Ashley Family Bonding Trip: Day 2 – On the Wyoming Side of Things
Sunday, May 25th
After a not very restful night*, I was awake early enough to see the sunrise. Although this wasn’t my plan, it was gorgeous:
It’s like 4:45am right
now.
There’s a lot of light in this part of the country.
I also had ample time to take pictures of the great room of the Lodge, before everyone else was awake.
I also had time to properly decorate the van:
Much better!
The triangles read, "Ashley Family Vacation 2014!"
The ones on the other side spell out, "On Our Way to Padlock Ranch!"
The ones on the other side spell out, "On Our Way to Padlock Ranch!"
Word.
Once everyone joined me, we enjoyed some breakfast casserole
and biscuits, then prepared for a day trip to Sheridan, Wyoming. While we were preparing, some of us played
pool…
I'm pretty sure Leigh's about to run the table.
That is the face of concentration, people.
That is the face of concentration, people.
…some of us took pictures…
The Lodge!
…and Chris and Jim finagled the back seat out of the van.**
Ready to go!
Extra sleeping arrangements on the porch for whoever needs them!
Padlock Ranch technically spans both Montana and Wyoming; in fact, when we were posting pictures on Facebook, the nearest location to the Lodge was the “Montana-Wyoming State Line,” which runs right through the property.
Open ranchland means that you sometimes have to wait for cows to cross in front of the Rag van.
Scamper away, little dude!
Although we flew through Billings, Sheridan is the closest town of any size to the Lodge, and it has a lot of historical sites related to coal mining, the railroad, and “wild west” type of history such as the hotel where Buffalo Bill Cody used to recruit performers for his shows. We initially planned to eat lunch at the hotel, but unfortunately, it was closed. However, it was a gorgeous place (with a giant lilac bush growing in the front yard, from which some of party stole a few clippings), and we did get some great pictures there:
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Family picture with
the Rag van!
After we found a spot for lunch and dined***, we wandered up and down Main Street, taking in the neat architecture.
Those are all branches making up the facade of the Mint Bar.
We also had fun posing with the many sculptures up and down the main drag:
Aunt Linda makes new friends
So, gentlemen, what exactly does the fox say?
Once our shopping jones was satisfied, we headed to the nearby Black Tooth Brewing Company for beer tasting. Most of the beer was fantastic, and although our group couldn’t decide on which was best, we all ended up with souvenirs. We also had a good time seeing Risa’s niece, Becca, who joined us for some libations.
Three guesses on who left his sunglasses at home!
There's a leaf in my beer!
A Four Peaks growler AND Christmas lights?
I feel right at home.
I feel right at home.
As you can clearly see, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves.
Fortified once again, we headed to a nearby Wal-Mart for
various and sundry items****, then hopped back in the van for the drive home to
the Lodge.
After a dinner of veggie lasagna, garlic bread, and salad, we headed down to the fire pit, where our resident firebug (Jim) created a masterpiece for us. We sat around enjoying the fire, telling stories, and making S’Mores.
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One of the spectacular views we saw on our drive.
It's always time for GORP.
Relaxing while waiting for dinner.
After a dinner of veggie lasagna, garlic bread, and salad, we headed down to the fire pit, where our resident firebug (Jim) created a masterpiece for us. We sat around enjoying the fire, telling stories, and making S’Mores.
Just four of the SEVEN iPhones that ended up at the Lodge with us.
This family photo is proudly sponsored by Tropicana orange juice.
A big thanks to Leigh and Risa for sharing their pictures with us -
No need to sh*t on them!
No need to sh*t on them!
Who wants to borrow my marshmallow stick?
After getting thoroughly inundated by the smell of campfire
smoke, we headed back to the Lodge and to bed!
Later!
Amy
* No fault of the Lodge, as the beds were super comfy; I just generally don’t sleep well the first night in a new place.
** I did my best to stay out of the way and try not to yell "PIVOT! PIVOT!" too many times.
*** Something Pub and Grub. It was alright – food was somewhat marginal but they gave you massive portions for a good price. The homebrewed beer was decidedly less than marginal.
**** Steaks for an upcoming dinner, a Keurig machine for the Lodge, Advil, half and half, and Clorox Wipes. You know, the standard stuff.
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