Visiting Montana and Ted Turner at his wonderful ranch
I recently found myself in Montana, visiting Ted Turner at his wonderful ranch there. Ted Turner, as you may already know, is a media mogul and philanthropist. He is the founder of the cable television network CNN and he supports United Nations causes. He is also an environmentalist and generously devotes his assets help protect it. Ted Turner owns more land than any other American - 2.2 million acres! He uses much of that land to re-popularize bison, which is leaner and healthier for you than beef, and he now boasts the largest herd in the world. Ted owns a chain of restaurants called Ted's Montana Grill, where that delicious bison is offered on the menu.
The purpose of the journey, along with my television crew, was to learn from him all about his environmental concerns and his extraordinary efforts in restoring endangered species to the planet. We spent two full days with Ted and he generously gave a real guided tour through some of America's most beautiful places. The cast of characters was:
Ted Turner - our gracious host
Martha Stewart - the host of my TV show
Kevin Sharkey - executive editorial director of decorating at MSLO
Jill and Dan Dienst - friends and Western fanatics
Mary Curran - hair and makeup artist
Betsy Perreten - Bedford stable manager
Please enjoy these photos and be sure to check out tomorrow's blog for more adventures in Montana!
My wireless was not functioning in Montana and I had to dictate on the phone, my entire Martha Stewart Living column for October, which I had written on the plane!
Dan Dienst and Kevin Sharkey – leaving the coffee shop in Dillon
The red-tailed hawk has left its perch.
Here it comes.
A small deer watches the hawk.
It landed again on a fence post with its prey.
Here we are at the ranch.
Laurie Hepburn – TV producer and me, ready for the hiking episode
Kevin and Mary were always posing for photos. Mary had packed all my makeup and hair supplies in a new backpack.
We have not yet identified this berry – the plant looks like a bunchberry.
A great photo of Kevin
Donna and I descended the mountain before the others. She knows a lot about the area having lived and guided there for many years.
I was so happy to get a bottle of water! When hiking or walking at high altitudes it is imperative to drink a lot of water!
Kevin and Jill dressed for our first dinner with Ted Turner
And the views are breathtaking.
After landing at the airport in Montana, we saw this old single-engine crop duster on the tarmac.
Mary Ann VanDerventer – unit manager – field dept. of TV – met us at the airport and chauffeured us to the ranch.
We stopped in Dillon, the first little town we came to, for a snack. Dillon may have a population of under 4,000, but it is a happening place.
Sweetwater was a very nice coffee, gift, and antiques store.
Kevin and Mary tried on vintage glasses and hammed it up a bit.
There is gambling in Dillon.
The big sky we all hear and dream about is present in Montana!
Our very first sighting of bison
A hungry red-tailed hawk is perched with its prey – poor little mouse.
Our guest ranch where we all slept for three nights – the telephone was in keeping with the decor.
There was lots of taxidermy here and there.
Mary Ann loved these long-horned goats.
Upon arrival at 9,000 feet, we were informed that we would be embarking on a brief hike to see the flora of the surrounding area – many wild flowers were still in bloom. Betsy, my stable manager, felt at home in Montana.
Donna Tate McDonald, owner of the guest ranch, Upper Canyon Outfitters www.ucomontana.com, me, and Val – a school teacher from New Jersey, who works with her husband at the ranch every summer.
Gary, Dave, and one of the crew high up the mountain hillside
A scabiosa flower topped off with a butterfly
lt looks like a moose slept here the night before.
A gorgeous view of the mountains to the north.
I love this photo of me – bandannas are my thing!
Jill Dienst, who joined us for the trip, looked happy and healthy in the mountain air.
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Comments
Montana is beautiful but that picture of Kevin is wonderful. He is such a cutie 🙂
Posted by: ann | August 31st, 2009 at 6:20 am
Good Morning!
You all looked great there in the outdoors!
I'm surprised that you didn't take on a horseback ride through the scenery. We plan to see Montana on our next road trip-have never seen that state, yet!
Posted by: Andrea Lucia | August 31st, 2009 at 6:35 am
Ms. Stewart, the pictures definitely show that you were in the middle of God's Country! Beautiful, Breathtaking, Untouched Pristine Landscape & of course Bison....I did get a chuckle about the Wifi not working...I have always wanted to visit Montana...Ohhhh! but how would I suurvive w/out my iPhone & WiFi?
Posted by: rpm | August 31st, 2009 at 6:53 am
Traveling with a hair and make up artist, that is exactly what I am always forgetting to pack!
Thanks for posting these photos, I have been anxious and checking daily to see if you were posting photos from Mt. Would have loved to see photos of your fishing trip with Ted, will there be any coming? I always enjoy your blog and twitter.
Posted by: janel | August 31st, 2009 at 9:49 am
Montana agrees with Martha! Everyone looks so happy and relaxed. I am looking forward to seeing more of the trip on the new season. Got a chuckle out of the picture of the phone. We have the same phone at our 100 year old Finger Lakes, NY cottage - bought it at Radio Shack several years ago! Also, how come Kevin knows how to tie a scarf better than I do - am very jealous!
Posted by: mary c barber | August 31st, 2009 at 9:54 am
Montana is so lovely...we drive through there enroute to our vacation home in northwestern Ontario in Canada...and we drive all the way from Vancouver, BC. We prefer this route because of scenic Montana. All those lovely little rivers that run through it, too!
Looks like you all enjoyed Big Sky country!
Posted by: sherey | August 31st, 2009 at 10:38 am
Accessibility becomes you! Thanks for sharing picture 18 especially; it is charming. (MSO volume doubled this morning--true!) You look so, real! Thank you for everything you do; it must be hard to be you sometimes. You are beautiful.
Posted by: Deborah | August 31st, 2009 at 12:04 pm
That old airplane on the tarmac is my Cessna AG-CAT crop duster. Thank you very much.
Posted by: Gary | August 31st, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Hi Martha,
Thanks for the breathtaking views of Montana and particularly picture #10! Like Betsy, I think I would feel right at home there too. I look forward to any more pictures you care to share and also the film footage when it airs on your show. Also, I agree, you do look nice in your yellow bandanna. Trish
P.S. Thanks so much for speeding up picture views and for keeping comment option on same page. I can now go back through pictures on same page without worrying about losing my comment!
Posted by: Trish | August 31st, 2009 at 2:09 pm
In photo 30 of your Montana blog, it looks like dogwood (Cornus family), both the berry and the leaf. I think bunchberry is correct.
Posted by: Maggie Dwyer | August 31st, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Martha, thanks for the pictures of your hike and your working feverishly to get your column in. Sounds like the good old days of taking college books on vacation.
I must feverishly vent here, I absolutely hate when the quote "leaner and more healthy" is used when comparing buffalo to beef. That is so lame! Unless you have several college research trials that have controlled circumstances and defined descriptions (what is healthy mean??) then it is a cruel and unjust analysis of a large food producing industry.
And finally picture #11 if that is not a poster picture of over grazing--please explain why not.
Thanks.
Posted by: Margie | August 31st, 2009 at 3:34 pm
A journey out West, into a beautiful landscape -- what could be better at the close of summer? Thank you for sharing you photos!
Posted by: Eliza B. | August 31st, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Will we see Ted in the next batch of photos?
I too appreciate the upgrade in your photo viewing software. It is much more friendly.
Posted by: maureen | August 31st, 2009 at 3:52 pm
The plane is definately a crop duster. I've been to Montana cutting wheat. My dad use to carry combines and follow the wheat belt. It is definately Big Sky Country with lots of wildlife.
Posted by: Sandy Lane | August 31st, 2009 at 3:57 pm
I believe it was Brian in the Foggy Morning Bedford blog who didn't like the new format with the pictures because he couldn't enlarge them. Brian, all you have to do is right click the picture, choose 'open link in new window' and then click on the picture and it will enlarge. You'll see the little zoom/+ icon. You can also 'save as' in your own file and view at higher percentage Hope this helps. Trish
Posted by: Trish | August 31st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I love your pics. I am from MT and it is amazing the pics tourist take, because seeing stuff like that everyday, we take for granted how pretty it really is. And I live on the other side of the state. Where there isn't a lot of green! Still people take pics of that too. My fave pic is the airplane. Looks just like the one my dad used to fly before he passed away.
Wonderful! Martha Stewart and Ted Turner are two of my favorite people. I can't wait to see this on the new season of Martha.
Posted by: Linda James | August 31st, 2009 at 5:56 pm
thanks for visiting sweetwater my coffee shop in dillon. i am sorry that i wasn't there during your visit, but after looking at your photos from the snowcrest and reading your comments, it seems like you might be pursuaded to come back another time. those of us that work hard to live here know how truly blessed we are to look at this landscape every day.
again, thanks for stopping by, and for the mention. safe travels.
sz
Posted by: sara z | August 31st, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Hello Martha,
Come visit the Montana's Flathead Valley next time. Our wireless works and you can come see the Glaciers before they melt. : ( I think you would find a warm reception here, as our Valley is conservation minded, and supports the arts, including the domestic arts ! Let me know if you'd like to know the nicest places to stay.
Gina Nelson, MD, Kalispell, a longtime fan
Posted by: Gina Nelson MD | August 31st, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Isn't Montana wonderful!?
I hope you ate pie at a cafe, the best pie is in Montana!
Posted by: Charlotte K | August 31st, 2009 at 7:53 pm
America the Beautiful...it never ceases to amaze me every time I see photos from Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.
I have always wanted to go to Montana. Your beautiful photos prove my longing. Maybe I would bump into Ted and that would make it even more beautiful. I was attending a lecture by Dr. Oz a few months ago and happen to hear this distinct voice - looked down the row a few seats - and it was Mr. Turner - Big Sky indeed.
Posted by: jeannette | August 31st, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Hi Martha,
My sister-n-law Jill lives in Dillon. And your right it is a great place to visit. I hope you made it to Buffalo Lodge great food and breathtaking views. Kim
Posted by: kim bartolomei | August 31st, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Martha, thanks for taking us along on this trip to Montana. I can't wait to see your photos with The Great Ted. I am sure one of these days you'll be visiting him in Patagonia too! That will be such a privilege just to see your photos of him with you and of his property there.
Nikki
Posted by: Nikki | August 31st, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Hi Martha, I really love your life,when I see all the places you have been through your blogs and pictures ,IT IS ALMOST like being there.
Posted by: Rusty Matter | August 31st, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Peace on Earth..Oh my what a lovely sight to see first thing in the morning..What a great start..Thank You.
Posted by: Sharon | September 1st, 2009 at 7:21 am
I love your new slideshow... the pictures are MUCH quicker to go through! However, it seems like the captions get cut off... is it the webpage or my computer?
Posted by: Christy | September 1st, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I have been past Ted Turner ranch in the winter months twice actually while on my way to West Yellowstone to do some snowmobiling. It is nice to see summer pictures from that area. Fabulous place, now I want to go in the summertime. There is no better place to see wildlife and enjoy the great outdoors than Montana/Wyoming/Idaho area and I was able to snowmobile in all three states in one day!!
Sweetwater Coffee is definitely the best coffee shop to visit in Southwest MT. They always know your name, serve you with a smile and it always has the best artsy feel with great people. I can't wait to visit there again. I recommend the C.P.O. cookie and the Doris Salad...;)
Posted by: Kim W | September 1st, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Hi Martha, What a wonderful blog about the Big Sky Country of Montana. Your photos are once again superb. Everyone looked like they were having a fabulous, relaxing time, especially you. Had you ever been there before? We used to go there every year on my birthday and spend the 4th of July with my Grand Parents in Butte many years ago. I haven't been there for many years, but really enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Both of my parents were born in Montana so I kind of have a connection. May have to go there someday just to renew the old memories. Thanks for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | September 1st, 2009 at 11:25 pm
We are lucky enough to enjoy Montana whenever possible and spend our time in Hamilton, Montana right in the heart of the Bitteroot Mountains. It's the "Banana Belt" of Montana so the winters aren't as harsh as other parts...I love your "tweets" and thanks for sharing so personally! I feel like a friend...
Posted by: Tricia Best | September 1st, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Beautiful country. Next time skip Montana and come to Northern Idaho, just as pretty and less crowded:))
Cheers
A.
Love that Montana sky. I have been to Montana, had to see Little Big Horn battlefield. The pictures of everyone are great. Makes me want to pack my bags and go back to visit the west. Thanks for sharing your trip photos.
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | September 2nd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Great Pictures as usual Martha
love the city , but when you see these pictures I just want to go to
Big Sky Country ...... thanks for sharing always look forward to your Blog.
Betty-Lou
Posted by: Betty-Lou Swanson | September 3rd, 2009 at 12:44 am
Martha, It was a pleasure to meet you while you were in Montana. Your hat is on its way to you soon. Hope you like it
So looking forward to the show on Monday. Visited the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Montana in June and thought we had the best weather ever. My daughter (high school science teacher in NC) and husband did lots of hiking. Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons are breathtaking. We left Yellowstone through the Northwest entrance, stayed at a ranch/bed & breakfast outside of Cooke City, then traveled the Bear Tooth Hway to Red Lodge, MT. Stayed at the lovely Irish Rose B&B there, then made our way back to Yellowstone via the Chief Joseph Hway and through Cody, WY to the East Yellowstone entrance. We saw many ranches with miles and miles of grazing land. Wonder if we passed Ted Turner's place? Thank you for spotlighting some of the most beautiful country we have ever seen. ps, spent time in Acadia Nat'l Park last year, and even went to the Lobster Festival in Winter Harbor. What a hoot!
Posted by: Carolyn Aimone | October 4th, 2009 at 1:33 am
Martha,
My wife and I return from MA to visit family in MT on a regular basis. It truly is "The Last Best Place" and a secret to be protected from exploitation by those who can not appreciate it's natural value for that value only.
I'm encouraged to learn / acknowledge that Mr. Turner seems to have embraced MT for this value and a welcome tenant of the area.
Glad you were able to experience the ambiances of Montana. Not only the beauty of the environment, but it's fine people.
Posted by: Gino | October 6th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Martha, I have long wondered when you would do a show from Montana. We who have always lived there do not consider it remote or lacking in anything. We have cell service and wifi, although in some rural areas it can be difficult to obtain a wide variety of ingredients for cooking. Thanks for showcasing a part of our beautiful state. Maybe next time you will get over to Eastern Montana with it's own varied landscapes and beauty.
Posted by: Dianna Murnion | October 8th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
What a wonderful report!
I am a screenwriter from France with a project , a romantic drama highlighting the plight of the wild horses. The spirit and themes of this film are very much in the philanthropist approach and environmental activist Mr Turner has.
Can anyone suggest me a way to reach him? through his company or other address to submit the project?.
Thank you. Isabelle
Posted by: Isabelle Bochet | October 31st, 2009 at 1:43 am
I am a retired letter carrier from Northwest Arkansas and loved what I heard and saw on the Martha Stewart Show about the Ted Turner Ranch in Montana. I would love to get the chance to visit such a place. Or even work part time there. Any Opportunities?
Sheridan
Posted by: Sheridan T. Collins | January 25th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
I was excited that Ted Turner was helping the buffalo market. I was wondering if he could use some of the mustages to assist the raising of buffalo.
Ginger Kathrens is spearheading among others the desire to help the wild horses and allow herds to run free. Horses running and living are more appreciated for their freedom and beauty. Buffalo are native to the US and provide a good alternative to eating beef cattle. I frown on anyone eating a horse meat. The Cloud Foundation is http://thecloudfoundation.com or the blog for more current news is http://thecloudfoundation.wordpress.com/.
Montana is beautiful but that picture of Kevin is wonderful. He is such a cutie 🙂
Posted by: ann | August 31st, 2009 at 6:20 am
Good Morning!
You all looked great there in the outdoors!
I'm surprised that you didn't take on a horseback ride through the scenery. We plan to see Montana on our next road trip-have never seen that state, yet!
Posted by: Andrea Lucia | August 31st, 2009 at 6:35 am
Ms. Stewart, the pictures definitely show that you were in the middle of God's Country! Beautiful, Breathtaking, Untouched Pristine Landscape & of course Bison....I did get a chuckle about the Wifi not working...I have always wanted to visit Montana...Ohhhh! but how would I suurvive w/out my iPhone & WiFi?
Posted by: rpm | August 31st, 2009 at 6:53 am
Traveling with a hair and make up artist, that is exactly what I am always forgetting to pack!
Posted by: The Blushing Hostess | August 31st, 2009 at 7:23 am
Thanks for posting these photos, I have been anxious and checking daily to see if you were posting photos from Mt. Would have loved to see photos of your fishing trip with Ted, will there be any coming? I always enjoy your blog and twitter.
Posted by: janel | August 31st, 2009 at 9:49 am
Montana agrees with Martha! Everyone looks so happy and relaxed. I am looking forward to seeing more of the trip on the new season. Got a chuckle out of the picture of the phone. We have the same phone at our 100 year old Finger Lakes, NY cottage - bought it at Radio Shack several years ago! Also, how come Kevin knows how to tie a scarf better than I do - am very jealous!
Posted by: mary c barber | August 31st, 2009 at 9:54 am
Montana is so lovely...we drive through there enroute to our vacation home in northwestern Ontario in Canada...and we drive all the way from Vancouver, BC. We prefer this route because of scenic Montana. All those lovely little rivers that run through it, too!
Looks like you all enjoyed Big Sky country!
Posted by: sherey | August 31st, 2009 at 10:38 am
Accessibility becomes you! Thanks for sharing picture 18 especially; it is charming. (MSO volume doubled this morning--true!) You look so, real! Thank you for everything you do; it must be hard to be you sometimes. You are beautiful.
Posted by: Deborah | August 31st, 2009 at 12:04 pm
That old airplane on the tarmac is my Cessna AG-CAT crop duster. Thank you very much.
Posted by: Gary | August 31st, 2009 at 1:25 pm
Hi Martha,
Thanks for the breathtaking views of Montana and particularly picture #10! Like Betsy, I think I would feel right at home there too. I look forward to any more pictures you care to share and also the film footage when it airs on your show. Also, I agree, you do look nice in your yellow bandanna. Trish
P.S. Thanks so much for speeding up picture views and for keeping comment option on same page. I can now go back through pictures on same page without worrying about losing my comment!
Posted by: Trish | August 31st, 2009 at 2:09 pm
In photo 30 of your Montana blog, it looks like dogwood (Cornus family), both the berry and the leaf. I think bunchberry is correct.
Posted by: Maggie Dwyer | August 31st, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Martha, thanks for the pictures of your hike and your working feverishly to get your column in. Sounds like the good old days of taking college books on vacation.
I must feverishly vent here, I absolutely hate when the quote "leaner and more healthy" is used when comparing buffalo to beef. That is so lame! Unless you have several college research trials that have controlled circumstances and defined descriptions (what is healthy mean??) then it is a cruel and unjust analysis of a large food producing industry.
And finally picture #11 if that is not a poster picture of over grazing--please explain why not.
Thanks.
Posted by: Margie | August 31st, 2009 at 3:34 pm
A journey out West, into a beautiful landscape -- what could be better at the close of summer? Thank you for sharing you photos!
Posted by: Eliza B. | August 31st, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Will we see Ted in the next batch of photos?
I too appreciate the upgrade in your photo viewing software. It is much more friendly.
Posted by: maureen | August 31st, 2009 at 3:52 pm
The plane is definately a crop duster. I've been to Montana cutting wheat. My dad use to carry combines and follow the wheat belt. It is definately Big Sky Country with lots of wildlife.
Posted by: Sandy Lane | August 31st, 2009 at 3:57 pm
I believe it was Brian in the Foggy Morning Bedford blog who didn't like the new format with the pictures because he couldn't enlarge them. Brian, all you have to do is right click the picture, choose 'open link in new window' and then click on the picture and it will enlarge. You'll see the little zoom/+ icon. You can also 'save as' in your own file and view at higher percentage Hope this helps. Trish
Posted by: Trish | August 31st, 2009 at 3:59 pm
I love your pics. I am from MT and it is amazing the pics tourist take, because seeing stuff like that everyday, we take for granted how pretty it really is. And I live on the other side of the state. Where there isn't a lot of green! Still people take pics of that too. My fave pic is the airplane. Looks just like the one my dad used to fly before he passed away.
Posted by: Ashley | August 31st, 2009 at 4:12 pm
Wonderful! Martha Stewart and Ted Turner are two of my favorite people. I can't wait to see this on the new season of Martha.
Posted by: Linda James | August 31st, 2009 at 5:56 pm
thanks for visiting sweetwater my coffee shop in dillon. i am sorry that i wasn't there during your visit, but after looking at your photos from the snowcrest and reading your comments, it seems like you might be pursuaded to come back another time. those of us that work hard to live here know how truly blessed we are to look at this landscape every day.
again, thanks for stopping by, and for the mention. safe travels.
sz
Posted by: sara z | August 31st, 2009 at 7:18 pm
Hello Martha,
Come visit the Montana's Flathead Valley next time. Our wireless works and you can come see the Glaciers before they melt. : ( I think you would find a warm reception here, as our Valley is conservation minded, and supports the arts, including the domestic arts ! Let me know if you'd like to know the nicest places to stay.
Gina Nelson, MD, Kalispell, a longtime fan
Posted by: Gina Nelson MD | August 31st, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Isn't Montana wonderful!?
I hope you ate pie at a cafe, the best pie is in Montana!
Posted by: Charlotte K | August 31st, 2009 at 7:53 pm
America the Beautiful...it never ceases to amaze me every time I see photos from Montana, Wyoming, and Colorado.
Posted by: Lynn from For Love or Funny | August 31st, 2009 at 8:13 pm
I have always wanted to go to Montana. Your beautiful photos prove my longing. Maybe I would bump into Ted and that would make it even more beautiful. I was attending a lecture by Dr. Oz a few months ago and happen to hear this distinct voice - looked down the row a few seats - and it was Mr. Turner - Big Sky indeed.
Posted by: jeannette | August 31st, 2009 at 8:22 pm
Hi Martha,
My sister-n-law Jill lives in Dillon. And your right it is a great place to visit. I hope you made it to Buffalo Lodge great food and breathtaking views. Kim
Posted by: kim bartolomei | August 31st, 2009 at 8:30 pm
Martha, thanks for taking us along on this trip to Montana. I can't wait to see your photos with The Great Ted. I am sure one of these days you'll be visiting him in Patagonia too! That will be such a privilege just to see your photos of him with you and of his property there.
Nikki
Posted by: Nikki | August 31st, 2009 at 11:50 pm
Hi Martha, I really love your life,when I see all the places you have been through your blogs and pictures ,IT IS ALMOST like being there.
Posted by: Rusty Matter | August 31st, 2009 at 11:51 pm
Peace on Earth..Oh my what a lovely sight to see first thing in the morning..What a great start..Thank You.
Posted by: Sharon | September 1st, 2009 at 7:21 am
I love your new slideshow... the pictures are MUCH quicker to go through! However, it seems like the captions get cut off... is it the webpage or my computer?
Posted by: Christy | September 1st, 2009 at 12:14 pm
I have been past Ted Turner ranch in the winter months twice actually while on my way to West Yellowstone to do some snowmobiling. It is nice to see summer pictures from that area. Fabulous place, now I want to go in the summertime. There is no better place to see wildlife and enjoy the great outdoors than Montana/Wyoming/Idaho area and I was able to snowmobile in all three states in one day!!
Posted by: Kristen Anderson | September 1st, 2009 at 2:44 pm
Sweetwater Coffee is definitely the best coffee shop to visit in Southwest MT. They always know your name, serve you with a smile and it always has the best artsy feel with great people. I can't wait to visit there again. I recommend the C.P.O. cookie and the Doris Salad...;)
Posted by: Kim W | September 1st, 2009 at 4:22 pm
Hi Martha, What a wonderful blog about the Big Sky Country of Montana. Your photos are once again superb. Everyone looked like they were having a fabulous, relaxing time, especially you. Had you ever been there before? We used to go there every year on my birthday and spend the 4th of July with my Grand Parents in Butte many years ago. I haven't been there for many years, but really enjoyed the beautiful scenery. Both of my parents were born in Montana so I kind of have a connection. May have to go there someday just to renew the old memories. Thanks for sharing. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | September 1st, 2009 at 11:25 pm
We are lucky enough to enjoy Montana whenever possible and spend our time in Hamilton, Montana right in the heart of the Bitteroot Mountains. It's the "Banana Belt" of Montana so the winters aren't as harsh as other parts...I love your "tweets" and thanks for sharing so personally! I feel like a friend...
Posted by: Tricia Best | September 1st, 2009 at 11:55 pm
Beautiful country. Next time skip Montana and come to Northern Idaho, just as pretty and less crowded:))
Cheers
A.
Posted by: Anna | September 2nd, 2009 at 12:10 pm
Love that Montana sky. I have been to Montana, had to see Little Big Horn battlefield. The pictures of everyone are great. Makes me want to pack my bags and go back to visit the west. Thanks for sharing your trip photos.
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | September 2nd, 2009 at 2:01 pm
Great Pictures as usual Martha
love the city , but when you see these pictures I just want to go to
Big Sky Country ...... thanks for sharing always look forward to your Blog.
Betty-Lou
Posted by: Betty-Lou Swanson | September 3rd, 2009 at 12:44 am
Martha, It was a pleasure to meet you while you were in Montana. Your hat is on its way to you soon. Hope you like it
Posted by: Sheila Kirkpatrick | September 12th, 2009 at 2:02 pm
So looking forward to the show on Monday. Visited the Grand Tetons, Yellowstone and Montana in June and thought we had the best weather ever. My daughter (high school science teacher in NC) and husband did lots of hiking. Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons are breathtaking. We left Yellowstone through the Northwest entrance, stayed at a ranch/bed & breakfast outside of Cooke City, then traveled the Bear Tooth Hway to Red Lodge, MT. Stayed at the lovely Irish Rose B&B there, then made our way back to Yellowstone via the Chief Joseph Hway and through Cody, WY to the East Yellowstone entrance. We saw many ranches with miles and miles of grazing land. Wonder if we passed Ted Turner's place? Thank you for spotlighting some of the most beautiful country we have ever seen. ps, spent time in Acadia Nat'l Park last year, and even went to the Lobster Festival in Winter Harbor. What a hoot!
Posted by: Carolyn Aimone | October 4th, 2009 at 1:33 am
Martha,
My wife and I return from MA to visit family in MT on a regular basis. It truly is "The Last Best Place" and a secret to be protected from exploitation by those who can not appreciate it's natural value for that value only.
I'm encouraged to learn / acknowledge that Mr. Turner seems to have embraced MT for this value and a welcome tenant of the area.
Glad you were able to experience the ambiances of Montana. Not only the beauty of the environment, but it's fine people.
Posted by: Gino | October 6th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
Martha, I have long wondered when you would do a show from Montana. We who have always lived there do not consider it remote or lacking in anything. We have cell service and wifi, although in some rural areas it can be difficult to obtain a wide variety of ingredients for cooking. Thanks for showcasing a part of our beautiful state. Maybe next time you will get over to Eastern Montana with it's own varied landscapes and beauty.
Posted by: Dianna Murnion | October 8th, 2009 at 6:23 pm
What a wonderful report!
I am a screenwriter from France with a project , a romantic drama highlighting the plight of the wild horses. The spirit and themes of this film are very much in the philanthropist approach and environmental activist Mr Turner has.
Can anyone suggest me a way to reach him? through his company or other address to submit the project?.
Thank you. Isabelle
Posted by: Isabelle Bochet | October 31st, 2009 at 1:43 am
I am a retired letter carrier from Northwest Arkansas and loved what I heard and saw on the Martha Stewart Show about the Ted Turner Ranch in Montana. I would love to get the chance to visit such a place. Or even work part time there. Any Opportunities?
Sheridan
Posted by: Sheridan T. Collins | January 25th, 2010 at 4:22 pm
http://blog.taragana.com/business/2009/12/02/plan-to-ship-yellowstone-bison-to-ted-turners-private-montana-ranch-gets-initial-ok-5993/
I was excited that Ted Turner was helping the buffalo market. I was wondering if he could use some of the mustages to assist the raising of buffalo.
Ginger Kathrens is spearheading among others the desire to help the wild horses and allow herds to run free. Horses running and living are more appreciated for their freedom and beauty. Buffalo are native to the US and provide a good alternative to eating beef cattle. I frown on anyone eating a horse meat. The Cloud Foundation is http://thecloudfoundation.com or the blog for more current news is http://thecloudfoundation.wordpress.com/.
Posted by: Barbara Ellen Ries | February 2nd, 2010 at 8:54 pm
the AT-401 in that picture isn't "old" it is from the mid '80s and may be less than a year old because they are currently being manufactured.
http://www.airtractor.com/aircraft/401b
Posted by: bae lang | October 9th, 2012 at 6:24 pm