mt: Speechless Sunday: Hey Good Looking! - 09/13/09 05:14 AM
Speechless Sunday: Hey Good Looking!

 

Photos by Kelsey Ray (Krayphish)
My daughter Kelsey took these photos of the Llamas / Alpacas at the Plains Fair that was held last weekend in Plains Montana. I thought it looked like he was whistling at someone. A lot of people in our area have llamas/alpacas with their horses or sheep to help protect them.
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mt: The Four Essential Elements For a Real Estate Sale - 09/11/09 04:52 AM
Here's Four Essential Elements for a Real Estate Sale:
1. Location - Everyone says real estate is about Location, Location, Location - and guess what? They are right to a certain extent. You can't change your property's location but there are things you can do to highlight the positives of your location. Are you close to schools, attractions, or a large employer? A professional real estate marketer will help put your home's location in a positive light.
2. Price - Pricing your property correctly determines how many potential buyers will even see the listing. If your home is overpriced by even 5%, you … (4 comments)

mt: Wordless Wednesday - Welcome to My Branch - 09/09/09 03:30 AM
Wordless Wednesday - Welcome to My Branch


Bald Eagles are a frequent sight along the Clark Fork River. They seem to come back to the same areas so we know where to look for them and enjoy seeing them on our drive. We loved that he was sharing his branch with a crow - that was the first time we've seen that!
Here's Another Bald Eagle Photo 
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mt: A Relaxing Afternoon Fly Fishing and Floating the Clark Fork River in Western Montana - 09/07/09 02:28 PM
A Relaxing Afternoon Fly Fishing and Floating the Clark Fork River in Western Montana
A couple of weeks ago Kevin and Kelsey spent the afternoon fly fishing and floating the Clark Fork River with a friend of ours, Roger. Here's some photos from the outing:

Spending time on the river is a favorite Montana past time and a great way to cool off in the summer. They only caught a few fish on this outing but they had such a great time that they didn't mind.



 
Photos by Kelsey Ray.
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mt: Not-So-Speechless Sunday: Beautiful Views of Missoula Lake in Mineral County Montana - 09/06/09 02:12 AM
Not-So-Speechless Sunday: Beautiful Views of Missoula Lake in Mineral County Montana

Mineral County has 42 Pristine Mountain Lakes, including Missoula Lake which is located approximately 30 miles up Cedar Creek Road from Superior near the Montana / Idaho border.
87% of Mineral County is publicly-owned (U.S. Forest Service, State) so we have thousands of miles of amazing wilderness!

The water is so crisp and clean you can see almost the entire bottom of the lake, and all of the fish swimming in it!

View from the State Line Trail above Missoula Lake. This is looking into Idaho. You can see that … (10 comments)

mt: Montana Bull Riding at the Bull-a-Rama Event - Mineral County Fair & Rodeo, Superior, MT - 09/06/09 12:43 AM
Montana Bull Riding at the Bull-a-Rama Event - Mineral County Fair & Rodeo, Superior, MT
A long-time Montana tradition is Bull Riding and it continues at rodeos across the West. Mineral County Montana has an annual Fair and Rodeo the First Weekend in August every year.
This year the Fair Board had a Bull-a-Rama - a rodeo dedicated entirely to Bull Riding.

"It's bulls and blood, it's dust and mud, it's the roar of the Sunday crowd."

"It's the white in his knuckles, The gold in the buckle He'll win the next go 'round"

"It's boots and chaps, … (5 comments)

mt: Montana Bull Riding Video from the Mineral County Fair & Rodeo Bull-a-Rama - Superior MT - 09/06/09 12:38 AM
Montana Bull Riding Video from the Mineral County Fair & Rodeo Bull-a-Rama - Superior MT
The Mineral County Fair and Rodeo is the First Weekend in August every year, and this year was no exception. The Mineral County Lion's Club sponsored a Bull-a-Rama event on Thursday night of the fair this year.
 

 
To Learn More About Mineral County, Montana Become a Fan on Facebook.
How Bull Riding Is Scored from the Professional Bull Riders Association (PBR):  "A qualified ride is 8 seconds. The clock starts when the bull's shoulder or flank breaks the plane of the gate. It … (0 comments)

mt: 406 Main Street, Superior, Montana 59872 - A Mechanic's Dream! - 09/03/09 04:47 PM
406 Main Street, Superior, Montana 59872 - A Mechanic's Dream!
This is an absolute must see and priced to sell at $158,900. A beautiful home with many updates in a charming Montana town with a dream mechanic's shop - a three car oversized-garage with a mechanic's pit built-in cabinets, a work bench and a cozy wood stove!
And when you're done touching up your cars in the shop, you'll love relaxing on the spacious deck with a large privacy-fenced yard. This home's beautiful hardwood floors are low maintenance and practical.
This home also features:
new log siding, metal roof, gorgeous hardwood floors, … (3 comments)

mt: Missoula Montana - Forbes Magazine Ranks Missoula as One of North America's Top 10 Trout Towns! - 08/27/09 07:24 AM
Forbes Magazine Ranks Missoula as One of North America's Top 10 Trout Towns!
Forbes just released its list of the Top 10 Trout Towns in North America - Missoula, Montana is on that list.
According to government statistics, some 11 million anglers in the U.S. and Canada search for that moment of beauty every year - fly fishing. President Obama joined the ranks recently when he fished for trout in Montana.
Forbes Magazine states:
Missoula is a laid-back college town with a serious trout-fishing addiction. Anglers can fish the bouldery Blackfoot (A River Runs Through It author Norman Maclean's home river) … (3 comments)

mt: Missoula Montana Free Wi-Fi Wirelss Internet Locations in the Garden City - 08/13/09 07:04 AM
Missoula Montana Free Wi-Fi  Wireless Internet Locations in the Garden City
Missoula MT has many locations with free public Wi-Fi Wireless Internet access points around the city. Local businesses are starting to realize that Missoulians want their internet and they want it Free!
Here is a list of Wi-Fi Wireless Internet Locations in Missoula, MT
Missoula Free Wi-Fi Locations at  Coffee Houses & Restaurants, and Bars
1.) Break Espresso - One of Missoula's best local coffee shops, Break Espresso is located in downtown Missoula on at 432 North Higgins, Missoula, MT Phone: 728-7300.
2.) Food for Thought - A college favorite, located across from … (7 comments)

mt: Open Letter to Missoula Montana First Time Home Buyers - 08/11/09 06:25 AM
 
Great information for Missoula & Western Montana Real Estate Buyers and Prospective Homeowners:
 
Dear Procrastinating First Time Home Buyers:  
I know you.  I've seen you in the mall on December 23rd. I've watched you race through town en route to the airport; screeching up to the terminal just in time to prevent your mom from giving up and getting in the cab.  I even saw you run over the neighbor's cat on your way to the post office on April 15th.  (Actually, disregard that last one.  I'm sure it was just a large stick).  You excel when the … (0 comments)

mt: All You Can Eat Fish & Chips - Fridays at O-Aces in Deborgia, Montana - 08/11/09 05:50 AM
All You Can Eat Fish & Chips - Fridays at O-Aces in Deborgia, Montana
Looking for a place to eat while traveling on I-90 to Missoula? Or if you're hungry after skiing at Lookout Pass, or from riding the Hiawatha Trail, in any case, a great place to stop is O-Aces in Deborgia, Montana.
They've got a good menu with everything from burgers to sandwiches to steaks. We love O-Aces for their Friday Night All You Can Eat Fish and Chips special.
Kevin spent a lot of time in England growing up and fell in love with fish and chips. The … (0 comments)

mt: Has the Missoula Montana Real Estate Market Stabilized? - 08/11/09 05:27 AM
Has the Missoula Montana Real Estate Market Stabilized?
So What's Up with the Missoula Real Estate Market? National reports show that the real estate market is improving. The National Association of Realtors just reported that home sales rose in 3.6% June, marking five consecutive months of improvement for the first time since 2003. 
While things are heading the right way on a national level, all real estate markets are local. The Missoula Real Estate Market is no different.
It is important to keep in mind that the Missoula real estate market has not seen the same type of declines that have been … (0 comments)

mt: Quinn's Hot Springs Resort - One of Montana's Natural Hot Springs Resorts - Near Missoula MT - 08/04/09 08:39 AM
Quinn's Hot Springs Resort - One of Montana's Natural Hot Springs Resorts - Near Missoula MT
Quinn's Hot Springs Resort was established in 1885 around one of Montana's best natural hot mineral springs.
Quinn's Hot Springs Resort is located in Paradise, Montana, just over an hour from Missoula MT - on the banks of the Clark Fork River.
The resort is now a full service vacation destination with:
Multiple Natural Hot Spring Pools with Varying Temperatures Hot Tubs Glacier Lodge - A Rustic Mountain Lodge Canyon Guest Cabins - Rustic Cabins Quinn's Tavern & Casino Harwood House Restaurant Fine Dining Gift Shop … (0 comments)

mt: Affordable Yet Luxurious Condo For Sale in Golf Community - 8633B Ranch Club Road, Missoula MT 59808 - 08/04/09 08:13 AM

Affordable Yet Luxurious Condo For Sale in Golf Community 8633B Ranch Club Road, Missoula MT 59808
Great Golf Course community condo. Enjoy three master style suites in this luxurious home. Granite countertops in the kitchen along with upgraded appliances. Lots of large windows provide an abundance of natural light. Features include nice attached and oversized 2 car garage with room for your golf cart, trex type decking.
3 Master Suites Full Basement Oversized 2 Car Garage Granite Counter Tops Stainless Steel Appliances Upgrades Throughout Located in The Ranch Club Affordably Priced at $336,500

View a Virtual Tour of this … (0 comments)

mt: Blackfoot River Float Trips at McNamara's Landing & Blackfoot River Rentals - Just 20 Minutes from Missoula, Montana - 08/02/09 11:30 AM
Blackfoot River Float Trips at McNamara's Landing & Blackfoot River Rentals
We spent yesterday afternoon on inner tubes floating down the Blackfoot River near Johnsrud Park, approximately 16 miles Northeast of Missoula MT.
The Blackfoot River is the river that was made famous by the movie made from Norman McLeans's novel about fly fishing called A River Runs Through It. From the book and movie:
"On the Big Blackfoot River above the mouth of Belmont Creek the banks are fringed by large Ponderosa pines. In the slanting sun of late afternoon the shadows of great branches reached from across the river, and … (0 comments)

mt: 456 Moiese Lane Stevensville Montana 59870 - Executive Ranch Style Home on 10 Acres, 4 Car Garage+ - Ideal Horse Property! - 07/30/09 10:43 AM
456 Moiese Lane Stevensville Montana 59870 Executive Ranch Style Home on 10 Acres, 4 Car Garage+Ideal Montana Horse Property!
This is a home you simply must see to believe!
3400+sq. ft. executive home  New Construction 10 Acres Sprawling open floor plan  Beautiful wood floors, Stunning custom timber-framed cathedral ceilings with rough cut beams, Granite counter tops, 2 laundry rooms, a 4 car garage and large master suite with spa-like master bath. Ideal Montana Horse Property! Not to mention the million-dollar views of the Bitterroot Mountain Range! Priced well under appraised value at $688,000. You'll feel like you're living in Paradise!
Virtual Tour of 456 … (3 comments)

mt: Montana World Trade Center - Connecting Montana to the World - 07/30/09 05:49 AM
Montana World Trade Center - Connecting Montana to the World
I recently had the opportunity to meet with the staff of the Montana World Trade Center which is based in Missoula at the University of Montana. They are participating in Social Media Club Missoula and looking at opportunities to help Montana businesses use social media.
The Montana World Trade Center (MWTC) works to increase international trade through public-private partnerships, business networking, and student education. They provide resources to help Montana businesses including:
Export/Import readiness assessment Basic International research and guidance Training seminars Access to visiting trade experts and delegations Trade shows … (0 comments)

mt: Missoula Montana Named One of the Most Playful Cities in America! - 07/29/09 03:44 PM
Missoula Montana Named One of the Most Playful Cities in America!
In a time when 82 percent of parents believe children don't spend enough time playing outside, KaBOOM! a national non-profit dedicated to bringing play back into children's lives, named them its most Playful City USA communities recently, Missoula Montana made that list!


Each of the 2009 Playful City USA communities demonstrated creative commitments to the cause of play in the areas of quantity, quality and access.
Making playspaces accessible to all citizens in Missoula is a priority for the Parks and Recreation department. The department will establish new connector … (0 comments)

mt: Homes for Sale on the South Hill in Missoula MT - Moose Can Gulley & Wapikaya - 07/29/09 03:33 PM
Homes for Sale on the South Hill in Missoula MT - Moose Can Gulley & Wapikaya
The South Hill in Missoula Montana has many great housing options - from condos, to starter-homes, to custom homes. Located up Hillview from Russell Street into the hills, the South Hill neighborhood is Moose Can Gulley. At the base of the South Hill is Wapikaya, another popular Missoula neighborhood.
Historically marked by ranches and farms, the South Hills neighborhoods still respectfully nod to their rural roots. They just recently approved over 1,000 acres of open space easements provide for peaceful places to explore and enjoy.  Trail systems … (0 comments)