August 9, 2009

ALA Montana Trip – Day 1 – Wows and Waterfalls

Filed under: Travelogues — ALA @ 10:49 pm

After picking up guests in Bozeman, MT this morning, we headed through Hyalite Canyon. The short shuttle drive allowed us to get briefly acquainted with our guests and allowed them to learn some of the ins and outs of what they’ll be experiencing in the coming days. We drove past Hyalite Reservoir and a few miles later we arrived at the trail head of Palisade Falls. We had a quick and informative orientation by our guide Matty Kirkland, which included a snack of fresh fruit and scones.

After a snack and some goodies for the kids, we headed up the trail. Matty spotted wild huckleberries, strawberries and raspberries and we all had a taste. He was the only one, however, that was willing to try the chewing gum he concocted out of tree sap. We learned a lot about the plant life of the area and the wildlife we could expect to see.

The trail led us through beautiful forest and ended at an 80 foot waterfall aptly named Palisade Falls. The falls were formed from prehistoric lava flow and are surrounded by volcanic cliffs. At the base of the falls we were welcomed with our first “ALA Wow”, frozen Capri Suns with spoons and straws, a delicious and refreshing treat!

After hiking back down to the van, we shuttled back to Hyalite Reservoir and enjoyed a delicious and nutritious lunch of various salads. From there, we hopped on our bikes and pedaled down through the canyon and into the foothills. We took in the remarkable views and scenery with a mixture of speedy downhills and relaxing sections of flatland. After our bike ride, we met the van and shuttled up into the Gallatin Canyon, past the town of Big Sky, MT and arrived at the 320 Guest Ranch, our home for the next two nights. We had a quick rest and clean up time and ended our night at the 320 Steak House for dinner and coffee. The meal was hearty and flavorful and we even got a sneak peak at the roasting pig we’ll be partaking in tomorrow night.

One day down and 5 to go!

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August 8, 2009

A Firsthand Look at an Austin-Lehman Adventure

Filed under: Travelogues — ALA @ 7:37 pm

Tomorrow morning I’ll embark on a 6 day journey through the heart of Montana’s big sky country. I’ll be joining Austin-Lehman’s Montana family adventure, Cowboys, Canyons and Campfires. The trip meanders through southwestern Montana with a focus on Big Sky and Yellowstone National Park. Accomidations will be the 320 Ranch in Big Sky, Lake Yellowstone Hotel and Chico Hot Springs, both in Yellowstone Park. Activities will include hiking, biking, rafting and horseback riding, along with some amazing sightseeing in the park.

I will try my best to log about our daily activities in the coming days, however I’m not sure how available internet access will be. If I am not able to post daily, I’ll be sure to get caught up when I can. I hope that I’m able to provide an informative sneak peak into at what you’d experience on an Austin-Lehman Adventure! Below is a picture of the van and trailer loaded with bikes and ready to go.

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August 5, 2009

Propeller One-Way Night Coach – Book Review by Bill

Filed under: Bill's Book Corner — ALA @ 2:49 pm

One of America’s true modern day renaissance men is John Travolta. Yes, I said John Travolta! He’s an Actor, Dancer, and pilot. Did you know that he is an author, too? In 1992 he wrote a small book, he refers to it as a fable, called “Propeller One-Way Night Coach- A Fable for All Ages.”As a young man, Travolta loved aviation and airlines in particular. He would visit airports often and collect schedules and got to know everything about the airlines and commercial airplanes of his youth. He has carried this passion to the pilot seat of modern jet aircraft. When I was a kid, I also became enthralled with commercial aviation. One of my prize possessions as an adult is an autographed picture of John Travolta in a Captains uniform.

My Review:

John wrote “Propeller One-Way Night Coach- A Fable for All Ages” in 1992 while stuck with his family at The Bangor (Maine) International Airport Hilton Hotel. The story is of a young man flying from New Jersey to Hollywood with his mom. The Fable is a mixture of fact and fiction. There is a lot of John and his mom in this story. You will love it! It will make you smile.

F.Y.I.: Although out-of print, you should have no problem getting it thru Amazon or E-Bay…Travolta also did a cassette, book on tape, version. If you can find it, you will love his read of the book.

I give this book a 5 out of 5!