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

Foghorn String Band Coming to Missoula

By MARK VOSBURGH - Hankerin' for some authentic, honest, old time, country, Cajun, Appalachia or Bluegrass String Music? Take in The Foghorn String Band at the Top Hat Lounge on Friday, May 24th at 10 pm.... more

WineGuyMike: Nouveau Chardonnay

WINEGUYMIKE - Chardonnay is one of the most maligned grapes in modern history--yet this classic grape remains one of the best varietals there is for food and cheese pairing. ... more

Legends of Our Own Minds: My 41st High School Mini Reunion

By LIZ MARCHI - I just spent 3 days at the beach with 5 high school girlfriends, some I have known since 1st grade. Geez, is it really all about childhood? I don’t know but it certainly matters.... more

Lack of Significant Financial Resources Stressing FCS Programs

By JIM O'DAY - There are many obstacles to building successful intercollegiate athletics programs at small Division I schools – and, unfortunately, most future decisions may be dictated by limited funding.... more

The Royal Treatment by the Rangitane Tribe of New Zealand

By THOMAS P. GALLAGHER - This week my family and I met Rangitane tribal chief, Wiremu Te Awe Awe, and his wife, Trieste, who introduced us to the marae of the Rangitane Tribe and New Zealand's Māori society. ... more

UM Sports Trivia | May 13

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Former UM Grizzly Basketball coach, Mike Montgomery to speak at Sportsmen of the Year Banquet, Mike Stepovich, John Stockton, Jeff Griffin ... more

Severe Storms Forecast For Western Montana This Afternoon and Evening

By PAUL QUENEAU - The National Weather Service just reiterated that this afternoon and evening may be a very bumpy ride in the Missoula area. Expect 50 mph winds, hail, and lots of rain.... more

Beans, Beans the Frugal Fruit

By ERIN TURNER - I admit I am a canned bean user and lover, but I've discovered they're not that frugal. I was stunned to do the math on the cost of canned versus dried beans.... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of May 13

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: John Floridis Trio, Tom Catmull, Chug for Charity, Vegetable Oil Truck Demonstration, & more.... more

Rivers Are On The Rise In Western Montana

By JASON SHREDER - The local river users are bursting with joy as the water levels continue to rise. Here are some safety tips that will assure you of a memorable yet safe experience.... more

Mother’s Day Manicotti On the Grill

By PAUL SIDORIAK - Mother's day only happens once a year, so this year, instead of going out to brunch, I decided to do a special Manicotti--on the grill no less! Here's my recipe and instructions.... more

I Am An Egg Snob…

By KRISTEN LEE-CHARLSON - Until recently I thought my chickens' laying lives were over. Imagine my surprise when I discovered over a dozen eggs hiding behind a pile of outdoor furniture. These yolks are the dar... more

Don’t Be That Guy

By BOB WIRE - Stomping around onstage in front of a bar full of rowdy music fans is a pleasure that only a few will ever know. But I've hung up my spurs, mostly because of 'THAT GUY'.... more

Montana’s Clark Fork River: A Return to Glory

By BRYCE MCLEAN - As most of you probably already know, they opened up the Clark Fork from Turah to Sharon last week. Just like the rest of Missoula I couldn't wait to fish it...and it didn't disappoint.... more

Volleyball in Palmy

By LINDA MCCARTHY - Here in Palmerston North, New Zealand, I have been fortunate to connect with a group of passionate volleyball players, and I have had more fun playing with them than anything else I've done ... more

UM Sports Trivia | May 6

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: The recent death of former UM Lady Griz hoopster, Julie Deming, the River Bank Run, New York Yankees, and more!... more

The Secrets to Growing Healthy Hair Fast and Naturally

By ERIN TURNER - I'm trying to grow my hair out. After much research, I've discovered some tips and recipes that are alternatives to shampooing--oh and I'm saving money too! ... more

3 Most Important Things for Finding a Job

By JENNIFER LODINE-CHAFFEY - Do you ever wonder what employers are looking for? In my experience at the Missoula Job Service, here are the 3 most important things for finding a job.... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of May 6

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Whipple Tree with Amy Martin & Caroline Keys, Chug for Charity Night, The Trees, Three Earned Dog, and more!... more

A Dog’s Life: The Indignity of the Vet’s Office

By BOB WIRE - I wish I shared my dog’s optimism about visiting the doctor. I suppose it would help if someone offered me snacks and promised me a stop at the Bark Park... more

On the Grill: Carne Asada with Grilled Veggies and Guacamole

By PAUL SIDORIAK - If you're hungry for an alternative to skirt or flank steak, grill up some carne asada. Paired with grilled veggies and guac, it's a perfect summer meal.... more

Backpacking in New Zealand

By LINDA MCCARTHY - Last weekend we went backpacking (or tramping as they call it here in New Zealand). We chose a relatively easy and short hike into the Ruahine Forest and made plans to spend the night at the... more

Big 10 Decision Could Have Major Impact On FCS Schools

By JIM O'DAY - A decision made more than a thousand miles away last weekend could have a major impact on the schools playing at the Football Championship Subdivision – including Montana and Montana State.... more

UM Sports Trivia | April 29

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Andy Baskin, Tori Hunter, Tyrann Matheieu, Jim Valvano, and more!... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of April 29

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: International Wildlife Film Festival Galore! with Lunafest, Todd Snider in concert, Book Readings and more!... more

2nd Annual Missoula Craft Beer Week Kicks Off April 28

By RYAN NEWHOUSE - The 2nd Annual Missoula Craft Beer Week - April 28 -Sat.May 4 includes over a dozen different events at bars, breweries, restaurants and other public venues around Missoula. ... more

In Love with a River: Montana’s Bitterroot River

By MATT DEVLIN - (VIDEO) I'm frequently asked which of Montana's rivers is my favorite. My answer: the Bitterroot River--why? Because she's the hardest to catch fish out of. ... more

Todd Snider: A Singer’s Life of Jest, Sarcasm and Politics

By BRIAN D'AMBROSIO - Todd Snider, an alt-country, folk/rock, singer/songwriter plays this Tuesday, April 30th at the Elk's Club. He unapologetically cusses, parties, touts drugs, and hammers Republicans in hi... more

Ipod Wars: Last Playlist Standing

By BOB WIRE - Recently the whole wire family took a road trip for Spring Break. Each of us brought our Ipods, but as the kids get older it gets harder for me to endure this musical democracy.... more

Wellington: New Zealand’s Capital City

By LINDA MCCARTHY - We spent last weekend in New Zealand’s capital city Wellington, a two-hour drive south of Palmerston North. Wellington is the self-proclaimed Capital of Cool.... more

Missoula Runner Sara Stahl Reflects on Her Experiece at the Boston Marathon

By SARA STAHL - I’m on my way home from Boston. I was among the 25,000 people who awoke yesterday to run the world’s greatest marathon and went to bed having been at the heart of a national tragedy. ... more

UM Sports Trivia | April 22

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Osprey Baseball, Montana Lady Griz Volleyball, and Grizzly Football. ... more

Back to Missoula and Back to Montana Fly Fishing

By MATT DEVLIN - I've been gone for the past 6 months working in Key West. But the pull of river currents and drifts undisturbed except by eager fish brought me home. God Bless Montana! .... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of April 22

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Larry Hirshberg, Community Tap Night, Jenn Adams, The Comedy of Ventriloquist Jeff Dunham and more.... more

Local Jobs: What are Employers Looking For?

By JENNIFER LODINE-CHAFFEY - As a local job seeker, do you ever wonder what employers are looking for? Here are some of the most important traits that employers are looking for in potential employees:... more

Homemade Pizza: It’s Yummy, Healthy and Frugal

By ERIN TURNER - Here's a Healthy, inexpensive and YUMMY recipe for homemade pizza. Not only is the clean-up a breeze, but it makes me a hero in the eyes of my kids!... more

On the Grill: Grilled Cabbage and Bacon Salad

By PAUL SIDORIAK - Lately, we have been embracing a lower-carb menu. On the Grill This week: bacon wrapped cabbage wedges that were intended to be a side dish, but completely stole the show!... more

Palmerston North Public Library: a New Zealand Gem!

By LINDA MCCARTHY - It’s National Library Week in the United States, and Palmerston North’s modern and cutting-edge public Public Library is one of the community's greatest assets. ... more

Run Wild Missoula Encourages Community to Continue to Run and Honor Boston

Run Wild Missoula encourages the community to continue to run and race in honor of those affected by the violence at the Boston Marathon, including at the Superfun(D) 10k, 5k and 1 mile on April 20 in Bonner.... more

Escape to Victor

By DONNA HULL - Getting away doesn’t have to mean an exotic vacation or a multi-week road trip. Sometimes, a traveling close to home will do just fine. Why not escape to Victor in the Bitterroot Valley?... more

UM Sports Trivia | April 15

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Angel Cabrera, Shannon Cate and Karen Deden, Stew Morrill and more.... more

Make it Missoula Monday – Week of April 15

Trail 103.3 DJs share what's happening in Missoula this week: Moscow Monday, Monday Night Movie, Community Tap Night, Open Kyak class at Currents, and more!... more

More than 60 Employers Slated for Western Montana Career Fair on April 25

By CHERYL SABOL - Western Montana's largest Career Fair will be held on Thursday April 25th at the Hilton Garden Inn. Employers...it's not too late to sign up. ... more

Frugal, Healthy, DIY Air Fresheners

By ERIN TURNER - Our homes are places where good memories are created and smells play an important role in that. Here is a frugal, healthy and DIY idea for creating air fresheners.... more

Continental Breakfast

By BOB WIRE - I like biscuits and gravy. I don’t like carpenter’s glue with floor sweepings in it. Someone needs to get the word out to a certain hotel chain that there’s a difference.... more

5 Things to Include in Your Personal Flotation Device

By JASON SHREDER - Here are the 5 "must have" items I make sure are either in or on my personal flotation device (PFD) when I hit the river.... more

Will dogs Rule and Cats Drool? The Bidding War is On!

By PAM VOTH - Will Dogs Rule and Cats Drool? The Bidding War is ON. One year of bragging rights is up for auction. So Jump In Now to Vote Early and Vote Often!... more

Auckland New Zealand for Easter

By LINDA MCCARTHY - We had an opportunity to get away from Palmerston North and spend Easter weekend in Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand at just under 1.4 million people. ... more

Returning to Missoula Marathon Training After an Injury

By DAVID SCHMETTERLING - Training for the Boston Marathon Marathon in 2010 went great. I was at the peak of my running and poised for a personal record. But then things started falling apart .... more

UM Sports Trivia | April 8

By CHRIS WALTERSKIRCHEN - Making Chris' top trivia mentions this week: Hellgate Senior, Chance Geery, Rick Pitino, and football and baseball tidbits.... more