The Ranch at Rock Creek Part 2

No, that is not bait, that is Bob catching his first fish by way of fly fishing. Catch and release. He is actually relaxed, which makes me happy! And that size of fish is pretty normal, it is the end of the season, or so I am told.

Good morning Ranch at Rock Creek! It is grey and it looks cold out, but I am gonna get my activities on because this place is expensive! For the record, it is all-inclusive, so your food, drinks, tips and activities are all covered. This is a huge motivation for me to not sit around and do nothing. If you'd like a look at what the ranch has to offer in terms of activites, look here, it's impressive! First is a 2 hour hike through the mountains. But not before we hit the breakfast bar and get some coffee, fresh squeezed juice and maybe a little chocolate croissant to split.

The breakfast bar at Rock Creek has an assortment of teas, coffee, espresso drinks, pastries, fresh squeezed juices, fruit, etc. It also turns into a more traditional bar at 11:30. Or earlier. For a hearty breakfast, the restaurant serves up all you could want. Delicious.

After our morning pick-me-up, we walk down to the Rod and Gun to meet our trail guide. The Rod and Gun is where people meet for activities of all kind. Please, please click on the link above, words cannot describe what is available here! Wanna shoot a gun? Wanna shoot a compound bow? Wanna shoot targets? Wanna catch a fishie? Wanna shop for a sweet jacket? It's all at the Rod and Gun. Just click the link.

We head down there and meet our guide. I forget her name (sorry!) but I quickly learn she runs along mountain ridges for fun, so I am a little worried and request the "easy" trail. We climb gently for about 750 feet (according to someone's Garmin watch), enjoy the scenery along the way and then head back down. Here's a little slideshow for your viewing pleasure. By the way, it is not that cold.

Our views walking down to the Rod and Gun, meeting our wonderful trail guide, hiking along the creek past the horse barn and then gradually ascending for an hour. I only stopped once! The way down provided more scenic views. Great way to start a day!

Well that was invigorating, but there must be lunch ready somewhere! Bob and I split an Avocado BLT, then he heads out for skeet shooting while I do an "Art and Nature" class, drawing for two hours looking at the view below. My drawing does not resemble this photo in any way, as I use artistic license. The sun comes in and out, so the light changes by the moment. Tricky. But fun and relaxing.

The subject for my plein air drawing. I spend two hours blocking it in and then drawing little trees and sagebrush. It is not yet done.

Bob has a great shooting lesson, I have a great and private art lesson, since no one else signs up, and now the Seahawks game is on. We pause for a bit to watch, but at 4:30, there is an event called "The Running of the Horses". Basically, the horses go from paddock to pasture. It is quick but pretty. The Seahawks win, BTW, so whatever (I am a Patriots fan).

The running of the horses from barn area to field. They will stay there to graze (and poop) all night and be brought in at dawn. It takes a cowgirl or two to make sure things run smoothly. Some of the horses stay back at the barn to amuse the ranch guests.

We walk back to the Granite Lodge after the horsie show and decide to watch the Patriots game in the Silver Dollar Bar over cheeseburgers and fries. The bar is not open but they rush to set it up and work overtime to get the east coast game on the big screen. If I have not yet mentioned that the service here is exceptional, I will take the time to do it now. Yes, it's not cheap, but it is an experience that stays with you long after you leave, and the staff will do anything to make your stay memorable. We enjoy the dinner but not the game, as the Patriots are handed their first loss of the year by the Ravens. I still don't want to talk about it. Towards the end of the game, I am tired, and ask if they have any cookies hanging around. They bake some for me, served with a steaming hot latte. I enjoy both but go to bed early, high on fresh air, the smell of drawing pencils and horses, yet bitter from the defeat of my team. Tomorrow I have a spa appointment, which will help me get over it. That is the plan, anyway.

Fresh-baked cookies, coffee and wine to lessen the blow of a Patriots loss. They don’t lose often, so if it has to happen, why not here?

It is now Monday morning, another grey wintery day. After a proper breakfast in the dining room, Bob goes for a fly fishing lesson and I head to the spa for a little maintenance before getting in the car and heading to Missoula. The spa is typically closed today (off season), but since I requested a treatment, they arrange for someone to be here. I almost feel bad. Upon my arrival, I learn that the hot water system is down in the spa and they need another half hour. No problem, mimosa time! When I return, the situation is under control. What a lovely spa, take a look.

The interior of the spa, including the front desk, pedicure stations, dressing rooms, sauna and a treatment room. Totally charming!

Spa treatments are one of the few "activities" that are not complimentary, but because I was "inconvenienced" by drinking a free mimosa for 30 minutes while they got the hot water working, I am told my treatment is on the house. So I leave a big fat tip for the lovely woman who came in on a Monday to take care of me.

Bob, by the way, catches an itty-bitty fishy and looks really proud of himself. His idea of relaxing is doing 7 things at once, so the Ranch at Rock Creek really is his kind of place! One last shout-out to the staff, who go above and beyond as a matter of practice. What a great group of people! November is "shoulder season" -- halfway between the two busiest times of year -- so we were able to get in for a two night stay with limited advance notice, but this is not always the case. Should you choose to go, give them advance warning and take advantage of the many wonderful activities provided all day long. The Ranch at Rock Creek is a special place, so if you find yourself in Montana, go there.

Bob and his teeny tiny fish, who looks mad. He put him back in the river.