Friday, June 30, 2017

Day 14: Polson, Montana

It was an early morning departure, so the bus was quiet with sleepy passengers for most of the ride. About midday, we took a break from traveling for a picnic. The chefs at the ranch never let us go hungry and these bagged lunches hit the spot, even if it was an early meal. 










The main event of our day was whitewater rafting in Polson, Montana.  There were definitely mixed emotions about this adventure. Some of the crew was nervous but others were excited! The guides of the Flathead Raft Company calmed our fears with reassuring words and safety instructions.





The sun was out and the water was crisp, but this warm weather was a welcome reprieve from our last few days at the ranch. The kids had fun splashing each other, jumping in the river, and even though one group ended up in the water, laughter and singing echoed off the mountain walls. There are 5 major rapids in the lower Flathead River. The most famous and challenging, called Buffalo, was a level "3 plus" rapid. The entire crew made it through the trip all in one piece! 








Excited chatter and shared experiences filled the bus ride back to the hotel. The staff of the KwaTaqNuk fixed us up an interesting and eclectic dinner of "Indian tacos." Although most were skeptical, there weren't any leftovers. The group socialized about their day and enjoyed the beautiful sunset over the mountains that surround Flathead Lake. We were able to congregate and snag an incredible group picture with a perfect backdrop. What a beautiful site to cap off a wonderful day. Tomorrow we finally hit the West Coast as we travel to Seattle.


Link for rafting pics:


https://flatheadraftco.smugmug.com/Rafting-2017/June-/Winston-Salem











Thursday, June 29, 2017

Day 13: 320 Guest Ranch

There's nothing more relaxing than waking up to the sound of a steady rain on a tin roof. That is exactly what we experienced this morning at the 320 Guest Ranch. The kids headed to the dining hall to find a delicious breakfast of sausage, eggs, hash browns, cereal, fruit, toast, the whole spread. The ranch really knows how to spoil us! 



Around 9:00 am we made our way to West Yellowstone to visit the Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center. This wildlife center rescues animals that are unable to be released back into the wild. Most of he  bears for example, are there because they had been caught getting into human food and would then be dangerous to nearby communities. The bears were quite rambunctious today. One was trying to open a YETI cooler and two others were bear fighting in the pond. 





Also, the crew got to witness a gray wolf feeding! The animal keepers have to trick the wolves by bringing them into a shelter and then spreading bobcat urine, bones, and meat for them to come out and find. The kids said it was like an Easter egg hunt, which describes it perfectly! There were two packs of wolves at the center separated by a fence. While one feeding was going on, the other pack was howling and pacing back and forth! It was definitely one of the coolest moments at the discovery center! For the strength of the wolf is the pack, and the strength of the pack is wolf! 




Afterward, we walked next door to the IMAX movie theater to watch "Yellowstone." The movie portrayed the fascinating history of the park from its early days as an Indian paradise to its current status as one of America's crown jewels of national parks. During the movie, the kids enjoyed treats like buttered popcorn and milkshakes from a vending machine!










Not long after lunch, we gathered at the riverfront for the annual Grand Western Tour Volleyball Tournament. The chaperones designated 8 teams originally A through F. A few days ago, each team picked out uniforms and decided on a team name. The outfits were creative to say the least! We had a round robin style tournament with 2 pools. A big congrats to  Team G, also known as the Pussy Cats on your victory and the A Team and the Dab Cats as first and second runner ups! 
























Our evening ended with pizza and free time to hang out on the ranch. Most enjoyed the camp fire, danced to music, passed a football, or practiced their lassoing skills. There is definitely something special about the 320 Guest Ranch!

Wednesday, June 28, 2017

Day 12: 320 Ranch (Big Sky, Montana)

Picture a quiet place just north of Yellowstone Park, and just south of Big Sky Ski Resort, where the pristine Gallatin River winds through sage and towering pines, and mountains rise up all around you against crystal blue skies. That's where you'll find the 320 Guest Ranch. And it's where our kiddos discovered a bit of cowboy and old west for themselves.




Groups split into two as half saddled up horseback to tackle some winding, climbing trails, while the other half laced up their sneakers and boots to explore the same wildnerness on foot. The morning hikers found out very quickly the importance of sticking together on hikes as a wolf was spotted. Thankfully, bluetooth speakers and loud clapping helped secure a safe scenic trek. The horseback riders were guided through the forest trails by professional wranglers. They quickly learned their horse's names, how to steer, and how to stop. Some of the horses were talkative and feisty, making a few kids a bit timid, but the only comments heard once both groups finished was how absolutely "awesome" and "fun" the horseback riding experience turned out to be, even though the skies opened up, and the weather turned from picture perfect to thunderous and torrential. Some got soaked, some snuggled up, but they all found ways to relax with limited wifi! We took our annual GWT group picture, getting creative and working around the weather. 







Later in the evening, we walked down to The Point for a community BBQ. The entirety of 320 Guest Ranch has been treating us like family. This place really feels like visiting friends, rather than just a place to lay our heads. A few of the wranglers complimented our kiddos saying they just loved their southern manners and that they were a very well behaved group of teens. The kids continued their singing shenanigans down at the barbecue by serenading in unison with the guitarist of the tent to tunes like Brown-Eyed Girl, Big Green Tractor, and Wagon Wheel to name a few. Free time was given, before another storm rolled in, so the fire was stoked, the pigskin got thrown, hoops were shot, washers thrown and a small group even practiced their lassoing skills. The kids are finding the great outdoors to truly be just that; GREAT! :)