Summer Sojourns

Many of our clients have already spirited themselves to the South of France and returned from delightful à la française seashore jaunts, Hotel du Cap-Eden Roc is particularly busy with our Travel Tribe. Ranch at Rock Creek Dude Ranch again hosted one of our favorite extended families over the Fourth of July – if you haven’t trotted your kiddos here, it is our beloved western Ranch.

Havana Cuba

I once told a magazine writer I’m certain I was born with the DNA of a gypsy. For my 8th grade graduation, I coveted a small leather suitcase – at that age I never went further than my best friend’s house 4 blocks away or maybe to my grandparent’s home which was only 15 miles away. My parents surprised me with a hard-sided, stitched baby blue suitcase, lined in silky pale blue satin; a small lock and a gold key on a narrow blue ribbon guaranteed the safety of my valuables! I treasured it for my overnight getaways.

High school graduation yielded a trifecta prezzie: a full set of luggage, including a lady’s leather travel cosmetic case. I didn’t have an itinerary, in my heart, I knew adventure lay beyond the very small town of Ojai where I spent my childhood.

Image result for beatrice wood studio ojai
Beatrice Wood

The Avant-Garde artist and potter Beatrice Wood lived in Ojai; as a young girl, I was mesmerized by her stacks of shimmering wrist bangles, enormous ethnic silver necklaces and riotously decorated costumes – a mysterious bohemian gypsy – she truly represented uncharted territory – a different realm, somewhere far from the little burb of Ojai. Had I known she had spent time with Duchamp and lived in Paris, I might have worked up a petite bit of pluck and uttered a few words to her; but sometimes mystery is better than reality; don’t you sometimes find that to be true about people you meet?

but sometimes mystery is better than reality; don’t you sometimes find that to be true about people you meet?

Travel creates a teaching environment, we learn, we are challenged; I find travel the absolute essential antidote to everyday routines. When I pack my suitcase, I am usually completely pre-occupied with all the tasks that must be accomplished before I can escape. The  ever-growing list of must do prior to departure creates some stress; slowly each item is crossed off. Lock the gates and off to the airport. On arrival at the airport lounge, I let out a sigh of relief and let the pure sense of excitement wash over me.

My comfortable routines are banished and the anticipation of a new far off destination begins to sink in. Fresh vistas, foreign languages, interesting foods, curious customs, and people in indigenous dress – seeing places I’ve never seen before. A pleasing adventure of searching new locales for client travel, the pursuit never gets old.

Turnip Farmer Kingdom of Bhutan

There are times certainly that the luxury of my soft little pillow is missed, the paradox of travel – the comfy reminders of home – while enjoying the adventure at hand. Certainly, the brave seafaring explorers in tall masted ships, civilizations crossing boundless lands and seas to explore new countryside felt the tug of home. The spark of curiosity about uncharted territory overruled the dilemma experienced by all civilizations that left their comfort zones to search the world.

Vegetable Puree at Gaggan Restaurant Bangkok

“To get away from one’s working environment is, in a sense, to get away from one’s self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change.” ~Charles Horton Cooley

River Market Bangkok Thailand
Istanbul Market
The Marquesas aboard Lindblad National Geographic Orion

Travel means edging out of your habitat, traversing new pathways, being alive in an unknown place, a Journey.

Summer at the Ranch at Rock Creek

Our favorite adult & kiddy  Relais & Châteaux Ranch in Montana books up fast in summer – time to plan for your lavish Western Glamping escape. Adventure and glamping make for a superb visit to Ranch at Rock Creek, just a short distance from Missoula. Our multi-generation families stay for a week, sometimes two weeks.

The Forbes Five Star guest ranch has more activities than one can actually enjoy in a week, something for everyone and whenever you feel like moseying out from your rustically elegant and very comfy lodge room, private home or an over the top Glamping Tent, set on the banks of the gurgling Rock Creek. Camping in the most elegant style, bug free, full indoor bath and a roaring stove to ward off the cool night chill. Consisting of 29 private homes, lodge rooms and elegant Glamping Tents, some easily accommodate a large family gathering. Named after the aromatic mountain plant, Sweet Grass is their most spacious and lavish Glamping tent. It is ideal for families or two couples, with two master suites, connected by a main living area. Each master suite is appointed with a king bed, a claw foot bathtub, a private full bath and a gas stove. The master suites can accommodate additional guests, one with a day bed and the other with a queen pull-out

The main living space has a large seating area, kitchenette, dining table and wood-burning stove. It opens onto an outdoor patio, where you can relax to the sounds of nearby Rock Creek in a private cedar soaking tub

Winter is also a popular time to visit. Ski and cross-country adventures during winter season or ice-skate atop the frozen Bikini Beach pond; or be lazy and enjoy a sleigh ride around the pristine snow-covered Montana terrain

Located on 6,600 acres in Philipsburg, Montana, approximately 90 minutes from Missoula, the red-carpet experience begins the moment you step off the plane. Guests are picked up at the airport and whisked away to the property. Each guest is also all provided with a bicycle to explore the sprawling property, kids can safely roam free all day.

No schedules, other than meals, this fully inclusive lodge has a small weekly rodeo with tiny cowhands barely able to mount a goat to full-size burly cowpokes and fearless cowgirls willing to take their chances on a bucking bull. Your kids are invited to mingle and chase the goats around the corral, fun for everyone!

Summer barn dances, horseback riding, archery, fly fishing on a pristine Blue Ribbon Creek, shooting sports, rope courses, geocaching, mountain biking…oh, did I mention the cinema and bowling alley for keeping kiddos occupied after their day at Little Grizzly’s Camp?

Ranch at Rock Creek is not just for families, great girlfriend glamping weekend or travel with a group of old friends and enjoy memorable experiences combined with rugged adventure.

Executive chef Josh Drage and his team turnout noteworthy meals, seemingly all day long, boundless and bountiful delicious recipes, including braised Elk Shoulder, which was scrumptious! Recipe: http://www.cowboysindians.com/2015/08/recipes-the-ranch-at-rock-creek/

Giddy up and call me to reserve Ranch at Rock Creek – Highly recommend!

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