out how to get it.</p><p>9) Tipping is expected. When you pay your bill, the handheld credit card machine used by the server displays options for a 15, 20, or 25% tip. If you wish to tip another amount, you will need to hit the Other option.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRCtNPpVu6-VQT9It8Me2cRxYXHlsUHDEzH6F8edXTN-jHwtuvz92TVaFaMpHPmDPdYWr6J2qnDLpOHpDpyykX8UyP0lUghucAMIgPDTXfMhFJ9mAyiayK7ARUJE2weiaoeNPDCX87JEUoPqVLGUdAWCxZo1_ykEqXQPLjobLDjtYvBenxDnUTFjFAg/s4608/Van%20Life.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><img alt="Lost in translation" border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaRCtNPpVu6-VQT9It8Me2cRxYXHlsUHDEzH6F8edXTN-jHwtuvz92TVaFaMpHPmDPdYWr6J2qnDLpOHpDpyykX8UyP0lUghucAMIgPDTXfMhFJ9mAyiayK7ARUJE2weiaoeNPDCX87JEUoPqVLGUdAWCxZo1_ykEqXQPLjobLDjtYvBenxDnUTFjFAg/w320-h240/Van%20Life.jpg" title="Lost in translation" width="320" /></a></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">"Connecting" with the Customer</h4><p>10) The cashier at the grocery store asks, "So, do you have any fun plans this weekend?" </p><p>~</p><h4 style="text-align: left;">More travel posts</h4><p></p><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Wild Beauty, Montenegro - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2015/06/contemplaing-wild-beauty.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2015/06/contemplaing-wild-beauty.html</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Postcard from Slovenia - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/11/postcard-from-slovenia.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2018/11/postcard-from-slovenia.html</a></li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Hiking above Italy's Amalfi coast - <a href="http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/06/amalfi-bomerano-hiking.html">http://annvinciguerra.blogspot.com/2017/06/amalfi-bomerano-hiking.html</a></li></ul></div>Ann H. Vinciguerrahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15380209348285594479noreply@blogger.com0