A hazy start to a lazy day yesterday. Or somewhat lazy. I’ve taken the loft area in the cabin for my workout studio. It feels so good to break a sweat after a week of being mostly down.
And when my gang heads down to The Village for breakfast, I take a walk. Not too far as I don’t know my way around yet, but far enough to top a little hill, watch a trail ride snake through that yellow green grass. Then I backtrack, find a path through the pine forest. So quiet the sound of a falling pine cone is jarringly loud.
I find myself hoping I might see a bear, then think: Are you crazy? I do want to see a bear, but from inside the car or inside the cabin.
After I come back, shower and dress, I hear Kat and BW laughing, then see them pull up on bikes. They beat Jason, who brought back the car.
The haze gives us all a reason to just hang out at the cabin, so I set up–and with a little help from my clever geeks, get my ancient WP going on my new Surface. Writing for a couple hours feels as good as that morning workout. I need my routines.
Then it’s time for BW and I to head off for our treatments. What a lovely set-up, pretty white tents, open in the back so the view and the breeze are part of the experience. I got a rose clay body mask, and I swear by the end my skin felt like butter. I expect without the smoke the view would have been astonishing, but even with it, it’s wonderful. Sort of surreal and spooky.
We see a couple of deer, a young buck with felt antlers and his lady on the way back.
Blissed out, we head back. Some wine, a little fruit and cheese plate from our stores, and my book on the back porch. For those who’ve asked I’m reading Emily St. John Mandel’s Station Eleven thanks to the strong recommendation of TTP’s Janeen. Dystopian world and the traveling players who risk all to bring music and Shakespeare to the enclaves left after the collapse of society. Beautifully written. I’m gobbling it.
While I read, the squirrel who appears to live here scampers around the porch, seems fascinated by the hot tub, even jumps onto a chair near my seat for a moment. And when the wind blows through the pines, it sounds like the ocean. If I look up from my book now and again, I might see a hawk in flight. I hear them calling.
It’s dinner at one of the camp sites tonight–and that’s glamping–glamor camping. It’s a couple miles or so from the cabin, so off we go in our little Kia. Make the turn for Moonlight Camp, and drive, and drive.
Sagebrush fields where deer leap and bound, their white tails flashing. Mysterious pine forests, and a bumpy track of a road. A whole family of deer dash across the road, buck, doe, spotted fawn. They’re beyond gorgeous–especially since they’re not munching in my garden.
We’ve missed our turn, double back, find it. Meals here are in a big tent, open to the views, served family style. Lovely food and wine, from apps to dessert, cheerful and personal service. And kids from the camp riding bikes, a couple who come to dinner with their two dogs–so cute and well-behaved. A little rain falls and we all hope for more, for the fire zones, for the haze.
We’re happy, tired people who all hit the sack early.
This morning I can see the shadows of mountains through a thinner curtain of smoke, and the sun’s stronger. The cowboys rounded up the horses from the pasture, so the day’s begun.
I wonder if I can talk anybody into working out. Otherwise, I’m solo in the loft. Then we’ll see what today brings.
Nora
I love reading your words – whether in your blog or in your books. Thanks so much for sharing this with your fans.
one thing I found out after living in Montana is that God doesn’t make bad scenery in that part of the country. I know that you will enjoy your time there very much
It sounds sooo relaxing. I hope you have a great vacation and the wildfires stay far, far away.
Wow – your description of the woods and your walk immediately made me think of Rowan and the cabin in “Enchanted”. It sounds so beautiful and relaxing. Thank you for sharing with us!
After reading your day two I have this calm relaxed feeling. Like I just had a vacation and I haven’t even left my seat. Thank you Nora for sharing. Montana has always been on my bucket list.
I’m headed to Montana myself week after next so am enjoying reading your “scouting reports.” Have fun!
I strongly recommend a book called Painted Horses. I do believe you will love it. It still affects me after one read. You would find the history of the wests archeology and story poignant. I forget the authors name but the book haunts me in the fact that it is based in the 50s and the main character is one of the first in her field. I warn you it’s more life like and not all happy happy as some books are. Its powerful.
Thanks so much for the book recommendation – I am one of those “nerds” who live to read!
What a great trip. I admire your discipline to workout while on vacation. I’m more likely to consent to a voluntary root canal than workout while I’m away. You’re an inspiration. Have fun!
I know where you are and have been wanting to go there for awhile. I want to stay in the tents! The Christmas season there looks especially fun also but no tents at that time. Fly fishing, horseback riding, hiking and good food & wine! What a great vacation. Enjoy and let us know later how much you liked the resort.
I’m so bummed it’s smokey while you visit Nora! Please come back and visit again – I’m a 5th generation Montanan and as a Western Travel Specialist – I could really show you some truly authentic Montanan resorts that would really captivate you. I hope one day you’ll reach out to me, and I can show you some true Montanan experiences!!! BTW – I was hooked after the Three Sisters trilogy 🙂 Love you!!!!
I’m intrigued by your workouts and wonder if you follow a specific diet also. You look so young and fabulous, Nora! Would you ever consider sharing your exercise and diet tips with us?? Your characters inspire me. I have a secret, a Nora Roberts bookcase. I have been collecting and reading your books for years! Anyway have a great vaca!!
Thanks! No particular diet, though outside of Montana, not a lot of red meat. But I do love a good steak! I workout for 60-90 minutes most every day, and do a variety. Cardio, yoga, pilates, weight training. Pretty much everything.
The photos look lovely, despite the haze. So sad about the fires.
And so odd that I just finished listening to Chasing Fire (again).
Thanks for the book recommendation. Sometimes I get the best book recommendations from the comments on this site.
Have a lovely vacation.
Your writing is magical Nora, whether it is one of your books, or activities in your life….thank you for sharing…….enjoy that beautiful area!
Yea, life is good. This all sounds so magical.
Would you mind telling me where you are? I’ve always wanted to be out in “the wild” in Montana. And where you are sounds like it would be my dream come true.
Judy, I’ll share the location once Nora returns. Laura
It is wonderful to hear about your lovely trip! My daughter is one of the Chef’s at Moonlight Camp. She was so excited to cook for you! And of course since I am a huge fan, was very excited to tell me about it! Enjoy the rest of you trip, it sounds amazing!
Please let your daughter know how much we all enjoyed our meal at Moonlight. It was just fabulous, start to finish.
You find the most wonderful places to stay during your vacations. It’s a shame there is fires burning in Montana. I wonder if there are always fires burning in the Spring/Summer months?