Archive for the 'Calendar of Events' Category

Bicycle Yellowstone This Weekend

Published
by
Allan
on September 23, 2009
in Activities and Calendar of Events
. 1 Comment

cycling-yellowstone1If you’ve always wanted to take a great bike ride in Yellowstone but were intimidated by the traffic, now is your chance to join a large group of cyclists riding from West to Old Faithful and back. There is no restrictions on what kind of bike you can use (except it can’t have a motor,) and you don’t have to be a certain age.

That said, the length of the ride is 57 miles over rolling terrain and the average elevation is over 6,000 feet, so it’s probably for people who are pretty fit. Food stations will be available at Madison Junction and at Old Faithful and a “sag wagon” will be available to pick up those whose “eyes are bigger than their stomachs.”

Pre-registration is required, so you have to get squared away before you come. For more info on cost and registration, etc. call 406-599-4465. They will take care of everything for you. Don’t wait. The ride is this Saturday and remember, pre-registration is required. See you in West.

Service Builds Character / Benefits Everyone

Published
by
Allan
on September 8, 2009
in Activities, Calendar of Events and Island Park News
. 0 Comments

clean-upIf you love Island Park, and I know you do or you wouldn’t be reading this, consider volunteering for one of the many cleanup opportunities in the area. The Henry’s Fork Foundation just sponsored a cleanup of the stretch of the Henry’s Fork of the Snake that runs through Island Park and they did a tremendous work. Cleaning up both in and around the river made a better situation for everyone.

Not only does service improve the quality of life in the community, it strengthens the character of those who participate. Did you know that youth who regularly participate in service projects actually do better in school than those who don’t and are less likely than their peers to have problems with parents and with the law? It’s true.

This season’s about come and gone, but if you’re planning on coming again next year, schedule a half day to do clean up work. If one of the major campaigns is under way you can join with them. If not, gather your family around you and select a stretch of road or a stretch of river and start filling garbage bags. If you call the county they will provide the bags and signs notifying motorists you are there.

The bottom line is don’t let the little things deter you. You can afford a bag for each family member. Tell them you’ll collect trash until each has a bag that’s full. A quick trip to the dump and you’re done. This is a great way to build family unity, to build individual character, and to make Island Park a better place for all of us. See you out there!

Rental Wars Heating Up Again

Published
by
Allan
on July 20, 2009
in Calendar of Events, Island Park Cabin and Island Park Lodging
. 0 Comments

rentalThe debate over cabin rentals continues to rage. The meeting that was scheduled for July was Moved to the third week in August due to a clerical error in the posting of the meeting. Proponents of the ordinance have named it the “party house” ordinance contend that the rental properties are being used for purposes other than recreation and are driving down property values in the area where they exist.

Opponents of the bill claim that the properties are used to family reunions, business retreats, religious retreats, etc. and that they pose no threat to the local property values. They say that property management companies keep the places clean, neat and orderly and that the idea the rentals bring down values is absolutely without basis.

While I don’t feel strongly about this issue (surprisingly enough,) I have a few observations. First, the three properties used for rental purposes near me are always well-kept. There is no trash around, and the outward appearance of the structure itself hasn’t been a problem that I have seen. As far as noise, I’ve not seen the ones near me used for wild, noisy parties or anything like that. They seem to be being used just as the property owners have outlined.

But there is one thing that drives me absolutely out of my mind. People who stay in the rental properties have no problem whatsoever driving their ATV’s in down the road in front of my place at mach three. Before you jump to conclusions, I actually have followed them to where they live to have a word with them. Invariably, they’re staying at a rental. Locals ride slowly and with respect through the cabins. They may go berserk when when the get out in the woods, but through the cabins they’re respectful. People who aren’t from here seem to have no respect for those of us who live here.

So there you have both sides of the issue from the cheap seats. If you want to make comments on the subject before the meeting in August (either for or against,) you can contact the Fremont County Planning and Zoning in St. Anthony, Idaho. I know they’d be glad to hear your point of view before they start the public debate. Remember, if you don’t put in your two cents worth, you give up your right to complain about whatever happens. Be a responsible citizen / visitor of Island Park and let your voice be heard.

Sawtelle Stampede July 4

Published
by
Allan
on June 10, 2009
in Activities, Calendar of Events and Island Park News
. 0 Comments

fun-runIf you are a runner who frequents the Island Park area, chances are you already know about the “fun run” on Sawtelle Peak. The event is organized to have something for everyone. There is a half marathon (13.2 miles) a 10K, a 5K and 1K for kids (I hope it’s kids of all ages, because 1K might be all I could manage.)

Much of the terrain is challenging, but nothing that would preclude a reasonably fit person from completing the course. This is one of the premier events in the west for mountain runners. But even more fun, US gold dollars are given to the winner of each event. (I’ll bet those kids never even see me coming.) Because the stampede is on the 4th of July, participants are urged to wear patriotic colors (of course that’s red, white, and blue, regardless of your heritage.) To make sure participants follow that request, there will also be an award for most patriotic clothing.

You can register at www.sawtellestampede.com If you register early (before June 19) you get a free tee shirt. If you’re going to run anyway, might as well have the tee shirt. It’s a great way to meet runners of the opposite sex!

Big City Problems Right Here In Island Park

Published
by
Allan
on April 27, 2009
in Calendar of Events and Island Park News
. 1 Comment

ponzi3I guess it was bound to happen. The ponzi schemes that have plagued investors in the cities (and even smaller towns) have struck Island Park. I won’t go into all the sordid details. If you like to get down in the mud and root around, you can get all the juicy detail from the finger pointers in the local media.

No. I think I’d like to take a more philosophical position on the subject.

I find it interesting how people will turn on someone they don’t even know without missing a beat. When a wealthy investor lets it be known he is getting 20% (or even 30% or 40%) return on his (or her) money, everyone say, “Wow! I wish I was such a savvy investor.” Then when it comes out the investor has been bilked out of all his money (you would put ALL your money into something giving you 40% wouldn’t you?!?!?!) in some underhanded, immoral and illegal scheme, everyone immediately does an about face and says, “Wow! How could he have been so stupid? Everyone knows you can’t get 40% return on your investments. How could he have been so greedy?” In one breath the person has gone from an astute, savvy investor to a greedy schmuck who somehow deserves whatever has happened. Of course the reaction is different for the widow who tried to emulate the “savvy” investor by putting her entire nest egg into the same investment. Nobody feels like she was greedy. She was just a huge victim in all this.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t think anyone deserves to be cheated. I don’t believe anyone “has it coming.” I think they’re all victims. Some are, indeed, victims of their own greed. But more often they’re victims of some unscrupulous, charismatic, smooth-talking shyster who preys on the weak, the desperate and the unsuspecting. It has been so since the dawn of time and will be until the end of time. The names change, the rules of engagement change, but it’s still the same game — something for nothing.

At the end of the day, it’s probably true what your dad told you. If it seems to good to be true . . . .

These days investing is a crap shoot. The stock market just cost most of the many retirees here in Island Park about half (in some cases more than half) of their meager retirement. I don’t care who you are. If you just cut your assets in half, you’re hurting. I guess the good news for those people is they still have half. Those who got caught up in one of the many ponzi schemes making the rounds lately have lost everything. For some, they lost literally everything — house, cars, savings accounts. Starting over at 30 is tough. Starting over at 70 is so daunting as to be nearly impossible.

This is a good time to rethink your whole portfolio. It’s time to verify that what you think you have is what you really have. It’s time to decide just how risky you want to be on investments. Some are obviously safer than others. You are responsible for protecting you. Do your homework. Take nobody’s word for anything. In my businesses we have a phrase that guides everything we do — trust and verify. Yes we trust you. No, we don’t do anything without verifying. That’s good advice for investing in today’s market.

Snowmobile Expo Next Weekend

Published
by
Allan
on March 5, 2009
in Calendar of Events
. 0 Comments

four1The West Yellowstone Snowmobile expo will be happening March 13 - 15th in West Yellowstone.  This is a spectacular long weekend filled with racing, unveiling of all the new (2010) sleds, and a chance to meet with countless after-market manufacturers.  If you are into snowmobiles  –  and especially if you are into mountain riding  –  this is the most important show of the year.   Don’t miss it.

If you can’t find lodging in West Yellowstone (which you probably can’t at this late date) lodging is available still in Island Park (over the hill 20 minutes south.)  Check with Macks Inn resort, Island Park village, or Phillips Lodge for more information.

Photo courtesy of www.snowmobileexpo.com

Snowmobilers Stranded On Black Canyon

Published
by
Allan
on February 13, 2009
in Calendar of Events, Grocery Stores, Island Park Campgrounds and Island Park News
. 1 Comment

3152018980_63269f192c1Tragedy was averted last night when two snowmobilers from New Hampshire walked out of the wilderness.  The two, a father and son, were snowmobiling with four other friends on the Black Canyon Loop trail when one by one their sleds quit and they were left stranded.  The father and son’s sleds went the farthest and from there they started walking.

Fortunately it only took them two or three hours to get to Macks Inn and call for help.  When they returned, their friends were okay and what could have been a deadly situation was averted.  It appears as though the group thought the trail was shorter than it was, and everyone ran out of gas.  Temperatures have been warmer in Island Park of late, but even so, last night’s temps were in the teens.  So it’s fortunate they made it out.

There was some question whether other snowmobilers had seen the pair walking and ignored them.  I think this is extremely unlikely.  If you’re riding and you see someone who is walking (especially someone waving their arms and shouting) you stop and see what’s going on.  Since it was well past dark, the more likely scenario is that nobody saw them walking along in dark clothing in the dark.

At any rate, this once again underscores the need to be prepared, to be situationally aware, and to be cautious, especially when riding in unfamiliar territory.  This is big country with large distances between civilization.  Your dad always told you to to ride on the top half of the tank (any time we were going to dip into the bottom half, we took along extra gas.)  Now you know why.

Have fun, but be cautious.  Be prepared.  Be situationally aware. The life you save may be your own (and that of your friends.)

Snowmobiling Accident In Island Park

Published
by
Allan
on February 6, 2009
in Activities, Calendar of Events, Island Park Attractions and Island Park Campgrounds
. 6 Comments

ambulanceA Minnesota man was killed in a tragic snowmobile vs. van accident earlier this week south of Pond’s lodge.  According to witnesses, he failed to stop at the intersection where the trail he was riding crossed highway 20.  The collision occurred when the driver of the van was unable to stop and the snowmobile was struck broadside, killing the driver of the snowmobile instantly.

While there are those who criticize the markings on the trails (particularly the placement of stop signs, etc.) the fact is that many people ride those trails like they have completely lost their minds.  It’s not uncommon on any of the local trails to have riders on high-powered snowmobiles doing nearly 100 miles per hour blow past you like you are standing still.

Please understand I’m not suggesting that the man from Minnesota was speeding or making any other kind of judgment about him or his riding (only the investigating officer can make those determinations.)  We feel nothing but a deep sadness over this accident and have no desire to judge the snowmobiler or anyone else.

It is fair to suggest, however, that if you want to remain safe while riding in Island Park (or anywhere for that matter) it might be prudent to slow down and drive defensively.  That’s especially true in areas with which you are not familiar.

All of us here at islandpark.com extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the snowmobiler from Minnesota who so tragically lost his life in our back yard.  We love it here, as this good man did, and we want everyone who comes here to recreate to be safe and have an enjoyable time.  Hopefully this accident will be the impetus to creating a safer environment (through better signage, etc.) and will encourage everyone to recognize the inherent dangers in snowmobiling and take appropriate precautions when riding.

Welcome 2009!!!

Published
by
chad
on January 17, 2009
in Calendar of Events
. 0 Comments

Well, it’s a new year and that brings a new hope and a new commitment to IslandPark.com.  We’re excited to be the voice of Island Park and looking forward to bringing you all the news, all the events and several fun contests throughout the year. 

You’ll see snowmobile photo contests, fishing photo contests, scenic photography contests.  We’ll have snow reports for the snowmobilers.  We’ll have fishing reports for the fishermen.  We’ll have a webcam so you can check the temperature, weather and snowfall for yourself.  We’ll have updates on the news and events of Island Park.  And finally, we’ll have anything else you want to see.  Just drop us a note and we’ll get bring you up to date on everything you need. 

What could be better than that?

So sit back and enjoy the ride.  If there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ring your flight attendant call button.  But for now, please remain seated with your seatbelt securely fastened.  This is going to be one wild ride!