Ranch at Rock Creek

Summer and autumn have swept past me and I’ve fallen behind on reporting on my adventures…summer trends – rustic romance, endless horizons and ink black night skies, to a bay area resident, the twinkling Montana sky resembles the magical dome of a planetarium. Adventure and glamping make for a superb visit to Ranch at Rock Creek, just a short distance from Missoula.The Forbes Five Star guest ranch has more activities than one can actually enjoy in a week, something for everyone and whenever you feel like moseying out from your rustically elegant and very comfy lodge room or an over the top Glamping Tent, set on the banks of the gurgling Rock Creek. Camping in the most elegant style, bug free, full indoor bath and a roaring stove to ward off the cool night chill. Private homes, lodge rooms and the elegant Glamping Tents easily accommodate a large family gathering. Ski and cross country adventures during winter season or ice-skate atop the frozen Bikini Beach pond; or be lazy and enjoy a sleigh ride around the pristine snow covered Montana terrain.

No schedules, other than meals, this fully inclusive lodge has a small weekly rodeo with tiny cowhands barely able to mount a goat to full-size burly cowpokes and fearless cowgirls willing to take their chances on a bucking bull.

Summer barn dances,horseback riding, archery, fly fishing on a pristine Blue Ribbon Creek, shooting sports, rope courses, geocaching, mountain biking…oh, did I mention the cinema and bowling alley for keeping kiddos occupied after their day at Little Grizzly’s Camp?OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERARanch at Rock Creek is not just for families, great girlfriend glamping weekend or travel with a group of old friends and enjoy memorable experiences combined with rugged adventure.

Executive chef Josh Drage and his team turnout noteworthy meals, seemingly all day long, boundless and bountiful delicious recipes, including braised Elk Shoulder, which was scrumptious! Recipe: http://www.cowboysindians.com/2015/08/recipes-the-ranch-at-rock-creek/OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAGiddy up and call me to reserve Ranch at Rock Creek – Highly recommend!

 

Words of Wisdom – Fly Fishing

Properly Presented Dry Flys Will Catch Fish...after a few hours on Rock Creek with my fishing guide, Riley Fitting, he uttered the prophetic phrase. I was successful in catching two large trout and one baby trout, however it was due to his assistance…as in his shouting: Hook It!

I grew up fishing, my father had three daughters and it didn’t deter him from teaching us one of his favorite pastimes. Not as much fly fishing as baiting with a worm or lure and dropping in a lake or stream. I’ve only recently realized seeing fish in a creek or following the fly downstream is a challenge for my aging eyes. I spent a half day fly fishing at The Brando Island and neither Teihotu or I caught a fish, and I never even saw them in the gin clear sea.

Riley was beyond patient saying my enthusiasm and passion outweighed my rusty skills. Daddy always had a bin on board and you donated cash every time you farmed a fish – you let one get away – I mentioned it to Riley and added the penalty for hooking a branch in the brush behind us…he ended the day with a little extra cash! However, to my relief, he hooked a tree on one of his last casts, so I felt slightly redeemed.

I love the grace and motion of fly fishing and landing a fat trout is still a thrill; as is the sheer beauty of being one with nature and letting all worldly cares ebb and float away. The fly was soaked more than a few times, maybe Riley should have started our session with his mantra…in any event, it was a delightful reminder of my childhood and a few hours of serenity on the water. Thank you Riley, spend your cash well!

Riley Fitting The Art of Fly Fishing

Riley Fitting The Art of Fly Fishing

The Ranch at Rock Creek- Forbes Five Star Lodge

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