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A Native Interpretation of Yellowstone from a Blackfeet Troubadour

Program Number: 20801RJ
Start and End Dates:
9/4/2013 - 9/8/2013;
Duration: 4 nights
Location: Gardiner, Montana
Price starting at: $670.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: National Parks; Native American Studies Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 11; 4 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 4 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Encounter a Native American perspective of Yellowstone's land and wildlife through the stories and songs of Blackfeet troubadour Jack Gladstone. Enjoy walking illustrations as an honored Native voice and award-winning artist brings Yellowstone to life through American Indian mythology and history, culminating with a live evening concert.




Highlights

• Through story and song, award-winning modern-day warrior and bridge builder Jack Gladstone weaves a connection between cultures as he melds the natural history of Yellowstone with the Native interpretation.
• This masterful Blackfeet story-smith blends enlightening visual presentation and well-crafted song in a live performance at the conclusion of the program
• Discover scientific aspects of the greater Yellowstone area, including its geology, diverse wildlife and grand ecosystem, during a float on a portion of the Yellowstone River.



Activity Particulars

Floating eight miles on Yellowstone’s River Class 2 and 3 whitewater. Walking and hiking 3-5 miles a day on uneven terrain, established trails, boardwalks. Elevations up to 7,200 feet.



To delve more deeply into the many facets that make up the Park's magnificent ecosystem - spend an additional week in Yellowstone by registering in program #20595.




Date Specific Information

9-4-2013

Enjoy the latest in hearing technology — listening devices — on this date.



Coordinated by University of Montana Western.




Gardiner

Founded in 1880, this town in Paradise Valley is the original northern entrance to Yellowstone Park and today is the park’s only year-round point of entry. Gardiner has the atmosphere of a quaint Western town, complete with elk meandering the streets.
Accommodations
Yellowstone River Motel.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Lee Harry
Lee Harry earned a master's degree in forestry with an emphasis in wildlands fire ecology. He enjoyed a forester's career with the U.S. Forest Service where his roles included planting, tending and harvesting trees, applying prescribed fire, and suppressing wild fires. Lee has a particular interest in bark beetles and the white pine blister rust that is impacting high mountain ecology. Now retired, Lee enjoys hiking, camping, snowboarding, reading and traveling as much as possible. Lee lives on a ranch near Bozeman, Montana though he is often found - or not found - exploring the Great Beyond.
 
Jack Gladstone
Jack Gladstone is a storysmith and troubadour from the Blackfeet Nation of Montana. Regarded as a cultural bridge builder, he produces programs on indigenous history and tradition. Jack has released 15 critically-acclaimed CDs, and garnered the prestigious Best Historical Recording from the Native American Music Association. A former college instructor and Smithsonian scholar, Jack has opened shows for Rita Coolidge, Garrison Keillor and Bonnie Raitt.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Yellowstone River Motel
  Gardiner, MT 5 nights
 Yellowstone River Motel
Type: Motel
  Description: Lodgings are located on Gardiner's main street, Park Street, on Yellowstone's northern boundary. Yellowstone's northwest entrance at Roosevelt Arch is three blocks from motel. The Gardiner entrance was dedicated in 1903 by Theodore Roosevelt. Remember, you are experiencing the atmosphere of a small, rural community and meal options are naturally limited. Meals served at local restaurants; sack lunches in the field. Please be aware that the single dietary requirement or preference that can be accommodated at this site is vegetarian - no meat. You may wish to bring supplementary items. Questions? Call UM-Western Road Scholar (406) 683-7302.
  Contact info: 14 Park Street
Gardiner, MT 59030 USA
phone: 888-797-4837
web: www.yellowstonerivermotel.com
  Room amenities: In-room coffee, refrigerator, microwave, satellite TV, phone, wireless internet.
  Facility amenities: Quiet, though one block from downtown. Grassy patio overlooks the mighty Yellowstone River. Within walking distance of shopping, ice cream, deli, lattes. Hair dryers, iron/ironing board available in office.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Additional nights prior: Varies. Seasonal rates; call for information.
  Check in time: 4:30 PM
  Additional nights after: Varies. Seasonal rates; call for information.
  Check out time: 9:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
4:00 PM You will be staying at Yellowstone River Motel that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after 7 AM breakfast-8 AM shuttle and independent departures You will be staying at Yellowstone River Motel the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Please bring a Golden Age, Senior or National Parks pass if you have one.
  Parking availability:
Free
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Gardiner, MT
  Nearest city or town:  Livingston, MT is 53 miles north.
  Nearest highway: State HWY 89.
  Nearest airport:  Gallatin Field in Bozeman, MT, 89 miles
  From End of Program
  Location: Gardiner, MT
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Bozeman, MT

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Greater Valley Taxi
phone: 406-388-7938
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Group rate is approximately $68.00; call for current rate.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Two hours. 
 

Distance:

 

89 miles.
   

Reservations must be made at least three days in advance; call (406) 388-7938 for rates and reservations. You may be asked to leave a message. Group shuttle departs airport at 1:30 pm. In order to take advantage of the group shuttle rate, your flight must arrive before 1 pm on Wednesday and depart after 11:30 am on Sunday. Arriving in Bozeman a day early or staying an extra day may be more economical than booking individual transportation.
 

Bozeman, MT

 

To Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Greater Valley Taxi
phone: 406-388-7938
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Group rate is approximately $68; call for current rate.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

Two hours. 
 

Distance:

 

89 miles.
   

Return shuttle must be arranged at least three days in advance; call (406) 388-7938. Group shuttle departs site at 8 am. Outside of the above scheduled times, individual transportation (not at group rate) can be reserved through Greater Valley Taxi (406) 388-7938 or Karst Stage (406) 556-3540 (72 hours notice required). Car rental and drop-off are available at the Bozeman airport; drop-off is not available in Gardiner or Yellowstone National Park.

 
Driving Directions
  Bozeman, MT Travel east on I-90 for 26 miles to Livingston; turn south here onto US HWY 89 and travel south 53 miles to Gardiner. Proceed into town, cross the Yellowstone River bridge and straight ahead to Park Street. Turn left; Yellowstone River Motel is one block down at end of street on left.
  From the East (Cody, WY) Call (307) 344-2117 for road conditions, closures, etc. in Yellowstone. Travel east 80 miles on HWYs 20 and 14/16 past Fishing Bridge area to junction. Turn north here to Canyon (16 miles). Travel 12 miles west from Canyon to Norris Junction. Travel north 21 miles to Mammoth. Continue north five miles to Gardiner. Drive under Roosevelt Arch onto Park Street. Proceed to end of Park Street; Yellowstone River Motel is on left side of street. (Note, travel in the Park is slow as speed limit averages 15-40 miles per hour.)
  From the North (Livingston, MT) Exit I-19 onto State HWY 89. Drive south 53 miles to Gardiner. Proceed into town, cross the Yellowstone River bridge and straight ahead to Park Street. Turn left; Yellowstone River Motel is one block down at end of street on left. .
  Jackson, WY Travel north 86 miles on HWY 89/287 (slow miles as most of travel is through two national parks with speed limit averaging from 15-40 miles per hour) to West Thumb, then west and north 33 miles to Madison Junction. Drive east then north 14 miles to Norris Junction; carry on northward 21 miles to Mammoth; bear north five more miles to Yellowstone's northwest entrance at Gardiner. Drive under Roosevelt Arch onto Park Street; Proceed to end of Park Street; Yellowstone River Motel is on left side of street.
Elevation Note: Site elevation 5,260'. Walks and activities take place at elevations ranging from 5,800' to 9,000'

Equipment Requirements: Bring a durable WATER BOTTLE and fanny or day pack, sturdy hiking shoes or boots, . Bring your walking stick if you use one.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Welcome to Gardiner, northwest gateway community to Yellowstone National Park. Welcome dinner, orientation and introductions.
(Wednesday, September 4)
   
 Afternoon: Check-in between 4 and 5 pm
 Dinner: Welcome Dinner at nearby restaurant.
 Evening: Orientation and Introductions.
   
Accommodations: Yellowstone River Motel
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Introduction of the scientific aspects of Yellowstone's ecosystems and geology. Float a portion of the Yellowstone River.
(Thursday, September 5)
   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast in classroom space
 Morning: Morning presentation introduces the greater Yellowstone area. Discuss the scientific aspects of its geology, diverse wildlife and the grand ecosystem that supports these populations.
 Lunch: Lunch at local restaurant
 Afternoon: Float a portion of Yellowstone River's class 1-3 rapids while guides and naturalist discuss riparian habitat; identify birds including waterfowl, ospreys and shore birds; hear human history of the area.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant
 Evening: An optional naturalist-led acclimation walk near lodgings offers interpretation of the area and provides valuable opportunity to continue to acclimate to Gardiner's elevation (5,260'). At high altitudes you are more susceptible to dehydration and altitude sickness. Taking the time to acclimate, exercising moderately, carrying a water bottle with you and drinking plenty of water is of utmost importance to avoid these sometimes dangerous problems.
   
Accommodations: Yellowstone River Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Encounter a Native American perspective of Yellowstone's land and wildlife through the stories and songs of Blackfeet Troubadour.
(Friday, September 6)

Note: Walk 3 to 5 miles during field day exploration at altitudes ranging from 5,800 to 9,000'.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at local restaurant
 Morning: Begin to encounter the trails of Yellowstone National Park and, in the words of your Blackfeet guide, "Go where no Road Scholar has gone before".
 Lunch: Sack lunch in the field.
 Afternoon: Honored as a modern day warrior and bridge builder, Jack Gladstone will bring his revered tribal voice as he presents a Native American interpretation through walking illustration of stories and songs. This Blackfeet Troubadour will meld the natural history of Yellowstone with the Native interpretation as the walkabout in the park continues.
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant
 Evening: Free evening
   
Accommodations: Yellowstone River Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Walking illustrations will continue as honored native voice and award winning artist brings Yellowstone to life through American Indian mythology and history, culminating with a live evening concert.
(Saturday, September 7)

Note: Walk 3 to 5 miles during field day exploration at altitudes ranging from 5,800 to 9,000'.
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at local restaurant
 Morning: Jack Gladstone will guide the participants across the cultural bridge revealing the positive influence of the Native perspective. Hiking in the park continues taking participants along a spiritual, musical and mythological journey on trails of Yellowstone.
 Lunch: Sack lunch in the field
 Afternoon: Mid afternoon return to lodgings for down time
 Dinner: Dinner at local restaurant
 Evening: The program will culminate in a final concert where recent winner of the Native American Music Award, Jack Gladstone will blend an enlightening narrative with his well crafted songs using a visual presentation as his backdrop. The concert will include selections from some of his critically acclaimed CDs produced in a career spanning three decades.
   
Accommodations: Yellowstone River Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Independent departures after breakfast. Stay overs will have down time until 4 pm registration for linked program.
(Sunday, September 8)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast at local restaurant
 Morning: Independent departures. Shuttle leaves at 8 AM after breakfast. Those staying for the linked program will keep their rooms and have a free day until 4 PM registration for the next program; lunch provided.
   
Accommodations: Yellowstone River Motel
Meals Included: Breakfast

Free Time Opportunities
  
  Gardiner, MT Hiking
One trailhead 1/2 mile from lodgings; another 3/4 mile from lodgings.
  Horseback Riding
Trailrides provided by Rendezvous Outfitters in Gardiner, MT (406) 848-7967.
  Rafting
Scenic float or whitewater rafting on Yellowstone River. For additional information, visit www.yellowstoneraft.com
  Xanterra Parks and Resorts
Xanterra Parks and Resorts is Yellowstone's principal concessioner and includes operations of park's lodging facilities, some campgrounds, restaurants, gift shops, interpretive tours, etc. For additional information, visit www.TravelYellowstone.com
  Yellowstone Association
Founded in 1933 to assist with educational, historical and scientific programs that would benefit Yellowstone National Park and its visitors. Operates book sale outlets in park visitor centers which supports expanded naturalist training and programs, finances publication of trail guides, books and pamphlets about the Park, helps with funding for museum exhibits and research equipment. The Yellowstone Association Institute sponsors outdoor courses for all age groups, some of which are especially designed for women, families and children. The Institute's purpose is to explore, understand and appreciate Yellowstone. For additional information, visit www.yellowstoneassociation.org
  Yellowstone National Park
Official website for Yellowstone National Park. Information, planning a visit, history, etc. For additional information, visit www.nps.gov/yell/home.htm
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Restoring a Presence: American Indians and Yellowstone National Park


Author: Peter Nabokov and Lawrence Loendorf


Description: This first comprehensive account of Indians in and around Yellowstone corrects more than a century of ignorance. Detailed here is Yellowstone's native peoples and their story of a long engagement with a remarkable landscape.



Searching for Yellowstone: Ecology and Wonder in the Last Wilderness


Author: Paul Schullery


Description: Eloquent, elegant, truthful and practical - an environmental history of America's best idea, Yellowstone.



Roadside Geology of Yellowstone Country


Author: William Fritz & Robert Thomas


Description: Updated, classic roadside geology book for the Yellowstone Region explains current geological theories.



Decade of the Wolf, revised and updated edition: Returning the Wild to Yellowstone


Author: Douglas W. Smith and Gary Ferguson


Description: Research and storytelling meld to document wolf recovery in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Wolf biologist, Smith, and nature writer, Ferguson, provide an inside look at the Yellowstone Wolf Recovery Project ten years after the controversial decision was made by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services to reintroduce wolves into the park. Smith, wolf project leader who has worked with the Yellowstone Wolf Project since its inception, has studied wolves for 25 years. Ferguson, whose writing largely arises from intimate experiences, followed through the seasons, the first 14 wolves released into Yellowstone National Park. Their collaboration offers hard facts and 'impressionistic portraits of individual wolves that reveal their epic lives full of struggle and conquest.' Here is the history of the return of the top predator to Yellowstone.



Mountain Spirit: The Sheep Eater Indians of Yellowstone


Author: Lawrence Loendorf and Nancy Medaris Stone


Description: Drawing on the results of ongoing archaeological excavations and extensive ethnographic work among descendant native peoples, the authors discuss the many Indian groups, in particular the Tukudika Shoshone, who visited or lived in the Yellowstone area in prehistoric and historic times. The Tukudika or Sheep Eaters made skillful use of their environment and maintained an abundant way of life closely related to their primary source of protein, the mountain sheep of high-altitude Yellowstone.



To Save the Wild Bison: Life on the Edge in Yellowstone


Author: Mary Ann Franke


Description: The author brings clarity and revelation to one of Yellowstone's most complex struggles by tracing the history of bison and humans into the 19th century and further into the national parks era. Here's discussion of bison management and park policy - the battle over brucellosis, snowmobiles and groomed winter roads, desires of Native Americans, bison and predators.





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