Page 63 - Flathead Beacon // 7.16.14

FLATHEADBEACON.COM
OUTDOORS
JULY 16, 2014 | 63
Sun Road driving guide that provides interpretive information on more than two-dozen stops along the his- toric highway, and said the hiking map guide was a natural progression.
“When I came out with my driv- ing guide I really liked the format and thought there’s not really a great mar- riage of a guide and a map,” he said. “It was the next logical step to go do a hiking guide map.”
Because Bramante obsessively documented his journeys through photographs and videos that he post- ed to Hike734.com, anyone wishing to follow in his footsteps has a virtual trail map to accompany them.
And that, in many respects, was the point – for the public to learn more about the park and “to be able to vicariously hike the park through Hike734.”
But unlike a smartphone applica- tion, Bramante’s map guide doesn’t run out of batteries or overheat in a backpack pocket.
Its synthetic paper is weather- proof, and its color-coded trail seg- ments indicate trail steepness, while the intimately informed trail descrip- tions provide a good synopsis of the hike.
A former network analyst, Bra- mante is also technologically savvy, which helped him grasp GIS software in order to create the map himself.
His lifelong passion for Glacier
National Park, peak bagging and backpacking led him to conceive of the idea for Hike734, and looking to the future, Bramante intends to begin work on a backpacking-specific guide.
His “Day Hikes of Glacier National
Park” features 88 trips ranging from one-mile jaunts to 20-mile traverses. It is available at his website, hike734. com, and numerous western Montana retail outlets for $10.
[email protected]
Jake Bramante’s map-guide. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
Lake Cruise & Golf Scramble
For MSU alumni, families and friends.
FRIDAY, JULY 25TH
Flathead Lake Cruise aboard the Shadow, 6-8pm Departs at 6pm sharp from the KwaTaqNuk Resort Buffet dinner included, hosted by Coach Rob Ash Cruise -Tickets $40/person
SATURDAY, JULY 26TH
GOLF SCRAMBLE: 11am Shotgun Start Polson Bay Golf Course
Dinner & Silent Auction to follow Scramble - $500/team
Please send registration & checks or direct your questions to:
MSU Bobcat Club • Shad Hupka
PO Box 1299, Polson, MT 59860 406-883-8803 or [email protected]
Monday, July 21 ~ 6 p.m.
Kick-off Event
Enjoy a wine reception, live music, hors d’oeuvres and desserts prepared by the FVCC culinary students and a stroll through the home and gardens.
Tickets: $50 each or $90 per couple
Tuesday-Friday, July 22-25
1 1⁄2 hour guided tours each day at 5:30 and 7 p.m. Tickets: $10/adults & $3/children
Splendid Summer Evenings at
Bibler Home & Gardens
Tickets sell out early! Purchase yours today.
To purchase tickets, visit www.biblergardens.org or call (406) 756-3632.
Tickets must be purchased in advance. Your ticket price is tax deductible.
Proceeds benefit FVCC scholarships.