Summer in Big Sky is filled with a world of fun and exciting things to do with the whole family! Starting with free concerts downtown every Thursday, beginning on the 4th of July. Locals say one of the big hits every year is “Cold Hard Cash”; a johnny Cash cover band which will be playing on August 30th. Before then, on  Aug 7th, enjoy Shakespeare in the Park or classical music on Aug 10th,11th, or12th. The best part? ALL OF THESE EVENTS ARE FREE! They are all paid for by Arts Council of Big Sky/Resort Taxes! These are just a few of many things besides great shopping, fine dining, and a world of outside activities there is to do in Big Sky. For more information visit the chamber of commerce website at BIGSKYCHAMBER.COM.

Ousel Falls is located in the West Fork of the Gallatin; just a short drive up from town circle in the beautiful quaint town of Big Sky, Montana . In less than a mile easy hike are three amazing views of different tiers of falls on the Gallatin River. The handicap accessible trail is rich with lush, mossy, enchanted, canyon floor setting for anyone to enjoy.  Crossing bridges on the switchback well maintained path, the falls get increasingly bigger in size.  The walk is lined with towering Engelmann Spruce trees ans comes to a picnic table for hikers stop to rest. The ending view is nothing short of breath taking and the magical feel of the place is something both my dog and I did not want to leave

When I walked into the Tag-A-Long office, I was greeted by two sincere smiles, one of which was Sarah Sidell. Sarah took the time to tell me about their excursions and how they go about going the extra mile. I was nothing short of impressed. With excursions ranging from 1-6 days,  both guided and on-your-own, there is truly something for everybody.

Tag-A-Long specializes in a number of advertures all located in Canyonlands National Parks. Have experienced and knowladgable locals take you up the Green River or Colorado River whether by raft, kayak, canoe, or jet boat. If its thrill or relaxation you seek, Tag-A-Long is eager accommodate your wants and needs.

The adventure does not stop at the river; see sites created by Pueblo Indians, hike the famous “needles” of the park, see petroglyphs few have ever seen, untangle the Maze, or climb the Grand Staircase.

Want to do both? With Tag-A-Long you can combine a river trip with exploring Canyonlands back country to make the perfect see-all experience that is fit just for you.

With over 40 years experience, Tag-A-Long will make sure you are both well prepared and well looked after. The excursions are limited to small groups, so book today to guarantee your date!

To research details such as packing list and which tour suites you, go to www.tagalong.com or call 800-453-3292. Don’t Wait!

A few days ago on my journey north up US 191, I passed through St.John, AZ.; a quaint town in the white mountains that is all about community. There I met Estelle White who owns an amazingly diverse shop called 2nd Hand Treasures. The shop sells both new and used items and definitely has something for everyone. Inside you will find antiques, a man cave as well as a women’s side (all clothing sold here is washed prior to display), local art, and  home-made arts and crafts including jewelry and little jewelry music boxes made from real eggs! These items and much much more make 2nd Hand Treasures  a great stop for all. Aside from being a unique shop for tourist and locals alike, there is a lot more to this store front than meets the eye. Estelle teaches art classes in the back of the shop and also offers her students an outlet to display and sell their art right there at 2nd Hand Treasures.

Estelle spoke very highly of the community and gave reference to several scenarios where the people in St.John have pulled together to help one another when the economy dropped out. Often on the weekends you can find most locals at the city park facility. This offers  a picnic area,  tennis, swimming in an indoor pool,  raquet ball, horseshoes, a playground, and even a place to grill for outdoor events. This paste weekend on May 19th was St John annual classic car show and chili cook off! (which Estelle won last year). This event and others brings in a great crowd to St John, AZ.

Apart from owning a unique store, teaching art, and being involved in the community, Estelle also gives back by donating many items from the store to veterans in need. Her knowledge and involvement does not stop there though; she also sells real estate in the white mountain area. There are several amazing ranch homes in and around this area for those looking to get away. If interested please contact Estelle at www.mountainvalleyrealty.org.

Estelle was very pleasant and knowledgeable to speak with on all fronts and even took the time to tell me about other

Realtors in the area as well as referring me to the Arizona White Mountain magazine, the local Apache County Historical Society Museum ( which houses a variety of prehistoric woolly mammoth tusks and camel leg bones est to be over 24,000 years old), Frankies restaurant (affordable and wonderful food) , and several places to play golf around the area.

Within an hour of St John Arizona you will also find the Lyman Lake State Park,the Apache Sitgreaves National Forest, the Petrified National Forest which boarders the painted Desert and is not far out from the Grand Canyon, as well as many Apache, Zuni, and Navajo reservations.

St. John was a personal favorite of the White Mountain towns that I stopped in and definitely worth the visit to those who are planning to explore Arizona. Don’t miss out on all that this beautiful area has to offer!

Today I drove the Coronado Trail Scenic Byway which takes you through the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. It reminded me so much of “Going to the Sun road” in Glacier Park, MT. It was a drive that leaves one on the edge of their seat and speechless. Only this beauty is located in Arizona via US191 all the way through the Rockies. I hopped on Coronado on the south end in Clifton, AZ and traveled it north to Springerville/Eagar, AZ. There were several paths and places to pull off that I couldn’t help but stop. The views of high mountain tops, desert cacti, and lush greens of the conifer forest took my breath away. I would have to sat this is now one of my new favorite places in the United States. At the start of the trip was the Morenci mine overlook where you could catch a glimpse of how mountains that have been and are being moved to produce copper. The difference in color of the rock formations was like no other part of the Rocky Mountain Range I have viewed yet to date. A ways further up 191, I was able to photo some friendly deer, who didn’t seem to be bothered by my presence. The roads constant switch back and low speeds really give you an opportunity to take all the scenery in. This seldom traveled well kept secret is truly a must see!

A Historical note…

The Coronado Byway got its name from the Spanish explorer Francisco Vasquez de Coronado’s seeking the riches of the legendary Seven Cities of Cibola, 1540. His route ran very close to this scenic byway.

A story from one of our customers…..

My fiancé and I arrived in Bozeman on a beautiful July day and our tour guide, Ian, took us straight away to one of the most beautiful places… A waterfall, (Palisade Falls), in the mountains that was breathtaking. It made such a lasting effect on both my fiancé and I that we wanted to say our wedding vows next to it. The whole area seemed peaceful but at the same time, full of hope and wonder. I may not remember the name like I should but the experience of sharing that gorgeous piece of nature will stick with me forever.

Palisades Falls National Recreation trail is a short .5 mile asphalt-coated surface to a beautiful 80 foot waterfall. Walking through towering Engelmann Spruce and Red Fir as you switchback up to the base of the volcanic cliffs. Palisades Falls is the result of prehistoric lava flow, complete with massive hexagonal basalt columns.

From Bozeman drive south on 19th Street 5 miles to Hyalite Canyon Road. Go south on Hyalite Canyon road 20 miles to Forest Road – Go west one mile to Palisades Falls Picnic Area and trailhead.

Bohart Ranch is carved out of the foothills of the Bridger mountains one mile past Bridger Bowl Ski Resort. This course offers plenty elevated tees, and defined fairways. For those that appreciate tough mountain courses this one’s a must play! The 18 hole seasonal course that was opened in 1998 is very hilly and heavily wooded. It’s only 5 dollars to play and just a short drive off I-90 just outside of Bozeman, MT. I have been playing for a few years, but I am not pro by any means. I found this course challenging, but very enjoyable.  I took as many pictures as I did throw disc! A great day at golf and amazing views…what more could you ask for?!!

Nothing took my breath away like standing on the top of the 308 foot tall water fall in West Yellowstone park! Billions of gallons of water cascading over the cliff right beneath you every second creating a giant mist below! To add to the magical view from this spot, the sun blazes into the mist forming a rainbow that is the start of the “Grand Canyon” of Yellowstone Park.  Looking out from on top of this massive water fall, the water zig-zags between the cliff walls of the rocky mountains in the park. The lower falls are actually taller than the upper falls in height, they are only lower in elevation. This place reminds people just how small we really are…and just what a beautiful place this world really is..naturally

Truly a must see!

What a thrill seeking adventure it was to cliff dive from 40 feet at a place the locals call “The Moose Head”. At this particular spot, you can jump from 40 feet, climb up another 10 feet to the pinnacle top and jump from there, or swing into the river from the rope swing below. For the real adrenaline junkies though, the adventure lies across the river. The current is not that strong here, but I still would only recommend to experienced swimmers and always with a buddy. At the other side (where the rock formation actually is that looks like a moose-head) there is a spot you can climb up and jump from 60-80 feet!!! The free-fall actually gives you time to think “I wonder why I haven’t hit the water yet”. What a rush! The drive back to this spot is gorgeous, its free to do, and an experience I will NEVER forget! Live Out Loud!!! ~US191.com