I hope everyone is enjoying the last month of summer. I remember back when our seasons revolved around the kids' school calender, and our summers seemed to end the day the kids went back to school in late August or early September. Now that we're empty nesters, our summers follow the weather and the traditional calender. So while some of you are turning to fall in your minds, we still have a whole month of summer left here at our house. I do have to say, though, I am longing for fall, my favorite season, especially after the hot and humid summer we've had here this year.
We had a little break from the heat over the weekend with a quick road trip over to Red Lodge, Montana, where my husband's mother lives. The days were soft and warm and the nights were blissfully cool. I left my camera at home but snapped a few phone photos to share.
About twenty-five years ago we bought six acres at the base of the Absarokee Mountain Range just outside of Red Lodge, with thoughts of building our dream cabin and retiring here one day. This is our property in the foreground overlooking our favorite view of the meadows leading up to the foothills and palisades of the Rocky Mountains. The Red Lodge ski hill and snow capped Pryor Mountain peaks are just out of sight to the right. Yellowstone Park is out there a-ways, too, and the rolling prairie stretches out behind us in the other direction. Whenever we visit Red Lodge, we park our car here on our dirt road and drink our morning coffee while the sun rises. As we listen to the cows lowing off in the distance and watch the deer and elk pass slowly by munching the hay in our meadow, we imagine one day enjoying it all from our own deck.
ISLAND AT ROCK CREEK |
On this visit we stayed with my sister in-law and her husband at the gorgeous resort they're developing next to the charming little tourist town of Red Lodge, called Island at Rock Creek. The resort's architecture is inspired by the old coal mine that was once here and is landscaped with waterfalls, ponds, and acres of beautiful perennials. Flowers always seem brighter to me in the crisp Rocky Mountain air.
The beautifully furnished and appointed townhouses are right on Rock Creek, and our bedroom door opened onto a balcony overlooking the water. It doesn't get more relaxing than falling asleep to the sound of a tumbling creek.
Whenever we go to Red Lodge we always enjoy some rare (and so delicious) vacation junk food from The Red Box Car, just south of town on the way to the Beartooth Highway. They have huge homemade onion rings and my husband's favorite Pork Chop John sandwiches. (That's him in the white hat, sandwich in-hand.)
Two twelve hour days riding in the car for two days of Rocky Mountain bliss. Worth every minute!
Have you ever been to beautiful Montana?
The only part of Montana I have seen is when we exited Yellowstone via the West gate and were in Montana briefly.
ReplyDeleteI laughed about the junk food. Vacations are the only time we allow ourselves junk food and we savor it. We ate onion rings twice when we were on vacation last month.
Heading there next week! Going to Glacier Park.
ReplyDeleteI wish! Someday, thanks for giving us a glimpse Laurel, glad you enjoyed this short visit!
ReplyDeleteIt is beautiful in Big Sky country! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteLaurel,
ReplyDeleteSuch a lovely trip and what gorgeous country-makes my heart ache for the beautiful West.
Perfect spot for your Dream Home.
I've never been, but thanks so much for sharing!! Your property is breathtakingly beautiful---hope you do get to build your dream retirement place on it.
ReplyDeleteI haven't been to Montana yet, Laurel, but I certainly want to visit. Your property is breathtaking. We live in Northeast Oregon where it's very much like the photo you shared. I love the ranches nestled in the foothills here, so I know I'd love it around Red Lodge. Thanks for sharing. xxx ~ Nancy @ A Joyful Cottage
ReplyDeleteOh how beautiful Laurel! I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing getaway. And I hope one day you make that dream come true!
ReplyDeleteHi Laurel :)
ReplyDeleteFirst time commenting on your terrific blog, enjoy it so much! I live in beautiful Montana and feel so blessed for the privilege. I love visiting Red Lodge, that is where I got married. They have the best little shops to find treasures!
I'm still slobbering over your gorgeous bathroom! Hope when you get done with your cute house you can start on your dream cabin.
Teresa
CottageLodge.net