Yippee ki-yi-oh! Yeehaw!

Trip Start May 17, 2010

Trip End Jun 20, 2010

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Where I stayed

Rocky Mountain RV Park

Flag of United States Gardiner, Montana
Thursday, June 17, 2010

Today was a full day of adventures. We headed back into Yellowstone to visit the Mammoth Hot Springs area. The weather was gloomy and looked like it could snow. We hiked a little around the Mammoth area but spent most of our time in the gift shop getting souvenirs and hot chocolate. Why be outside in the yucky weather when you can warm up so nicely at the gift shop? We really enjoyed the abundance of Elk walking around Mammoth. You could tell they were used to all the tourist.

As we left Mammoth to cross back into Montana for our horseback riding trip, we finally saw Mountain Goats, the other animal that had so far alluded us. They were walking across the road, coming down from the mountain. Thankfully, I was able to get the camera ready quickly enough.

We made it to the ranch where we were to go horseback riding

Mammoth Springs

. Nick & Rob had ridden once, 3 years ago on a small trail but Hannah & Sarah had never ridden and Sarah was quite afraid. I was the most experienced rider of the Dusse clan. As soon as we got on our horses, it did finally start snowing. It was just a short flurry, but plenty of excitement for a bunch of Floridians.

We headed out into the Montana countryside and were treated to one of the most spectacular adventures we could possibly hope. All the cowgirls and cowboys rode well and the sun came out to smile upon us. This was truly a trail worth riding...over bridges, across creeks, up a mountain and back down again. Riding as we did, you truly appreciated why it is called Big Sky! It was just our group which made the adventure more special. We rode 6 miles round-trip, riding back to our cookout dinner.

When we made it back to the ranch, we were treated to a delicious steak dinner, including potatoes, beans, coleslaw, and biscuits. We had definitely worked up an appetite and once again it had started to snow. Thankfully our dinner table was covered but it was still outdoors and cold.

Its early to bed tonight for tomorrow brings another day of adventure. River-rafting and possibly another rodeo. It looks to be a nice sunny day, just hope we stay warm enough!

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