Going to Bozeman Montana to visit my three grown daughters, Nicole, Lesa, and Aimee, for Thanksgiving a few weeks ago, was reason enough to be excited. The snow capped mountains that surround Gallatine County made Big Sky country more inviting than ever.
Another reason for my excitement was a little plan of mine to treat my daughters to a night away at Howlers Inn Bed & Breakfast and Wolf Sanctuary, thirteen miles outside of Bozeman. Living on the east coast meant I didn’t get to see my daughters very often. So, I wanted to do something unique and really special to celebrate them and their lives. Once I came across the web site for Howlers Inn, I knew it was time to make a reservation. www.howlersinn.com
Howlers Inn offers a haven for the stress laden and a hearth for warm relaxation all with a wolf pack serenade to lull you to sleep. The simple abundance of the spacious rooms, the log cabin set on 42 pristine acres of natural beauty, and the engaging hospitality of the inn keepers, Mary-Martha and Chris Bahn, was just the kind of experience I was seeking.
It had started snowing. My daughter, Lesa, was driving us in her Jeep Cherokee in 4-wheel drive, but it was still slow going due to the increasing snow. Once we spotted the Inn nestled up on the hill our excitement grew and we piled out with enough scarves, hats, gloves, satchels, boots and bags to start a boutique!
Upon entering the kitchen and being greeted by Mary-Martha, my daughters and I were immediately enveloped by her friendly and welcoming charm. The pine dining table was by large windows with a view of the three acres enclosure that held the wolves. We could see them heading up their well trodden path to the boulders, trees, and seasonal creek that is their home. Howlers Inn houses 6 wolves that could not survive in the wild and are cared for by Mary-Martha and her husband.
That evening after another snowy drive, we enjoyed a wonderful evening of fun and great food at Montana's Rib and Chop House, in Historic Livingston. Bewteen the stretch limo out front and the TV stars dining a few tables away, it was a nice addition to our already affable time. We caped off the wintry night with a dip in one of the many amenities, the hot tub, and the soundest sleep you could imagine.
The keystone of our visit to Howlers Inn was when the wolves treated us to their signature howling. It was an incredible gift to hear six wolves howling in unison and then each stopping simultaneously as if on cue by an orchestra conductor. It was the most amazing symphony we’d ever seen and heard.
After breakfast the next morning of a scrumptions blueberry french toast souffle with crisp bacon and steaming hot coffee from our wolf mugs, we relunctly bid good-bye to our delightful host and enlightening mountain retreat. Somehow, we all knew ... we'll be back.
Top Blond taking the day…Jennifer
