Living by the lake, and the mountains, and the rivers

Here in Western Montana we suffer from an embarrassment of riches. Flathead Lake. Glacier National Park. The Swan Mountains. The Mission Mountains. Multiple brewing companies. The list goes on and on.

So here's my pitiful confession: My name is Alex and I've only been to Glacier once this year, and only for three hours. I took my first swim in Flathead Lake this weekend and I have yet to set foot in the Jewel Basin. Ever.

I know; I should be ashamed.

In this late-starting summer I seem to have hit a speed bump, in my quest to enjoy all that our area has to offer. While I'm quick to blame weekend assignments and high gas prices, the truth is that I usually do have time between Friday and Monday and I drive a tiny, girlie car that gets pretty good mileage.

I am, it seems, just unmotivated.

In today's paper you'll see a story by our reporter Jacob Doran about a pleasant hike in Glacier Park. Jacob has been looking around the greater Flathead for good day trips and outdoor activities that are family friendly. And Jacob knows, because he always brings at least one of his five kids along as a sort of test dummy.

It's a great resource for how to spend a free day exploring the area, but I can't seem to help but ignore it, and I don't even have any kids I have to cajole into coming.

Now, with August effectively upon us, I'm feeling the crunch to get out and see things before the cold sets in even more, regardless of how many bad drivers are choking the roads.

So here it is, a promise before God, myself and the dozen or so folks who read this column (Thanks, Mom!): Every weekend between now and at least the middle of September, I will earn my right to live in the most beautiful place in America by getting out and experiencing it.

And I hope that everyone else who has the privilege or good fortune or dumb luck to live here does the same.

Festival of the Arts is this weekend

Don't forget that this weekend is Bigfork's 30th Annual Festival of the Arts, which promises to not only showcase artists and craftsmen from around Montana, but also to provide plenty of chances for gluttony.

Come on down to Electric Avenue on Saturday and Sunday to support the village and the people who make it what it is.