Saddle up podner and get ready to hear about Rhoda's experience "roughing it" in Big Sky, Montana! After sitting about 10 rows back from Tom Brokaw (What a dreamboattoo bad he can't hold a job!) on the plane, Rhoda was totally starstruck and ready for a weekend of adventure at Big Sky's 320 Guest Ranch, her beautiful destination.
And beautiful, she learned, was a tremendous understatement! Rhoda found herself in the middle of untouched wilderness surrounded by a farm, several log cabins, mountains, open air, and a clear blue sky. This ranch was no Hollywood imitation; it was the real deal!
Shortly after she checked in, Rhoda was escorted to her lovely log cabin situated directly on the Gallatin River, where the 1992 classic
A River Runs Through It was filmed starring Rhoda's favorite hunk, Brad Pitt (sigh). The cabin was as cute as could be, complete with a sprawling front porch, an indoor fireplace, two nicely equipped bedrooms, a full kitchen, and a comfy seating area.
The next morning, with a rooster crowing from the nearby barn and the fresh, crisp smell of fall morning air resonating in the atmosphere, Rhoda walked over to the main lodge for breakfast and a tour of the ranch. She was stupefied to find out how large the property wasa whopping 320 acres, hence the nameand toured one-, two- and three-bedroom cabins, bringing visions of exquisite executive retreats swirling inside her head.
The tour ended at the property's Brask Conference Center, where Rhoda was impressed to learn that the facility had the capacity to accommodate up to 200 people and the ability to be broken into several different meeting rooms, perfect for events ranging from confidential meetings to rip-roaring social dances!
Saddle Up and Ride...Afterwards, it was time for a horseback ride! Rhoda hopped on her horse, interestingly named Mr. Nut, and was immediately worried that he would turn out to be quite the wacko, but alas, he was a perfectly behaved steed. Rhoda and Mr. Nut rode off into the mountains for two hours, during which time all she heard were the horses hooves, all she could see was the breathtaking scenery, and all she could smell was the sage brush sprinkled on the ground around every corner, reminding her of the relaxing aromas of a high-class spa.
After a fun night on a hayride and hilarious cowboy poetry told around the bonfire, it was off to Yellowstone National Park for a trip into the wild! As the group entered the park, and just as the guides were explaining what kind of wildlife was in the areapointing out that it was currently elk mating seasonlow and behold, Rhoda's group drove up to a heard of bison crossing the street, and off in the distance she spotted two amorous elk.
The group marveled at the bison from the safety of the vehicle, and then got out to check out the elk. Just as they looked at the two creatures, the male elk let out a thunderous howl and went after the female elk. What happened next is not appropriate for Rhoda to divulge, but let's just say it was an educational experience!
The Ranch Life...Back at the ranch, Rhoda got ready for the grand finale dinner at the luxurious Moonlight Lodge, located in the center of the Moonlight Basin Ski Area, where she indulged in succulent salmon from the resort's on-site restaurant and toured some of the facility's fanciest rooms.
After an adventure-packed weekend, Rhoda came away with a newfound appreciation for the outdoors.
Watch out Montana, Rhoda will return!