Happy Thursday, sweet friends. We had a fabulous getaway and it was fun to read your comments on Sunday’s post about our whereabouts!
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.”
Psalm 18:2
We returned for the second time to a favorite place, a Montana hideaway. You are invited to meet us in Montana!
Montana is known to most folks as Big Sky Country. The views and landscapes are incredible as you can see! And, if you ever have a chance to visit Montana, you will quickly understand and agree, this is truly the land of big sky!
Last week we returned to Triple Creek Ranch, set in the breathtaking Bitterroot Mountain Range of the southwestern Montana Rockies. A proud member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux, Triple Creek Ranch offers an epicurean, all inclusive experience of refined rustic elegance, gourmet cuisine, and warm welcoming, five star service. Our first visit was late summer of 2014 with our son and daughter-in-love. You can see that visit here and here. BTW…these posts were two of our earliest, only 3 or 4 weeks from our inaugural beginning of Everyday Living!
This scene looks a lot different than a similar pic made in the summer. We were returning from a fun time dogsledding. We hope to share that with you in a follow up post where we plan to concentrate on art and activities!
Around 5 inches of snow fell during the night and early morning of our second day on the ranch. This is the main entrance to the lodge. The timing of the snow was perfect and made everything absolutely magical!
As the afternoon cleared, the sunshine and blue skies brought more perfection to a day that had already brought more beauty and excitement than we could have planned if we were in charge. (And of course, we are not in control of such things)!
The ranch offers meals served in your cabin, so we never had to leave our private secluded space if we chose not to. But, this was our path to dinner each evening in the main lodge. This particular evening we were arriving shortly after sundown. We had no meals in our cabin, and I think you can see why! Which would you choose?
The dining room is definitely a room with a view. We slid in during the afternoon after everything was set for dinner and found it a great time to photograph the empty space, empty of humans that is. As you can imagine, this is a busy and popular place…
…because the food at Triple Creek is fabulous and eating was one of the highlights of our stay. There is never a time that you cannot find something to delight yourself in as far as food, and we might add, calories. However, we don’t count calories on vacation!
Trapper cabin, our Montana hideaway, is appropriately named after nearby Trapper Peak, southwest Montana’s highest mountain at 10,157 feet. The peak rises over 6,000 feet above the Bitterroot Valley and is the highest in the Bitterroot Range. The luxury cabin was a suite and had so much space and nice amenities! We learned it was one of the first cabins built on the ranch.
An overall view of the cabin…the porch wrapped all the way around back where we stood often and watched elk as they passed, mostly in the early morning and late afternoon. Beautiful animals!
Instead of removing lights after Christmas, the decision was made to leave lighting in place for a while. We were so glad they did. The tree in front of Trapper greeted us day and night and the snow added to the ambiance, especially at night.
As we stepped inside, we were immediately taken by this living space, its artwork, western decor, and of course, a lot of goodies to welcome us. A little bird had also informed the staff that we were celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary, so a bottle of champagne greeted us. Every morning fresh baked cookies, trail mix, and fruit were left on the table by the door. The cabin had a wood burning fireplace which we enjoyed each evening. You can see through into the bedroom and on into the bath, which actually featured double bathrooms and vanities, and shared a very large shower, complete with steam options!
How about a private hot tub on the back porch just of the bedroom! We did enjoy this so much, but learned to make the 10 foot trek from the cabin in and out of the water a fast move. This was especially nice after our in-cabin couples massage. Our only company was a resident squirrel which came each day to eat fir cones on the rail by the tub! He wasn’t a bother.
This photo looked almost like an oil painting when we pulled it up to review the pics of the day. Kind of a haunting yet intriguing shot that we captured while taking a late afternoon walk to the elk meadow. You will likely see the elk meadow in a future post.
Our path to the lodge looked a bit different with fresh powder. It was sunny and in the 70’s in Alabama this day. Someone asked if we were jealous and missing that weather, but we replied… not at all! We don’t get to enjoy such as this at home, and it is predicted to be in the 70’s next week around our place so we didn’t miss out!
Heading to breakfast in the falling snow was a delight. Nick, the chef in charge of the morning extravaganza always came out to our table and checked on us. Such a personable guy and excellent at what he does. He introduced us to some local bacon that we both agree is the best ever. We will share a bit more about the food, kitchen, and kitchen staff in another post.
These friends followed us all along the fence as we took a walk by the horse pastures and stable area. They have a room with a view!
Thank you for your visit and gracious comments.
Happy trails to you, until we meet again!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch,Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
A beautiful post as always! Congratulations and blessings on your anniversary ❤🤗❤
Thank you my sweet friend ♥️
What a beautiful part of the country and getaway to celebrate your anniversary! Montana is on our bucket list and the timing of the snow flurries during your stay makes everything look magical! Thank you for my virtual visit this morning. ♥
I am so glad you came along. We highly recommend Montana for its big blue sky, gorgeous landscapes, friendly people. Thank you, Mary ♥️
Montana is definitely a special place. Thank you for sharing. Happy Anniversary!!!!
Thanks so much, Gail. It was an amazing trip!
Breathtaking!! These photos are absolutely breathtaking! I’ve always said the best way to enjoy winter is to go visit it, and you guys timed it perfectly, with spectacular views. One question- did you later come to find you were there as the spy balloon passed over MT? If so, ignorance was part of your bliss! Looking forward to seeing more from this trip.
Thanks so much, Rita. The spy balloon pass over had already happened. But we
did hear that some air space in MT had been closed a couple of days before we returned home.
Gorgeous, looks like a wonderful place to visit in winter. Bring some of that snow back for us!
Thank you, Carole. It was a a fabulous getaway!
What a great trip to celebrate this special anniversary. All your photos and descriptions of your trip are really amazing. Montana is number one on my bucket list. Can’t wait to see the elk and other photos from your trip. Continue to celebrate.
Thanks so much, Dianne. I told Butch we should celebrate all year!
Oh Pam! What a gorgeous and romantic spot to spend your anniversary. It’s magical, isn’t it? Right down to the snow and the tree lights (which I’m glad they left!). I’m sure you’ll have more post and I can’t wait for them. Montana has never called me but after seeing this, I might well rethink that — it’s a stunner.
Jeanie, thank you and it was one of our best trips ever. Montana is a beautiful state and the people are friendly and welcoming!
It looks magical! I am so glad you had a blast. I know the food was delicious. How exciting to have fresh fallen snow. The resort sounds wonderful land the mountain views lovely.
I’m sure you will share more. I look forward to that.
Thank you, Bonnie. It truly was one of our best trips.
I can see why you’d choose to spend s special occasion there. With all the snow,it’s like a fairy land. I’ve only been to Montana once, but your photos make me want to return.Your special place is definitely tempting.
Thanks so much, Linda. You would love the ranch!
Good morning, Pam! This place looks amazing! Thanks so much for sharing your trip with us. I’m so happy that you had a wonderful time, and I look forward to reading more about this lovely place. I’m definitely putting it on my bucket list. Happy Thursday, sweet friend!
Thanks Shannon. I could have stayed on for a couple more weeks, but I am afraid my clothes would not fit by then! Happy Weekend!
This looks fantastic, Pam!!
Ken, it truly is a fantastic place. You and Jill would love it! I hope you all are doing well!
Oh my gosh what a beautiful way to celebrate your 50 blessed years together. Just amazing and Gorgeous. Have a beautiful rest of the week. Hugs. Kris
Thank you, Kris. It was one of our best trips ever!
Pam xoxo
Sure you had a wonderful trip to Montana.its a different world from Alabama. In my part of the world I would be looking for warm weather and NO SNOW! It was 4 degrees and 5 to 6 more inches of snow on top of what was already there. I’m house bound not wanting to fall on the ice. The food looked delicious. I liked that calories don’t count on vacation. Our plans going to Cabo we’re cancelled due to health issues. Welcome home. Looking forward to the next installment of the Montana pictures.
Thank you, Alice. It was never too cold while we were there. The food was amazing.
I didn’t know you were planning on a trip to Cabo. I am sorry to hear of health issues, you or hubby?
Blessings ♥️
A perfect way to celebrate your 50th! A spectacular place! Montana is beautiful and Triple Creek looks absolutely fabulous! Glad you had a good time. Thank you for sharing this with us; I enjoyed every pic and the narrative too. I love the lighted tree against the snow. Triple Creek is gorgeous! God’s scenery can’t be beat! It’s so different from our landscape and weather. What a wonderful memory! Congratulations Pam and Butch! Keep celebrating, you deserve it! Clara ❤️
Clara, it was fabulous. We loved it 8 years ago in summer, but winter was truly magical. We were planning to celebrate all month, but I told Butch we should celebrate all year ♥️
You find the most beautiful places, but then again, if you visited a garbage dump, I feel like you’d find the beauty there as well! All of that snow is amazing. It looks like a fairy tale! Just gorgeous. Happy Anniversary!
We love exploring all around us and our beautiful country any chance we have. Thanks so much Leslie Anne!
What an ideal spot to pay homage to your 50 years of wedded bliss…The settings are spectacular and the
Lodge looks like the place to be pampered and feasted. Cannot think of another couple who deserve and
appreciate such gifts of God and nature more than you do, Pam and Butch. Thank you for this vicarious
journey through that sublime corner of our Nation. Blessings ~
Thanks so much, Mary. We had a fabulous time being pampered and we definitely feasted. Blessings and hugs, dear one!
Happy anniversary, Pam and Butch! What a glorious trip you enjoyed! Thank you for taking so many wonderful photos–each one a delight! ‘Especially love that glowing tree in the snow. We too enjoy fairy lights (though not on a tree–on a hutch) after Christmas. They provide a happy glow during winter’s long evenings.
Thanks so much, Nancy. Lights on a hutch sounds delightful!
Happy Anniversary Pam & Butch….what a beautiful Winter Wonderland. I love Montana and have been there often. Thanks for sharing. God has created the most beautiful vistas. Hugs my friends.
We also love Montana. Butch has probably been 15 + times and that was my third visit! Hugs back to you, Kari!
What an incredible spot…absolutely magical! Every detail of your trip sounds like perfection. I can’t wait to see more pictures. You’re right…plenty of time to be hot all summer back home, but that snowfall is a beautiful sight for us Southerners!
Thank you, Roxanne. We really enjoyed the snow and it wasn’t too cold!
Happy 50th Anniversary. Beautiful pictures and with the snow falling.
Thanks so much, Nancy!
Two of my nephews live in the beautiful state of Montana. I would love to visit there some day soon. So glad you had a blessed and incredibly beautiful 50th Anniversary celebration.
Thanks so much, Cindie. Hopefully you will visit Montana one day soon!
Congratulations on your Anniversary ♥️
Thank you, Carol. Have a wonderful weekend!
Wonderful and precious celebration. Congratulations on your 50th Wedding anniversary! Stunning pictures. God bless you both.
Thanks so much, Maristella
What a beautiful get away dear friends for your very special anniversary! These pictures are stunning! Congratulations dear ones!
Thank you, my friend!
Pam
Such beautiful photos. Very nice.
Thanks so much. Have a wonderful week!
Happy anniversary to you both. What a beautiful getaway and such beautiful views! Love, love, love that cabin. Oh I know that you both enjoyed your trip so much. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
It was wonderful, Cindy. Thank you for your sweet wishes! Hugs !
Glorious and breathtaking photos. Yes, Montana is so beautiful. How wonderful to talk with the chef and enjoy the awesome food. The skies are beautiful as is the views. Truly a wonderful place to enjoy your special 50th anniversary.
Thanks so much, Linda. Happy Monday!
Gorgeous photos and I’m so glad you enjoyed your getaway! It looks like a fabulous place to spend a few days and the blue sky is just amazing! I hope you both were thoroughly spoiled while you were there – you deserve it! Can’t wait to hear about the food and arts. Happy Anniversary you two!
Thank you and we were spoiled, Kim!
We were fortunate enough to visit Montana for the first time last summer and we are still talking about the views we were treated to there. I enjoyed this virtual visit back. Your vacation here looks incredible. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks so much, Catherine.
Wow! Such an amazing place! Happy 50th Anniversary to you both! May God bless you with many more.
Thank you so much!