The RIDE of my life!

I had the opportunity to go on THE RIDE OF MY LIFE while at our cabin in West Yellowstone this summer. My parents and some of my family members have been going on this ride for the past 5 or 6 years. But I have been either gone, pregnant or breast feeding and have never been able to go until this summer!

THE BUFFALO RIDE

We rode through hundreds of buffalo. ahhh.

It was truly amazing! Thank you, thank you, thank you mother for watching my children so I could go! The only thing that could have made this ride better is if you were there to share the experience with!

We had quite the crew with us. I was so thankful Ray, Tessie and Kotah were able to come (Jathans dad sister and brother). It was great to experience this with them.

Here is a list of our crew. My dad, Hannah, Joshua, Brad, Ray, Kotah, Tessie, Claudia, Randy, Jathan and Me.

These creatures are amazing. They are just so big and awesome. This was a burly guy!

Joshua watering the Lillie's... just had to throw that one in there :)

My RAM. (Rugged Alaska Man)

Tessie and Ray

This guy was beautiful. I can't believe I hunted one of these. It is so surreal.

Brad, Jathan, Ray and Randy

This creek going through Hayden Valley was beautiful.

Jathan crossing the Creek.

Joshua coming up on some buffalo.

Claudia and Ray. Ray was awesome. He rode a green broke horse through all of these horses. He showed us he's got some real cowboy skillzzz.

Isn't this amazing? The buffalo were in the Rut (mating season). And they were making the craziest, scariest noises. They sounded like growling alligators. It was CRAZY. I would be lying if I told you I wasn't pretty scared every time we had to ride through them... which was often.

My dad always seemed to take the path that went straight through the middle of a crowed of them. I was constantly saying "Dad you are crazy. Let's go around them. I am freaking out!"

I love this photo of Joshua on his horse. Wendy. Wendy Moyra Angela Darling to be exact. Isn't he cute?

Jathan found this buffalo skull. The Indian in him wanted to smuggle it out. But he didn't. Good boy!

We took a little break near these hot pots to explore them. It was really cool. And look at the buffalo behind us. Can you see there are two?

Me and the Bull

Along the trail we ran into this big bachelor bull. That gave my heart a little jump start. It was truly amazing to be this close to them.

Riding along the shore of Marys lake we saw this Grizzly print. Can you see it?

We ate lunch here at Marys lake. It was so magnificent and peaceful and the water was a beautiful blue-green.

We left one of the saddle bags at the truck on accident and of course it was the one with most of our food :( But we all shared and filled our little bellies.

Brad and Joshua got tricky on their saddles. Brad also got charged by a buffalo. We got in on video. I will have to see if I can upload it. It was INTENSE!

This is a pretty sweet shot.

Look at this Montana Sky!! It is breath taking. This is just one of the many reasons I love this place so much. You can see why they call it "Big Sky" country.

The ride was 20 some odd miles. It was a long, wonderful day. Thank you so much dad for always taking us to do these grand things. You are fabulous and I love you!!

THE END