The Story Behind the "M"

The "M" is 620 feet above the Missoula Valley floor. It is 125' feet long and 100' feet wide. University of Montana forestry students cut the switchbacks into the side of the hill in the early 1900's. The first "M" was assembled out of whitewashed rocks in 1909, and given a fresh coat of paint by freshmen every year, until 1968, when all those rocks were cemented together with concrete.

Photo by Nelson Kenter, kenterphotography.com

Archive for the ‘Blogs’ Category

Summer Solstice: Paint it Black

By MATT DEVLIN - (Video) As the summer solstice comes and goes, the days begin a slight but evident bend towards fall. We’ve been getting busy sharing our rivers, our trout, and our love of fly fishing.... more

Partial Sellout: Bob’s Favorite Sports Quotes

By BOB WIRE - So many overpaid muscle heads you see on TV try to sound profound, and just come across as the steroid-addled boobs that they are. Bob Wire's favorite sports quotes:... more

New Retail Stores Open in Downtown Missoula

By LINDA McCARTHY - In many ways, 2013 feels like true end to the recent recession, given the number of new retail businesses openings and construction projects in Downtown Missoula.... more

Making Room in a Gated Community

By LIZ MARCHI - It’s good to stop and get a perspective on what really matters to you. Age robs us of energy and stamina but rewards us with perspective. ... more

On the Grill: Backyard Stir Fry

By PAUL SIDORIAK - Love Chinese style stir fry but don't like heating up the kitchen This summer? Why not do in on the grill? Here's my a recipe and step-by-step directions.... more

Circling the Wagons at Western Heritage Days in Stevensville

By DONNA HULL - Ever wondered what eating on the trail was like during pioneer times when wagon trains headed across the West? You’ll find out this weekend at Western Heritage Days in Stevensville.... more

Taking a Break: Summer Camps in Missoula

By BRANDON KENDALL - Summer has finally come to Missoula. For parents interested in continuing your child's learning process this summer, here are some fun, well-balanced ideas.... more

UM Sports Trivia | June 17

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Justin Rose, Robin Selvig, Mekayla Izaak and Sean "SJ" Touhy and more.... more

Family-Friendly, Frugal Camping

By ERIN TURNER - Every year for the last 6 years, we have gone on a camping trip with our kids when school gets out. We stayed a variety of campgrounds during the week. Every one had its pros and cons. ... more

Silent Man: A Life of Bill Bowers

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - World class mime Bill Bowers performs at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts on June 28. “An Evening with Bill Bowers: Stories With and Without Words” - All tickets $20. Proceeds be... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of June 17

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Big Sky Film Series at the Top Hat, Comedian Dough Stanhope, The Deadstring Brothers at Stage 112, IRS protest and more!... more

Missoula Gift Guide: Last Minute Gifts for Dad

By KIM S. - This blog post is for the women who like myself find themselves at the LAST minute wondering how they can make a Missoula Father’s Day special.... more

Hey Heloise, I Got Your Household Hints Right Here

By BOB WIRE - (VIDEO) As a kid I was fascinated with a newspaper column called 'Hints From Heloise'. I always thought of her as Betty Crocker's trashy sister and today I'm debunking some of her household tips. ... more

A Return to the Ninemile Schoolhouse…an Heirloom Legacy Continues

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - Missoula's Heirloom Foodie is re-opening the Ninemile Schoolhouse and and renting the historic landmark for writers retreats, weddings and more. ... more

On The Grill: Simple Pork

By PAUL SIDORIAK - When I share my experiences cooking on the grill, I often like to share the why and the how. This week, I made a boneless, heritage pork roast based on a butchering class I took. Learn more.... more

Paying My Last Respects to a Good Friend, Miller Barber

By JIM O'DAY - My friend, PGA golfing professional Miller Barber was affectionately known as “Mr. X, or “The Mysterious Mr. X.” Miller passed away Tuesday night in Scottsdale, Arizona. He was 82.... more

15 Home Games Highlight 2013-14 Lady Griz Schedule

The 2013-14 Montana women’s basketball schedule is just out. Some interesting changes--read to find out more!... more

UM Sports Trivia | June 10

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Riley King, George Frazier, Drew Gooden, Tiger Woods, Rocco Mediate, Rory Mcilroy and more.... more

Signs and Signals of Summertime in Missoula

By JASON SHREDER - The Best in the West Kayaking Championship marks the beginning of the summer for me and the guides here at Zoo Town Surfers. What marks the beginning of summer for you?... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of June 10

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Old Time Music Night, Acoustic Wednesday, Tom Catmull and the Clerics, Out to Lunch, Downtown ToNight, and More!... more

Frugal and Natural Weed Killer

By ERIN TURNER - On our farm weeds are the bane of our existence. Here are some tips for making your own natural weed killer that won't break the bank.... more

Pivot: Knowing When to Change Direction

By LIZ MARCHI - If you are a lucky rancher, you have a pivot, which waters a lot of ground. In the business world, pivot is one of the terms du jour. If it isn’t working, pivot: change direction, change stra... more

I Survived the 13-Hour Cereal Sale

By BOB WIRE - Growing up, I was affectionately known within my family as the Cereal Killer. I had a bowl of cereal for breakfast every morning, a bowl after school, and I'd often sneak one after dinner.... more

Zen and the Art of Lawn Maintenance

By BRIAN MARSH - I've been mowing lawns since i was a kid--a chore passed down to me by my dad who figured that it was one of the few places in the house or yard where I could help whilst doing the least amount... more

Survival Swimming Lessons for Peace of Mind Around Water

By KIM S. - Almost everything our family wants to do this summer involves water. Enrolling our kids in survival swimming lessons (ISR) went to the top of our "To Do" list. ... more

Take Her Fishing

By MATT DEVLIN - Take her fishing because she deserves it, to impress her, or to say thank you, or sorry. But Whatever you do, just take her fishing a time or two before the summer.... more

On The Grill: Marinated Chicken Breast With Crab Stuffing

By PAUL SIDORIAK -On their own, chicken and the crabmeat can be bland, but this recipe and step-by-step instructions for combining the two atop the grill is sure delight your taste buds!... more

UM Sports Trivia | June 2

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Labron James, Wayne Gretsky, Julie Krone, Rose Nigerski , Jeff Hays, Robin Selvig & more!... more

Challenge Yourself — by Running

By EVA DUNN-FROEBIG - Eva Dunn-Frobig blogs about how to challenge yourself by running. Her own story is shared, along with the story of Brian Boyle, Iron Heart author, as examples. ... more

Summer Jobs for Students in Missoula

By CHERY SABOL - School's out for the summer, and the good news according to the Missoula Job Service: there are jobs available for Missoula students. ... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of June 3

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Josh Farmer, Musician Showcase, Out to Lunch, Three Eared Dog, Downtown Tonight & More!... more

Easy German Chocolate Frosting

By ERIN TURNER - Here's a super yummy and super easy German Chocolate Cake Frosting recipe using coconut milk for the German Chocolate Cake lover in your family!... more

Biking the Hiawatha Trail With Kids

By ANNIE GRAHAM & BRANDON KENDALL - This year for our Memorial Day weekend adventure, we decided to bike the Route of the Hiawatha, a 15 mile “Rails to Trails” bike path that begins in Montana and ends in I... more

Field Trips Are Great Except For Tick Fever

By BOB WIRE - Ah, a trip down memory lane. Both my kids are in high school now, and the impending last day of school makes me think of simpler times, when I still held sway over them and their classmates.... more

Brave: Redefining Hunting Camp

By KIM S. - With our recent move to Missoula, Montana, and thanks to Disney's new movie, "Brave", I think my husband may have to redefine his concept of hunting camp.... more

There is Nothing Like Coming Home to Missoula, Montana

By LINDA McCARTHY - We have returned to the Garden City just in time to enjoy a glorious summer in Western Montana, and there is no place we would rather be. It’s wonderful to be home in Missoula!... more

UM Sports Trivia | May 27

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Big Sky Eagles Boys Track Team claims their first Track Title, Major League Baseball, Larry Kryskowiak, the NBA, and More.... more

Puddles and Muddles, Ripples and Revelations

By BRIAN MARSH - Sitting alone on a rainy Monday. Memorial Day. A day to remember all those who have given their lives in the service of their country 'fighting for peace'.... more

Perfect Wine Pairings for Grilled Beef

WINEGUYMIKE - Bust out the grill, sunshine and nice weather are finally here and there is nothing tastier than grilled beef that is well paired with the right wine selection.... more

Sanctioned Ditch Day? Lame.

By BOB WIRE - Obviously, an officially sanctioned ditch day is an oxymoron, like the phrase “Facebook privacy policy.” So, like every other senior class before us, we had our own ditch day.... more

Our New Zealand Adventure: Coming to a Close

By LINDA McCARTHY - Our time in Missoula's Sister City, Palmerston North, New Zealand has been an adventure and has given us a greater appreciation for our community, our state and our country. We can't wait to... more

Epic Salmonfly Hatch Predicted for Western Montana Rivers

By BRYCE MCLEAN - By all predictions, the 2013 Salmonfly Hatch should be EPIC! We're talking about all-out crazy, fish eating every cast, don't even finish one beer all day because you don't have time...kind o... more

How to Grill the Perfect Steak Every Time: Reverse Sear Method

By PAUL SIDORIAK - Grilling a perfect steak can be as easy as reading a digital thermometer. Learn how to grill the perfect steak time after time with the reverse sear method.... more

Enjoying the Ride

By BRIAN MARSH - My son Ian was diagnosed with autism at age 2. Today he turns 20 years old. I am so inspired by the young man he has become that if and when I ever 'grow up', I want to be like him. ... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of May 20

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Tom Catmull, Blitzen Trapper and Sera Cahoone, Chug for Charity, Bill Payne of Little Feat with special guest the Hooligans, and more!... more

UM Sports Trivia | May 20

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Jessi Schafer of Big Sky High School, Miguel Montero, Bruce Quande, Dan Hodge, The Final Four in the NBA and more!... more

Being Frugal Versus Cheap: There’s a Difference

By ERIN TURNER - I astounded some folks when I paid $80 for a gallon of maple syrup. "What happened to the "Coupon Queen” you ask? My response: there's a difference between being frugal and being cheap.... more

Bob Wire’s Antidote to Neutered Rock

By BOB WIRE - Rock and roll is systematically being neutered. But here are a few new artists who make music with a big swingin’ pair. They are all women and they’re bringing balls back to rock and roll. ... more

Mary Beth Percival: Missoula Painter in the Medium of Watercolor

By MONTE DOLACK - My wife Mary Beth Percival works mainly in watercolor and has always been passionate about the Montana landscape and it’s dramatic big sky. A special exhibition of her work is currently on v... more

Pork Scallopine Pizziola Is One Of My Favorite Dishes (Video Blog!)

By BOB ZIMORINO - (VIDEO BLOG) Pork Scallopine Pizziola is one of my favorite dishes. It is so, because it includes a freshly made tomato sauce also known as Marinara.... more