INNside Innkeeping in Montana

Ah, my shameless plug to visit our Montana, where the land and sky merge continues in the animal kingdom after waxing on about our glamour animal the horse. It's the quintessential place to experience eco-tourism at its best, a place in which people find perfection, even divinity in the landscape.

Eco-tourism is coming to the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. and will keep on growing, if some landowners and conservationists have their way. In recent years it is returning to its natural state, with more of its native critters , such as bison and wolf.

Natch, eco-tourism companies are popping up , like Off the Beaten Path, according to a recent NY Times article. Based in Bozeman, Montana, Off the Beaten Path runs guided six-day wolf-watching trips. Other companies will take you on bison-watching and bird-watching adventures. Some ranches are offering big-game hunting, featuring bison.

The Innside Scoop on some prairie-based trips:

And if big game hunting aint your bag :) you can observe em up close and in person with an "almost required stop " to Yellowstone. Then of course you can hang your hat and stop on inn along the way.. okay, okay another shameless plug. You 'll find of all the memorable views, some the best will be framed by Montana windows.

Labels: eco-friendly, hospitality, montana, outdoors, tourism, travel

Right after college, my sister and I declared our proverbial "independence" and moved into a small but comfy brownstone on the upper east side of Manhattan. We each had our "corporate Sunday going to meeting clothes" jobs . I was fortunate enough to work in midtown so I could do the daily commute consisted of a two mile walk (round/trip) There were no shortage of street people hard on their luck . And while we had been living independently, paying the rent regardless of circumstances: the inner bag lady syndrome would (and still sometimes does) creep in I seem to go, go, go... get into a groove, sustain, go above and beyond teeter, try to hold my head above water... then sink....breakdown before breathru.. I know I spread myself too thin. If I don't work my butt off now I will be the bag lady on the street some day. A side effect from the past I know. Not reality.

One way or another, this fear surfaces. Raise your hand if you havent' heard a story about the proverbial "riches to rags ex-wife, "who brought in a six-figure income as a company vice-president, went into bag lady mode as a newly divorced woman. What was going to happen to her? How would she take care of herself? Set ye, o inner bag lady syndrome on.

Well, it’s not like there’s no historical or statistical basis for our fears. Anita Petry of the InterPress Service reported in October 2007 that according to World Bank estimates, women represent roughly 70 percent of the world’s poor. And:

The U.N. Population Fund notes that worldwide, women on average earn slightly more than 50 percent of what men are earning, while women and girls are often the last to eat, and women’s health problems are considered less important than other family priorities.

A recent article in Chicago’s Daily Herald about women and retirement actually mentions the ‘bag lady’ fear as a common one. Some statistics cited:

• Of the 59 million women currently earning a salary nationwide, less than half, 47 percent, have a retirement plan, according to the U.S. Department of Labor’s new Women’s Bureau.

• Nearly half of all women work in jobs without retirement plans or 401(k)s, said the Women’s Institute for a Secure Retirement.

• A retired woman’s median income in 2004 was $12,080, compared to $21,102 for men, according to the institute.

• On average, a woman’s monthly Social Security benefits check is $824, compared to $1,195 for a man, according to AARP.

So we don’t earn as much as men, and often don’t have a 401K. Our Social Security income won't cut it. Not lookin' so good, ladies.

And I know the "bag lady syndrome" is somehow ingrained in me. I'm aware of it. and for the most part know exactly what pushes my buttons... and what sets me off. And I guess I should after all this time. One of the many benefits that comes with age and experience and belief in G-d and that leap of faith yet again Over the years I have learned that my desire to be powerful is really a longing for independence and self-sufficiency. Ah yes, grasshopper.. one step to enlightenment is too own our inner bag lady. To know where she comes from.; protecting us from ourselves. Maybe she’s telling us that we need to learn to manage our money better. That ignorance is not always bliss. Sometimes ignorance means waking up at 3 a.m. in a cold sweat, dreaming of shivering at a subway stop.

After all, it is frustrating to be weak and dependent on someone else, even if the someone is God himself. In order to depend on God, I need faith—. Faith and "trust" that can be seen in the teaching of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew chapters 5 through 7) when the Lord said, "Be not anxious about anything."

Or maybe He just wants us to aim higher. Do I hear an amen?

Philippians 4:6-7, “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. .â€

Labels: judeo-christian, reflections, time management

Good friends, good food, hobnobbing in town… what else is there? When it comes to enjoying everything that your community has to offer, few places are better than your local farmers’ market. It is here that you can meet friends, enjoy a leisurely breakfast or lunch, and—most importantly—connect with the people who grow your food. Local farmers’ markets are a great way to find a wide variety of locally grown, in-season produce. We hit it again as part of the Whitehall Frontier Days extravaganza Gosh so much great stuff in one small town.

Farmer’s markets are making a difference in the way we are eating and are growing in popularity all the time. This is an excellent trend and I hope it continues.1. FreshnessWhat better way to spend part of your Saturday or Sunday (or Mon-Fri) than paying a visit to your local farmer’s market? Going to the market is a mix of culture, community and of course, free tastings.

Listed below are some tips to help you make the most out of the food you buy and the experience you enjoy, (they are not in any particular order). If you have any more to add, please let us know.

As long as the earth exists, planting and harvesting, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never stop.
Genesis 8:22

Labels: innkeeping eco-friendly, organic, simplicity, travel

Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.
- Leonardo da Vinci, Italian Painter and Sculptor

One of the major reasons I made my childhood dream come true of moving to Montana come true sooner rather than later was to simplify my life. While I know I thrive the more gigs I have going (guests, horses, blogging on, on), it's more on a relaxed , simpler level.

If you really think about it, we don’t need much to survive. That’s not to say that I’m telling you to sell all your material possessions and live in the mountains to hunt your own food. I’m just saying humans have a tendency to overcomplicate their lives without even knowing it and as a result, feel overwhelmed with everything going on in their lives.

This is where simplicity comes into play. So much can be said for living a simple life.

You get stuck in this circle of life where you're almost on a merry go round and operating on automatic. Most of us have been conditioned by the media, advertising, and society in general to live lives according to their standards. We have been conditioned to equate success with the purchase of certain material possessions or the obtainment of certain jobs. When we live by the standards set by those outside of us, we get overwhelmed with all the things in our life simply because we are not living our own life – we are living the lives of others.

People stuck in this “cycle†live lives that involve buying material possessions in an effort to alleviate that gnawing feeling they have inside themselves and to fill that meaningless void within as well. When they find those things don’t work, they find themselves stuck with a problem in that they’ve traveled too deep in this journey to the point where turning back would mean losing face to those around them, so they continue this façade to fulfill the expectations of those around them, instead of their own. That void, that empty feeling they possess is a result of living lives of purpose given to them by those outside of them. Been there done that... ugh

1. Simplifying your life allows you to have the opportunity to fill that void by giving you the time and resources to figure out what you truly want to do.

2. And if you have figured out what you truly want to do, simplifying your life will give you the time and resources to do it.

Especially since moving to Montana, moving towards self-sufficiency feels great spiritually and environmentally. There is a movement towards self-sufficiency in North America, with many families taking steps towards sustainable living. The practice of consuming only homegrown foods and the trend towards organic clothing and gardening are forms of sustainable living and self-sufficiency.

Probably the greatest thing you’ll find after you figure out what you want to do, is that more often than not, you will continue to lead a simple life. Your purpose in life overrides any of those things that tend to complicate our lives. Our purpose becomes more important than the latest car, gadet, whatever and we become content with the things we have that allow us to live our purpose.

Most people are super busy busy, confined almost every moment to the indoors at school and work, and on weekends so burdened with shopping and chores that like-it-or-not (and I don’t) we are becoming more and more disconnected from the natural world. We simply can’t get outdoors enough! And the problem is different for different age groups. For example, my almost eighty two year -year-old mother loves to walk... she's out there communing with nature pretty much come hell or high water. Nothing beats a day on the horses (even those shall we say challenging rides?) We all need inspiration on this one, as parents (teenagers, anyone?), for ourselves, to help those who are aging:

Kids
1. Do an outdoor activity outdoors that requires that they get dirty (such as playing in the mud)
2. Take wildlife-watching walks
3. Take a trip to a working farm

Teens
1. Play outdoor sports
2. Outdoor seasonal projects (raking, gardening, filling the bird feeders)
3. One meal a week, ask them to make the food choices and talk with them about the production (organic versus conventional, etc.) of the foods they pick

Adults
1. Go camping
2. Spend time outdoors gardening, taking walks, picnicing--whatever suits
3. Connect to your local farms or farmers’ markets

I shall remind myself of "present simplicity" as I take a deep breath and hit the trails with Billy-Meister

Trot on friends, trot on.
Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.
Anais Nin

Labels: eco-friendly, tips

The more we've been watching Glenn Beck and his nighty update of gloom and doom on gas prices.. I've already thought... save your car, ride a horse. Heck I'm buying saddle bags for grocery shopping. You don't want to pay $4.50 for gas, no problem, I have the perfect vehicle for you. Needs no gas, no oil, or even a battery, just a little grass and water will do these animals fine. Now everyone has different needs, so choose from the following models:

1. Trail Horse - Your average run around town animal. Has the energy to get where you are going, the brain to find the best way to go, big enough to carry the normal sized American.

2. The Arabian - perfect for those who travel long distances in a day and try to multi task while driving. Although the Arabian may not go to your home or office with out specific instruction, it WILL go somewhere. Trust me on this one.

3. The Draft - Calling all soccer moms. This big guy can carry the whole team, their gear and snacks. Just like the big machines, this guy will require more fuel, and his shoes will be more expensive than the compact model.

4. The Western Pleasure - The right car for the high end white collar workers. This animal works harder and requires more special knowledge so only the best can figure this out. Be sure to take your cell phone. You won't be stuck in traffic, you just won't be getting anywhere fast.

5. The Parelli - Salesmen, stay at home moms, and high school kids will all enjoy this dream. You can load him down with flapping Wal-mart bags, ask him to walk in places a horse won't fit, and you can dance with him as you listen to the latest tunes.

6. The Ranch - The most dependable animal available. He will go where ever you ask him to, at whatever speed is appropriate. You can tie him to the stop sign and he will be there when you get back. Best of all, this model has been specially engineered to be able to go without water for days and stay fat and slick by eating sagebrush and dead prairie grass.

Of course all models are available in base colors (sorrel, bay, black) Special order colors are available (dun, gray, palomino).

No horse is sold with a warranty, however maintenance plans are available in the event brakes, steering, or accelerator fail. Either way you'll be getting better mileage. Trot on friends, trot on.

"I get up every morning determined to both change the world and to have one hell of a good time.
Sometimes this makes planning the day difficult" -E.B. White

If you want to watch G-d laugh, have a plan... especially with your horses. They dont know from schedules... all their is is now... Another great lesson they teach me. I think G-d teaches great lessons through his animal kingdom

I like quotes, phrases and mottos, because they can contain wisdom and lessons in a few words. . They're no good unless you share them. Which brings me to another in my sometime series.

The 10 Commandments from the spirit of Horses
1. Thou shalt trot a mile in your fellow man's hooves. If you treat everyone you meet as if they are hurting in some way, you'll be right most of the time.
2. Thou shalt remember: you aren't what you do. If you are what you do, then when you don't, you aren't.
3. Thou shalt do it now. There are so few tomorrows.
4. Thou shalt remember, horses reveal, when we are truly ready to listen.
5. Thou shalt treat money like manure; it's not worth a thing unless it's spread around encouraging young things to grow.â€
6. Thou shalt know it is not enough for a man to learn how to ride; he must learn how to fall.."
7.Thou shalt shut thine eyes our eyes tight and commend yourself to G-d when purchasing a horse or taking a spouse.
8. Thou shalt not need a title or braggin' rights to enjoy riding my horse long distances.
9. Thou shalt remember the innate qualities of our horse even when he's not listening. "The horse has the pride of a lion, the eye of a deer, the speed of a gazelle, the strength of an ox, the loyalty of a soldier, and the heart of a woman. He has brought the country doctor to the day of our birth, cleared our roads, and plowed the fields that feed us. He has carried us as children across an open meadow, and, finally, when our time is done, pulled the wagon that takes us to our final resting place. He is with us always."
10. Horse, thou art truly a creature without equal, for thou fliest without wings and conquerest without sword.

The horse is G-d's gift to man
- Arabian Proverb
Trot on friends, trot on.

Labels: horses, humor, reflections

Whether you want to hit the open road to find yourself or lose yourself along the way, you don't have to sacrifice creature comforts or go off into the jungle to be a green traveler. All you need is a desire to preserve and protect the environment of the place you're visiting -- and it's easier than you might think.

Being a friend to the environment as you hit the road this summer is easier than you think. Here's how I got there The more time we spend in urban environments, the more important it is to get away from life as we know it and venture into the great outdoors. My best childhood memories were those summer vacations we left the city and hit the great outdoors and our mountain getaways... Ah the smell of jeffrey pines. Probably sowed the seeds as a young 'un for movingto the "last best place" Montana - Tons going on here too during the sumemr - okay shameless plug.

Outdoor sports and recreation do much more than simply promote mind and body fitness. Being out and active in nature facilitates our connection with the world around us, even if our time investment extends to just a few moments everyday. Even if it's 10 below and I just hike on down to get the horses... I'm always rejuvenated (not to mention feeling victorious at having braved it) I'm outdoors in nature.

And while many of us appreciate the wonder of the outdoors, probably very few of us head off to our recreational activities with a concept of what eco-friendly recreation really is. Although you might assume that outdoor recreation is 100% environmentally friendly, the commercialization of the sports industry hasnt until in recent years, considered the environmental impact of organized sporting events. Even the Olympic Games is finally , taking measures to minimize its environmental footprint and maximize the efficient use of resources.

So how can you kindle that Olympic spirit?

Get Up and Go

Camping Scene When it comes to health and fitness, the world is at your fingertips. You can save money and resources by cutting down on costly gym memberships in favor of an outdoor fitness program instead. Trust me, you're more inclined to stick with it, You remember that gym you joined in January.. .long since abandoned New Years resolutions . tIt does not take much to get out into the open for a run or a walk. Green hiking and biking opportunities give us the chance to smell the morning air, or the earth after a good rain.

Naturally (pardon the pun ), Heck, there is a handy quiz, "How Green is my destination?" on the Sierra Club website. Then you can go plan the particulars.

Pitch a tent. Camping is a great activity when the weather allows it. However, it has become an issue recently since there are so many campers out there during the summer and fall seasons, many of whom are not responsible or respectful of their outdoor lodging. If you do go camping, remember not to throw your waste just anywhere—most campsites will have pre-marked garbage disposal areas. You might also want to plan in advance to use eco-friendly camping supplies such as biodegradable products, phosphate-free soap, solar tents, and green dishes and utensils. Above all, watch out for Styrofoam and other items labeled "disposable" because, chances are, they will not provide a natural fit for the environment.

...(when camping) plan in advance to use eco-friendly camping supplies such as biodegradable products, phosphate-free soap, solar tents, and green dishes and utensils.

Swimming is great exercise and probably the easiest outdoor activity to consider, as long as the water source is clean and is left that way. See if you can find a lake or a natural reservoir to visit. It is so much more fun to keep within the constraints of nature rather than visit commercial swimming pools which require immense amount of maintenance and the addition of harsh chemicals like chlorine. You might turn swimming into a therapeutic experience if you can find a hot spring to visit such as Boulder Hot Springs

Go Fish since we're smack dab in the heart of worldclass flyfishing

Fishing is an activity that although still very popular, has become far less accessible for those that enjoy it. Aside from giving you the opportunity to bring home the meal of the day in a perfectly eco-friendly manner, it provides the opportunity to get away from people, crowds, and the noise of the city. Green fishing is about much more than just the catch—it is about understanding that like all wild animals, fish play an important role in our eco-system and your recreational fishing trip should therefore be focused around preserving the integrity of marine habitats. Choosing good fishing gear is essential for minimizing the incidence of by-catch, the accidental catch of other marine species. If you are new to fishing, it is a good idea to educate yourself about the particular fish that you’re setting out to catch.

If you need help finding the ideal hiking trail, mosey on over to Trails.com for a great list of trails and topographical maps for hiking, mountain biking, paddling, and horseback riding (of course!) Wherever your happy trails take you .. remember ... leave no trace

Labels: eco-friendly, horses, montana, outdoors, travel

With the barbecue and grilling season heating up here **finally** in Montana , If the griller/bbq hero in your household has been itching for a new grill or smoker that won’t break the bank, the Weber Smokey Mountain just may be the answer for you. They are extremely fuel efficient, affordable and need minimal messing about with the fire– they’re ’set it and forget it†cookers.

The WSM is a low cost, low tech bbq cooking solution. Plus, it's multi-seasonal and are small enough that you can put it right by your back door and not spend a bunch time out in the cold this winter.

Another option here if you cook the food for yourself at the table is this handy dandy Portagrill. It’s fun and seems like it would be great for a party. Chop up some veggies and slice some proteins and give everybody the opportunity to make up their own meals.

It comes with a stainless steel handle which makes it easy to carry, even when hot.

The grill sits on a wooden trivet, providing stability while protecting your table from the heat. There’s also an internal heat shield and bowl that stops the charcoal from contacting with the porcelain. Available from the A+R Store: $300

Nobody Here But Us Chickens or so it sometimes seems.. I've been doing research on free range farming practices in our ongoing eco-friendly quest. What I'm discovering is that industrial poultry farming is also for the birds. Some corporate farms crowd a million beakless chickens in cramped dark cages where they soak up antibiotics and lay their guts out for the duration of their miserable lives. Yikes.

And the chickens are coming home to roost. Industrial farming isn't just bad for chickens and hogs -- it destroys family farms and pollutes aquifers, soils, air, and water. A subject nearer and dearer to my heart here in Montana We should look for free-range chickens from suppliers they trust and seek out local markets and producers who buy from sustainable family farms. There are still networks of farmers who raise their animals to range freely on grass pastures and natural feeds, who don't use steroids, sub-therapeutic antibiotics, or other artificial growth promotants, and who treat their animals with dignity and respect. And it tastes lots better too. And with that it's time to fire up the barbie with some free range chicken

Ingredients
* 1 lime, juiced
* 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
* 1/4 cup orange juice
* 1/2 cup white wine
* 1/4 cup honey
* 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
* 1 teaspoon pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
* 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
* 1 tablespoon paprika
* 1 tablespoon chili powder
* 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
* 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
* 1 teaspoon ground ginger
* 1 pinch red pepper flakes
* 1 pinch cayenne pepper
* 3 tablespoons olive oil
* 6 skinless, boneless free range chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness

DIRECTIONS

1. Whisk together lime juice, vinegar, orange juice, wine, and honey in a bowl until the honey dissolves. Add salt, pepper, chipotle powder, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, chili powder, cinnamon, oregano, cumin, ginger, red pepper flakes, cayenne, and olive oil; whisk to mix. Place chicken breasts into a resealable plastic bag, pour in marinade, and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 days.
2. Preheat an outdoor grill for medium heat and lightly oil grate.
3. Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess; discard remaining marinade. Cook chicken on the preheated grill approximately 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until the juices run clear and there are no signs of pink in the meat.

And since we've passed the summer solstice and from here on our days will only be getting shorter. There are plenty of good grilling months left though. Check out today's Fish Creek Find If you expect to be out cooking for friends and family after dark, here's a gadget that might help: flashlight grill tongs. What will they think of next?Now you can increase your BBQ guru's after-hours efficiency by taking the flashlight out of his mouth and putting it right where it's needed—where he's grilling.

The extra-long stainless steel tongs run on 2 x AAA batteries and an LED flashlight. Now you can make sure that meat is done all the way through before you toss it on the plate, even after the sun has gone down.

$50 at RedEnvelope

Other Helpful Camping Recipe & Technique Links:

Happy cooking and camping!

Labels: eco-friendly, outdoors, tips