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Glacier Guides and Montana Raft

Celebrating 30 Seasons of Glacier Guides and Montana Raft

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“The best summers of my life.”  If I had a nickel for every time I heard this phrase mixed into conversation throughout the reunion weekend, I could buy a pie of every kind from the Park Cafe (yum!). Let’s take you back to 2013 when we were celebrating 30 Seasons of Glacier Guides and Montana Raft with a reunion party. We were lucky enough to have over 150 past and current employees gather together to celebrate with us.

About this time last year, we stretched our networking arms out to as many former employees as possible to invite them to the reunion. With a weekend full of activities, we hoped to lure as many old friends back to Glacier National Park as possible.

As the weekend began to draw near, people started trickling in with their loved ones. A certain energy buzzed about the place, and smiles were contagious.

Luckily, the weather cooperated and the sun shone on our gathering.  Here’s a little taste of how the weekend went…

Group Hike to Granite Park Chalet

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Seems strange right?
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Melissa Scott, Stacey Bengtson, Christianna Scweitzer, Kjell Petersen, Kelly Hoffman in front of the Chalet.
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All smiles in the sunshine.
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The chalet with Heaven’s Peak shining in the backround.

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The chalet with Heaven’s Peak shining in the backround.
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Great view of Granite Park Chalet (on the right) from the Highline Trail.

WHITEWATER TRIP

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Captain Keith Meehan and Bryan Melling.
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Psyched up for some whitewater!
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Our fearless leader (and co-founder).
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Making sure everyone has a paddle.
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New and old faces in this good lookin’ crowd.
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Courtney Moch is super slick in this ensemble.
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Rebecca Powell, Kiandra Waggoner, and me.
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Mike Davies, Monica and Steve Haas, Andy Burbine, Jon Peterson, Mike Foote
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Almost to the whitewater section.
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Emily enjoying some vitamin D.
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Captain Jay Burrell (AKA Fuzzy Bunny).
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Jake Muniak, Alex Van Horn, Chris Johnson (and wife), Kim and Russ Schneider and Captain Chris Ruffatto.
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Kerin Gayner, Caroline Heidt, JW (and family), Demi Sullivan, Teal (captain) and Natalie Gayner
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Mike Block, Captain Bill Brown, Tammy and family.
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Woohoo! Captain Kiandra Waggoner, Jen Acacia Mittelstadt, Corrie Holloway, Bill Hartman, Courtney Moch (and family), Rebecca Powell, Seth Settles
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PARTY BARGE: Scott and Eric Boyd, Corbon Seargent, Katie Duncan, Clay Springmeyer, Valerie Dawson, Sarah Edwards, Veronica Magstadt, Mike Foote, Bryan Melling, Keith Meehan, Sarah Metzger, Julie Rydall, Monica Haas
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Steve Haas, Mike Davies, Andy Burbine and friends.
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KT
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Jen Acacia going for a leisurely dip in the Middle Fork.
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A locals favorite…jumping off the old bridge.
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What a great day on the river.
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I, eye Captain!
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Seth rockin’ the purple wetsuit.

THE GUIDES GALA

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Randy Gayner and John Gray….yes we love the matching GWG shirts.
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Melissa Scott and Brendon Beatty.
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Paul Brinkerhoff and friend.
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Betsy Gibson (w/ Jorie) and Rebecca Powell.
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Monica and Steve Haas, Denny and little Marin.
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The future generation of guides.
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A very pensive (or confused?) Andrew Hollensteiner.
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Stacey Bengtson, Tricia Michlik Taylor, and I.
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No guide party is complete without a little volleyball!
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Teal Gayner, Ben Wolff, Drew Napier, Vince Robitchek, Kevin Melling, Kerin Gayner and Louie Grisez.
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Peggy Dees and I.
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Long time guide, Carolyn Beecher, with some strong young gals.
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Denny and Luca.
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Does Henry have a CDL?
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Christianna, one of our great former office staff!
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Jan, one of the only people who knows that… “costumes are always encouraged” here!
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The illustrious crew!

After a weekend of recounting legendary guiding tales (including, but not limited to, stories of bears, wild weather, heavy packs, famous guests and super-pasta), we felt the strained muscles from laughing too hard. Our hearts (and glasses) were full. There are so many reasons why we have loved working here over the years, but after reuniting with this group it is obvious that people play the biggest part.

Thank you to everyone who has made the past 30 seasons of Glacier Guides possible…and here’s to 30 more!

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