HAWLEY MOUNTAIN
GUEST RANCH

News of the Ranch, 2009 Season

The Barn
We were hopeful that our barn would be completed, at least with plumbing and electricity, by the beginning of the season, so guests and staff could benefit from the nice new bathroom before and after rides. Also, we had 3 wranglers scheduled to live in the barn for the season.

Enter… the building inspector, who coded our barn as being a “public building” and said we needed to hire one of his referred plumbers and electricians. The plumber then told us the bathrooms had to be handicapped accessible. What’s that? For our wranglers who will be living there? Public building? So we had a 2 month delay before we were able to get it sorted out.

Meanwhile the interior of the barn was completed enough to set up our new tack room. Arlene, the Head Wrangler from the 2008 season, returned in 2009 and along with several of the returning guests, we were so happy to have her back. Early in the season before the horses arrived at the ranch, Arlene had the new tack room in the barn in ship shape ready for business. The space is twice as big as our old tack room, which makes it so nice! Saddle racks were measured, painted, and put in place against the walls, hooks were hung for halters and bridles, horses’ names were posted above the appropriate halters and bridles – in alphabetical order of course! Ron and Phyllis’ granddaughter, Ashlyn, even drew a nice “Welcome” sign for above the door. Arlene also painted the doors a nice red that matches our tin roof.

The drywall is now up and painted, water lines have been dug and are filled in (no easy task with all of the boulders to deal with), and the electricity will be hooked up in the spring. We’ll need a big “Barn Opening” in 2010 to celebrate its final completion!

The Bear
It was August. The first signs of a bear in the vicinity were the noticeably large rocks that had been turned over at various places around the ranch. Bears will often “grub”, looking for insects and grubs to eat under rocks.

Then one morning we came into the lodge to find a bear had broken into the back room of the kitchen – climbed right up the side of the lodge and broke into the small wire mesh window at the top of the second story annex. Ron had seen the bear during the night and knew it to be a small young black bear (something must have happened to its mother, because normally bears stay with their mothers until 2 years of age). There were paw prints on the door, about 15 lbs of brown sugar had been eaten, and he had the audacity to leave us a pile in the corner next to one of the large freezers. Hmmph!

That day Ray, the wrangler, worked on a road block for the climb up the side of the lodge. We expected the bear to make a repeat visit that evening. Ray put several long nail pointing out of the wood on the route up the side of the lodge. That evening Sharon, the cook, decided to camp out on the floor of the lodge to serve as the kitchen guard. We weren’t sure what she was planning to do if the bear came back, because she was only armed with a toy machine gun, a water pistol, and some oven cleaner spray. We were somewhat comforted by the knowledge that there was a solid door between the main kitchen and the back annex added on in 2007. Amidst all this, Ray and Joe decided to play a joke on Sharon by scaring her in the middle of the night with the bear rug that lays on the rock in the lodge. They just can’t pass up a good opportunity.

Sure enough, that night at 2:00 am we had a repeat visit by our black furry friend, who proceeded to eat half a ham, about 10 lbs of bacon, and several blocks of butter (he broke into our locked fridge). Coming back a second time that night Sharon scared him off by banging on the men’s bathroom wall. Go Sharon! Then at 3:00 am, as she was cleaning up in the kitchen, Ray crawled into the kitchen in stocking feet, cloaked with bear rug, and gave her a scare. As we often say, never a dull moment at the ranch!

The following day we decided to get serious about the bear, since we didn’t want him to become a permanent visitor. Ron worked all day rigging electrical wire around the upper walls of the kitchen annex. On the third morning of our bear escapades, Ron and Ray saw signs of bear prints, which looked like he had hit the ground hard under his climbing spot - evidence (we hoped) that he had gotten a shock. And we didn’t see him again this season! We did keep that electric fence charger on each night, though…

The Horses
People often ask what we do with the horse herd during the winter months. During the second week of October we took most of the horses 6 miles down the road to pasture we rent from Crystal Springs Ranch. Abbey and Misty, two children’s horses who are in semi-retirement, had been there all summer. Boy, do those horses get fuzzy, furry coats on them in the wintertime! It is sometimes hard to recognize them, as they look so different and the color of their coats darken. Do you know what triggers the timing in horses and other animals to grow their winter coats? It is actually NOT because of cold weather setting in. It is instead due to the shortening of light during the day. The shorter daylight hours is the cue to begin growing a warmer coat.

The end of October we did bring a small group of horses back to the ranch. These would be used by Ron and his son, Chad, and his grandson, Gage. They were planning on doing a good bit of riding to scout out hunting possibilities. The horses had other things in mind, however. They hadn’t been in the corral a full day before they got out and headed back to Crystal Springs Ranch – the grass was better, plus all of their friends were there! This happened twice before we decided not to turn them out in the pasture at the ranch, but instead keep them in the corral where they couldn’t escape so easily. It took a little over a month for the herd to run out of sufficient grass at Crystal Springs, so they were then trailed another 8 miles down the valley to Boulder River Ranch. Heading down the valley provides easier eating for the horses – less snow to dig through to get to grass, and less severe weather. Boulder River Ranch is the ranch that sits right on the road that has buildings on both sides as you drive through – including a creek that runs under one of the cabins! It is a large ranch with about 650 acres. The horses will stay there for a few months before heading even further down the valley to rented pasture near McLeod. We provide a salt block for them and check on them periodically to make sure they’re all doing well. The older horses will go into Big Timber for the winter and continue to be fed twice daily.

A Wellness Week culminated our 2009 season with great success. Guests enjoyed the activities and interaction with our facilitator, Heidi Fledderjohn, and the weather couldn’t have been nicer. Most of the meditation and yoga sessions were held outdoors taking advantage of the beautiful natural surroundings of our wilderness area. This allowed guests to experience their week to the fullest extent possible.

Another interesting observation this season was the increase in number of grandparents coming to the ranch bringing one or more of their grandchildren with them for a wilderness guest ranch experience. Some weeks there were several sets of grandparents interacting with each other while the grandkids bonded not only with their family members but other peers as well. What wonderful memories these families took home with them!

Fly fishing on our Boulder River frontage was outstanding this year. One guest who has returned to the ranch each fall for over 15 years claimed that this was the best fishing yet! Our October weather turned quickly into winter with several snowfalls, so the autumn colors will not be as magnificent as some years in the past. But temperatures have moderated with the promise of some more fall days ahead. Work to complete the barn project continues, and it is hoped that the barn will be totally ready for our 2010 season. With all of the moisture received this spring and summer, the landscape stayed green throughout most of the summer, and fire danger was low.

Bookings are now coming in for the 2010 season, and we are anticipating a revisit from many who enjoyed their wilderness experience in past years. Anyone with questions about our guest ranch operation is encouraged to contact us. References can also be furnished to help give a clearer picture of what is offered at Hawley Mountain Ranch.

John, Robin and Brad, AZ
This was our second trip, but was as much fun (or more) as the first. The ride to Meatrack was unbelievable. If its not heaven it sure is on the way there. Thanks to everyone for all the great care. See you next year.

JoAnn and David, AL
This was a wonderful place to relax, fish, ride, hike and enjoy the most beautiful place. The staff, wranglers, owners were awesome as Lewis said – this was the greatest place to bring our grandson for our special trip together.

Gabe and Gina, AZ
The natural beauty and surroundings are unforgettable and the horses we love. We shall always cherish Hawley Mtn. and its family in our hearts.

Norm and Lisa, CA
Thanks for a great week, with beautiful scenery, great food, wonderful horses and one of the nicest host families ever.

Gary, Jennifer, Kyle and Rachel, CA
Once again, we had a wonderful week. We enjoyed spending the week in this glorious place with all of you!

Allison, CA
I had never been to Montana before and now I don’t want to leave! Oh, and Jahaa is such a great horse! Sharon the cook was amazing!

Bob and Skippy, CA
My wife and I wanted our grandkids and their parents to experience Montana as we have for several years. Our time here was everything we hoped for, and more. The food, staff, Ron and Phyllis and of course Jodey were terrific and fun to be with.

Austin and Connie, CA
Excellent time, lots of fun and great horseback rides! Mum on the 4 X 4 trip! What happens at Hawley Mtn. stays at Hawley Mtn! You never go away hungry. Thanks to Ron and Phyllis and the entire staff for their care and all the hard work that they do to ensure you have a great time.

Dear Ron and Phyllis,
Thank you both so much for another wonderful stay at the Hawley Mountain Guest Ranch. We feel so fortunate to have found your little “piece of paradise” and to have had the pleasure of sharing it with you and our fellow guests.

The setting is as beautiful as we have seen, but your warm and welcoming hospitality is what makes it so special. You have the ability to put folks like us at ease in an environment that is vastly different from where we live. That is a gift as important as the beautiful rides, the delicious meals and the talents of your wonderful staff.

We like our two-year tradition of closing out our summer here. We hope to make it longer term with a third stay in august 2010! In the meantime, we wish you a great end of your season and a much-deserved rest during the winter months. Very happy to know you…..Jean

Jean and Ann, CA
Our second summer here at the ranch, and we couldn’t be more pleased to be back! Thanks to ALL of you, especially Ron and Phyllis, for outstanding hospitality. Ann loved Hush. I loved Mac. We both loved Arlene. Can’t wait for our next visit!

Herb and Eleanor, CA
Another fantastic week at Hawley Ranch. The weather was warm and beautiful. The other guests were very interesting and fun, the staff so friendly and helpful, and Ron and Phyllis make us all have such a good time. What a beautiful place to come and relax and enjoy. Thank you so much!

Pam and Mo, CO
It’s like coming home into the country (as John McPhee said in variation about Alaska). We’ve had a wonderful week. So glad we got to meet Arlene and Jojo before they left. I loved riding Dixie, I will ask for her (and Ray and Joe) next time. What a kind thing Heidi and Jodey did, bringing the chair in for Mo. And Sharon and Michelle gave us such good food and care. Have a happy winter break.

Ken, Washington, DC
Thank you so much. It was a lot of fun (more than I thought). Great staff and food. I think I was just getting the hang of fly fishing and riding – I have a whole new respect for the western way of life and the country. Thank you.

Sandi and Austin, FL
Thank you for such a wonderful week. We wanted to “get away” from the hustle and bustle of day to day life, and you sure made that wish come true. Thanks again for the great memories.

Jerry and Thada, GA
Thanks so much for allowing us to share this beautiful place with you. We love to come out west and especially here at Hawley Mountain. The dining room in your lodge has to be the prettiest place in America to have meals, it’s a beautiful view. Ron I will send you some flies, to try in the river. I especially enjoyed the fishing, all total I caught 32 trout, that was lots of fun.

Vickie, GA
Much thanks for all the hospitality. Again this was the most memorable time. I also get to mark one off the bucket list the climb to Independence was awesome. Blue Lake was just as beautiful in July as it is in Sept. Thanks again for sharing your piece of heaven!

Lewis, GA
Everybody was so nice. The food was great! I had so much fun. It was awesome!

Robin, Rob, Natalie and Caroline, IL
Hawley Mountain Ranch was the best vacation ever! My cousins and new found best friends and I played badmitton a lot. Sorry we obliterated the birdies (shuttle-cocks!) Thanks for the awesome vacation (family reunion-my grandparents 49th anniversary!) – Caroline

Caryn, KS
Words cannot express this vacation. From the staff to the other guests I could not have asked for a better vacation! I won’t be able to describe it when I get back to Kansas so perhaps I should just send them all here! Beyond fabulous. (email)Thanks again – I still think of that place often, in fact I even dreamed about it last night. Amazing what one week in one place can do for you. I tell everyone I can that they should go there so hopefully someone will listen.

Thomas, Maryland
So much have I gained from this trip that I cannot easily put into words, suffice to say this has been one of the best experiences of my life. I cannot imagine a more beautiful land or more welcoming people, to have learned riding from. This week will stay in my memory ‘till I have none left, and I’ll surely use my new skills before too long. Farewell and good fortune find all your trails.

Wendy, MD
I can’t tell you how wonderful it was to return to Hawley with my sister and sons this year! Hawley holds a special place in my heart and I often think of the beauty and tranquility here during the year. You are very special people with a very special place. Hope to see you next year!

Louis, Caroline, Evelyn, MA
Thank you SO much for such a great week. WE had a truly wonderful time!

Steve and John, MI
Thanks to a great staff, a beautiful mountain and valley, superb river and great horses! Had perfect weather, wonderful fishing, scenic rides, super food, friendly, accommodating service and great fellow guests. Hate to leave!

Morgan and Amy, Ron and Sandy, MN
We hada great visit – what a wonderful restful place. Thanks for your generous hospitality. Your staff is awesome. We greatly appreciate the extra time spent with Morgan in the arena – it added a new dimension to her riding experience. Thanks.

Kelly, MN
Thanks for this week! I had so much fun and I loved Jahaa. Hope to be back again. Thank you all! Deb This has been the best ranch experience I have had yet. Entire staff is Awesome! Thanks a bunch.

Valerie, MO
I just want to thank everyone here at the ranch for being wonderful in every way. This week has been a godsend in every way. The scenery, hospitality, wonderful staff (again), all the great people from all over the country (and England!) that I met have made this the most relaxing week I’ve had for a very long time. Thank you all!

Larry and Sheila, MO
Sheila and I have had a wonderful time. Our horses, Jack and Roho, were perfect. The staff are all so very nice. Plus we saw bears and moose. This part of Montana is like a little piece of heaven. It is hard to leave so we’ll promise ourselves to return soon to make it easier.

Bobby, MO
This was the best vacation I have ever had! All of the staff were exceptional. Usually on about the 3rd day I am ready to go home, but I didn’t want to leave when it was time. I hope to come back to the Mountain again!

Tim and Karen, NC
Most enjoyable vacation, great horses and wonderful people (friends). Scenery beyond awesome, just had a great time. Plan to return soon! Thanks to all!

Cara, NC
My time here has been some of the best spent time of my life. The amazing people and phenomenal experiences have made it unforgettable. This is the first time I’ve been somewhere where the beauty is so unfathomable it can’t be captured in a picture. That’s the magic of Hawley Mountain. And I’ll miss it very much.

Tom, Vivian, and Austin, NC
Everything from the double rainbow to the adventure on old blue was fun. Your staff is very good at making everyone comfortable and relaxed. Thank you for sharing the part of Montana you clearly love and tell Cal I’ll miss sharing my apple with him.

Mark, Karen, Meg and Jake, NH
Awesome week, it went by too fast. The riding and fishing were excellent. Thanks to the staff for the great food and all the great experiences. We hope to return sometime!!
Meg
It was so fun and awesome here! The rides were AMAZING and the views were breath-taking. Everyone was so friendly. I loved Mac! He took great care of me. Also the fishing was great. This is the most fish I”ve caught ever in one week! Thanks for a sweet time!

The Abbott Family, NY
The beauty of this area is magnified by your family and staff’s presence. Thank you for providing us an awesome adventure that we will never forget. If you ever get out east please do not hesitate to stop by.

Jared, NY
This was the craziest and best trip of my life. I can’t believe how beautiful everything is out here. The staff was the best, I will be back! tHanks!

Spencer, NY
What an amazing experience! From the great horserides, to the excellent rivers to fish, and everything in between…I had an awesome time! Thanks for all the great meals, hospitality, etc…you’re the best!

Gerry and family, OR
I never dreamed it would be possible to entertain eleven different people from 10 yr. olds to 70 year olds and find that all had the greatest of times and lasting memories. We will never forget your effort and great team. (email) It was a wonderful week. You all could not have been more caring and accommodating. You have hit the sweet spot between comfort and adventure. Drop by and stay when you are in Seattle. Fond regards, Chuck.

Michelle and Clair, PA
The horses, food, scenery and fishing was amazing. The thing that will make us come back again more than all of those things was the amazing staff. Everybody has been so wonderful to my wife and I. Thank you for a wonderful week.

Ross and Michelle, PA
This was our first trip but it definitely won’t be our last! We were in love with Montana before we came and our feelings were justified. Hawley Mountain and EVERYONE here are so great! The rides were awesome and so was the view…we will definitely be back to make more memories! Pat is our Hero!!

Susan, PA
Hi Jodey! Thanks so much for the picture! Phyllis made us look GOOD! We all enjoyed ourselves so much! My brother, Lee, is a man of few words and he NEVER gushes about anything…except his week at Hawley Mountain. I got such a kick out of hearing him go on and on about all the neat things we did last week. Thanks to you and the whole staff for an awesome week. Sam and Ashlee had “the best time of our lives” and I loved seeing them enjoy the ranch, horses, river, wildflowers and other kids (mainly the boys!) Dad is telling everyone it was the best fishing of his life. He even used one of the flies his father (who died when dad was in college) tied that he had been saving for “sometime special.” It was, as always, a magical week.
Thank you!

Linda, Troy, Casey and Bailey, PA
I had the best week I ever had, just like the last two times I’ve been here! I rode Flinch this time, and he is soooo sweet, I’ve been waiting to ride him for a long time, each horse, Flinch, Misty, and Apache, and HMR own a 4th of my heart. All the staff here are sooo nice, they care for us like we are relatives! I had so much fun – thanks!!!

Leroy, PA
Words and photos cannot express the experience I had at Hawley Mtn. To Ron and Phyllis I thank you so much. You have a great great lady manager Jodey. She is exceptional!! Your hospitality and concern for our well being, and enjoyment was like no other. The entire staff should be very proud of themselves and Hawley Mtn. Ranch. All of you shall be rewarded in your lifetime. I know mine has from this fantastic week. God Bless you all.

Roger, PA
There are hundreds of ranches that offer guest services BUT I suspect none of them have the staff and offer the experience of Hawley Mountain. I wish you all the very best in the future and I will be back with my wife, Molly, so she too can be overwhelmed with the beauty and hospitality of Montana’s finest!

Greg, PA
Ron, Phyllis, Jodey and staff – Roger and Leroy pretty well summed up our experience here. I have been in the west many times and have to say this was the best. Thank you all so much.

Sandi, SC
This is a beautiful place with all the right people. Sharon and Ted’s cooking is superb – Monty is the best ever! He deserves a treat every day of his life. Thanks Ron, Jodey, Phyllis, et al. for a great week.

Hank and Beth, TN
Everything I wanted and MORE! Beth and I enjoyed it all. Friendly staff, great food, views to kill for and the best horse in the world – Roho. Highly recommended to all we know. Thanks Ron and Phyllis!

Thurman and Florance, TX
We both have had a great time. It was such a beautiful place. The people are as beautiful inside as out, great hearts! We will miss you all, and friends forever. Hope to see ya all again soon. Thanks and love to all.

Power Family, TX
What an awesome 4 days. The only down side was we weren’t able to stay the whole week! Thank you so much for a vacation where everyone could be happy doing what they wanted to do! We can’t wait to come back and stay the whole week. Taylor Power – Thank you for giving me such a great horse!

Derek and Leigh Ann, TX
Thanks to everyone for such a wonderful week! We’ve had a blast and I can’t believe I didn’t get eaten by a bear or thrown off a horse! We’ll definitely be back soon! Thanks again.

David and Carl, TX
Best vacation ever! Everyone on staff was awesome and we really enjoyed meeting all the folks from the different countries. I think we may have a new addiction…Montana and horseback riding!!!

Ann and Jim, TX
Much thanks for a very special week with great new friends in a spectacular setting. The Wellness Week was a delight (as well as a very new experience for Jim). Fishing – wow!. WE just do not want to leave – and we will take this place and people with us!

Marty and Norma, and grandson Ethan, VA
Lewis said it, “AWESOME”. It truly was. Thanks for making us feel welcome. We have 3 grandkids to go. Maybe we will be back. The whole gang was so nice to us and the food was tops. God bless all of you. We will pray for you all as god brings you to our minds.

Jeremy (Emily, Abby and Francie), WA
It’s so rare to find a place where the values I was raised with (I am a 4th generation Montanan) are exhibited in a daily fashion. This is an oasis of honor, hard work, friendship, consistency, and integrity. I so appreciated your genuine kindness and hospitality.

Dick, Wisconsin
Fantastic week. Hope to be back. Great staff, food, lodging. Very good fishing. Unbelievable trip up the mountains (4 X 4). Thanks to all.

Bob, WI
Had a great time, the road trip was a blast!! Great fishing. Had a good time. Thanks to all.

Kirt and Sara, WI
Thank you so much for the best honeymoon ever! We can’t wait to come back. It is like we have a new family in Montana. Oh and if you ever want to give Jack away, let me know. I will be more than happy to take him home with us! Thanks!!!

International

Seamus and Olive, Dublin, Ireland
The memory bank received a huge deposit this week and we’ll have more stories than Pat to tell when we return to Ireland. Thank you Ron and Phyllis, Jodey, Sharon, Jojo, Sharon, Arlene Joe and Emily for a wonderful week of fun, frolics and high adventure!

Josephine, Hampshire, England
Really, there are no words to describe how wonderful it has been here, part of this Hawley Mountain Family….a unique experience, a privilege…once in a lifetime. Thank you for letting me share it…”one moment in time”

David and Ann-Marie, England
Just amazing on so many levels – the scenery, the history, the food but especially the PEOPLE! We felt we were not so much guests as visiting friends and family. Thank you. A great holiday that kept us all on the go – some feat. It was great to have a horse for Patrick to talk to ALL day. We had the most fabulous time with great food and company. Thanks so much. Matthew, England
The most fun thing I did when I was here was my horse (Jahaa) started to trot down a hill and then started hopping up a hill. I saw a bear, elk, deer, chipmunk, squirrel, moose, virtually everything!!! Jonathan, England
An amazing holiday. Some of the most fun I have ever had. Thank you!! Rachael, England
This holiday has been so much fun! The horses are all lovely and I think this holiday has made me a much more confident rider. The food was incredible , and we love the pancakes! We were all made to feel so welcome by everyone. Thank you all so much.

Paul and Tracey, Minnesota, Australia, New Zealand
Best fishing in years, great experience, lovely people and stunning scenery. Tracy loved the riding and is sore to prove it.

John, Oxford, UK, Australia
Tina, Sunshine Coast, Australia This has been my most relaxing and enjoyable vacation ever. At last I feel fulfilled. We were all treated as friends and not patrons…excellent staff and exceptional hosts. Stunning! Will be back. Thank you! (John) Serenity sums up the “feel” of Hawley. An absolutely wonderful escape from the Rat Race. A beautiful place to not only visit but live – you are all very very fortunate. Thanks for the fantastic hospitality. (Tina)

Yvonne, Dublin, Ireland
This little box is not big enough for me to describe the time I’ve had here. It’s been a very special week and thanks to everyone for making that happen. Not only the wonderful setting but being part of the family is what’s made this such a memorable week.

We had a fabulous week!! It was more than we expected. We LOVED the staff and the other guests. Everyone was friendly, kind, patient, and fun. We loved the food, absolutely loved the view, and totally enjoyed the horses and riding. What more could you ask for? We will definitely be back, sooner better than later.

John and Joni Howlett
Waldoboro, ME

What an incredibly beautiful place! Thank you for sharing your storybook river with us. I can only say it took us 80 years to find you! It has been one of the best weeks of our lives.

Tom and Michaela Thompson
Charlottesville, VA

After a year in the US, I found you and this incredible place. It’ll be one of the best memories for me. Your hospitality was outstanding, and I felt at home from the first moment. Thanks for everything.

Oliver Galach
Cologne GERMANY and NYC, NY

If God didn’t create these mountains, then I don’t know who did! It has been a magical week that went by too fast. All of you made us feel so welcome and a part of your lovely family. Many thanks.

The Leonard family
Hanson, MA

This has been an incredible week—experiences that are almost indescribable. The wonderful mountains, the scenery, the horses, and the wonderful mountain air! But, more than anything, the best of it all has been the people. We can’t wait to return!

Mike and Diane Petras
Indiana, PA

Aside from being one of the most wonderful vacations we have ever had, our stay at your ranch exposed us to an entirely new way of life and amazing people. We also enjoyed our “co-vacationers.” Your staff was super and always fun. Thanks for everything.

Kevin and Jackie Timmons
Sykesville, MD

We have always wanted to experience Montana, and our week at Hawley Mountain was more than we could ever have expected. We will take a piece of the West back with us in our memories. Thank you for a vacation of a lifetime!

Ronnie and Gwen Whisnant
Shelley, NC

What a fabulous, awesome time! I could never have imagined how great a week could be. The entire staff became family. I will miss the place, the people, and the new friends I met.

Charlene Rereira
St. Charles, IL

We both would like to tell you a very big MERCI!! Thanks you so much for your hospitality, for being a part of your family, for being welcomed as friends. For the unforgettable moments during riding, at the river, going to the look-out, or at the cook-out!! Thank you for your natural friendship, your histories, your kindness and laughter, for sharing all with us. You are very lucky people to own and/or work in such a beautiful place, to wake up every morning with this marvelous wilderness around you. But you know that, and that is why you take care of this special place.

Babette Schily and Eric Dupont
Pau e Toulouje, FRANCE

Wow! What a life you LIVE here! It’s so spectacular and amazing, just like the people here. The passion for the lifestyle comes across with every part of this experience. We will see you again!

The Voellinger family
Batavia, IL

I thought I’d died and gone to heaven! This is just like I imagine heaven to be. Everyone was so friendly, helpful, and supportive. To me I fulfilled a dream that I had had for some time. Not knowing if I was fit enough to do it but very proud that with your help and wonderful teaching, I was able to achieve this. I felt like part of a big family. I will never forget all of you and Hawley Ranch. Thank you all so much.

Rita Smalley
London, ENGLAND

Well, we arrived home yesterday afternoon—very depressed! We all agreed that our week with you was the best vacation we have ever had—and when we said our farewells, it was truly like saying goodbye to family. You made everyone feel so welcome, and it’s so apparent that everyone at the ranch loves to be there and enjoys sharing it with guests. There’s not one experience with you that stands out above the others as everything we did was so much fun. The friendships we made that week with all the other guests made it special too. Thanks again.
The Miller family PURCELLVILE, VA

Another great time at Hawley Mountain. Randy loved the fishing, and I had another awesome time riding. Thanks to the great staff for all of their hard work. It’s always hard to leave!
The Elkins family LAGRANGE, KY

We’ve had a wonderful time here! Everything about your ranch is relaxing, beautiful, and great fun. We have enjoyed spending this time with such wonderful people!
The Neumann family NAPA, CA

This has been a dream come true for me to be here this week. Thank you so much for all the wonderful things you had to offer and all the extra considerations you gave us. This spot will always have a special place in my heart.
Nancy and James Greer CALIFORNIA, MD

This trip was more than I could have ever hoped for! Hawley Mountain Ranch is definitely “God’s Country”. I can’t say enough about the staff, all perfect hosts What a fantastic experience. I hope to make it back next year.
Wendy Monfort LUXEMBURG, WI

My time spent at Hawley Mountain was the best in many years of travel. I only hope that someday I will have a place like that to call home. It is a trip that I anticipate repeating more than once. Thanks again for the “five star” hospitality.
Mark Wisniewski JUPITER, FL

What an amazing, spirited place you have here! Great weather—great guests—fine wranglers—what can I possibly say—other than I will be back!!
Pat Hanson SAINT PAUL, MN

When we planned this trip, I knew we would like it—I didn’t expect to love it! Love the mountains, love the horses, love the trails, and love the staff!! Oh! And we mustn’t forget LOVE THE FOOD! (Thanks, Nancy!) Your hospitality made us feel like a part of the Hawley Mountain Family.
Randy and Merrill Dodd Megan, Nicole, and David NOVATO, CA

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the ranch in early July. It was everything we had hoped for and more. Our fellow guests were a great group of people, and we left very much at home with them in a short time. The lodge folks and wranglers were wonderful, and each of them contributed to making our vacation a great experience. We thoroughly enjoyed the horses and riding to those breath-taking locations, and fishing on the Boulder in the early evening is a treasured memory. Thanks again for a wonderful experience.
Dennis and Kathleen Tremblay YARMOUTH, MAINE

Leaving Hawley Mountain and all the people that make being there so special was really difficult for us. We had such a wonderful time with you. Somehow, being at Hawley Mountain is like coming home to a place we love and to a family we choose! It is truly a magical place in our hearts. Not a day has passed that we haven't mentioned "moving to Montana". Both of my kids, but especially Max, had a life changing experience the two weeks we were in Montana. Max said he learned how superficial many people and our culture are. The experience gave him some real clarity about what his values are and how he wants to live life. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! We really miss you, the ranch, and all the wonderful people that work there.

Kelley Galambos and family ATLANTA, GA

Thank you to Ron and Phyllis, Bryant and Ellen, for having this place The wrangers...for helping me with my horse (I couldn't have asked for a better one.) The cook...the food was the best! The housekeepers...for keeping the cabin beautiful! And everyone else....who helped make this a memorable experience

Bridgette Lonergan JACKSONVILLE, IL

And comments from the rest of her family were...we had a wonderful time at the ranch. I have heard from most of the people that were on the ranch and it sounds like they also had as good a time as we did. The kids are begging me to go back next year. You are all close to top of mind awareness. Thanks again for the wonderful time we had there. It was the best vacation we have ever had.

As a part of the "Mathews Reunion". we arrived expecting a terrific vacation for the kids--but a wonderful time was had by all! Claire never would have expected to enjoy horseback riding so much, but the staff and horses made it so easy, and Andrew is looking forward to continuing to ride back home. Kelley caught his first fish. Dave loved the hikes, and Claire finally understands at least the basics of fly fishing 10 years after her first lesson. Thanks to all!

The Louder family CROFTON, MD

We are having serious withdrawal symptoms and last night when I looked at the Boston skyscraper skyline, I so wished I could still be in Room #3 looking out on the mountain instead. As you probably know, we had a fabulous time, and as gorgeous as the landscape is, it really was your hard work that made us feel so well treated and indulged. Plus it was great to get to know you and the family history. From here on for us Montana will always be a special place and you very special friends. Hope that you know that you have friends in Boston too.

Bob and Yasmina Manning BOSTON, MA

Thanks again for sharing Hawley Mountain with us last week. Much of our family's conversation the past week reverted back to something that happened on the ranch. The people we met there were wonderful, both the staff and guests! We have already been exchanging emails with some of the other families. Brenda and I especially miss our morning coffee out on the rock with Ron. It was a special part of the day for us. Thanks again for a special vacation.

Mike and Brenda Nelson, Bryce and Lucas NEENAH, WI

What an amazing adventure our whole trip was for everyone-but we always end up talking most about our time at Hawley Mountain. So if you notice a lot of folks from Roanoke, VA coming your way, you'll know why! We were all in a funk for days after leaving the ranch. We had silence in the motorhome for the first time on our trip. I wish I could muster adequate words for express our gratitude for the wonderful time we had with you-it was truly a magical experience for each of us. A heartfelt THANK YOU! will have to do!! I AM certain you'll be seeing us again-we have been smitten! THANK YOU THANK YOU so much again.

The Trinkle family ROANOKE, VA

This is definitely a destination in the future for us. It's a wonderfully different world there, and we loved it.

A huge thank you is in order for the card you posted to Casey and Jake with JaHaa and Cinnabar's mane cuttings enclosed. What a wonderful surprise when we opened it! The kids were absolutely thrilled. It was just one more check mark that went into the "over and above expectations" column if we were ever to fill out a survey on Hawley Mountain Ranch. As the weeks pass, our time spent with you doesn't seem to diminish, in fact, we are more eager to do a return visit.

The Cogar Family
Annapolis, MD

Oh, my gosh! I was reading the Hawley Mountain website, and it made me think. What you said you would try to offer all happened! I have so many memories that I never want to forget!- Megan, INDIANA

Our visit to Hawley Ranch exceeded our expectations. We had a wonderful week, and not one of us wanted to come back home. Ah, if life could be so good all of the time. It really was the perfect getaway from city living. We were treated so well by you and everyone who works at the ranch. I could go on and on singing praises about the magical week we spent and Hawley Mountain Ranch. -Mario, PA

What a wonderful week we had! You made us feel so comfortable and truly spoiled us. What a wonderful adventure! Everything was perfect. Your ranch is such a beautiful slice of heaven in the wilderness. After the hustle and bustle of the city, we really needed a little wilderness in our lives. We miss sitting on the rock in the morning with a cup of coffee, riding horses, hiking, the delicious food, and fishing. I still can’t believe I caught that giant fish!- Christine, PA

What a fantastic vacation you gave us. Everyone was so gracious. We realize how much work it requires to entertain that many people, and you guys made it look so simple. Thank you for showing us how to work our horses more. We loved the trail rides!- Denny and Kathy, NC

If I had to choose one word to describe you all, it would be “comfortable” because that is how you made us feel. I could not have hoped for a better time this week. Thanks you all for making this a wonderful vacation for us!- Greg and Robin, TX

We had a great time, as Hawley Mountain was everything we were looking for. The food was superb. The horseback riding, scenery, rafting trip, “Old Blue” trip, and everything else we did, we thoroughly enjoyed. Most of all was all of you and your help, and the way you catered to us and everyone there. You are top notch when it comes to your relations to your guests. Thanks again for the wonderful experience.- Dennis and Deb, MN

It was by far the best vacation we have taken as a family. What a beautiful place to get away from the stress of everyday life. Great fishing, excellent food, friendly staff and patient wranglers all combined to make our week unforgettable. The highlights for me were the 4x4 trip to Blue Lake and the ride to Meatrack. The girls fell in love with their horses, and tears were shed when they had to say goodbye. You really made us feel at home, as well as the other guests. We made a lot of new friends.- Greg and Tanya, VT

Thank you so much for your hospitality—and that of the staff—during our stay last week. I think we all agree it was the best vacation we ever had. Just last night we were going through our photos and enjoying the memories.- Dave, Tasha, and Erin, VA

It’s been a little over a year when we were at your Dude Ranch, and I am sitting here thinking about and missing “your mountains!” I can remember vividly the smell of the sage and the pine trees and when I go outside of my house—pine trees line the back of our yard—it brings back great memories of our time there.- Barbara-NJ

We wanted you to know how much we appreciated our time here and all the efforts from everyone involved that made our vacation memorable and unforgettable. We have loved the activities, and the lack of TV or radio has enhanced the experience. We both feel you have been blessed with an incredible location, but also the best staff. ……have managed to make each guest feel welcome and special…..created a wonderful place, have an exceptional staff, and everything here is a testament to hard-work, dedication, and love.- Paul and Sandy, Somerset, UK

“What an awesome vacation! Spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, good weather, and “too good” food. Everyone at Hawley Mountain was so client oriented. When we decided not to ride in the rain one morning, we were surprised to find Steve and Meredith knocking on our door a little later. The weather had turned nice, and they came to see if we would like to ride. Talk about customer service!”

“We wanted to tell you what a sensational time we had at the ranch. From the first to the last day, I can truly say it was an experience of a life time. For a city slicker to ride a horse for the first time in 30 years that in itself was a miracle, but to not even be sore is miracle number two. Accommodations over the lodge were “A” plus with a view of Mother Nature at her best. All our meals were delicious and always ready on time. Everyone who was there was friendly and always going out of their way to make our stay unforgettable. I told Jerry for the first time in years I truly felt like I had a vacation. We will definitely try to come back and visit again.”