What's So Special About US Route 89?
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by James Cowlin
Ten years ago when I first discovered that US Route 89 was a border to border road, my answer to that question was seven national parks. They were the main reason I wanted to travel the road-to get from one park to the next and make photographs. I was motivated by the destinations, not the journey.
 | | Marion Brandvold |
Then came my first border to border road trip in 2007. Barbara and I started at the Canadian border crossing station near Glacier National Park. After a couple of days of photographing in Glacier for the first time, we headed south toward our next planned stop in Yellowstone. But along the way we encountered many wonderful people and unusual places that surprised and delighted us. We met Marion and John Brandvold at Trex Agate Shop in Bynum, Montana, and heard Marion's story about discovering a nest of dinosaur babies that changed the understanding of dinosaur social behavior.
 | | Memorial Falls |
Then there was the Giant Springs in Great Falls, one of the world's largest freshwater springs gushing forth at 156 million gallons a day. South of Great Falls we drove the Kings Hill Scenic Byway section of US 89 and stopped to hike to Memorial Falls. Finally we reached Yellowstone. Looking back it is the journey from Glacier to Yellowstone that gives us the fondest memories.
It was that trip that made us realize that there was much more to US Route 89 than the national parks. We have now made five border to border road trips as well as many shorter ones. Each trip we discover more special places and interesting people. And that has led to an expansion of the Road Trip Guides. On each guide we have included a list of special attractions with short descriptions and links to websites for more information. We hope that this will enrich your journey and encourage you to take it slow and discover your own special places.
While you are on the Road Trip Guides be sure to take a look at the User Contributions at the bottom of the page. There you will find information about more special places and people contributed by other travelers. And when you find a special place or an interesting person on your journey, please consider adding your story and photographs. Just click on Share Your Stories to get started.
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A Photographers Guide to US Route 89
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by James Cowlin
 | | Outdoor Photographer, October 2011 |
I have been asked by avid photographers for advice on shooting along US Route 89. Well, here it is in an article I wrote for Outdoor Photographer. I detail popular places and add a few of my secret spots. The article titled A Photo Highway is online now and the October issue of the magazine will be available on newsstands soon.
The editor of OP, Christopher Robinson, wrote a nice addition to the article about teardrop trailers. Many of you know that we have been traveling with our teardrop, affectionately known as The Pod, for several years. It is a time-saving alternative to tent camping in a small package that doesn't slow us down. Chris listed a few resources for those interested in getting their own teardrop. I would like to add to that list the company that built our trailer, Teardrop72. Located in Logan, Utah, each trailer is custom built with numerous options to fit your particular needs. Prices start at $3795. Members of the US Route 89 Appreciation Society receive a 5% discount. Contact Preston at teardrop72.com for full details.
 | | Our teardrop, the Pod, built by Teardrop72, Logan, Utah |
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| On The Blog: Event & Website of the Week | |
by James Cowlin
Are you looking for something interesting to do this weekend? We have the answer on the US Route 89 blog. At the bottom of the home page you will find two widgets. On the left is the Event of the Week. Each week I pick something special to do along US Route 89. I look for those events that typify our western culture and provide you with an adventurous outing.
The widget on the right lists a website of interest to travelers on highway 89. I usually pick a site that relates to the Event of the Week and that expands your options when attending the event.
if you have an event or website that you want highlighted, drop me an email and we'll do our best to include it.
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