Yep, really. Not the whole thing, though, just a few days worth.
For those who follow this blog regularly, you've been seeing pictures and hearing some whining about the late winter snowstorms we've had in the past couple of weeks. It's been tough on the cattlemen around here, but it's nothing compared to the flooding the people of Tennessee, and Nashville especially, have endured.
As it happens, my brother is currently stationed only thirty miles from there, at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He was lucky enough to dodge the floods. Also, thanks to the magic of the internet, I 'know' several writers from the Nashville area. Some of them have put together an internet auction to benefit flood victims. They sent out a call to all of their writer/editor/literary agent friends for contributions. Which is where we come in.
We're donating a five day stay for up to four people here at the ranch. The winning bidder will have to provide their own transportation to the ranch, or one of the nearest airports: either Great Falls, Kalispell or Bozeman, MT, or Calgary, Alberta. Or the nearest Amtrak stations in Cut Bank, East Glacier or Browning, MT.
While at the ranch, lodging will be provided:
As will all meals:
Depending on when you come, we'll probably chase a few cows:
Fix a few fences:
Maybe put up some hay:
The package also includes a day trip to Glacier National Park (weather permitting):
Possibly even a pow wow or a rodeo, if you happen to be here when there's one close by:
So there you go. Instead of just visiting the blog, this is your chance to visit Montana for Real and do a great thing for some people who could sure use a hand. Count your pennies and get ready.
THE AUCTION IS NOW LIVE!! To participate, follow this link and post your bid in the comments section:
Day 3, Item 5
If you'd like more information about how the auction works and how your money will be used to help flood vicitims, you can go here:
Auction Info
And yes, I'm kidding about the tipi. Unless you really want to sleep in there, in which case we'll be happy to accommodate you.
The winning bidder will have until September 1, 2011 to redeem their trip, so don't worry if you've already made your vacation plans for this summer.
We all can't wait to see who's coming to visit!