We woke to the sound of the river rushing past as the sun rose. A cup of coffee on the porch before anyone else surfaced was a good way to start the day on the North Fork Ranch.
A healthy breakfast was set out on the lodge from 7.30am. even the yoghurt and granola combination showed the attention to detail that is prevalent at the ranch. We had the option of eggs Benedict, which we shared between us. Delicious!
Most of the group went on their first horse ride into the Rockies, after an orientation in the horse area. We watched them leave before Quinn took us on a hike into the mountains, to enjoy the 500 plus acres, across the river; also part of the ranch. we walked up hill for almost an hour before reaching an area used for the Tuesday brunch. We stopped occasionally for a sip of water or to enjoy the magnificent scenery. We enjoyed the quiet, the shade of the trees and the beauty of the area. Quinn was knowledgeable and enhanced the inclusive nature of the ranch hands. Thanks Quinn. we spent a short while relaxing before starting back to the ranch. Our two and a half hour hike was wonderful.
After a short while, lunch was served out on the patio. A Mexican array of fajitas, tacos and other dishes were laid out on the lawns. The fly fisherman had come in, dressed in their waders and telling tales of the fish they had caught and those that had got away. The sun was shining with a gentle breeze cooling the area. The food was really good. Second helpings were definitely required. The desert was wicked, but who cares; we're on vacation!
After lunch, Lara had an afternoon nap, while Ingrid and I sat on the porch reading and relaxing. In case we had not eaten enough, snacks were set out at 4pm, but they were healthy stuff; celery, carrots, fruit etc. We watched the fly fisherman battle the stream and the rocks to catch the rainbow trout, before throwing them back in again.
Dinner was again a delight, although this time it was a barbecue of chicken and ribs. Yum! The weather was cooperative. The rain stayed away. After dinner we gathered outside the lodge for a sunset hay ride. The tractor pulling the hay cart was an old Case tractor from the late 1940's. We were even joined by Karen and Dean's puppy.
When we got back to the lodge, we enjoyed cowboy Will Dudley, singing his ballads in front of the fire, while Karen and another ranch hand served steaming hot chocolate.
Sleep came easy!
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