Friend of Julie: Montana Experiences

I apologize to Theresa for taking so long to put some thoughts and pictures down on my trip to Montana, September 2013. Can I start by saying it was one of my most memorable trips ever?

If you have never been to Montana, might I suggest it? If you want to spend time in a rural, rugged area with beautiful scenery and a peaceful way of life, then Montana is the place for you.

I got to go with my husband when he took a business trip there-spouses were invited, and I have been different places with the same core of people many times. Each time it is like the spouses picked up where we left off...totally enjoyable. Two of the girls and I have stayed in contact, and it was good to see them again. The only difference this time compared to the last time I saw them? My weight. And my zest for life!!!!! 

This picture is from our Newport Rhode Island Trip in August 2010.
This is me (on the right) 10 months before I went to Julie.

This is us in Montana, September 2013, me in the middle

Me ziplining!

We stayed in a beautiful resort 6500 feet above sea level on a mountain called Lone Peak in the Southeastern part. The ladies and I got to do some really fun things such as ziplining, which I never would have done before my Key way of life. Not only was it scary but fun going down, it was quite the terrain climbing UP to get to where we were going. Hiking up the mountain to the zip line was tough and challenging, but I DID IT!!! The whole afternoon adventure was SO freeing and exhilarating, and exciting! I NEVER would have thought I would EVER have done this! And I WILL do it again!!!!

Me at Lone Peak

We took an expedition trip to the top of Lone Peak (11500 feet above sea level) and enjoyed a view I have never ever experienced before, seeing 2 other states (Idaho and Wyoming). It was chilly, but an event I am thrilled I got to be a part of. A little scary taking the tram and the expedition truck, but I never worried once that  I was out of my "league" or that we would come across a challenge I wouldn't be a part of. Also, I had to really find my "trust factor" to take the above picture because standing out on that metal ledge, there was nothing below me, and that is my biggest fear of all!

Lone Peak

No one believes this is not a photo shopped picture

My husband and I had a day to travel to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming. On our drive in the park, we came across a lone bison (there are no buffalo in the US, only American Bison) happily having lunch by the side of the road. I had hubby turn our vehicle around, and I got out because I wanted a picture-My husband wouldn't get out to take it! A nice gentleman who was also snapping pictures took this "one and done" picture of me. My favorite picture of all!

I stayed on program the ENTIRE time. I had duck bacon, elk chili, walleye trout, and bison-I had NO problem explaining what I wanted wherever we went, and everywhere we went they were VERY accommodating. We had a kitchen in our room, so we were able to have food readily available for "just in case", but I never needed it. My husband and I made sure we walked every day-the weather was wonderful, and the mountain air was amazing.

I hope he is chosen to go this coming September to the next business/pleasure trip-it will be in Rockport, Maine, and it looks like it will be held at a beautiful coastal resort-this weekend trip is always in some pretty nice places-and now I jump right in and join in whatever activities they have planned. 

Vacations are different now! I look for things to do that I wouldn't do if I was home. I love being included, I am not (as) afraid, and I feel like I fit in! Thank you Julie!