I should back up though - the adventure actually started last Thursday, when we boarded a flight bound for Bozeman, Montana to attend the second family reunion of the summer - this one representing Peter's side of the family.
The Location: Paradise Valley, Montana
The Players: Hennebrys, Hesserts, and Maddens, (oh my!)
The Genre: Non stop, wild west, cowboy-inspired adventure
My Role: The sharp shooter's wife
Act I
Our arrival. (I wore my cowboy boots for effect.) We gathered at the Hessert Ranch, explored the land on the Ranger, and anticipated, then welcomed the arrival of each family member. There was hiking that afternoon, followed by trap shooting and my first rodeo in the evening. There was a big poker game that night, but my geriatric bed time kept me away from the saloon.
Act II
The day started with breakfast at the local bakery. Then we were all off to swim in the Boiling River at Yellowstone. For a girl who grew up swimming in pools and soaking in jacuzzis this was a first. We did a driving tour through Yellowstone that afternoon; saw elk, antelope, buffalo, and coyotes. Then that night, we gathered once again at the Hessert Ranch for Manhattans and Whiskey Sours in mason jars, a wonderful dinner, a photo shoot, and some charades around the fire place.
Act III
Breakfast at Wildfire Bakery again, then fishing in the alpine ponds on the famous Story Ranch - home to the original settlers of this part of the country. That afternoon the group jumped in tubes and floating about 7 miles down the river. Again, a first. I'm used to amusement parks filling the void for this kind of activity. That evening brought live bluegrass music, a barbecue, and a bubbling brook.
Act IV
This was the shortest part. We did an early morning soak at Chico Hot Springs and ate all we could for breakfast at the hotel's buffet. Peter and I liked the look of things around this place, so signed up to stay here for the remainder of our vacation. Everyone got on the road after that and the 2012 family reunion officially came to an end, but with thunderous applause from the crowd.
The thing is, despite the high drama of the setting, the perfectly cued bluegrass music, the most tender flank steak under the mountains, the constant comedic relief provided by some of the biggest characters, and the quirky costumes, it was all real. No one was acting. This is just how amazing, original and fun Peter's family is. And I couldn't be happier to be a part of it.
Adventures in Montana Part II starts now ...
Lo.
