O Spring, where art thou? (begone, foul winter!)
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Hello Outside Bozeman reader!
In most parts of the country, the term "April showers" conjures images of rhythmic spring rainfall, that iconic harbinger of verdant hills and blooming flowers to come. Not in Montana. No siree, in these here parts April showers mean howling snowstorms and below-freezing temps that make it feel like February all over again. What the heck? It's time for sunshine, snow-free trails, and sun dresses. We don't mind a little atmospheric adversity, mind you — the colder and wetter the spring, as we all know, the grander and more glorious summer will be. Not to mention how a relentless winter like this one tends to cull the herd a bit, sending all the softies packing. But let's at least have a few warm, sunny days amidst the yuppie-scattering snowfall, shall we?
At Least Something Looks Like Spring
 Despite the ongoing frigidity, the spring issue of Outside Bozeman is in full bloom, adorning racks and countertops throughout southwest Montana. Grab a copy at your favorite coffee shop, restaurant, or outdoor store — when you see the brilliantly colored rainbow trout on the cover, you'll know the search is over. If you can't find a copy, swing by our office at 313 W. Mendenhall; there's a big blue rack out front. Better yet, buy a subscription! They're just $15/year and will guarantee a copy early in the season, delivered right to your door. Click here to subscribe online.
As always, the Magazine page of our website has all the articles in text-only form.
How Far Will You Go?
Holy snow-covered cow did Outside Bozeman travel far this past season. From Baja to Prague,  Okinawa to Vladikavkaz, faithful O/B readers snapped photos with O/B all over the world, engaging in all kinds of different activities — including fly fishing in Chile, child-adoption in Kazakhstan, and grizzly-hunting in the snow-covered mountains of Alaska. Dave "Gomez" Johnson submitted the winning shot, taken on a chairlift at an Argentinian ski resort. Dave wins a free trip to Jackson Hot Springs in the Big Hole Valley. Thanks to everyone for entering, and remember, keep packing O/B along!
All Hail the Mighty Subaru
Like radiator fluid dripping from a well-used Montana Subaru, Suby stories poured into our office all last year, and our second Suby Tales  contest was a roaring success. The first round of winning tales appear in the spring issue; check 'em out in the print mag or view them here. Laughter, swag, and libations flowed freely at the awards ceremony, amid countless more tales of additional (and often, unprintable) Suby exploits. Keep your eyes peeled for more tales in the summer issue, and start keeping notes and taking photos of your own Subaru adventures. Get out there, get that Suby dirty, and create your own Suby Tale!
Photo Contest Deadline April 30th
It's true that the sooner you fall behind,  the more time you have to catch up. But don't wait too long — only five more days to enter your photos in the first annual Outside Bozeman Photo Contest. Prizes abound for this puppy, including great gear from local outdoor shops, camera equipment from F-11, and $500 in cash for the top amateur photo. Winning photos will be featured on WildWestPhotos.com and in the upcoming summer issue of Outside Bozeman. No more procrastination, get those images in now!
Visit outsidebozeman.com for contest details.
Montana Mutts
It's obvious Bozeman's a dog town, but did you know there's no city ordinance requiring everyone to own a black lab  named Bridger? That's right, some dogs are actually mixed breeds (like most of their owners), and the upcoming summer issue pays tribute to these Bozeman-area mongrels. Show us a great Montana mutt and your canine cohort just might achieve its 15 minutes of fame. Photos should be high-res close-ups; send to photos@outsidebozeman.com.
We are constantly striving to make Outside Bozeman — both our print issue and the website — even better.
We welcome suggestions for improvement, though we reserve the right to ignore them completely. If you have feedback
or ideas, please send them to info@outsidebozeman.com.
And as always... see you outside!
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-Spring Feature- |
Tailwater Trout
Spring runoff (it'll happen at some point, we swear) means muddy, unfishable rivers, right?  Not if you're willing to take a drive, as local fly-fishing guide James Anderson explains in Tailwaters Near and Far. Where to go, what to use, how to cast — it's all there so you can make the most of your next tailwater trip.
NEWS & NOTES
The 2008 paddling season is looking pretty good, what with the substantial snowpack and our cold, wet spring thus far.  Click here for a quick forecast of upcoming whitewater conditions, as well as a rundown of local river-safety classes. Taking one of these informative courses might just save your paddling partner's life.
AROUND THE BOZONE
To bike or not to bike: that is the question. Two contrary  views delineate the ongoing battle between bikers and non-bikers in the Wilderness Study Areas surrounding Bozeman. Read the story here.
INSIDE BOZEMAN
If this crappy weather keeps up, don't fight it — stay inside  and dance! A Moveable Feast gives you the rug-cuttin', booty-shakin' low-down on all the dancing opportunities around Bozeman. (Hint: There's a lot.)
O/B-SPONSORED EVENTS
Don't miss the Heart of the Valley Animal Shelter's Dog Ball fundraiser on June 14. This fun event is a great way to support the folks who take care of our canine and feline friends. Call 388-9399 for info.
Start training now — the Drop and Trot, a pushup competition and 5k race, and the Bohart Bash, a fun yet highly competitive mountain-bike race, both take place July 12.
Remember, Outside Bozeman helps support these and other community events, so come on out and take part.
It's wasted advertising space otherwise, which we could have traded for beer or a new fly rod.
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