Wildfire season has been particularly bad this year in the west.  The smoke is heavy and the ground is dry.  But home in Montana for 10 days we found peace on the river. 

We drove over to Bozeman from Missoula to spend time with my sister, celebrate her new baby and take time to get outside.

After picking up some purple haze flies and rigging up the new rod, we headed to the Gallatin.  As we carefully selected which holes to fish, the smoke remained thick and the mountains looked like distant ghosts.  But the water was cool on our feet, the temperature warm and the breeze on the river was pure the further we waded.  We only had a few nibbles in the hours we were out on the water but our casts got stronger and further as the day passed.

There’s nothing like being outside standing side-by-s...

Three weeks away has been just what the doctor ordered. Three states and three rivers later, I have fished two rivers in Montana, floated another and camped in Virginia’s Shenandoah.  I have helped welcome a new member to our family, spent time with my 95 year old Grandma and inhaled wildfire smoke thick enough it feels like I smoked 10 cigars.  I’ve slip and slid down an adult slip-n-slide, mended a sick dog, ate the BEST elk tacos, celebrated my 30 years on this planet and two years of marriage!  Through all this, I’m reminded nothing does the body and mind better than being outdoors and spending time with good friends and family.  It’s the glue that makes life stick together and worth every minute!  

People are why this blog started...

Hi all!  We’re taking a blogging break and will be back in two weeks ready to start September off right!  We’ll be traveling to Montana and hope you follow the journey on Instagram here!  Hint hint… there may be some fly fishing! Thanks for all your support – looking forward to getting back at it upon our return.

And here’s a nifty little infographic to tide you over and get you ready to bow hunt this fall and improve your technique…

* Infographic source? BassPro.

During 2015’s SHOT Show, I met Iris and Betty – the founders behind Beau + Arrow. We were fast friends in part because we had something in common – we were three young women who enjoy both firearms and fashion in a sea of thousands of men.  We’ve kept in touch and a few months ago, Beau + Arrow sent me both the Lillian and the Pearl to test out.  

Here’s what you need to know:  Beau + Arrow handbags are made from high quality Texas leather for the modern and fashionable gun owner and if you conceal carry these bags are for you!  I don’t carry but am still drooling over how lux  the bags are to touch and their functionality...