What SUP?

What SUP? Say that fast and you may get "not much" as a response as it sounds like what's up? What's up is the Clark Fork River will be hosting Missoula's first competitive paddleboard race July 21st. The Windermere SUP (Stand Up Paddleboard) cup is a fundraiser for Missoula's river projects. The paddlers will race 5.3 miles downriver of the Clark Fork starting at the Sha-Ron fishing access all the way to Riverside Park area. It is open to elite and recreational paddlers. And will end with a Montana luau in Caras Park. Registration started last week and costs $80 for Elite and $50 for recreational racers before July 2nd. After then the fees go up to $100 and $70 for late registrars (July 3rd-July 20th). Register at supcupmt.com. Proceeds will benefit the Clark Fork River rehabilitation projects, including Brennan's Wave and watershed education. A $5,000 prize purse will be shared equally among the elite men and women’s divisions, and the recreational division will compete for trophies, prizes and laughter!

The Dog Days of Summer

*Did you know "Dog Days" is a Latin term meaning sultry days of summer.  The Dog Days of Summer are typically in July and August. Actually the Old Farmer's Almanac lists them from July 3 - August 11.

*The average temp in Missoula for the "Dog Days" is the mid 80's. How great is that? Warm enough but not too hot. And the evening temps range about mid 50's - perfect sleeping weather. Especially if you are sleeping in a tent or under the stars.

*Missoula in the summer is the best! Osprey baseball games, floating rivers, hikes, Big Dipper ice cream, Caras park activities including watching the kayakers at Brennan's Wave - just to list a few fun things that summer brings to Zootown.
*The hottest Missoula temperature was 105 degrees recorded in 1951 both in July and August of that year. I'm thinking they didn't have air conditioning then or even Splash Montana to cool down with. Yikes!

*Summer of 2012 temperatures in Northwest Montana are supposed to be 30% above average so grab your coolers, intertubes and I'll meet you in Bonner. Let's float this summer away!

** Also, don't forget your furry friends and  keep them cool and out of vehicles these Dog Days of summer. Or else!!!!