Day 2: Wyoming Skies

There is something about the skies in Wyoming and Montana. Even though it's Montana that snagged the "Big Sky Country" motto, Wyoming has its own fair share of beautiful overhead views.  We woke this morning to temps in the high 50s, and a sky so brilliantly blue and cloudless that it seemed nearly unreal.

Papa Bear, Tinkerbell and "Paul" were all still asleep when the sun filtering through the burlap curtains tickled my eyelids open at 5:30 AM. Once the sun peeks, there is no further sleep for me. I wish I could, but I need a vampire lair in order to stay asleep once the blazing ball of flame makes herself known. I tiptoed out of bed, showered and dressed in jeans, t-shirt, long sleeve button down and slip on tennis shoes. I grabbed a book, my glasses and cell phone before heading to the lodge.

There were other early birds in the dining room and we all exchanged "good mornings". Tim, the head cowboy and co-owner of the Lodge, was up and had coffee (that blessed caffeinated elixir) hot and ready. I'd intended to just sip my coffee and read my book on the back porch overlooking the creek, but struck up a pleasant conversation with some of the other guests. We talked for a good forty-five minutes before Papa Bear joined us. 

We continued our conversation, interspersing it with joyful exclamations as an entire troupe of hummingbirds buzzed outside the dining room window as they jockeyed for position at the feeders. There were at least a dozen that came and went in dizzying feats of acrobatics fighting for dominance. I'd never realized how LOUD those things actually are, and was amazed at the variety of vocalizations they made. Even as we sat there admiring the hummingbirds, a juvenile moose cantered across the clearing and disappeared into the forest on the far side of the Lodge. I wasn't quick enough with my camera to get a photo, but had it close at hand in case mama moose decided to show. She didn't and I was disappointed. Maybe tomorrow.....

Tinkerbell and "Paul" joined us about 7:00 AM and we chatted amicably about what the day would hold concerning activities. The Lodge staff came and took our order for a cook to order breakfast, which came out promptly and correctly. The bacon, over-medium eggs, crispy hashbrowns and buttery toast were the perfect way to start the day. We took our time enjoying the food and planning out the day.

We still had a bit of time to kill before our 9:30 horseback ride, so I transferred outside to the porch listening to the creek ramble while reading. Papa Bear joined me and it was nice to just enjoy the quiet and peacefulness that comes with knowing there are no expectations, no agenda and no pressure to do anything other than exactly what you want to do.

The ride briefing time rolled around and we all assembled at the barn where our trusty mounts waited. Papa Bear was paired with Boulder, a true Appaloosa, and I got Foster, a large rusty red Sorrel, who appeared to be very sleepy.  The guests were allocated into two groups, ours the latter and consisting of 6 guest riders, Tim (lead cowboy) and an assistant cowboy to make sure no one got lost on the ride.  Then we were off with Tim commentating as we ambled through the Medicine Bow National Forest area. 

It was a gentle ride, letting us get used to our horses and they to us. The Lodge Dogs, Roper and Magnum, trailed along with us flushing out birds and just being good hearted companions.  We rode through aspen groves, across sagebrush flats and through fields of wild flowers in full bloom. Tim kept a running commentary and answered questions, pausing to snap photos of the group and led us on an hour and a half trip through some beautiful countryside. 

We returned to the corral at 11:00, dismounted and left our trusty steads to the capable hands of the staff. I popped into the cabin to change shoes and shed the long sleeve shirt, as the temps had risen into the mid-70s. I grabbed my laptop and headed into the Lodge to post the travel day content while waiting for lunch, which followed promptly at 12:30, and consisted of a luscious tomato soup and crispy grilled cheese on sourdough.

After the morning ride, we had about an hour to rest, relax and freshen up before lunch. The day was gorgeous and we took our soup and sandwich combo out on the back porch listening to the sounds of Barrett Creek, and trying to avoid the kamikaze hummingbirds that kept whizzing by our heads.

The great thing about these types of vacations is that you can do as much or as little as you like. After lunch, Tinkerbell and "Paul" opted for the 2:00 pm horseback ride which took them up into the National Forest and off trail with Tim.  Papa Bear opted for a nap. I worked on the blog a little and then found a comfortable chair in the sunshine next to the creek and read for a couple of hours. It was bliss. About 3:30 I popped back into the cabin to rouse Papa Bear for the 4:00 pm activities.

We and several others rode in the back of the ranch pickup over to the on-site shooting range where our friendly activity directors set up both skeet and target shooting. 12 and 20 gauge shotguns along with 22 rifles were available to shoot.  Tinkerbell, "Paul" and Papa Bear all did great with the skeet shooting. I will never be chosen to try and take down winged animals for dinner. I missed all three, but that's ok.

Tinkerbell and I opted to walk back to the Lodge and ice down the evening's cocktail selections while the guys took turns on the rifles. She and I sat on the back deck where I was again dive bombed by a hummingbird - at least it didn't poop in my drink.

Dinner (sorry no pictures - was too hungry!) was smoked salmon with pearl couscous and zucchini. It was followed by homemade cheesecake and berries. Delicious!!! Chef Debbie has made amazing food at every meal, and there is the "Bottomless Cookie Jar" that is currently filled with soft iced oatmeal cookies. Dangerous!  We had dinner out on the back deck as a group and just really enjoyed talking about our day and planning for tomorrow.

The evening was pretty sedate, and consisted of finishing up the game of Chicken Foot that we had started the first night. Tinkerbell kicked all of our butts.  They guys opted to hang out by the campfire while Tinkerbell and I soaked in the hot tub. Soooooooo good to have that hot water and jets after the day of riding. Shortly after, it was a quick shower and then to bed, where I had absolutely no trouble getting to sleep.