Summer Family Adventure - #113

It is now Labor Day weekend, the official end to the summer vacation season; how did it go by so fast? 

We ended our summer with a wonderful family trip. It had been years since my immediate family were all together; not easy when we’re separated by an ocean. We planned this adventure a year ago; the time always seems so far off but then it arrives…passes - but leaves wonderful memories! 

Originally, we had discussed visiting an island - but quite frankly, I’ve had enough of those.  I do love the ocean, but I get my fill during our time in Mississippi and even at home when we visit Plymouth.  But, I hadn’t visited any of the northwest states or National Parks in that area - so we decided on Yellowstone. I heard a lot of great things about Bozeman, Montana, too. And so it was decided! 

We arranged to meet up at the Bozeman Airport on Saturday 8/16; Charlie, me, Brooke, Rakib and the kids on our flight from Boston; Holly and Greg from Paris via an overnight stop in Seattle, since Paris does not fly into Bozeman. We picked up our spacious and comfortable 15 passenger van and the eight of us, along with lots of luggage, headed to our Air B&B house in Big Sky.  

If you’ve never been to this corner of Montana, it is absolutely stunning! 360 degree views of mountains, lakes. The population is small, houses are spaced far apart, roads are great and traffic is null. The air is sweet but the higher elevation of 6-9000 feet we experienced can be a little taxing especially when your norm is sea level. For people who love the outdoors and still young enough to participate, this is a great place to live! The downside is the cost.  Even though there is no sales tax, it is very expensive. And winters are laden with snow - but if you are a skier - I guess that’s a good thing!

We ate at several restaurants and had great meals - the best hamburgers, barbecue! At our rental house, we prepared our breakfast and lunch daily; one night we broiled hot dogs for dinner.  

Our activities included ATVing ( which I did not do as little Wally could not participate so he and I hung out), lots of hiking, archery, shopping and taking in that glorious scenery! Our house also had a hot tub and was extremely comfortable with four bedrooms and 4-1/2 bathrooms.

                                  Lone Peak 

After our 5 day stint in Big Sky, we headed to West Yellowstone for our 3 night stay at Parade Rest Guest Ranch. We rented two log cabins and arranged for the all inclusive package - which provided for all meals at the dining hall, cookout, hayride and horseback riding. The whole family rode - though at different times.  

We arrived Wednesday 8/20 which happened to be Wally’s 6th birthday. With dinner that evening, the ranch provided a delicious homemade birthday cake to celebrate! 

Well in advance of our trip, I hired a private guide to take us through Yellowstone.  This was the best money I ever spent! Amy was fantastic - extremely knowledgeable, passionate, kind and caring. She met us at 9 am at the ranch; we took off in our van to the “Park”. Yellowstone National Park is amazing! The unique geological features, wildlife, people communing with nature including an eventual E.L.E* percolating below- it is a truly spiritual experience! The ranch packed us lunch and water to go in a cooler which we munched on while waiting for Old Faithful to blow! We visited geysers, hot springs, mud springs, lakes, waterfalls, canyons  - endless beauty! Definitely a once in a lifetime event! We returned to Parade Ranch after 6 pm just in time for dinner- it had been a full day!

                            Old Faithful 

Horseback riding at the park was fun! I was so impressed with Deena and Wally’s ability to ride with no fear! They did great!

We also enjoyed a cookout one evening which included a hayride for some of us ( others went riding) and entertainment. We really had a great time at the ranch!

Eventually it was back to Bozeman for an overnight near the airport and then we all went our separate ways the following day - the six of us to Boston; Holly and Greg back to Seattle and then Paris. They really had some major travel and time changes.  

So what’s in store for next year? Well- we’re thinking about meeting up in France! Hopefully we can make that happen! 

*E.L.E - Referencing movie Deep Impact.