My good friend just told me today that @natgeo is running a contest via instagram, inviting those that have been to Montana to share their beautiful experiences with the @natgeo audience. The prize? A 5 day getaway including tours of some of the most beautiful National Parks in the country! I am ecstatic about the instagram contest because Montana is the one destination that has currently stolen my heart. In fact, out of all the countries that I've been to in the last couple of years, it still holds the gold medal in my heart for my favorite place. I am so enchanted by Montana that I find myself dreaming about what life would be like if I lived in Montana....my friends all know about my obsession and they think that I'm positively crazy. I know, it is crazy, but I don't care. I'm participating in the instagram contest #capturemontana so cheer me on! Here are some of my favorite images in the place that has stolen my heart. All images were taken on an iphone5, #nofilter.
This is the first image I saw of the gorgeous heartland of Montana. I mean c'mon. This is real, you can't make this stuff up.
Truth be told, when I was planning this trip, I was in between either traveling to S. Dakota or Montana (Don't ask me why, I have no idea) and one of the reasons I ultimately chose Montana was because of all the amazing things that I was reading about Paws Up Resort, an all inclusive luxury resort/dude ranch in Greenough, Montana. I was mesmerized by how beautiful the resort was and the ultimate getaway experience that Paws Up serves up, such as the cabins that served as guest lodging, and all the activities that were offered on property....not to mention the all inclusive meals that private chefs made for on site guests! I really had no idea what to expect, but from the minute my reservation was made by the press of a button in California, the hospitality and personal concierge service started coming from Montana. They were so attentive to detail in pre-planning the trip, making the effort to extensively get to know each guest and their likes and needs, and were meticulous about planning with me the activities and schedule prior to my arrival. I can honestly say that I've never experienced anything quite like the service that I received from them.
One of the most amazing things that I discovered in Montana, is the meaning of serenity in its purest form. I don't mean to depict it it any kind of weird or spiritual way, but there is a certain beauty and serenity that comes from good ol', country land that is untouched and just left "to be". What I love about the people of Montana is that they understand this aspect and really love and respect the land and the animals that inhabit it in a simple and beautiful way. They are one with nature and live as one with their surroundings. (Ok, I know that description is borderline crazy and namaste obsessed (which I am the polar opposite of) but you know what? That's exactly what it was. There's no other way to describe it.)
This is #Montana at dawn, captured after a morning work out session. The fog that rolls in over and around the hills is just magical and so breathtaking.
Being in Montana, I had to try my hand at fly fishing and I have to say, I think that I've found a new hobby. The entire experience was completely legit. Why? I'm going to have to bullet point this list for you in true frances fashion:
- In the planning phase, I had to register and pay for a permit with the Montana Fish and Gaming Commission. Enough said. I'm already a pro.
- I had to wear waders. #awesome
- The excursion was a private tour on a small raft for 4
- The river we fished on was the featured river in the movie 'A River Runs Through it" with Brad Pitt. In fact, the movie was actually filmed on that very river.
- Let's go fishing already!
Our guide, who also was the Activities Director, was an amazing teacher and a true connoisseur of the sport. With his guidance, I was a proud student that caught three fish! #luckyme
This is me in my oh so fashionable waders. I loved every minute of being in my nifty outfit!
One out of three fish that I caught!
Yeap, I fished in the same river as Brad Pitt.
Montana really is just a natural wonder and beauty don't you think?
Can you believe these rocks are naturally colored and are just everywhere in Montana? I couldn't believe my eyes and must have taken 10 photos of the same shot. #unreal
One of my favorite activities is horseback riding. I've always loved horses and I've always loved riding. Those around me may notice that I have seemingly acquired an affection and draw to riding horses wherever I go and I've got to tell you, blame it on Montana and my experience there. It re-fueled the passion for me. Riding my horse Caramel, and being one with my horse through the terrains of Montana was an unforgettable experience for me and quite frankly, one that touched me so deeply in my soul.
My horse Caramel, he was a good horse.
Want to know what made the experience even more magical? A ride with light snowfall.
I gave clay shooting a try too while I was there. Let's just say that I'm not the best shot. We'll leave it at that. #nofurthercomments #bucketlist #done
Ok this is going to sound so nutty, but the photo below is absolutely my favorite photo from Montana. Why? It's the quintessential heartland photo with the cows and bison grazing against the mountain scape!
#myfavoritephoto
The motto at Paws Up Resort is that it is "The Last Best Place". I really couldn't agree more as I left a part of my heart in Montana. I can't wait to go back and get me some more adventure. Yeah, that day will be a great day.
#adventureseeker #wanderlust #followfrances
