As pups we had no idea what we were in for. After a looong drive from Seattle, suddenly, with noses out the window, we started to savor the new smells of the Yellowstone River, cows, horses, deer and an eagle family. Then, we arrived at a house with a huge grassy yard and incredible view.
We jumped out of the car and immediately entered a cool house with bedrooms on either end with a big, airy living space in between. Lots of room to run around and snooze and nothing we can break or ruin. Whew!
My mom could make any meal she wanted with all the provided amenities - pots, pans, great gas oven and stove, coffee maker, you name it! She thought she would barbecue but the Traeger was gooey and out of her league. My Dad had a run-in with the oil can on the barbecue so Mom called Deena for help in cleaning it up. Before we knew it, Owen arrived! He cleaned the oil whoops (my buddy and I tried to help too) and when my Dad pointed out the failing windows in the front of the house Owen was most thankful. Owen was so awesome. He gave my Dad the best tip on how to get to the Gallatin National Forest, a tip we used nearly everyday and made our adventures the best. Two gentlemen arrived a bit later to take window measurements so the view from inside the house will be even more outstanding!
Anytime we could get our parents to take us outside we fully immersed ourselves in trying to catch the plethora of grasshoppers, enjoy the view from any angle and walk over the irrigation canal to the Yellowstone River. A tip, bring insect repellent! Once you are out on the river, easy, but in the evenings or on your way to the river, be sure to arm yourself. I now know it is okay to snap at that one pesky bug! Although speaking of pesky insects, Mom and Dad did have an event with a hidden hornets nest under ground near the patio. Wow! They looked funny jumping around but I am glad my buddy and I were not a part of it. Ouch!
We had the best time in a clean, well stocked and perfect sized spot for just the 4 of us though another big kid came for a few nights. Bring a hat, a sun patio umbrella (My parents broke the one provided. They forgot to take it down and the classic Livingston winds came. In the manual it says to take it down but they forgot!) and extra chairs since there is only one adirondack.
I guarantee, our holiday card will have a photo of the incredible view.
We already wish we were back at Yellowstone River Lodge!
Thank you!