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Bucket List in Montana

The wildfires in Glacier National Park are filling the air with smoke and cutting down on visibility. Rather than spend another day where the fire is in East Glacier, we decided to travel to the other side of the park.

Our Third day we crossed the continental divide over to Two Medicine Lake. Two Medicine Lake in MontanaThe views were stunning. We took a boat ride to the far side of the lake and hiked in 3 miles.

Jennifer Connolly of A Well Styled Life at Two Medicine LakeThere were supposed to be Moose, Elk, Red Fox, Mountain Lions, Cougars, Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, Big Horned Sheep, Lynx, Mountain Goats and Bald Eagles. By the time we’d come back I had spotted a zillion Chipmunks, one Bald Eagle and four mountain goats from a distance of about 2 miles.

Our fourth day found the smoke even worse so we took the twisty, windy “Road To The Sun” through the park to East Glacier and St Mary’s. Jennifer Connolly of A Well Styled Life riding horse in MontanaMy daughter wanted us to ride horses which sounded romantically fun. I hadn’t been on a horse since summer camp when I was 12. That experience was on a short pony, this was on a quarter horse named Bailey. Jennifer Connoily of A Well Styled life riding a horseAtop his saddle, I felt a very long way from the ground and he instantly started to kick up his back legs and dance around, convincing me this was not a smart idea. But the whole rest of the family was up on a horse, so I couldn’t back out now.

I couldn’t quite catch the drift of how to steer Bailey and he knew it. They say horses can smell your fear, I’m sure I reeked of it. He liked to ride very close to trees and I got the feeling he was trying to scrape me off his saddle. I never did hit the ground but I got a nasty gash on my arm, right through my denim jacket.Jennifer Connolly of A Well Styled Life riding a horse in Montana

By the time we dismounted I was almost ready to go out for a little longer time. I say almost because when I climbed down I could barely use my legs.

We drove back to Apgar village for a quick dip in MacDonald Lake. The smoke was very thick on this side of the park so visibility wasn’t great.Jennifer Connolly of A well Styled life paddle boarding in Montana

My daughter rented a paddle board and we all gave it a shot. My balance isn’t what it used to be but I was able to stand up and paddle for a while before landing in the lake.Jennifer Connolly of A Well Styled life in McDonald lake

Our kids flew yesterday and I miss them already. enjoying Glacier national ParkMy husband spent our last day doing laundry and getting ourselves organized for the continuation of our trip. I was pretty sure I had packed enough clothes until I ended up soaking several things and got dirtier than expected.

We’ve had an amazing trip so far and crossed several things off our bucket lists. I’ve also discovered that glamping in a luxurious tent with a king size bed isn’t preferable to traveling in our little trailer.

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

38 Comments

  1. I’m so glad I discovered your blog! I love that your adventures don’t often include wearing heels and that you inspire your readers rather than preaching to them about the lifestyle they should aspire to. You and Beth Djalali now top my “most appreciated” bloggers list!

    1. Thank you so much Mary!! I’m thrilled you’re here and grateful you enjoy my “style”!

  2. Sounds like you had a great trip! My horseback riding experiences are always similar. A bit of bucking and lots of picker bushes. Horses must all think alike! Thanks for sharing!

  3. I have enjoyed your sharing of fashion tips.I love your adventurous spirit.I find it tempting to sit on the couch and just read,blogs,magazines,books.Thanks for reminder to do not just be.

  4. I LOVE your story about this adventure. The story of horseback riding was a hoot! You hat makes you look like a Texas cowgirl, but you may have a few more lessons before you’re ready for a roundup! Keep it up, Trooper!!

    1. Thanks Sue! I have a very long way to go before I’m a real cowgirl:)

  5. Cindy Beck says:

    I don’t know if you meant to be funny when describing your horseback experience, but you made me laugh. Yes, a good sport you are for sure. And what a jam packed day you all had. Glacier is one of our favorite spots. The first time I was there was on the back of my husband’s (boyfriend at the time) motorcycle. That was almost 40 years ago, but I remember it vividly. Continue safe travels and thanks for sharing your wonderful trip.

    1. It didn’t seem funny at the time. Bailey was not the friendliest camper but I hung on !
      It’s a gloriously beautiful spot!! How fun to see it on a motorcycle Cindy!!

  6. Jennifer Hoopes says:

    Jennifer, I’m from Northwest Montana (now living in Savannah). So sorry that your vacation was marred by the devastating wildfires. I was in Glacier last year over Labor Day for a reunion with family. I got caught in a chilly, rainy visit and had to buy a wool poncho in Whitefish! Don’t hesitate to go back!!

    1. We will definitely go back! I’d love to take the train in and stay in the magnificent lodge.

  7. I KNEW YOU WERE GOING TO BE SAYING OUCH WHEN YOU GOT OFF BAILEY!!!
    BEAUTIFUL views……………and when you are with the kids all is GOOD!

  8. Debbie Z. says:

    I got carsick on the Road To The Sun. The curves! But I loved the countryside. You are amazing, and look great atop that horse! You are going to have to wear that cowboy hat long after your trip because you look so good in it! What a great sport you are to try all those adventuresome things. I’m sure your kids loved it.

    1. I’m not surprised Debbie. I would have gotten sick too if I hadn’t been the one driving! It’s so twisty!! I will be wearing that hat again, it has fabulous memories attached to it!!

  9. Thanks for sharing your amazing trip! I can see that you’re having a wonderful time. It’s so great to be able to share the fun with family. Enjoy the rest of your travels.

    Rosemary

    1. It’s been pretty special! Thanks for reading along Rosemary.

  10. Kathleen O'Brien says:

    What an adventure! Great pictures. I’m so impressed at all the things you’re trying and doing – horseback riding, paddleboarding, WoW – you’re a trooper! Thank you for sharing it with us. And I’ve got to mention, looking stylish and great while doing it too!

    1. Thanks Kathleen! I didn’t always look stylish but those pictures turned out to be a little blurry 🙂

  11. Kim Pierson says:

    My daughter also loves horses and convinced us all to do a trail ride in South Dakota several years ago. I am not an animal person and have never had good luck on trail rides. My horse did just what you described scraping my ankle along a tree! I am done with trail rides! I’ve heard that Glacier National Park is absolutely beautiful. Enjoy the memories.

    1. I do have a very nasty gash on my arm to show for it. If there’s a next time I’ll learn to steer the horse:)

    1. Thanks for reading along. I hope your camping trip is going well Elaine!

      1. We are home now after six wonderful weeks that included a family wedding, time with grandchildren, camping, hiking, kayaking, and some absolutely amazing scenery!

  12. What a good sport! I would be terrified to get on a horse. I don’t quite bounce the way I used to. ???? I can tell you are a close knit family and enjoy each other’s company. Thank you for sharing your vacation with us.

    1. I just couldn’t be the only one of us to chicken out. I’d never live it down! I was scared at first but then it became a fun challenge. My kids are the best. I am truly blessed.

  13. Good for you on the paddleboarding. I tried that in Maui and it’s hard! And I hear you about horses. But doesn’t it feel great to try something new? And you managed to look boomer stylish at the same time.

    1. The paddle boarding was much harder than I anticipated but I’m glad I tried it. It’s exhilarating to accomplish new things.

  14. My only question – how can I get the Hubs to do the laundry while on RV trips? That task is always mine…but then, he does all the driving, so I guess I shouldn’t complain!
    Barb

    1. I’d rather drive than do laundry any day Barb! Plus, if he wrecks my clothes I get to replace them 🙂

  15. You are such a good sport and braver than I would have been on a horse! Enjoy the rest of your trip.

    1. I never think of myself as brave, Ann. Just hate to be the one who chickens out in our family of high achievers. 🙂

  16. Laurie Di Noto says:

    Beautiful family! So happy you shared this special time together????

  17. I’m clapping for you here! Horseback riding, hiking AND paddlboarding – all in one day? You’re my hero and you’ve earned that cowgirl hat! What great fun to be with your kids too! Happy continued trails! And I agree with you on nothing much on the road being as comfortable as your own bed in your own RV. Even those fabulous beds at Under Canvas.

    1. It’s so fabulous to spend time with our adult children. Enjoying them as adults is the very best. Xx

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