Arrival At The Thompson Cabin

Last Sunday was a day spent in the air and in a rental car traveling to Joel and Deb Thompson's cabin outside of Deer Lodge.  All three of us arrived on time into Bozeman from our flights and were on the road soon after.

The only aggravation and stress for the day was that as I was walking onto my flight from O'Hare to Bozeman, I was asked to gate check my fly rod travel tube.  This had never happened before on many other trips but figured that the plane must be at capacity and handed it off.  Bad idea.  Somehow the fly rod travel tube didn't make the flight.  So you can imagine my disgust and fear for the safety of the nine fly rods, worth more money than I'd ever like to worry about again, when they weren't waiting for me as I exited the plane in Bozeman.

Fast forward a couple hours and the fly rod travel tube had been found, placed on the next flight out, and I was told that a driver would bring it over to Deer Lodge that night.  I was still anxious but not willing to make the Thompson's wait for our arrival to the cabin since I had already been told that they would have dinner prepared for us.    

"International Dave" lined us up with a primo rental that even had both AC and DC hook ups in the backseat area which became "T.F.M. Headquarters" for the week to keep the MacBook and iPhone charged up.

It's about a two hour drive from Bozeman to the Thompson Cabin.  It was wonderful to see Joel, Deb,  and their pups Riley and Mac upon our arrival.

The porch view is stunning and looks over the lake and surrounding mountains.

Even though it's been three years since we were all together with Joel and Deb, it felt just like old times.

Riley and Mac fought playfully by the fire unaware as we watched.

Joel preparing to saute mushrooms with fresh garlic, salt, pepper, and a pour or two of beer for flavor.

The grill grates loaded up with steaks and asparagus stalks.

Dinner served.  This was just the first of several feasts over the course of the week. We ate (and drank) like kings.

Joel and Deb...think you again for your generosity of a fine dinner and also letting us stay at the cabin for the week.  Good times indeed.