From August 31, 1998 through September 4, 1998, We were at Deadrock Ranch, just outside Livingston, Montana. We were the guests of the Phillip Morris Company at the 1998 Marlboro Ranch Party. This was a truly memorable experience and we are truly grateful to our hosts for putting on a grand show --- everything was first-class and over the top, 24 hours a day.

On Friday night, before we left, we were walking home from Zones. As a long time city person, I was having second thoughts about going to the country for a long time --- in the harsh glare of the city lights, two rats scurried across our path. I said, "Neon and Rats --- that's my idea of scenery and wildlife." Well, I was a little apprehensive about riding horses, shooting guns and whitewater rafting. But, my fears were assuaged by a prayer written by Arnold Taylor:

From: Arnold Taylor

Frank! FRANK! Has your partner arranged this Montana trip as a penance for you? I mean, a Cattle Drive, Whitewater Rafting, and Trap Shooting!!! Buck Benny Rides Again II !

Before you go, please write a codicil in your Last Will and Testament that bequeaths to me one of your zoot suits so I can keep your verve, your daring, your charm alive and kicking (only from the knee).

However, to obviate any loss of life or limb, I have prepared for you a paraphrase of at least a part of the 23rd Psalm for you to say religiously (there's another way?) especially before you go on your Cattle Drive/Whitewater Rafting/Trap Shooting adventures:

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.
He maketh me to safely traverse the green pastures
(and the dusty ones full of gopher holes and cow dung),
He leadeth me out of the churning waters.
He restoreth my fractured shooting arm shoulder.
He leadeth me in the path of the hot tub
for my body's sake.

Yea, 'though I walk, ride, or swim through the valley
of pain and torment
I will fear no lethal damage
for I am needed on the Lindy website
and lots of people are praying for my safe return.

Surely, goodness and mercy will follow me
all the days in Montana,
and I will dwell in good time with my friends
in the waiting line of the Glen Echo ballroom
forever.

AMEN

Lil joins me in wishing for the both of you a happy HAPPY time. Montana is awesome!
---Arnold

Well, as the photo shows, Arnold was right and I was wrong. So, without further ado, here is the account of our trip. We took quite a few photos, so we have divided the story into four parts to minimize download time:

• Day One -- Travel, The Ranch and Lindy Hop
• Day Two -- Horseback Riding, Trap Shooting, Cowboy Campfire
• Day Three -- Whitewater Rafting, the Cowboy Camp
• Day Four -- The Cattle Drive, The Rodeo, and the Big Dance

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