2009 West Boulder Ranch Adventure

Pinecone · September 22, 2009, 09:34:00 PM

Well, it's time to begin to spin the yarn of adventure and share the many wonders experienced during the week that Tippit and I spent at the West Boulder Ranch. In a word, it was amazing, and over the next few days we'll try to take you along. Enjoy....

Pinecone · September 22, 2009, 09:50:00 PM

I wheeled in to the Billings Airport much earlier than expected on the afternoon of Friday the 11th to pick up Jeff for the two hour drive to the ranch. Although we had never actually met before I already felt a kinship with my east coast Veterinary friend. After all, how could I not like a guy who shoots longbows and loves whiskered weiner dogs?! That alone was ample assurance that we would get along wonderfully and when he emerged from the airport terminal (all 6' 4" of him)and gave me a big old long-armed hug, it was like we had been friends forever. Another new Tradgang friendship was born!

champ38 · September 22, 2009, 09:54:00 PM

Steve O · September 22, 2009, 09:55:00 PM

Oh goody--two of my favorites!

Don't Lamb it up too much; I've got an early flight in the morning to a place where there are NO computers

Charlie Lamb · September 22, 2009, 09:55:00 PM

Very cool!! Will be watching.

Gatekeeper · September 22, 2009, 09:56:00 PM

Let'er rip sister!

Pinecone · September 22, 2009, 10:07:00 PM

We loaded Jeff's duffel in the back of my Expedition and quickly set off for points west. We had a couple of hours drive to Big Timber and we passed the time talking about our pets, our families, and the interesting and remarkable relationships we had forged around contacts originally made on Tradgang. The time passed quickly as we chatted and talked about the individual journeys that lead us to traditional archery and that had eventaully brought us to Montana to hunt the West Boulder. For Jeff, it was an opportunity to test his readiness for more strenuous trips to the mountains and to spend time with his good friends, Doug and Karen Campbell. For me, it was a chance to experience Montana and meet some new friends. And for both of us, the hunt was a great excuse to give to St. Jude's, an organization created to soothe the fears and frailties of one of societies most vulnerable populations...sick children.

Roughcountry · September 22, 2009, 10:25:00 PM

This is good already

Pinecone · September 22, 2009, 10:27:00 PM

We met Doug and Karen in Big Timber and all I can say is that if you have never been quite sure whether or not you have in the presence of a real cowboy, you have never met anyone like Doug Campbell. Everything about the man makes a statement about authenticity. He is definately the real deal...no artifical coloring, presevatives, or flavoring...and that sure is refreshing.
Karen is the same way (sans the cowboy image!). She is sincere, warm, and wonderfully accomodating. And as I came to see during the week, both of them have a work ethic and level of integrity that is second to none.
When we drove to the ranch, Jeff and I were shown to our home away from home...a small, comfortable cabin nestled next to the winding West Boulder River. It is an idyllic setting made even more complete with the tranquil sounds of the water rippling over the river's native stones.

Missouri CK · September 22, 2009, 10:57:00 PM

Wonderful! Can't wait to see this unfold.

IronCreekArcher · September 22, 2009, 10:59:00 PM

I have done quite a bit of fishing and hunting around Big Timber and the Boulder River...we used to get our Antelope up on Airport Flats every year. Keep the story goin...

ksbowman · September 22, 2009, 11:01:00 PM

You go girl!Can't wait to here this one! Ben

bowhunterfrompast · September 23, 2009, 04:56:00 AM

Doug and Karen are mighty fine people. Will be waiting by the

for the rest of the story.

Killdeer · September 23, 2009, 05:30:00 AM

Oboy...I love reading your stories, Pinecone.
Killdeer

rastaman · September 23, 2009, 06:32:00 AM

What a way to start my day! Thanks for sharing!

Benny Nganabbarru · September 23, 2009, 06:59:00 AM

It looks very nice there, and I'm very-much looking forward to reading the rest as it unfolds. Cheers!

swp · September 23, 2009, 07:37:00 AM

We are all ears!

fatman · September 23, 2009, 08:19:00 AM

Been looking forward to this one....

Jack Denbow · September 23, 2009, 08:54:00 AM

Oh boy this is going to be a good read. I can't wait for more.
Jack

Shaun · September 23, 2009, 09:08:00 AM

I've had the pleasure of hunting with Jeff and visiting Doug and Karen, but Pinecone you are on my short list of people I long to meet. This story will have to due till then. More please...