The Daily Inter Lake reports that cross-country skiers are harnessing their dogs’ pent-up winter enthusiasm in a fast-growing sport that’s finding a niche in the Inland Northwest. Skijoring – derived from a Norwegian word that means ski driving – involves being pulled on skis by various means including horses or motor vehicles. The canine-powered version is like dog-sledding without the sled.  Read the full story here. Rio, are you ready?

Amy called the other day and she said “There have been lots of ravens and eagles hanging around the river next to our place.  Let’s go snow shoeing and check it out.” Sure enough.  Ravens were flying back and forth while eagles sat in the nearby trees watching. After walking along the cold, snowy river for awhile, we finally spotted the source of all the excitement. There was a very picked over deer caracas lying on top of a beaver dam. So small and cold.

We stood watching the birds and imagining how it happened. Why was it on a beaver dam?  Was it a mountain lion or wolf that made the kill? Perhaps the deer tried to escape its predator by crossing the river, got caught, and was drug back to the dam. We’ll never know.

The Hungry Horse News reports that the Montana Wildlife Federation and the Public Land/Water Access Association say they are promoting two bills to address the growing problem of people blocking off large tracts of public land by gating public rights of way. The bills seek to improve public access to public lands by keeping public roads open. Dave Chadwick, executive director of the Montana Wildlife Federation, said the bills have been carefully planned to ensure that they protect both public access to public land and wildlife and private property rights.  Read the full story here.

Here’s something fun. Our neighbor and good friend Monica Phillips wrote a blog about her and Chris describing their first couple of years after moving to a yurt on the North Fork. We found it interesting for several reasons.  It not only reminded us of our first years here, but it also provided new perspectives.

Although Monica has moved on from updating this blog since they have moved from the yurt into their new home, the stories are still fresh, entertaining, and well written.  There are also great North Fork photos. Check it out at Postcards from Polebridge.

Monica is now busy writing a novel that we’re looking forward to reading when it gets published!

The Hungry Horse News reports that Montana’s recent strong year for tourism was felt beyond its national parks — Montana’s 55 state parks saw 2.255 million visitors in 2014, record high visitation numbers for a second straight year. Montana State Parks reported Jan. 8 that from January to December last year, the state parks system’s 75th anniversary year, statewide visitation numbers showed a 3 percent increase over 2013. The busiest month was July, with more than 516,000 visits, a 9 percent increase over 2013.  Read the full story here.