'Old Age,' Harleys and Haircuts

Read somewhere long ago that "old age is the biggest surprise in the average person's life." I believe this to be an accurate observation; however, I am not ready to concede exactly when "old age" begins. Thursday, July 24, 2008, marks this columnist's 80th birthday and am becoming more aware that I probably won't live forever, especially with the growing number of people in my general age bracket who are passing on. One of my friends remarked last week that if it wasn't for going to doctors and to funerals, he wouldn't have much to do. I know he was just partly kidding.

On the topic of births, last Thursday afternoon at Logan Pass, about 15 "Harley Guys" pulled out of the parking lot just ahead of me. They were all wearing helmets, contrary to a lot of those "Hog" rider's habit. The biker at the rear was wearing the black clothes with a big emblem on the back of his jacket. As I slowly followed him down Going to the Sun Highway, began speculating about his role in life… What kind of guy was he? Didn't have to wait long to find out.

Above the Loop is a one-way for a reconstruction sector. Traffic was stopped and a flagman told us it would be 20 to 25 minutes wait. Turned off my car and walked over to the bikers, "What mileage do you fellas get on those things?" A heavy-set man said he got 51 mpg, the rear rider said he got 54 and I asked if that was because the other guy weighed more. They laughed and we began talking. Found the man I had been speculating about was a geology graduate of University of Montana, but spent his younger days as an Air Force pilot then 25 years flying commercial airlines.

My new friend said he was born in Missoula in 1938 so I asked where? Replied it was a two-story building on the south side of the river upstream from Higgins Avenue. Told him, "That is the same place I was born." Try as we might, neither of us could recall the private hospital's name. He told me he was retired from flying but now ran a small logging operation over in Washington state and got his kicks riding a Harley. We had a good talk and helped another man from the car behind me who wanted to know if he could get back to East Glacier without going back over Logan Pass. We pointed out Highway 2 on his map and I sold him one of my new DVDs.

When it was getting close to the time for us to go, my friend put on his helmet and I got into my car. Then it came to me! Motioned for him to come to my window. "Just remembered where we were born. It was the Elmore." He answered, "Oh, that's right! The Elmore Birthing Clinic. Thanks a lot, George." We shook hands and he said his name was Paul Bennett.

Got a haircut Friday and informed the lady barber that one of my friends, a regular customer, would be coming in later. Mentioned to her that he didn't have a full head of hair anymore and I wondered if she still charged full price. She said, "Not exactly! I reduced the haircut price but then have to tack on a 'finder's fee.'"

Forgive me for a little promotion of Glacier Park and myself. A popular Web site for travel information is "About.com" and one of their writers did a full-page review on my DVD. Darren Smith says: "It is hard for any DVD or movie to do justice to Glacier National Park, which in my opinion is the most beautiful national park in the lower 48 states. Having said that, 'Seasons of the National Parks; Glacier,' which includes more than 150 photographs, does a very fine job of recreating the splendor and magnificent scenery of the park.

"George Ostrom is able to capture amazing scenic vistas from atop mountain peaks, showing areas and perspectives that you don't normally see unless you are spending lots of time in the backcountry. I would wholeheartedly recommend this video. If you have been to Glacier, it will bring back memories of the scenic splendor; if you haven't been there, it will entice your senses and you'll want to visit soon."

You can purchase this national "Telly Award" winning DVD in Columbia Falls at Station 8, in Whitefish at Book Works, and Kalispell at Books West, Montana Frame Works and the Hockaday. It is also available at West Glacier, in the Park, and of course… if you happen to meet me at a bearjam or construction delay area.

G. George Ostrom is a Kalispell resident and Hungry Horse News columnist.