Mid-Summer Updates

Well, here we are smack dab in the middle of Montana's summer.  But, in reality, we're just getting started!  There's always too much snow to really get into the backcountry any earlier than mid-July, so we've spent the last couple weeks getting stuff ready & doing some day rides.  But, as of this week, things kick into high-gear.  We have "rodeo" week coming up, starting Wednesday.  This is something of a misnomer as there IS a rodeo here in the club, but it's just a small time exhibition and mostly just a way to entertain guests & encourage them to do some day rides.  The first overnight pack trip was Thursday/Friday and so Jeff helped with that, while I prepared the food to send along.

So, 10 days ago, we started setting up Cedar Camp. The first work day, Jeff and I hiked in.

 

We spent the day assembling 10 beds & started work on a bridge.

 

On our hike out, we saw lots of beautiful wildflowers.

 

Jeff rode back in just a few days later with Mike & Jodie (owners in the business) and Jesse (a new hire) to put up tents & teepees and pack in mattresses & bedding.  This week we'll be packing in hay and spending a little more time in camp putting the finishing touches on it.

In addition to Cedar Camp prep, we had day rides nearly every day.  I prepped meals & baking, and then Jeff went on the overnight pack trip to Cedar Lakes with 8 guests as well as Tim & Tom.  We've also been working around the ranch here, moving horses to fresh grass every couple days, taking care of the many potted flowers, running irrigation, etc.  Today we built a firepit (pictures later), cut wood and watched it rain.  We've had a LOT of rain lately which is good for the grass!

Tomorrow, we have a busy busy day.  Church in the a.m. (music is going to be AWESOME), then meet with the seller to get Ben's truck, then back to Big Sky so Jeff can attend an Elder's meeting, then he has to be in West Yellowstone by 10pm for a hood cleaning!  Monday will be filled up with Jeff sleeping late (he won't get home till 4 or 5 am at least), then taking the diesel in to be repaired, and coordinating with Tim as he is considering the purchase of a sleigh or team for this winter.  

Starting Wednesday (as noted above) we get very busy with trail rides, overnight camps, etc.  And, our owners should be back in town any day & will also want rides up here at the ranch.  We LOVE summer!