Sunday, 1 Sep 2019: Arrive Missoula, MT; Travel to Ranch; BBQ Welcome Dinner (D)
Schedule your arrival into Missoula, Montana to arrive no later than 12:00pm (noon). Once everyone has arrived, we will transfer as a group from the airport to the Dude Ranch. After time to check-in and get settled, we'll meet as a group at 3:00pm in the lobby of the Main Lodge for our Welcome Meeting. Afterward, we will tour the ranch and learn more about the many activities and amenities available to us. We'll enjoy an outdoor barbecue together this evening. Overnight Dude Ranch - 6 nights

Monday, 2 Sep 2019: Morning on Horseback; Rodeo; Trixi's Saloon (B,L,D)
After a hearty breakfast, we begin our day with a horseback ride. Then after lunch, we're off to watch the Helmville Labor Day Rodeo, the biggest little rodeo in Montana. Afterward, we'll stop at Trixi's Antler Saloon, a big red bar at the top of the hill, to wet our whistles before returning to the ranch. Trixi's is named after the former trick rider, roper and show girl who bought the place in the 1950s and it has become a local institution in little Ovando, Montana.

Tuesday, 3 Sep 2019: Cowgirl Breakfast Ride; Ghost Town; Country Line Dancing (B,L,D)
We begin the day with a Cowgirl Breakfast Ride where we take our breakfast along on horseback and cook it along the trail. There's nothing quite like eating outdoors under the Big Sky. This afternoon, we head to Garnet, the state's best preserved ghost town. Dating to 1895, Garnet is an historic gold and silver mining enclave located on First Chance Creek. Though it never experienced a bonanza strike, a few persistent miners are convinced it's only a matter of time. After dinner back at the ranch, we'll try our hand at country line dancing.

Wednesday, 4 Sep 2019: Seeley Lake; Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride (B,L,D)
This morning, set out on another horseback ride or simply enjoy some downtime at the ranch. This afternoon, we head to tiny Seeley Lake, flanked by the Mission and Swan mountain ranges and situated on one of Montana's most scenic drives, Hwy 83. Who knows what interesting wildlife we might see! There will be time to poke around the various shops, peek through the historical museum or take a leisurely hike through spectacular unspoiled nature. After dinner, we'll spend time with the horses again, but this time in a horse-drawn wagon.

Thursday, 5 Sep 2019: Optional All-Day Horseback Ride Adventure (B,L,D)
Today, you might don your cowgirl hat and opt for an all-day horseback ride, eating lunch along the trail. Or, you might enjoy a shorter morning ride with free time at the ranch in the afternoon. There are so many options, from fly fishing to wildlife viewing to mountain biking, hiking or swimming in a lake. Perhaps finding a quiet corner to read a good book and just enjoy rural ranch life is what appeals most.

Friday, 6 Sep 2019: Ranch Activities; Art Tour/Fishing Lesson; Farewell Dinner (B,L,D)
This morning we'll set out on our last ride for this week, and say goodbye to our mounts. After lunch, opt to take an Artist Studio Tour that takes in art studios and galleries of the area, or try your hand at trout fishing. We will regroup this evening for our Farewell Dinner followed by an evening sipping local wines and brews while painting our own creations.

Saturday, 7 Sep 2019: Return Home (B)
Sadly, our time in Big Sky country has come to an end. Make your return flight no earlier than 12noon as we must transfer as a group from the ranch back to the Missoula airport.