We had our last best day, perfect from start to finish.
We start on the hilltop of Spa Town and yoga on a crystal clear morning. My loft workout was good, and necessary, but following it with hilltop yoga can’t be beat. Our instructor is Cat, who’s fairly new to yoga herself–about six months in–and her love and enthusiasm for it adds an element of charm to a lovely practice.
BW decrees an early for us lunch. It’s just too beautiful a day not to take advantage so Jason and I walk, Kat bikes, and BW drives the car around as we have plans to drive to the river later. We spot a couple of hawks circling, higher and higher, just gliding up in the air. They’d called out–that amazing sound–but now just circle in silence.
Before long, they’re joined by another, then two more. Five hawks gliding, circling, up high, slowly down. I think as one is considerably smaller, this may be a lesson. But I’m sure I’ve never seen five hawks dancing together before, and it’s something to witness.
We have our last lunch on the porch, all sunlight, warm, impossible views, happy service. Apparently we’ve broken the record for length of stay. Sweet! The owner’s dog–Fenway as he’s a Red Sox fan–wanders around. A beautiful Bovier (SP?), who’s obviously quite at home.
Then we stage our annual family panoramic shot in the little sports/game area. Jason’s been eyeing that spot for this purpose, and he and Kat have a plan. Work out the details, and BAM, one take! We are so very cool!
We drive off, head for the river as BW wants photos. It’s a gorgeous day for it. We pull off at one point, walk along looking for a reasonably safe way down. The land is rough, rocky, steep, but we manage. It’s so worth it–though I spot some scat I think might have been left by a bear. A beautiful stretch of river, water humming over rocks, sun sparkling. BW’s hauled his tripod, and does his thing. Kat and Jason have hauled their long lens, and do theirs. I sit on a big rock, take a few shots with my phone and just enjoy.
BW wants a family shot, resets, fiddles with the timer–realizes he won’t make it and hams for his camera. Reset–closer—try again. Decide to set again from a different angle, and ta-da, we have it.
Now it’s climb up, and that’s interesting, but no mishaps. We decide to drive on to River Camp, do some more photos from and around that rocky beach. Fine with me, as there’s another big rock for sitting. Jason and BW wade right through the water to the little grassy island where Jason climbs on top of a big-ass rock and BW sets his tripod and camera.
There’s apparently a guy working in the kitchen, but otherwise, it’s just us, the river and the sky. A pretty great way to spend an hour.
Back home to take a breather before our big Chuck Wagon night. Spot a young buck and a doe enjoying the shade near our cabin. Kat believes they’re on a date. I must agree.
Dress in layers. It’s warm now, but when the sun goes down, it’ll be a different story. A van takes us and another group of four to a little dirt road where the chuck wagon waits. Our cowboy greets us, introduces us to his two dogs–Chevy a Border Collie and Maddy an Australian Shepherd (with amazing blue eyes). Our big, beautiful horses are Lightning and Strike. Maddy hops up to sit with our cowboy and his wife (also the driver), we climb into the back, and off we go.
The big horses trot along the bumpy road. It’s a fun experience for us, but as our driver points out, this wagon has rubber wheels. I imagine bumping along on the way west would’ve been a different experience.
The camp’s set up on another beautiful spot by the river. Huge grills, a big camp fire (as some restrictions have been lifted), picnic tables, a bar, and entertainment in the form of banjo and ukelele. Time for wine, and a wander. I have to tell BW he wants to check out this bend of the river, as it’s just lovely.
The dogs wander, too, enjoy the attention.
The food is far, far superior to what cowboys would’ve chowed down on a trail ride. Crisp, fresh salads, mouth-watering ribs (the scent of them cooking has already decided my choice) grilled chicken, potatoes, beans, and Tomahawk steaks. We eat more than our fill in the shade with the dogs hopeful for a scrap. This is followed by stupendous berry cobbler, and S’Mores.
During dessert, where we gather around the camp fire, we’re treated to music and cowboy poetry. So charming, so interesting. Lovely to sit, a fire crackling, the light turning soft, and hear poetry and music born in this part of the world.
On the ride back, the sun sets, blurring the horizon with pink.
Back home, start packing, and hope somehow everything will fit.
Those of you who said backpack or baby carrier on yesterday’s mystery, we think you’re correct. BW actually has his father’s ancient backpack, and says this is the frame for it. And it certainly looks like something you might’ve carried a baby in.
Thanks for playing!
This morning, a last, lovely sunrise, then packing. BW and Kat head out for breakfast, then we’ll haul our bags and bodies out of our cabin, our pretty two-week home– and head to the airport.
We wanted to do something completely different this year. We succeeded, and spent two weeks experiencing the wilds and the wonders of Montana. I doubt it’s our last visit, but it’s certainly been the best.
Nora
Thank you so much for taking the time to share your adventures. I’m not a traveler, but I’ve enjoyed every bit seen through your eyes. 🙂
What a wonderful trip! Feel like I was there. Thanks so much. Safe journey home!!
Thank you Nora for the wonderful glimpse of Montana. As always fabulous!
Bouvier des Flandres! I guessed on that and double checked the spelling. Gotta love Google!
Thank you for sharing your wonderful trip and all the gorgeous scenery featured in the photos. Safe travels home!
Thanks for taking time to include us, in your trip. I looked forward to it daily. Please tell BW – if he gets bored running the store, he can have a second career as a very successful photographer. His photos are all stunning.
What a wonderful two week vacation! Thank you for sharing with us. You made me feels as if I was there. I enjoyed the stories, pictures and quizzes you took the time to give to us. Have a safe trip home! Thank you!
I feel as if I were on the vacation, too. I’ve never been to Montana but have I now feel as if I had been. Thanks for all the beautiful pictures and descriptions!!
I am adding my thanks as well. Even though I probably have cousins there I won’t ever be able to visit I saw it through your descriptions and everyone’s photo. I especially loved the panoramic one as well as the beautiful beautiful sunset ones.
Thank you again for including us in your adventure.
Kat was likely right – considering the time of year – that buck was probably whispering all kinds of promises in that doe’s ear. Thanks so much for sharing another vacation with us! Beautiful descriptions and pictures – loved the panorama shots! Safe travels home!
Thanks for sharing. It’s sad leaving after a great vacation, but always good to get home!
Thank you for this according to the comments a holiday enjoyed by so many. Safe journey home! I am getting ready for online shopping- books as there are books to order.
I’m glad you and your family were able to experience what we who live here only sometimes forget to appreciate. It’s been wonderful reading of your experiences and know that it only makes me feel more blessed to be able to say I am a Montanan. Come back any time. 🙂
Thanks for sharing your trip. Glad you enjoyed it.
So glad you took us along with you on this fabulous vacation. I thoroughly enjoyed tagging along with you guys and seeing the sites through your words and pictures Thanks Nora and family!!!
PS tell BW,Kat, And Jason Their pics were fabulous too!
You and I do the same thing . My husband is a photographer and I will often find myself sitting on a rock in the Rocky Mountains while my husband snaps pictures. Thank you for sharing your adventures in Montana.
Thanks for sharing!! What a terrific place to visit! Very interesting….beautiful pictures…..and how fast 15 days went!
I have enjoyed your ventures in Montana. Amazing pictures. Make me want to visit there one day. Safe travels home.
Sounded like a great vacation. Makes me want to visit. Thanks for sharing. See you in about a week at the next signing.
I have so enjoyed our virtual vacation! Thank you for sharing!
I’ve had such an wonderful trip. Thank you so much for taking me along! Every experience and new sight has been one I’ve always wanted to do or see. Can’t wait for the next one.
The whole state is a great vacation area. The southern part is scenic too. You picked the perfect time to go. I enjoyed your daily blog.
What an amazing adventure you took us on. Thank you SO much for sharing with descriptions only you could write.
I see that your beautifully descriptive writer’s brain never turns off. I feel as if I were on this trip with you. Thank you for the beautiful pictures and magical memories. I feel so relaxed and in love with Montana country.
Thanks for so generously sharing your personal time. I’ve always wanted to do what you’ve been doing these past two weeks and have thoroughly enjoyed every post and picture!
I cannot thank you enough for sharing your lovely vacation with us. I woke up each morning so eager to get to your email. What a treat!!! I so love reading about your day to day experiences, whether your on a trip or just gardening around your home. Thank you again!!
Thank you so much for sharing your family vacation with us!! The photos were wonderful and truly made me feel like I was there with you!