University of Montana Community Lecture Series

A little off subject from talking about the lodge, but I think I should give a shout out to the University of Montana Alumni Association's 2010 Community Lecture Series.  A friend sent me the info and I wanted to pass it on here.  I've enjoyed the lectures many a time before and think some of you may as well.  U of M Community Lecture Series   Wanted to include a couple pictures from today!  

Holland Lake Lodge Barn & Corrals, Swans in the background

Rhythm Nation & Big D in the background

Sunset tonight, of Holland Lake & the Missions

almost identical to last evening

Fast, Cheap & Easy from Las Vegas, Phoenix & LAX

Allegiant Air is the only airline carrier to offer non-stop flights from California, Arizona and Nevada to Montana. For as low as $19 one way, this budget airline can get you to Holland Lake Lodge quickly and affordably! Los Angeles and Phoenix service flights to Missoula and Las Vegas caters to both Missoula and Kalispell. From either of these destinations, it's just a quick hour and 20 minutes by car to the lodge.  www.allegiantair.com

Triple the Fun

These two shots were taken last spring not far from the lodge....the cubs are two year olds.  They are learning to be on their own for the most part but still hanging out together for security.  Guests that come to the lodge are often concerned about bears.  I explain that although we're in a "Grizzly Corridor," the odds of seeing a bear around here are extremely low.  Bears do not want to encounter humans and typically avoid contact.  

Favorite Montana Winter Pastime??

People around here love to Ice Fish!!  I took these pictures yesterday as I passed Salmon Lake, about 30 miles south of Holland Lake Lodge.  This is actually the first time in weeks that I haven't seen at least five full sized trucks parked out on the ice too.  Maybe it's because it was a Wednesday and not the weekend.  Wanted to point out how close those men are to the inlet.  Seems rather tricky to me.  Had to include that last shot of Silas "stuck" at a friend's house.  

Hike to Holland Falls

Had a great hike this afternoon with the pups to Holland Falls.  Stayed to watch the sunset and then trekked across the ice a bit on the way home.  Holland Falls is a fantastic jaunt, about 1.5 miles one way from the lodge.  Along the way, you'll pass the island and go beside the lakeshore for the first mile.  The last half mile is a 500 foot climb to the base of the falls and gives incredible views of the Mission Mountains.  The waterfall is halfway frozen this time of year....really beautiful.

Had to include the "action" shot of Silas.  

Kitty Kat Soup, Any Takers?

Driving up from Missoula this morning, I saw a mountain lion hanging from this homestead head gate.  Thankfully I had my small camera in the car so I flipped a quick U-turn and snapped this picture.  Thought some of you might be interested.  These folks are avid hunters and this is the fourth year I've seen a lion hanging in their yard.  

Mountain lions thrive in the Swan Valley because we have one of the most dense whitetail deer populations in Montana.  With that said, these big cats are rarely seen.  In 10 years of living in Montana, I've seen them a handful of times.  In the winter, their tracks are around the lodge and cabins.  Sort of creepy!  I catch myself looking up and behind me as I snowshoe.  In the summertime, guests worry about Grizzly bears, however, I caution them to be aware of lions.  Humans are prey to a mountain lion, but with a bear, we're merely a threat.  

The second picture was taken today from Highway 83, just before the turnoff to Holland Lake Lodge.  If you look at the pass in the  mountains, the lodge and lake are just below.  The far peak behind the pass stands above Upper Holland Lake, six miles from the lodge and ten miles from the highway.  

P.S.  Don't forget, you may always click on the each picture to view them in larger format.  I think the one of the mountain lion is sort of small on the blog.  

Note from a Guest

I received these pictures and this note in an email last week. With his permission, I share them with all of you.

"Last August, my family had a fabulous dinner at the Holland Lake Lodge and here are a couple photos that may be of interest to you. Sorry for taking this long to get them to you, but jobs, family and procrastination are my only excuse.
Your restaurant was perfect, setting as noted in the photos, good food, and a lot of fun. Wish we had discovered your restaurant earlier in the week. We look forward to our next trip.
One of the photos is a screen saver on my computer.
We would like to wish your team a Happy and Prosperous New Year."
   -Alvin