My second trip to Montana found me staying in Big Fork on the top end of Flat Head Lake. I had three days of filming a commercial ahead of me and was eager to see friends again. Landing in Kalispell, I picked up my rental car and quickly made my way to Big Fork.
Seeing Flat Head Lake in the distance 
Time to pick up chips and soda 
Peaceful evening
Needing to stop and pick up some sodas and other groceries I popped into the general store before settling into my hotel. The vistas out my windows were beautiful, the air smelled of pines and the sounds coming from Big Fork harbor were gently rocking boats. We’re not in Kansas anymore Toto.
Soon it was time to rendezvous with the Ron Foth Advertising team and plan out the days ahead. That afternoon, we also met up with Jack Hanna and his lovely wife Suzi, who kindly offered to take us to a nearby restaurant on Flat Head lake. Dining outside at the Many Springs Lakeside restaurant we enjoyed not only the food but reacquainting with friends. Everyone relaxed and enjoyed the sun slowly sinking into Flat Head lake as the colors warmed then darkened to evening.
Flat Head Lake Lodge
The next day we started filming and fun at Flat Head Lake Lodge. This western themed dude ranch offers fishing, horseback riding and many other amenities. The place is kept in immaculate shape having been in use for over 75 years. Many people come back year after year. We not only had the pleasure of filming the horses but also enjoyed some working with the owner’s St. Bernard dogs.
Shooting at Jack’s
The next morning started with a hearty breakfast at Pocketstone cafe where breakfast is done right and guests get to enjoy local huckleberry jelly on their toast. In fact, you can get many things huckleberry or even topped with the local cherry preserves. It was yummy.
At Jack’s place, it was back to work getting the requisite shots done to complete the commercial. Most of the were on dry land but a few required braving the chilly waters of flat head lake.
It is amazing how quickly a day flys by when you work with wonderful people like Jack and Suzi Hanna. Couple that with fun furry pets, Montana scenery and you can definitely say, it really isn’t a bad day at the office.
Kootenai Experience
Our final day of shooting was at the Lodge at Kootenai Estates. These lodge homes are stunning in design and detail of craftmanship. They truly represent the best carpentry work I think I have ever seen in a home.
The lodge on the property is definitely a show piece. Having been built by copper kings in 1915 the lodge has hosted J.D. Rockefeller, Will Rodgers, Jane Wyatt, Charles Lindbergh and even the Queen Wilhelmina of the Netherlands.
After falling into decay it has been rebuilt and is as beautiful as ever. We used it as a perfect background for a Christmas scene…even if we were in August.
Ready for a beverage Mr. Torrance? 
Great picture of Jack and his wonderful daughter Julie.
Our videography all completed, it is time to load up the trucks, pack our luggage and get ready to head home to reality.
I hope my Montana excursion and the images seen captured your interest. While traveling abroad sound glamourous and is indeed fun, you need not travel out of the US to see fantastic vistas and enjoy relaxing experiences. If you haven’t been to Montana, give it a second look.
I appreciate any and all comments to my blog and look forward to hearing from you.
The Sane Adventurer 
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