A Day in the Life: Snow Plowing

   ~Sean Jansen

My alarm goes off at two, yes two in the morning. I wipe my foggy eyes and reach for my phone as I try to turn off the alarm blinded by the darkness of Montana’s winter. I sit on the edge of my bed and look out the window at the street light that beams down from above my car. It is caked in snow. The forecast the night previous called for an inch, there is clearly three or more. My flannel lined Carharts get put on, a base layer, then long-sleeved shirt, company sweat shirt, and down jacket that is goose lined follows. I grab my backpack that has an extra jacket, phone charger, and snacks along with my plow truck keys and head to the kitchen to make coffee, the only thing to keep me warm other than the truck heater in the negative temperatures outside. I turn on the coffee maker then head out to the car to start and warm her up. I deep fry some bacon and eggs and slap them down on a piece of toast with cheese and try my best to prepare my core for a frigid morning in the darkness of this dreary winter weekday.

The car is warmed with the defroster on full blast at max heat. I put my gloves on a wipe away the remaining powder from both the windshield and hood of my Subaru and put her into first gear. I pop the clutch and begin driving on the roads with inches of powder and not another soul in sight. I get to the shop and start the plow truck. She struggles to turn over much like I did when my alarm went off from my warm bed a half hour previous. Her defroster gets put on and the engine roars to life, ready to clear all in its path once stretched and warm.

I walk into the shop and grab both a snow shovel and two to three bags of ice melt and huck them into the back of the truck not visible whatsoever from the amount of powder blanketed across the bed. I clock in and start and warm the ATV for fellow co-workers coming to the shop shortly who manage the city sidewalks and walkways. I use the V-blade plow truck specializing in commercial apartment and residential driveways all with the goal to clear all walkways, sidewalks, and roadways before business and personal hours begin, hence the three AM start.

I put the truck into gear, lift the plow with my hydraulic control plugged into the controller mounted below the steering wheel, and head to the first account of the 20 or so listed on my clipboard with random addresses. 4x4 has been locked into gear and now begin seeing other plow companies up and at it well before sunrise. The work day has begun, it’s about twenty after three now.

The first account is visible after a ten-minute drive and several sips from my purposely strong cup of coffee. It is a coffee shop that typically has 20-30 vehicles an hour from six until nine. Now its parking lot and sidewalks are empty and devoid of all except three to four inches of freshly dropped powder. I step out of the truck, grab the snow shovel, and begin shoveling the patios, sidewalks, door entrances, and stairway. After about 15 minutes, my shoveling job is done. Now begins the spread of ice melt. They come in 20 pound bags that we cut open and pour into 5 gallon buckets. They are these little blue dissolvable peas that we throw in front of doorways and commonly walked areas to help aid in melting the ice build up that accumulates from the dripping overhanging rooftop. Once both the shoveling and ice melt spreading is done, I finally get to jump back into the heated truck, grab the snow plow controller and drop the plow blade and clear the parking lot. Sometimes I need to drive up to a parking spot, drop the plow and back drag the pile out to a main area to be able to push the snow to an organized pile elsewhere. All with hopes of not hitting the building, backing into a hidden snow covered wall, or slipping and sliding into an overnight parked car on an icy day and causing my boss, who is also out plowing, an enormous headache of finances and potentially firing me from my duty. And after about a half hour of this, my first account of about twenty is scratched from the list as I head to the next one.

Most of us do it for the hours and pay with the illusion of thinking you get to still ski on powder days. However that is not the case. The pay is certainly good but the hours are up for debate. I do indeed get to ski daily on off days and if I have energy, attack the slopes if or when an early day does occur. But when you wake at two and work a ten-hour day finishing at one in the afternoon, all one thinks about is a nap or a movie. We don’t work 9 to 5’s or 40 hour work weeks, we work when mother nature dictates and do so in order to help others get to work in a timely fashion in the long harsh winter months by clearing sidewalks, driveways, and your favorite businesses for caffeine or a quick bite before work. Some people complain about our tardiness, work, lack of work, or many other reasons both personal and professional. And I do understand, however I caution and beg those in hopes that maybe reading this you may understand what it’s like and wish that people have more of an understanding and appreciation for what we do on a daily basis in winter without ever being seeing on most days by the general public.

Missouri Headwaters State Park
(courtesy Montana State Parks)

Just outside of Three Forks, you’ll find Missouri Headwaters State Park, the confluence of the Madison, Jefferson and Gallatin rivers which form the 2,300 mile Missouri River.

At Missouri Headwaters State Park, you can still find the area looking much as it did historically - with much of the region's abundant wildlife, vegetation, and scenic beauty preserved - making it clear what has attracted people for thousands of years.

Did you know?  The three rivers that converge to form the Missouri River are named for President Thomas Jefferson, Secretary of State James Madison and Treasury Secretary Albert Gallatin!

You won’t run out of activities at Missouri Headwaters!

• Looking to camp in history? There are 17 campsites available and you can even rent a tipi!
• Interpretive displays describing the area’s cultural and natural history can be found to help guide you!
• Take your bike for a spin on the many trails throughout the park!
• Not much of a biker? Use the trails for a scenic hike instead!
• Take a float down the river, you’ll have your choice of three!
• Visit Fort Rock to take a look at historic pictographs

The rich, fertile soil along with the proximity to fresh water, brought the Flathead, Bannock and Shoshone Indians to the region and later trappers and settlers, and now this beautiful land has been preserved as a state park for visitors just like you. 

Known for an abundance of wildlife, Missouri Headwaters State Park is a great place to explore, but don’t forget your bug spray! 

In addition to its vast natural resources and outdoor activities, Missouri Headwaters State Park also boasts extensive cultural history - ranging from the tribes that lived there beginning 3,000 years ago to Lewis and Clark to fur traders to settlers.

In late July 1805, William Clark and a small number from the Corps of Discovery reached the Headwaters while scouting for Shoshone Indians, whom they hoped would sell them horses. It was Sacajawea, who recognized the area as where she was captured as a child by the Hidatsa, that led the expedition successfully there. 

While at the confluence, Clark left a note for Meriwether Lewis to find and later, Lewis Rock was named for him. 

In addition to its history with the Corps of Discovery, you can also find the remnants of the long empty, western town of Gallatin City. Settlers convinced that commerce would arrive above Great Falls, and with hope to supply the gold camps in Virginia City and Helena, Gallatin City was founded in 1862, a mere year before what is now Bozeman was platted out by John Bozeman.

The city eventually moved to the far side of the river as Gallatin City II, and later died when the Northern Pacific railroad decided to lay track south of town and making the hoped-for trade route no longer viable.

You can still see the original Gallatin City Hotel amongst other artifacts at Missouri Headwaters State Park.  

Missouri Headwaters State Park features several miles of paths for walking, biking, and hiking, that traverses the old Gallatin City townsite along the banks of the rivers.  This trail then leads you to the top of the bluff overlooking the river valley and breathtaking view of the convergence of the rivers.

You'll also find interpretive stations telling the history of the area from ancient times to the modern era throughout the park.  

5 reasons why you need a beach vacation in Montana

   ~Trip 101

The Treasure State is famous for its mountain ranges – it is home to over 100 of them after all. This landlocked state probably wouldn’t be the first place that would spring to mind when you think of taking a beach holiday, however, if you don’t consider it, you’ll be seriously missing out! The lakeside shores are great for relaxing and topping up your tan, swimming in crystal clear blue waters, and there are lots of opportunities for kayaking, fishing, and other outdoor activities. In this article, we’ll look through the reasons that you need to take a beach vacation in Montana – by the end of the article you’re sure to be already planning your trip!

1. It’s fun for all the family.

There’s so much to do at Montana’s beaches that you won’t be worrying about whether or not everyone will be entertained as it’s impossible to be bored! Take Boettcher Park beach for example. While the adults are relaxing by the crystal waters of Flathead Lake, there’s a children’s playground where you can leave the little ones safe and sound – and most importantly they’ll have a load of fun! Consider bringing them here for a special treat too – there’s a covered area which is reserved just for kids’ birthday parties.

And furry, four-legged friends haven’t been forgotten either! Many of the top beaches in the state have an area just for dogs too, meaning that you don’t have to leave behind your beloved pet during your holiday. Bozeman pond canine beach is a real hit with dog-lovers.  

For more outdoorsy families, consider somewhere like Lake MacDonald. The biggest alpine lake in Glacier National Park offers canoeing, kayaking, and youngsters and adults alike will love taking a refreshing dip in its blue waters.

2. There’s plenty to keep you entertained.

Montana’s beaches aren’t just great for relaxing and sunbathing. Many beaches have areas dedicated to a number of different activities where you can get active and try some new activities. Want to try your hand at fishing? Head to Cooney reservoir. Fancy heading out onto the water without getting wet? Take a canoe or a paddleboat out at City Beach in Whitefish. Want to play sand volleyball, have a go in the horseshoe pit, or play catch on huge grassy fields by the shore? Check out Bozeman Beach. Many of Montana’s beaches have great swimming options too, so you’ll never be at a loss for things to do.

Although these activities can be done for most of the year, there are a number of special one-off activities that you can either take part in or watch. Either way, you’ll be entertained! Don’t miss Whitefish’s carnival penguin plunge or the Whitefish Lake Run.

With all the excitement offered by the state’s beaches, you’ll probably not want to go home!

3. You don’t have to stay just for the day.

So, we’ve already established that there’s sunbathing, sports, swimming, and a whole load of other activities to do on The Treasure State’s beaches. How on earth do you fit that all into one day? Well, you don’t have to. The state’s beaches have excellent spots for camping, and not only can you turn up and pitch your tent, but you can also rent cabins, yurts, or tipis in over 500 campsites throughout the state, many of them close to lakeside beaches.

If you’re from out of state, you’ll have to buy a non-resident entrance pass, which costs $35 per vehicle. This pass will permit you to an unlimited number of annual visits and discounted camping fees for a year from the first usage. You can buy this from the Montana Fish Wildlife & Parks. Owning this excellent pass is the perfect excuse to check out a number of Montana’s different beaches, after all, no two are alike!

If you don’t want to camp, there are also a number of great hotels, B & Bs, and guest houses within easy reach of the state’s best beaches, as well as private accommodation. Pick a beach and check out the accommodation close by – there’s bound to be something perfectly suited to your tastes.

4. The beaches are generously spread across the state.

Montana is huge. You may not know this, but it’s the 4^th largest state in the USA. Road trips can be really fun, but sometimes you just want to get in the car and be at your destination in a super quick time. Great! Don’t think you have to travel for hours to find a pristine beach in Montana, as they’re spread liberally across the state. From Whitefish city beach and Boettcher Park in the Northwest of the state to Brush Lake state park in the east, there’s a strip of sand (or pebbles) near you.

Of course, if you want to rent an RV or go on a road trip with the family, that can be a lot of fun too, and each beach has its own different character. Sometimes it’s worth travelling that extra bit further.

5. You’re never far from a national park.

Being completely cut off from the stress of everyday life is much easier when you’re entirely surrounded by nature. Because the beaches here are inland, many are part of Montana’s beautiful national parks and you’re never far away from a complete escape into nature. In a state home to some stunning Rocky Mountains backdrops, you can visit Glacier National Park, Little Bighorn, and even a little bit Yellowstone can be found in Montana.

A beach which is difficult to get to but worth the effort is at Avalanche Lake in Glacier National Park. Although you’ll have to ford a small inlet to get there, the views of the surrounding mountains are a well-deserved reward.

Should you desire a bit of time away from the beach, it’s easy to find alpine hiking trails, huge glaciers, and wildlife watching in the national parks. Just don’t stray too far north, you might end up in Canada! Want to know more? Check out one-stop travel destination site, Trip101.

Lone Pine State Park

  ~Visit Mt

his week's focus takes us to just outside of Kalispell, MT to Lone Pine State Park. With 7.5 miles of trails for hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and horseback riding it also boast breathtaking overlooks, where you can see Flathead Lake, Big Mountain, Jewel Basin, and Glacier National Park on clear days.

Located near Kalispell, Lone Pine State Park provides incredible views of the Flathead Valley, as well as year-round and wide-ranging outdoor recreation activities. 
Originally owned as part of a large sheep ranch by Ernest and Hazel White, in 1941 the White’s donated the land that now makes up Lone Pine State Park, for public use and education. The Whites stipulated that the land be developed for public use and to teach an appreciation for the benefits of conservation.

The visitor center has a gift shop and provides visitors with highlights of the wildlife and forest ecology of the park.   A great spot for meetings or social gatherings (can host up to 100 people), the visitor center has a spacious meeting room with audio/visual capabilities and wrap around decks!  7.5 miles of trails can accommodate for short or long hikes where you’ll find great views of wildflowers and local wildlife. 

Curious what other visitors had to say?

"Good easy access. Close to Kalispell. Easy hikes, great scenery. Wear comfortable shoes, no need for special equipment."

"You can park at the lower gate, around the corner in the upper lot, or drive by Foys Lake and take the main entrance to the top (ample parking and handicap accessible). Not only does Lone Pine have an abundance of trails for all abilities, but it has a great Visitors Center at the top as well. The staff is very knowledgeable about plants, wildlife, and other hiking opportunities in the Valley. A great place to walk your dog, view the city, or have a picnic!"

"Lots of fun and lots of wildlife. I recommend going out early before it gets too hot and the wildlife enters the woods to lay down."

"Lone Pine is pet-friendly and has excellent educational programs, well-maintained trails, guided hikes and special youth programs. We have attended programs on wild raptors/rehab and release after injury, and on the Karelian Bear Dogs. It is also right on the way to the hidden Foy's Lake, just slightly below it to the northwest. 

At Foy's Lake (a County maintained park) you can also enjoy swimming, boating (no rentals, just your own), fishing (the lake is stocked yearly with trout) or have a picnic. Ice fishing in Winter. In Summer Lone Pine is also near the Herron Park Equestrian Park and its trails. 

Just a few of the other things you can do at Lone Pine: Take the Archery trail, bird watching, cross-country ski/snowshoe in winter, play horseshoes, mountain bike, Take panoramic photos, Have a picnic, or go for a run."

Tips for Staying Safe and Healthy in the Great Outdoors

Montana is famed for the extensive open spaces and wild areas within its borders, and with good reason. It’s a state made for outdoor pursuits, and the opportunities to walk, camp, hike, and otherwise explore are popular not just with residents but increasing numbers of tourists too.

While the countryside is an amazing, inviting, and predominantly safe place, there are inevitable risks associated with taking part in outdoor activities. Most of these risks can be reduced or eliminated entirely if you follow safe practices and take the necessary precautions during your trip. Here are some top tips for staying safe and well when you’re enjoying Montana’s fantastic natural environment.

1) Make sure you’re well enough to take part in your planned activity. If you’re feeling under the weather, setting out on a weekend hiking trip will not only drain you and not be much fun, but you could make yourself sicker. Pushing yourself too hard physically when you have a cold or chest infection could lead to more serious conditions, such as pleurisy and pneumonia for example.

2) Make sure you’re fit enough to take part in your planned activity. Some of the outdoor challenges you can take on are physically demanding, and if you aren’t fit enough to cope, you won’t enjoy the experience and could end up with an injury or become seriously exhausted. In the months leading up to your trip, you should work on building your fitness levels so that you have the strength and stamina to not only manage the challenge you’ve set yourself but enjoy it to the full.

3) Get the right footwear. Heading off into the mountains for a three-day trek wearing a regular pair of sneakers is asking for trouble. They may feel comfortable when you’re out for a stroll at home, but if you’re doing a serious walk, you need proper hiking boots if you want to avoid blisters and sore feet. Make sure you get them well in advance of your trip so you can break them in – they’ll be stiff to start with, so you need to soften up the materials and get used to walking in the boots.

4) Take food and drink. You should always carry water and high energy snacks with you to ensure you stay hydrated, and provide some nutrition if you get delayed or lost. Even a short foray into the wilderness could result in a fall or injury, and you may take a wrong turning at some point that extends the time you’re out.

5) Wear the appropriate clothing. You need materials that won’t rub when you’re moving, aren’t too constrictive, and protect you from the elements. Breathable fabrics are best so that sweat is wicked away from your body, otherwise you could get soaked through on a hot day. Comfort and safety are the key features your clothes need to possess, and you can be sure that if you don’t wear the right clothing your trip will be far less enjoyable.

6) If you’re using a backpack, make sure it’s a well-made one that isn’t going to dig into your back and shoulders. An uncomfortable backpack can easily ruin your enjoyment of the experience, so get the best quality pack you can afford, and fill it correctly with soft items like waterproofs and spare sweaters and socks at the bottom, and heavier items at the top so the weight is optimally distributed.

7) Maps or map apps are essential. Many people prefer to use smartphone apps to following a map, and they are extremely useful, especially if you’re new to outdoor pursuits. However, it’s a good idea to pack a compact map of the area just in case your phone battery dies or loses the GPS signal (you can get apps that work without needing a signal or internet connection, which are much better for use in the country; however, you’d still need a map if your phone battery died).

Take essential safety equipment. You’ll usually find that the National Park services or the bodies responsible for the area you’re exploring provide a list of recommended supplies that you should take with you. The list may vary according to where you are, but basic items include:

Emergency blankets: silver foil insulators for keeping sick or injured members of your party warm.

Glucose tablets: emergency high energy supplements for anyone feeling faint or weak.

First aid kit: compact kit including antiseptic wipes and cream, plasters, dressings, bandages, scissors, and antihistamine in case of an allergic reaction.

Whistle to alert rescue services to your location.

Penknife or similar multipurpose tool.

Flashlight

You should also take tissues and toilet paper in case they’re needed.

Preparing for your trip

When you’re getting ready for your trip, make sure you’ve read all the literature relevant to the place you’re visiting and the activity you plan to take part in. Check you’ve got all the supplies you need, and make sure your cell phone and any other electronic devices you plan to take are fully charged.

If financing the purchase of good quality supplies is a problem, have a look at the options available from credit brokers such as Bonsai Finance for borrowing enough to cover the expenditure. You might be surprised at the range of options available to people in all types of financial situations, including unemployment, and at far better rates than high-interest credit cards.

If you’re tempted to cut corners with your equipment, think again. There’s no point going to all the effort of arranging a trip or excursion if you’re going to be miserable because you’re too hot or cold, or your feet hurt. It’s worth spending extra on good quality equipment and clothing that will keep you comfortable and safe, and you should never scrimp on safety supplies, as you could run into serious trouble if you do.

You can have the best experiences of your life in the varied and beautiful landscapes of Montana; just make sure you keep safe and well, so you can enjoy your adventure to the full.