What is summer in Big Sky like? Heavenly, to say the least. There are not words to describe the gorgeous sunsets I’ve witnessed this weekend. Friday evening I headed down to Buck’s T-4 to treat myself with a little Montana surf & turf for dinner. On my way down the mountain I caught a glimpse of the sky behind me. The sky looked as if it was on fire, bright, fantastic colors beamed from behind the silhouetted mountains. I pulled over and got outside to watch for a few minutes with awe and great appreciation for the dumbfounding views I am so privileged to witness.
My dinner was also amazing, which included a pan seared elk chop cooked to order perfectly, sautéed lobster with peppers, tomatoes and roasted garlic and a saffron Serrano ham orzo. The bartender suggested a wine pairing of Crios malbec that complimented the food extraordinarily well.
Saturday was a scorcher so I headed to the pool, rested and sun-bathed surrounded by spectacular mountain views.
Sunday was a busy day; I started out by heading to the Big Sky Resort on my mountain bike. From the base area I rode up a trail on Lone Mountain called ‘middle road’, it is a gradual climb, but at over 7500 feet, it certainly gets the lungs working and the heart pumping. The trail will eventually bring you to the top of Andesite Mountain, or you can choose to ride a fun single track through the woods and splendor on the way down. I chose to be adventurous and ride the single track. What an incredible ride, twisting around turns, over rocks and through wildflower patches. As usual there was a wildlife spotting on the ride; I saw a doe resting in the sun on a ski run enjoying the spectacular summer day.
After the mountain biking, I jumped back in the pool to cool off. I cooked a deer steak for lunch and then headed down to Geyser Whitewater (on property next to Buck’s T-4) where I met some friends and our trusty guide and friend Bob. Bob has been guiding whitewater trips since the beginning of time and I was excited to do the Gallatin River like I have never done it before….Bobber style!
Five of us gals jumped into Sweet Pea (Bob’s boat) in an afternoon shower, as soon as we hit the water the sun came out and the surrounding mountains sparkled. The Gallatin river flows through a canyon with high reaching mountains on both sides, spectacular cliff wall and it is home to much wildlife including a small doe we saw posed on the shore of the river as we floated by. The view was astounding as the sun glistened across the water, and the foliaged framed the river and Spanish Peaks stood tall and strong in the background.
The float trip was full of fun and jokes, I am pretty sure my stomach muscles are sore from laughing so hard. Bob has legendary stories from all his years of experience guiding whitewater. A couple of the girls on our trip were new to rafting and were tickled with excitement at every bend in the river. We hooted and howled when each drop of refreshing mountain river water touched our skin. We snickered at the ones that got drenched and waited for our turn as others poked fun at us back. Bob took us through lines in the river I had never experienced and with the ease of a seasoned professional. He had us tied in knots with thrill.
The girls thanked the Bobber with a bottle of every river guides favorite juice; Maker’s Mark and made him a home cooked meal. (Always tip your guide.) Now that’s good old Montana hospitality.
As I headed back home, I noticed yet another breathe-taking sunset, pink, red and gray clouds darting out over green Montana fields with the mountains lining the horizon. Once again, I had to pull over and savor the moment. One thing I try never to do is take this grand state and all its’ wonder for granted.
All good all the time,
Erin
