Gallatin River Ranch Review

Winter 2008

SNOWY WINTER AT GRR

The Horseshoe Hills, where Gallatin River Ranch is located, has always been known around Gallatin Valley as having scant snowfall... thus the nickname, "The Banana Belt". Well, this winter we can't claim that name. Any bananas in these parts would freeze quickly, and be dusted with snow!

The entire Gallatin Valley has had more snowfall this season than we've seen in many, many years. It has been beautiful, and the ski enthusiasts couldn't be happier. Some skiers have told me they haven't seen snow this good since the early nineties! But one of the best benefits of a good winter snowfall is a beautiful, fruitful spring... plenty of moisture in the ground for our wildflowers and grasses. Another benefit is the plentiful run-off into our rivers, making for great fishing all summer, without the need for setting limitations on rivers due to low water.

We had snow all day Christmas Eve, making for a beautiful "White Christmas". One of the benefits of living here is being able to go out and cut your own Christmas tree. With prices of trees skyrocketing, it's a bargain, plus a fun family outing. All one has to do is buy a $5 Christmas tree permit, and it's good for any of the forests in and around Bozeman. Many families make this an annual event, with a thermos of hot chocolate, and perhaps other families and/or friends along for the event!

Several Ranch residents have enjoyed sledding, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing this winter. Photography continues to be a hobby difficult to pass up, living here on the Ranch. The daily spectacular sunsets, the snowy vistas, wildlife frolicking in the fields, bald eagles perched on bare limbs in tall trees along the river... all are "Kodak-moments" one can't resist! The maintenance crew continues to do an excellent job of plowing and maintaining the roads. Driving is easy, but we've all learned to slow down, and drive cautiously and smartly.

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NEW HAPPENINGS IN MANHATTAN

In our quarterly newsletters, we continue to highlight new businesses or new construction in our City down the road, Manhattan. The newest building to come on-line is the Manhattan Marketplace, a mixed-use condominium/retail/office development downtown. It was developed by Vidar Companies, Inc., and consists of a three-building complex combining the traditional façade of the 19th century brick storefronts with modern design elements and unique materials like tin and steel. There is a courtyard, offering space for a pleasant coffee break, or just relaxing. The developer hopes to attract someone wanting to open a café or some type of dining establishment in the building that would utilize this exterior courtyard for spring and summer dining. The residential building includes 12 studio condominiums, each with its own private entrance and balcony or patio. There is a fully furnished condominium model available for viewing.

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NEW NEIGHBORS

Cory Widmer - Riviera Beach, Florida
David and Elizabeth Bade - St. Louis, Missouri
Edward Zurey, Jr. and Linda Kelly - Saline, Michigan

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FROM THE ROUNDPEN

Big news at the Equestrian Center! Kathy and Todd Pyles have leased the GRR Equestrian Center and will be taking over its operation and management.

Melissa Nice has been managing the EC for the current owners (Hill Country, Inc. and Meken Corp, GRR Developers), but has recently tendered her resignation in order to accept another position furthering and expanding her knowledge of the horse industry. We are sorry to see her go, and wish her the best in her new endeavors.

The Pyles family moved to GRR about 3 1/2 years ago, and live just above the Equestrian Center... so close they can literally walk to the barn! Kathy loves to ride, and has been working as an employee at the barn for some time. They both have grown to love working with horses and are looking forward to operating the EC.

Kathy and Todd have just recently finalized the deal with the Developers and took over the management as of February 1. "We're excited, and so glad to have this opportunity. We'll be bringing back clinics and horse shows, among other things," says Kathy. " In a few months, we'll let the homeowners know what they can expect to see from our new management. We want the barn to be a place where the homeowners will want to stop by and visit, with or without their horse!"

We embrace this change, and encourage you to stop by the Equestrian Center and welcome the Pyles family to the barn! They welcome your visit with whatever concerns or needs you may have for your horse.

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Gallatin River Ranch Contact Numbers

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