March 6, 2020 - Snowmobiling at Rich's Ranch,
Seeley Lake, Montana

I was flying to Missoula, Montana today for two full days of snowmobiling at Rich's Ranch near Seeley Lake with two old high school buddies:  Dave and Pete.

Heading south with the big Dallas - Fort Worth Airport (DFW) clearly visible off the right wing.
   
I saw this substantial airport -- obviously closed now -- out my window as we turned base for Runway 35 (one of them).  I wondered if it might be the old Naval Air Station Dallas.  Sure enough, that's what it is, also known as Hensley Field, which was closed in 1998.  Now it is the Grand Prairie Armed Forces Reserve Complex although the airport is closed.
   

Long story short.  Lynnette dropped me off at BWI airport early Thursday morning with plenty of time to catch the American Airlinesflight.  We were all loaded on the plane, sitting at the gate, when the pilot told us the co-pilot had gone to the wrong airport -- Reagan or Dulles, I guess --and we would have to wait for him.  We waited 45 minutes.  Finally we took off.  I knew it was going to be tight in Dallas - Fort Worth making my connection.  Unfortunately I was seated at the back of the plane so that cost time time.  Then the Gate for my flight to Missoula was in a different section and at the very end.  A guy driving one of those carts did his best to get me there, but I missed the gate-closing by no more than 10 minutes.  There is my airplane sitting there!

So I missed my connection.  I thought my snowmobiling vacation was in jeopardy, but I have to admit, American Airlines redeemed themselves somewhat by having me already scheduled on two flights -- DFW to Salt Lake City, and then SLC to Missoula -- getting me there only three hours later than originally.
   
A quick look at Salt Lake City.
   

Made it!  Safe on deck at Missoula, Montana.  I actually arrived at the same time as Dave (on the right).  Pete (on the left) arrived earlier and had to occupy himself for a few yours.

Belinda from Rich's Ranch picked us up and drove us out to the ranch near Seeley Lake, about an hour drive.  I have never been to Missoula before.
   
Here we are at the entrance to the main lodge at Rich's Ranch.  As you can see, there is snow, which is a good thing for snowmobiling.
   
The next morning we are suited up in our snowmobiling gear -- pants, coat, boots, gloves, helmet -- ready to go!
   
We headed up into the mountains and were quickly overwhelmed by the breathtaking beauty.   This picture and all others are taken at a sightseeing stop.  I quickly realized snowmobiling requires all your attention at all times when in motion.  Both hands on the handle bars always.  Looking where you are going.  The trails aren't all that wide, and frequently have a steep drop off to one side, or trees on each side.  There are lots of ways that a moments inattention can bite you.  Especailly going fast.   So no pictures while underway.
   
The weather was absolutely perfect on our first day.  The snowmobiles were first-rate.
   
 
   
Stopped at an overlook looking across a valley.  The visibility was incredible -- probably 50+ miles.
   
One guide -- Ken -- was in the lead.  And then there was a second guide -- Randy -- bringing up the rear.  Which was a good thing as the three of us were pretty much first-timers.
   
This is what it looks like looking forward.  The snow was undisturbed when we first came through.
   
The view looking back at Dave and Pete.  We are stationary at this point; just making a quick stop.
   
Ken in the lead.  See how narrow the trail is?  And how steep the drop-off is to the left?
   
Dave, Pete and Randy ready to go.
   
We snowmobiled for around three hours then returned to the Ranch for lunch.
   
 
   
Then we went back out for another ride in the afternoon.
   
We went on a totally different trail from the morning.  I'm glad we had guides; I had no idea where we were.
   
Another scenic view.
   

Pete looks like he is having fun.

Towards the end of the ride we stopped in this open area, and Ken told us to have some fun.  So we did!
   
Back at the Ranch, it's "Coors Light" time!  This is the cabin we stayed in:  "Pioneer".  We got to park our sleds out in front which was cool.  The accomodations were very nice.
   
A picture in the Lodge showing where Rich's Ranch is, on the edge of a large meadow.
   
Jack and Belinda run Rich's Ranch.   Jack's father, C. B., has an amazing history, particularly in his service as a B-24 navigator in World War II.  I won't tell his amazing story -- go to Rich's Ranch to find out.  Let's just say that he was one tough hombre.
   
C.B. rode 100,000 miles in this saddle.  Can you imagine?  That's not counting time in other saddles.  I asked Jack how much "time" he had, and he said he was probably around 100,000.
   
Part of the main family room where we spent our time when not in the cabin.  We had all our meals at the tables on the left.  Jack, Belinda, Ken, Randy, other family members and guests all ate together.  When you stay at Rich's Ranch you are part of the family.
   
Another part of the main room.  As you can see, there are lots of pictures and memorabilia to look at.
   
Pete relaxes below a giant elk head.
   
The next morning, ready to head out for the day's adventure.  Another family, six people, were riding with us.  We had an overcast today, unlike yesterday's sun.
   
Looking back up at the Lodge.
   
Paused next to some small, narrow ponds.
   
 
   
That's Seeley Lake Airport on the right behind me.  It's a 4, 575 foot grass strip, public airport.  They even have a courtesy car!  I'll have to land here someday.
   
Stopped at an overlook.
   
The three amigos.
   
Pretty country.
   
We had brown-bagged lunch today.  This was our view during lunch.
   
 
   
We travelled over a bumpy trail to get to this point.  Us old-timers were getting a little tired in the afternoon.
   
Rich Ranch keeps its stock in this corral during the warmer months for their Pack Trips.
   

This was the view from the Lodge the morning of our departure.  The ranch faces east.

Jack drove us to the Missoula Airport in the late morning, and then it was the long, boring day flying home.  But what a trip!  I highly recommend Rich's Ranch for any outdoor adventure:  snowmobiling, hiking, horse-back riding, pack trips, hunting, fishing.  They do it all.
   
 
   
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