Greetings once again from a Montana hideaway as we feature some of our recent activities there, as well as take a look at a few pieces of the enormous collection of magnificent artwork that abounds throughout Triple Creek Ranch. Activities and art are such an awesome part of the TCR experience, and both are abundant indoors and out!
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.””
Matthew 11:28-30
If you missed Meet Us In Montana, on February 16, we hope you have time to visit!
It is good to be back at the ranch and we are glad you have chosen to meet us in Montana for another visit to one of our favorite travel destinations. We definitely indulged in some fun activities that were firsts for us on this visit! Let’s check it out!
The nearby Bitterroot National Forest offers so many outdoor opportunities in all seasons, but we decided to take on a new winter challenge that was quite different from anything “us southerners” ever dreamed of doing…dogsledding!
I know these folks are all bundled up and this could be anybody, but trust us, Pam occupies the seat in front and Butch rides standing on the back of the sled! And the snow is real!
We were surprised to learn that the dogs were not all Alaskan huskies; but as you can see, quite a mix of breeds. They are so well trained and disciplined and pulling the sled is their favorite thing to do. Two of the lead dogs were named Darby and Hamilton, after nearby Montana towns. A sorta gray guy in the middle was called Eeyore. Winnie the Pooh was not in this team!
Our musher, who was our guide, sled owner, and dog owner was a super guy, and has qualified to run Alaska’s Iditarod. He hopes to be ready to enter the 1,000 mile race within the next couple of years! The first Saturday in March will see the start of the 2023 Iditarod, the only 1,000 mile dogsled race in North America this year!
You can view our short video here!
The artwork throughout the lodge and all the cabins is simply incredible. This was a favorite of several staff members who took time to show us a few pieces that were in areas we did not frequent and would have missed otherwise!
Different works from local artists were displayed each day on easels in the lodge along with the story behind the work and the artists!
We loved this one from Tim Joyner, an artist who resides in nearby Hamilton. It is called “The Outlaws“. Can you identify everyone? If we mentioned Waylon, Willie, and the boys, would that get you started?
If we had to choose a favorite, this would likely be the winner!
Ranch owners Craig and Barbara Barrett are passionate about western fine art and have carefully curated a magnificent collection of original pieces that showcase their exquisite taste, which ranges from classic western artists such as Charles M. Russell and Frederick Remington to contemporary artists including William Matthews and Oleg Stavrowsky. As we previously mentioned, stunning artwork graces the walls of the Main Lodge and each of the guest cabins. On Sunday evenings in the summer, guests are often invited to Elk Meadow, the Barretts’ personal residence, for a tour of their private art collection.
In 2014, we were not only privileged to join the Barretts’ and view their personal collection, but had dinner at Elk Meadow. A very unique and special time. You can check out that visit here!
This bronze bighorn sheep resided in the pines in front of our cabin.
These two require a lot less attention and care than some of the other horses on the ranch!
A rather mean looking bison, but he never bothered us as we came near on several occasions!
We were careful around this little one in case mama was around!
These wonderful bronze pieces stand just above the main lodge entrance and are there to greet you when you arrive…
…and in case you miss the horses, Mr. Moose is along the path near the front doors!
A really fun activity that we had scheduled was a culinary plating class. One of the talented chefs at TCR conducted the class. I had signed for both of us to attend, but wasn’t sure if my RM would enjoy it, but he did! On a side note, there were two other couples in the class. We could not believe they were from Birmingham, only sixty miles from our home! There were also three amazing young men that were servers from Birmingham.
The chef demonstrated the plating of an appetizer. It truly is an art form that was more difficult than I realized. He began by using a paint brush and a sauce that he smeared as the base for the appetizer. This was harder than it looks to get just the right amount and not too much! We were working with sea bass, several sauces, seasonings, etc. We were too busy for me to stop and write out all the different ingredients that were available for us to use.
You might notice deep concentration as I was creating my first plating! I decided that an avocado sauce would be attractive on the dark brown plate!
This was my second appetizer plating using a lighter colored plate. Obviously, I need more practice, but both appetizers were delicious! Triple Creek Ranch is all inclusive, three gourmet meals daily with fresh made cookies and pastries to enjoy in between. Each meal was truly delicious and plated beautifully. Food always plays an important role in our vacations, and TCR does not disappoint!
This colorful, unique piece stands near the reception desk in the main lodge. Look closely at all the intricate and unusual parts that were used. An amazing amount of work and creativity!
I (Butch) was getting acquainted with my new friend Hoss. He would be my ride for the afternoon along snow covered mountain trails. Pam chose to take this pic and then head back to relax by the fire and read. I was thinking for a while Pam might have had the best idea. After all, relaxing was a big part of our activity too!
But, Hoss and I had a great time and the mountain scenery was amazing. I am not a rider, but Hoss was a good one and took care of me! The last time we were at Triple Creek (over 8 years ago), was also the last time I had been on a horse! Pam did ride that year, along with our son and daughter-in-love. But this trek in the snow and these mountains…what can I say!
As always, thank you for your visit and your gracious comments!
Linking with:
Pieced Pastimes, Between Naps on the Porch,Katherines Corner, Follow The Yellow Brick Home,
Imparting Grace,Life and Linda
These are fabulous pics! The artwork is phenomenal. The statutes are amazing and add so much to the landscape. The horseback ride looks like fun and even though I would be sore the next day, I would have to do it. After all, massages are available on site. We did a horseback ride through the aspens many years ago during the fall and it was so enjoyable. The dogsled ride would be more my speed which looks both relaxing and exhilarating! The plating class looks so interesting as I love to cook. What a wonderful way to start your 50th anniversary year celebration! Thank you for sharing it with us. Keep celebrating! Clara❤️
Thanks so much, Clara. A horseback ride through the aspens sounds wonderful! You would love the dogsledding ♥️
The art is incredible. What a very special place. How fun to do the cooking class too. Looks like a dream come true there and an anniversary trip you will never forget. God bless and thank you for sharing.
Thanks so much, Ruth. It was truly incredible!
My oh my. This ranch is incredible l! Will need to
Place this on our bucket list!!
Yes, it is a fabulous place!
Such fun activities, beautiful art and gorgeous scenery Pam and Butch! Dog sledding looks like it would be a fun (if cold!) experience. I would love the culinary plating class and believe it or not my hubby would too. Thanks for taking me along, Happy Tuesday ♥
The dogsledding was amazing. I really enjoyed the plating class. Happy March ♥️
What a great adventure! Thanks for sharing, I enjoyed every minute.
Thanks so much, Janice!
How wonderful to have all these experiences! The artwork is stunning. I would enjoy a plating class but would be intimidated. I am so glad you enjoyed it.
The dog sled ride and horseback ride were neat. The horseback ride was courageous!
Thank you, Bonnie. You would have enjoyed the plating class. It was very laid back and not intimidating at all.
I am having a terrible time trying to pick out one or two things that completely thrill me here — because they all do! Oh my! That sled ride — I’m no winter girl but I’d do that in a heartbeat. And then the plating class… that sounds fascinating and loads of fun. And oh, how I would love all that art and the exterior sculpture, too. Unbelievable! What a grand holiday!
Thank you, Jeanie. You would love it!
This is heaven on earth. I am so happy you and Butch were able to make this fabulous trip. Lots of fun activities. All the art work is just gorgeous. Butch and you have the most beautiful pics that make us feel like we are right there with you on the trip. Beautiful all of them! Happy New Week. Hugs. Kris
Kris, your sweet comments warm my heart! Happy New Week to you ♥️
Pam
WOW! WOW! WOW! How fun for you to go dog sledding! What gorgeous pictures of your get away! The lodge and the art and the outdoor brass sculptors are amazing.
I would definitely enjoy the culinary experience and horseback riding. So would sweet man.
Thank you for taking us along.
Happy Tuesday friends!
Nancy, you would have loved the dog sledding. Happy March!
Oh I love the pictures so much Pam. You and Butch are just too cute. I watched the little video and what beautiful dogs. How fun! The art work is simply amazing! I am in awe of the details of those paintings. Oh Yes, I know exactly all those guys in that painting! LOL! I would have loved to have been in that culinary class with you. Looks like so much fun. Happy March to you and Butch. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Cindy, you would love it all!
My oh My….splendid photographs that put us right there – the video, as well. What a
magical place.. could just imagine taking in a deep breath of the cold mountain air.
The art work is outstanding and the sculptures all so life-like and graceful.
The plating experience was just made for Pam and I can now understand why she wanted white plates for your celebration…. perfect backdrop for beautifully “designed”
food. Thank you for sharing this very special and spectacular vacation experience with us…Happy 50th !
Thank you, Mary. It was truly fabulous!
Well… Wonderful everything you show!!! I have loved everything. The paintings are really precious, I don’t know which one I would choose because they are all very beautiful, because of their theme, because of their color, because of their good work. Thank you dear friends for showing such beauty of nature. But… I still have more to say: I love your photos. Pan, you are very pretty in the photos and Butch is very handsome too.
I love seeing you happy among that beautiful nature. Thank you for showing beautiful things… A big hug.
I continue well in these lands that welcome me very well. People are very affectionate.
It looks like you had a wonderful time! I have really enjoyed reading all about your trip. I have shown Casey all the photos, and we are planning on going some time. The scenery looks gorgeous! I would love the cooking class. Thanks for sharing your trip with us. Happy Tuesday, sweet friend!
Shannon, the total experience was perfect! Thank you.
I’m with Pam back at the lodge with a good nook. However she looked really bundled up on the dog sled and that would be fun for me too. Everything was fit for a 50th wedding snniversity. All inclusive if fun and the best part is that the calories don’t count on vacation! My favorite sculpture is the moose. They are so funnily looking in real life. Well you are back to warm temperatures and your bulbs are blooming and that great to know Spring is on its way to your part of the world.
Thanks for the beautiful picture show.
Still can’t see what I’m typing Pam. So many errors.
So sorry!
Alice, we loved the entire trip. Thank you so much!
Pam and Butch, these pictures are magnificent! I’ve never been to Montana, but you made me feel like I was there. The artwork, the scenery, the animals…just perfection! And the plating class sounds like something I would love to do! You also began with my very favorite Bible verse. What a great post!
Thanks so much, Roxanne! You would love it!
Your anniversary adventure seems perfect and makes me want to go there when the ground is covered with snow
You would love it, Linda!
I always enjoy your sharing with all of us….I feel like I’m right there with you and all the events look fun and challenging. Have a Blessed day.
Thank you, Kari! Happy March!
Just amazing, what a wonderful time and such beauty.
It truly was…Happy March, Nonie!
What a FABULOUS place, Triple Creek Ranch. It seems they’ve thought of everything to keep your senses happy, with so much for their guests to see and experience. No way for you NOT to have a good time! So glad you allowed us to tag along with your terrific photos and interesting accounts. We traveled in the opposite direction recently, meeting friends at the Carriage Way B & B in St. Augustine, FL. They too know how to care for their guests and provide a memorable experience!
What an amazing time together for your wedding aniversary year Pam & Butch! A delightful post.
Bless you both , Jennifer
Oh, my word! I love “The Outlaws” painting! I could readily identify them. So neat! Thank you for sharing about your wonderful adventures!
Our pleasure, thank you dear one!
This art collection is absolutely fascinating. I really do like the bison and the painting with the young squaw. The landscapes under the snow are beautiful. Maybe because of that i associate your pictures to the last John Ford’s film about the exodus of the Cheyenne tribes
Thanks so much and I am so glad you enjoyed!
Oh my such beauty everywhere. The dogsled and horseback ride both look like so much fun. The artwork is just over the top. What an extraordinary trip and special place to enjoy your anniversary. You have done a marvelous job sharing with us.
Thanks so much, Diane. It was a fabulous trip!
Oh my goodness, what gorgeous scenery and the art is beyond fabulous. The dogsledding and plating class look like so much fun! I am so glad the two of you had such a great time and thanks for taking the rest of us along! I hope you keep on celebrating all year long!
Thank you, Kim. As a Southerner we love to enjoy a winter vacation where there is snow!