We had been on quite an epic road trip when we received the invitation to the ranch. Through the eastern Sierra to Tonopah, Nevada, then along the lesser-known backroads to Saratoga Springs, Utah for my dad’s 80th birthday celebration.
We then set out for Moab, Arches, Ouray, and Jackson Hole. Somewhere up in the vibrant aspen forests, I realized we better order some new portable solar panels. Ours had been damaged when the wind blew them over, and even more so when the Colorado rain hit.
I learned a lesson about these portable panels – convenience factor is through the roof, but you really need to be careful with them.
On the Banks of the Yellowstone River
Anyhow, as chance would have it, an old friend was having his family reunion on their ranch in Montana, right along the river. Our friendship spans 3 decades of my life, and we jumped at the chance to join them up in “big sky” country.
The best part was that we could have our powerful new solar panels shipped right to their front door!
Here we were, a thousand miles from home, ordering items in a remote aspen forest, and having them delivered to an iconic Montana ranch, right along our route.
What a time to be alive.
Well, this was an incredible addition to our trip – the weather here on the property was just perfect. Not too warm, not too cold…and with a distinct lack of mosquitoes. How is this possible right in the middle of Summer?
The ranch is just north of Yellowstone National Park, which we had toured extensively on the way up.
After a few weeks of being out in the wilderness, our little family was definitely ready for a nice social gathering. We couldn’t ask for more than a friendly 4th of July BBQ. Here Glen is chatting with some of the guests.
I could sense how excited Billy was to share these traditions with us as well. In many ways, his was the family I always wished I had…a motley crew that was wise to plant these adventurous seeds many decades ago.
Now they not only have this Montana ranch, but also a quaint cabin in the Sierra. Thanks to their grandfather (and the stewardship of his children), generations of Youngs will grow up with this “wild west” legacy.
Champagne Wishes & BBQ Dreams
Anyhow, this family knows how to have a get together. Other friends, new and old, joined in on the fun. The classic rock was playing, the drinks were flowing, and the BBQ was superb. Thanks, Jared.
It’s rare for me to meet “my people”, but here indeed, I found them. Jared shared some of his encyclopedic knowledge about The Who, Dire Straits, and Badfinger, while others chatted with the neighbor photographer, who was responsible for the iconic “Marlboro Man” ads back in the day.
I can’t tell you how surreal it was to be out there catching up with the Youngs, while the ranch hands arrived in their dusty old Ford trucks. These cowboys are the real deal. I hope Abbie is old enough to remember all of this!
Of course, there are plenty of “toys” on a ranch, and Billy loves nothing more than to take the kids out and see the joy on their faces. This is part of the reason I have always felt Billy was a kindred spirit – he may live hard and fast, but he seems more intent on celebrating life than escaping it.
The world simply happens to most people; they are perpetual victims of circumstance. Conversely, Billy is the kind of person that happens to the world. I think I can relate to that.
In addition to the 4-wheeler, there is also a classic Willy’s jeep and a side-by-side to get around on. Billy and Gina’s kids jumped in the back with Abbie and they all had a blast.
Theresa is Billy’s mom, and Shella seemed to really click with her. Billy had always mentioned there was some Filipino blood in his family, and it was great to get more info about this. His brother Derek even told us that their grandfather spoke Bicol, the rather obscure language that Shella’s family speaks!
I know this connection meant a lot to Shella, being so far removed from her home and culture. I don’t want to make it sound like she isn’t enjoying it out here, but everybody gets homesick now and then.
Kaboom!
Well, the fireworks were a hit. The Youngs go all out in this department – these were not the “black cats” and bottle rockets of my youth! We had no idea we would be treated to a professional-grade fireworks show at the base of the rocky mountains.
We explored some other parts of the ranch during our remaining days. There is an iconic red barn, with chickens roaming the grounds.
Shella bonded with their friendly pointer on the back deck
The Old Saloon
Well, Billy reminded me that no trip to Montana would be complete without dropping by a saloon. This one in particular (aptly named), is over 120 years old. They have live music on certain nights, and a part of me wishes I got to experience that before we left. There’s always next time.
Oh! Speaking of kindred spirits, I would be remiss if I didn’t shine some light on ol’ John, the ranch caretaker. This guy is straight out of a movie…you could live your whole life and never meet another like him.
Crude, witty, and downright hilarious, he is…and a true lover of music, to boot. This weathered cowboy embodies the wild west ethos, for sure.
Overall, the experience on this ranch was the highlight of an already spectacular trip through the American west. We’d like to thank the Young family for their warm and festive hospitality.
Until next time,
Nathan + fam
(More adventures HERE)
