We got up at 5:30 this morning because we had a two hour drive to get to our day's activities in Gardiner, Montana. We drove through some of the most beautiful mountainside terrain. On the way we rounded a corner and startled a big moose standing in the middle of the road. He didn't seem to care much for us as he scrambled to get off the road and join his budding standing in the woods about 20 feet away. Further down the road we encountered 6 or 7 buffalo just strolling leisurely down the road (keep in mind this a major highway!). We passed them because we had an appointed time to be at our destination. First we went for a two hour horseback ride through the Gallatin National Forest. We had a delightful guide, Clayton, who has been doing this job for four years. He took us off the 90 acres of "Hell's a Roarin' Ranch" and through the adjacent forest. At one point we stopped on a peak and you could see for miles through a beautiful valley surrounded by snow covered mountains. Clayton was very knowledgeable about the area and discussed not only specific landmarks but the history of the area and relics we happened upon. The best part was that Ronnie and I were the only two people on this tour so we literally got a private tour. As we cut through the forest you could hear the wind blow and hear the sounds of the wood creaking as we were surrounded by fallen trees. At one point Clayton told me that he had heard a bear growl as we were riding through, though none of us saw any evidence of one near by. We giggled because Clayton's horse, Rimrock, pooped his way through the ride, my horse, Kiowa, tried to eat his way through the ride and Ronnie's horse, Hollywood, kept loudly spewing methane gas!
After the ride we went into town for the lunch that was included with our trip: freshly grilled burgers, pasta salad, chips, fresh fruit and THE BEST BROWNIES I HAVE EVER TASTED!!! Delicious! We noted that we were both bundled up and still shivering while the girl grilling the burgers on the rooftop deck was wearing shorts and a tank top. I guess you get acclimated... On to the next leg of our journey...white water rafting.
The Flying Pig Adventure Company supplies everything you need to go white water rafting. You get a wet suit, booties, jacket, a waterproof jacket and instructions for what to do if you happen to get knocked out of the raft! Our guide, Sam, was great! Very friendly and knowledgeable. We traveled 8 miles on the water (which was rushing by at 10,000 gallons per second according to Sam). I might add that the water was a delightful 43 degrees! Now, the wetsuit kept you all warm and snuggly, but God help you when the water splashed you where you weren't covered (hands, face and head).
After rafting we stopped at a little store for a fountain drink. It was funny when the girl making the drinks asked, "Do you want any ice in this drink?"
The day was very cold and cloudy and it even rained and sleeted on us on the way back to the RV. When we did make it back I immediately got in a hot, hot shower and stood there for at least 30 minutes before I felt warm enough to get out and bundle up and settle in for the evening.
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