Day 2 …because we spent day one on planes and in airports; on our way to Montana. Big sky country. Land of many childhood day dreams.

Surprisingly we left JFK for Salt Lake on time. As we neared SLC, our airplane hit turbulence and we were delayed landing for almost one hour. Evidently there were 30 mph wind shears. Once we landed we learned that our connection to Missoula was also delayed. We enjoyed a nice snack (butternut squash soup for me; clam chowder and a club sandwich for Tim) in the Delta lounge. We finally boarded a 50 seat puddle jumper for the one hour flight to Missoula, fetched our rental car (Dodge Charger Hemi) and headed out for the 1.5 hour drive to Triple Creek Ranch. Along the way the crazy weather caught up with us, as we drove into a hailstorm.

It was some hail storm

That’s hail on the ground

This morning we enjoyed a delicious breakfast, then set out to explore the ranch on our golf cart. We met the new foals, visited the stables and explored the small pond beyond the pool. We found the yoga studio, Sauna and a small gym.

The foals were born late spring

This Teepee is a landmark on the Ranch…as in “Take a right after the teepee”

The first creek we found

After our time exploring we met up with Dave, who taught us  how to cast for fly fishing. This experience was humbling and fun at the same time. We were chased inside by a brief shower and decided to head up to the lodge for lunch. I had a yummy Mahi-mahi with Sauvignon Blanc and Timmy had iced tea.

Dave perfecting Tim’s form

Dave and Tim…casting lesson

I enjoyed a long hike in the afternoon, Timmy took a nap. At 6:30 we headed to Elk Meadow, the owners’ (Craig and Barbara Barrett) home for pre-dinner Champagne, Sparkling Rose, stunning vistas and wonderful conversation. Dinner was a gastronomic delight. Tim chose beef bourguignonne paired with a lovely red: Domaine La Loyane, Cotes du Rhône, 2016. This wine is a Grenache and Shiraz blend…really super. I loved my black cod. Matt (Triple Creek’s brilliant sommelier) suggested a California Chardonnay …I’m not a Chardonnay fan (don’t like oaky, buttery) but so glad I went out of my comfort zone, because this Morgan, Santa Lucia Highlands, 2017 paired perfectly with the herb tomato vinaigrette that accompanied the cod. Our meal was completed with a yummy strawberry cobbler and vanilla bean ice cream.

I loved this trail

Always a surprise on along the trail