Virgelle Merc-Canoe Co.

5/6/09: All campsites between Coal Banks Landing and Slaughter River have been serviced between 4-6 May 09. The composting toilet at the downriver end of Dark Butte Campsite (river mile 68.8) is operational (as of today May 6, 2009). The upriver composting toilet at this location is still closed.

5/4/09: The Water System at Coal Banks Landing is on and has been tested (all OK). The water fountains are inoperative. Visitors will need to use the yard hydrants to get water until we can repair the fountains.

Virgelle Mercantile Antiques will be in Collins, Montana over the Mother’s Day weekend with antiques and collectibles for sale. All items will be marked at special sale prices, each mother recieves a flower at the door, and one item will be given away on Sunday afternoon (must signup to win the drawing).

Everyone is welcome to free beverages and snacks from the kitchen.
Come enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in the old ghost town of Collins.
Look for signs after taking the Collins Road West exit off Inerstate 15, just 40 miles north of Great Falls, MT.

See you there…

5/14/09 And a good time was had by all… Thanks to everyone who attended.

The latest issue of National Geographic Traveler (May-June, 2009) has a short article describing the spirit of Virgelle and surrounding area. The author is fascinated by the overnight accommodations, and antiques in the little ghost town along the Missouri River…

On April 24, 25, and 26, 2009, Virgelle Mercantile will host the first annual “Cook Inn” cast iron cooking workshop in Virgelle. This event is hosted by Don Sorensen, Bonnie O’Gorman, Chandi Bomgardner, and Justina Bombgardner. This session will focus on recipes and techniques used to create unusual dishes from the old wood-buring cook range and from the open fire. Participants stay in Virgelle Mercantile B&B rooms, and in restored local homesteader cabins. See you there…

On April 8, 2009 Dan Cook launched his custom built dory near Carter, Montana on his way to the Gulf of Mexico. His epic journey should take him past Virgelle sometime during the day tomorrow… Press release follows:

Adventurer to Row Solo for Disabled Veterans
3,700 mile journey will start in Montana and conclude at the mouth of the Mississippi

Park City, UT – (November 12, 2008) — Fresh off his two-year, 75,000 mile around-the-world fishing expedition, Dan T. Cook, avid outdoor enthusiast and adventurer, plans to embark on a solo rowing trip spanning more than 3,700 miles through the heart of the United States. The journey will commence April 1, 2009 and help raise awareness and funding for disabled veterans across America.

For his trip, expected to take two-and-a-half months, Cook will use a custom-built, self-contained 17 foot dory. His diet will consist primarily of freeze-dried meals and he will sleep on the deck of the expedition vessel.

“The purpose of this trip is to raise public awareness of the challenges wounded and disabled veterans face after they leave the hospital,” says Cook, founder and executive director of Rivers of Recovery (ROR), an organization that offers rehabilitative fishing trips to disabled veterans and their families.

In just its first year, ROR has helped veterans suffering from PTSD, traumatic brain injury and other combat-related injuries and disabilities.

Cook will begin his journey in Three Forks, Montana at Missouri Headwaters State Park and conclude in the Gulf of Mexico. The trip will be fraught with challenges, including rowing across 900 miles of reservoirs and facing unpredictable river and wind conditions. It will be a test of will and endurance, one that Cook says pales in comparison to the challenges faced by America’s wounded warriors.

A special Web site will allow visitors to track the adventure in real-time and view live Web cam updates. Cameras will be mounted at various locations on the vessel, giving an interactive perspective of the journey.

Cook has previously rowed his dory more than 4,500 miles on rivers in Alaska and across the western US. This trip, however, will be unique.

“Many people forget that such an epic adventure still exists in the United States. It will be a daunting, physical challenge,” notes Cook.

Cook’s organization has been featured in several national media outlets, including The NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams, and his around-the-world fly fishing expedition was chronicled in leading outdoor-interest publications.

For contact information and to learn more about coverage opportunities, visit http://www.riversofrecovery.org or http://www.flyfishingtheglobe.net.

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Media Inquiries:
Gary Greaves
Credo Media Group
561-479-4141

Hi, On this 9th day of April, 2009 Missouri River Canoe Co. and Virgelle Mercantile Antiques launched a news service blog in an attempt to communicate to everyone what is happening in the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument and our business. We hope this will be of service to all who visit, and to those who wish they could… See you out there…