Fly casting lessons

I can't really remember how long ago it was...3 years, I think.  It was a day spent searching out new blogs when I came upon one named Knitting Mania.  When I found out that Pat and Chris were building their dream home in Montana, I knew I had to read further.  Yes, it was within miles of where we spent each summer.  Long story short, we have become great friends.  Though we only see each other in the summer, we do correspond during the rest of the year.

So last night we were invited to dinner at their beautiful home.  One small request was that the trout give them some fly fishing lessons.  He was more than happy to teach his beloved sport of fly casting to Chris and Pat.

Chris actually caught on quite quickly.....

As did Pat.

The Trout left the rod behind so that they can practice, and in a couple of weeks, they will come over to our modest travel trailer for dinner and a walk down the stream.

A delightful B&B in Medora, North Dakota

We have slowly shuffled our way from Florida to North Carolina, to Ohio, to Wisconsin and then  we spent a night at a delightful B&B in Medora, North Dakota, overlooking Teddy Roosevelt National Park and the National Grasslands.  Eagle Ridge Lodge is one perfect, unexpected place.

Some 13 years ago, Paul and Joanne built their dream house and B and B and have been busy ever since.  The live on the edge of a crater view of the badlands..  The scene changes daily as the sun travels over the sky.  When full to capacity,  they can easily house 23 people.  Their home is a retreat for weary travelers, a gathering place for a weekend of quilting or knitting or conferences.  Breakfast and dinner are served and I understand lunch can also be available.

A little off the beaten path, but well worth the trip.  Eagle Ridge Lodge is where you can meet other travelers and share stories and laughs.  It was a beautiful change for us since we usually are rushing to get West.  Paul told us at breakfast, which was a very tasty, fluffy, baked French toast with homemade caramel syrup, a slice of ham and fresh pineapple and blueberries, that originally the land they built on was an Indian ceremonial ground.  It was not just us...everyone seems to have immediate calm when they stepped upon this land.  It wasn't until breakfast that someone at our table mentioned that there are no televisions in the B&B.  Honestly had not even missed them at all.