MONTANA: THE TREASURE STATE
BY CLAY
LARROY
People
in general consider traveling
as their personal interests. Traveling
can quickly became an interests simply because it is such an enjoyable
experience. When you travel around the world and you will see a variety of
different cultures and people. There
are two things to remember while traveling. The first thing is to be
open-minded about people and their culture. The second thing and the most
important, is to respect other cultures no matter how different. When you want to plan a vacation contact me!
Montana is a state in the northern/northwestern United
States, in the Rocky Mountains region. Often called Big Sky Country for its famed big, blue skies,
Montana is a state of contrasts, from the flat regions to the East and the
towering peaks of the Rocky Mountains in the West. Helena is the state Capital of Montana, Billings is the largest city, and Missoula is the second largest city. Major airports serve the seven
largest communities, which in addition to the three cities listed in include Great
Falls, Butte, Bozeman and Kalispell. Regional carriers serve some smaller
communities.
Montana is the 4th largest state by land mass in
the United States at 145,552 square miles, however the state ranks 44th in
population with just under a million residents, most of which are clustered
around cities and towns. The state features wide open spaces, lonesome highways
and dramatic scenery, both to the east and west of the continental divide.
Residents of Montana often classify themselves as
either easterners or westerners, depending upon their geographic home. The west
is often considered more picturesque, but is also more populated and heavily
touristed. The eastern half of the state is more sparsely populated, with low
lying plains, bluffs and cliffs. Attitude-wise, the west is generally
considered more liberal, while the east, with its large ranching and
agricultural operations, is considered more conservative.
The state economy is primarily based on
agriculture, ranching, logging and mining as well as tourism.
THINGS TO
DO
Montana has a recreational opportunity for every adventure seeker, every
season, and every mode of transit -- by land, by boat, by bike or all terain
vehicle, there's something to keep you occupied in Montana.
Watersports
·
Whitewater Rafting - many Montana
rivers, especially in the West, offer world class rapids. Many companies offer
float trips of varying degrees of difficulty and length. Rafting on your own is
greatly discouraged due to the extreme danger often found in mountain rivers.
·
Boating - bring your
powerboat, canoe, kayak or schooner and find a lake, river or stream to wile
away the day. Kayak and canoe rentals are widely available.
·
Floating - a unique Montana
experience. Rent inner tubes, take a cooler of beer and float a river with a
few, or a bunch, of your closest friends on a hot day. Pick a river that's wide
and slow, or fast with rapids, and enjoy the view from a cool Montana waterway.
·
Fly fishing - One of Montana's
most sought after sport, offering world renowned blue-ribbon trout fishing. Due
to the movie 'A River Runs Through It' which was filmed along parts of the
Blackfoot river in Western Montana, anglers flock to the water in the late
spring and summer months to catch the "big one". Outfitters are
always available for guided trips, or to rent you the gear you'll need. Ask a
local for a good spot.
Winter sports
·
Skiing/snowboarding - Montana has two
large resort ski areas, Big Sky and Big Mountain, as well as smaller local
hills. Check individual websites for current conditions and pricing. The
mountains usually open around mid-late December and remain open into April,
sometimes May. There are also options for backcountry and heli-skiing.
·
Bear Paw
·
Big Sky -
This is a large resort area located 45 minutes south of Bozeman. This has two
mountains, lots of lifts, including "The Tram," a gondola to the top
of Lone Peak. Pick a clear day for an unparalleled view of the Spanish Peaks
and incredible expert skiing. Winter and summer resort activities available.
·
Blacktail Mountain
·
Bridger Bowl -
20 minutes north of Bozeman, this is a locals' mountain with 7 lifts. Most of
the mountain is intermediate level and above, including "The Ridge,"
a hikeable area to the top of the mountain and accessing a wide variety of
expert terrain.
REFERENCE SITES:
“I’m in love with Montana. For other states I have admiration, respect, recognition, even some affection. But with Montana it is love. And it’s difficult to analyze love when you’re in it.”
― John Steinbeck,
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