Obama Gallatin Flyfishing and Rafting Under Montana’s Big SkyObama Gallatin Flyfishing and Rafting Under Montana’s Big Sky
As rain and hail burst from the blackened thunderheads, it wasn’t the most beautiful day under the Big Sky. But that didn’t stop the Obama family from braving the rough weather in order to experience the wonders of “The Last Best Place”. The family was greeted on the Gallatin Air Field tarmac by Montana dignitaries, all dressed in formal attire despite being told of the President’s intention to have a casual arrival, according to Mayor Jacobson of Bozeman. “He got off the plane and said, ‘I told you guys I wasn’t wearing a tie, you know, because each of the men there had a tie on.”
But mostly, Jacobson said they simply talked about how rainy it’s been in the Gallatin Valley this summer, and she and Nelson thanked him for coming. “I just thanked him for stepping up to the plate in our country and providing leadership at such a tough time, and he seemed really appreciative,” she said. “He’s very authentic and natural and personable.”
While the President spoke to a mixed crowd of health care reform advocates and opponents, the First Lady and Daughters headed off to the lower Gallatin for a whitewater adventure on thundering rapids like those at House Rock.
According to raft guide Jaye Gibb, Mrs. Obama proved her workouts produce a lot more than just a set of exquisitely sculpted arms. “Mrs. Obama was an incredible paddler,” he said, “She was even better than some of the Secret Service out there.” Geyser Whitewater Expeditions the and took four rafts in all, also accommodating Secret Service and other White House staff.
The President didn’t miss the opportunity to slip into a set of waders and wet a line in the rippling pools of the East Gallatin. Fly fishing guide and lifelong Democrat Dan Vemillion called it the thrill of a lifetime, even though the two hour trip was spent in the pouring rain. “He insisted that fishermen fish in the rain, so he said, `Let’s do it’”. “The weather was really horrendous,” said Dan, who runs the Sweetwater Fly Shop, “We were all real cold at the end of the day.”
But it wasn’t all fish and flies, as the President took the opportunity to get out of that White House bubble he is known to abhor, and struck up conversation about Montana land issues as well as family matters. “We talked a lot about his family and the challenges he and Michelle face trying to keep his kids grounded in the surreal experience he lives in,” he said. The president even insisted on being called by his first name.
Staff at the Summit Hotel at Big Sky Resort were equally enchanted with the President, his family and entire entourage. Taylor Middleton, general manager, said they “were the most gracious and kind and respectful a group as I have ever seen. We deal with groups all the time, that’s what we do, and they were so gracious.” The President and family had their meal in their suite, but enjoyed s’mores around a bonfire later in the evening. Middleton praised the entire community for coming together for this once in a generation event, right down to the preparation of the Elliptical machine in the fitness center. Summit Health Club Supervisor Maggie Steffens had the machine moved and meticulously cleaned for the President, although he and Mrs. Obama ended up using the treadmills. Still, she said it was “the best experience” she had ever had and found them just as she “imagined they would be in person.”
August 22nd, 2009 at 9:51 pm
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August 24th, 2009 at 8:42 am
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