My wife Edyta and I were on Marlboro's mailing list for almost 7 years. We have received birthday cards, gifts, outdoor equipments since 1998, but this year everything was a little bit different. In April 2005 we have received small box from Marlboro which included a little WELCOME mat for our front door and a letter that was saying "Call this number and make a reservation for your trip". My wife Edyta called the number and Marlboro representative told her that she won a trip to Montana. They gave her some information about the trip and told her to wait for more information to be mailed to us.

In a couple of weeks we have received a FedEx package with all kinds of documents to sign. We have just realized that we really won a trip for two to Marlboro’s Party Ranch in Montana. Four days, three nights, airfare, food, activities, and $1150 cash!

We have read all these legal documents and my wife even asked a lawyer friend to review them and make sure there is "no catch" to this trip. Basically all these documents were about promising not to sue them if we got injured thru out the trip, and promise to let them use our names and pictures for possible commercials in the future etc. etc. Anyway, we would find out that it would all be worth it to sign all those documents. The date for the trip was set for July 28th thru July 31st. We were already excited about the trip.

We were telling everyone that we have won a trip to Marlboro Ranch in Montana. Everyone was telling us, "There is got to be some strings attached" or "It has to be something to do with Time-share".

The paperwork was going back and forth thru out all month of May and June. A couple of weeks before the trip, Marlboro has sent us our flight tickets and the check. At that time we had no doubt about this trip at all. We were so happy that they picked us for something like that. According to our flight tickets, we were set to Depart from Long Island Islip McArthur Airport at 5:30 am to Cincinnati, OH than departing at 8:40am from Cincinnati to Salt Lake City, UT than departing at 11:00 am from Salt Lake City to Bozeman, MO.

We could not sleep the previous night because we were so excited. We left our dog in a pet-hotel for four days and at 3:45 am we left home. We have arrived to Bozeman, MT airport and Marlboro staff was waiting for us. They have welcomed us and told us that they would take care of our luggage. They told us that we have to get our name-tags and sign couple of more papers. We have signed the papers and got our name-tags and there were refreshments waiting for the guests at the airport. We weren’t the only couple to spend four days at the Ranch. About 50 winners and their guests arrived during that afternoon so altogether there were about 100 guests at the Ranch.

We got on the bus to go to Crazy Mountain Ranch. It took us 1 hour and 15 minutes to get to the Ranch. Within this hour we had at least 4 Marlboro Staff members to give us refreshments and information about the area. They also talked about the ranch regulations and rules. Emily, our guide also has mentioned that we can not tip anyone on the ranch, plus, as we learned later we didn’t have to spend a dollar there. We have learned that Marlboro owns a 36 miles radius, (2million acres) of property in Bozeman, Montana and only 10% of the local people know that it exist. It was almost 3:00 pm when we have arrived at the Ranch. As the bus entered the Ranch they put on the grand music theme from Magnificent Seven and three wranglers (one of them was Mark, from Brooklyn, NY) on horses were riding next to the bus and waving at us. It was all very American, like taken from a movie. Before we got out of the bus, we had to yell "Yeee-Haaaaaa".

We were assigned to room called "Gold Creek". The room did not even smell like smoker room. On our beds there were some gifts for us. We got cowboy hats, two rain jackets, two winter jackets, digital cameras, sunglasses, Swiss Army watches, t-shirts, pair of pants, ashtrays, cigarettes, pouch bags, bandannas, whistles, a lot of stuff!! We were in heaven, I was saying to myself, "God! Please don't let me wake up". We have not seen anything like that in our lives and I don't think we will ever see again, unless we win another trip from Marlboro!

Day 1: Thursday July 28th.

We have started to walk around this old American town. We went to "General Store" for "Trading Post" and register for activities. We have registered ourselves for Adventure Tour to Yellow Stone National Park, rafting, mountain biking, fly fishing, horseback riding, and full body massage. I recorded pretty much everything and took some pictures. Than we went to Saloon, shoot some pool and had a drink. Than we have met our new friends Tommy and Melanie, they were from Corpus Christi, Texas. We became very good friends with them. They just got married and this was their honeymoon. We went to our rooms and found a letter that was saying "We have to wear our red jackets and cowboy hats for the photo shoot at 6:30 pm. Photo shooting took place on front of Hotel, where we were staying. After the photo we hung out in the Saloon and shoot some more pool. At 7:00 pm dinner was served, food was delicious. Service was amazing. There was also live band. So far, everything was overwhelming and amazing. It was just like a dream. After dinner we went to bed.

Day 2: Friday July 29th.

Breakfast was served at 6:30 am. Our first activity was 7:30 am Adventure Tour. We were ready at the "Stage Shop" and got on the bus for the trip. After 1 hour of great information and jokes from our Marlboro guides, Chris, Chris, Nancy and our bus driver Doug we were in Yellowstone National Park. We have learned that Yellowstone National Park is a size of the State of Connecticut. Isn't that amazing.

We went to the park from the North gate which was in the state of Wyoming. We loved the trip. We have seen the hot springs, mud pools, and the wild life. We saw elk, a bison, and a lot of birds. For lunch we made our own snack boxes. Marlboro gave us sandwiches, fruits, chips, drinks. Then, we had 1 hour to do the shopping at the park. We bought some souvenirs for family and friends. At 12:30 pm we left the park and went to rafting.

Rafting was great; we had the most experienced guide by the name of Point. After a small lesson we were in the water and fighting the waves. According to Point, it was "Class 3" rafting. We also had water fight with other rafts, and needles to say, we were soaked. Water was cold but we were drying quickly. After 5 miles of rafting we got back to the Ranch. After quick showers, we joined the block party which included snacks, drinks and various shows and activities. We have learned bull catching with lasso, watched magic tricks and branded “Ranch Logo” into leather.

Than it was dinner time again. After dinner my wife took Line Dancing class with Sarah (we are from Melville, NY and Sarah was from Melville, MO) I also had to do Line Dancing because my wife made me. Don’t tell anyone though.After Line dancing there was karaoke. Our friends Melanie and Tommy sung couple of songs. Linkin Park and 

some cowboy songs; they were phenomenal. After many Margaritas, we went to bed.

Day 3: Saturday July 30th.

Breakfast was served at 6:30 am. Our first activity was Horseback Riding at 8:30 am. We rode a trail in the mountains behind the Ranch.

The horses were so beautiful and mellow. We took some photos as usual. Edyta's horse name was "Jet" and mine was "Peewee". Our friends Tommy and Melanie were with us too.

Than at 10:00 am, we all went to do Fly-fishing. We went to "Stage Shop" and got our 2 day licenses to do fishing in the State of Montana. We have walked to the lake, and put on fishing gear (waders and wading boots) to get in the water. Tommy and Melanie jumped in to the little car to get to the other side of the lake and Edyta and I jumped into the small boat. After 5 minutes, we had a small lesson about fly-fishing, which we have never done before. After all we were in the water up to our waists and fishing. Well, after a good hour we did not catch anything. It was kind of boring for me, but Edyta loved it and even mastered the fly fishing technique.

At 12:30 pm we had our lunch at the Ranch, and as always, it was delicious. We had "heart-shaped-chicken" and all kinds of cheese...etc. We ate and went back to "General Store" to register our selves for more activities. Edyta registered herself for full body massage at 1:45 pm, and I registered myself for the same massage at 2:30 pm (by the way, the masus was from Melville, NY – what a small world). While she was getting her massage, I recorded basically every detail of this little town. I knew that when we get back and tell the story to our friends and family, they will not believe us, so I recorded everything and took almost 500 pictures in 4 days.

After my massages we went to Mountain Biking at 3:00 pm. It was the hardest activity of all and it was not that popular either. There were only 7 people registered and 2 did not even showed up. We went to the top of the mountains by the Marlboro van, geared up and basically came down the hill most of the time. There were a couple of points that we had to climb up or bike through the stream. The guides were very nice and courteous people.

After mountain biking we went to our rooms and we have found out that we have more gifts. They gave each one of us, leather address books and notebooks. At 5:00pm carriages took us from the ranch to the party by the lake. Then we walked back to the ranch just in time for the dinner. Marlboro Guest Services Manager Josh was at our table with us. Dinner was awesome. Then, live cowboy band entertained us. Josh presented all the staff, from Guest services to Chefs to Maintenance to Security. Then, they all danced and it was quite an impressive show. After our deserts we have exchanged addresses with all the friends we made. We went back to our rooms and packed.

Day 4: Sunday July 31st

We got up at 6:00 am and put our luggage in front of our door, which was then picked up and delivered to the airport. We returned our keys and received yet another gift - Zippo Lighters. After breakfast we said goodbye to our new friends. It was quite sad to leave. We had had such a great time during our stay. A bus took us to the airport at 8:30am and our first flight was from Bozeman, MO departing at 11:05 am to Minneapolis, MN. Our flight delayed an hour and we took of around 12:30 pm. After arriving to Minneapolis we had to make a connection to Cincinnati, OH in 5 minutes, however, our luggage did not make it. After arriving Cincinnati we had some time to eat. At 7:50 pm our flight departed from Cincinnati, OH to Islip, NY. We have landed at 10:00 pm and it was not a surprise not to get our luggage. We drove back home sad…we were back to the reality and life was busy again. Here I am, a day later, creating this website while waiting for our luggage to be delivered home.

Everybody from the wranglers and the owners of Ranch to the staff from Marlboro was very friendly and accommodating. They really treated all the guests as royalty. If you ever win a trip there, take us with you - we know all the Marlboro Staff members so we will get all the drinks for FREE!

Cruise to Caribbeans, $5000.
Vacation to Europe , $3000.
Trip to Marlboro Ranch at Montana, PRICELESS.

Our adventure to Marlboro Ranch started again with an invitation to my wife. On a busy day at work, my wife called me and said "Guess What? We are invited to Marlboro Ranch again for a special New Year's Eve Party." I am like "What, I can't believe it".

Since that day, we could not even sleep well since the excitement kicked in. Of course she has called the numbers on the invitation and confirmed. This time, there was a small issue though. We needed to find a baby sitter for our 3,5 year old son Adam for 4 days. Since either one of our families living in the Europe. We did not have anybody in the states to live our child back with. So I've contacted my parents in Turkey and Edyta contacted her parents in Poland to trick them into coming here for 2 weeks vacation (baby sitting) so we can head to Marlboro Ranch. Since we have visited the ranch before and kind of know what to expect, we did not want to pass the opportunity.

After couple of days Edyta's parents agreed on coming in for the Christmas and the New Year to be here with Adam. We have purchased their tickets immediately. Now it was time for preparation and waiting for another Fedex package from Marlboro HeadQuarters.

On or about November 15th we have received our package and signed all the papers needed by Marlboro team. Everything was notarized and sent back immediately. On or about December 16th we have received our final package with our tickets and travel information. We were ready to travel on December 29th. We were so excited.

Edyta's parents came from Poland and seen the routine of Adam. We were set to go. December 29th my brother Burak dropped us off the JFK 5:00am in the morning so we can catch our 8:10AM flight to Minneapolis than to our final destination Billings, Montana.

As you all know, Marlboro being the best of best, they took care of our luggage's while we verify some documentation and sign up for additional information by their security (mostly retired FBI, CIA, Local or State Police Officers) and understand their ZERO Tolerance Laws.

By the time we found out which bus we were in and get out of airport doors, our luggage's were ready to be delivered to our room and they were serving us the Lunch packages for the 2,5 hour bus trip from Billings to Clyde Park. Edyta and I were on bus number 1. As I always say, they are the best organizers ever. Bobby D kept us entertain during the whole ride. We were treated like MOVIE STARS from the first hour till the last hour. I've picked up my Vegetarian Lunch box and checked our luggage's and hop onto bus 1.

While we are traveling, we have seen the beautiful scenery of Montana.

And Wildlife...

After Entering the Ranch, we have been Welcomed by Marlboro Staff with Snow Mobiles.

We checked in at the Stage Shop. After getting our keys, Kevin took us to our room. OMG what a treat. We were in the "Dancing Bear" building "Cougar" room. Afterward, we have found out that Cougar is the room that most of Philip Morris VP's stayed at since it overseas the entrance to the ranch and has a beautiful view of Sunset.

So we have looked at our gifts, and get excited and more excited and got happy. We settled down and went downstairs in the lobby and made a phone call to in laws to find out how Adam was.

They said, Adam was fine and happy. We were so happy as well. Being here for the second time. It was a dream come true second time. It is just like winning a lottery feeling for us. (Unless you win the trip to Marlboro Ranch, you won't know the feeling)

I was so happy as you can see....

Welcome Message from Marlboro Staff, schedule for the afternoon and tomorrow's activities were already scheduled for us. We had to do couple of things first. We went to Stage Stop and add 2 more activities to our days and got measured for our Winter Gear Sizing this includes but not limited to Snow Mobile, Dog Sledding, Snow Tubing and Adventure Trek (Zip Line) at Activity Barn. Right after that we head to Saloon to Meet the Marlboro Staff event and get the Ranch Tour.

After meeting the staff, we head to eat some delicious meal.

After dinner, we have enjoyed watching some trick shots from the World Champion Trick shot pool player.

We were so tired by 11:00pm and head to our room and tried to get some energy for the next days activities.

This Cougar was in our room.. Can you believe this. Awesome...

Our first activity in the morning was "Dog Sledding" that was scheduled at 9:00am. We head to Stage Stop at 8:45am for the activity.

There was only 4 of us who signed up for this activity and we had a surprise waiting for us. Marlboro staff just mentioned to us that we will be the ones who are opening the 2009-2010 winter season for the ranch with first activity. Also, it was the first dog sledding event. Not only that, we have just found out that Marlboro also hired the videographers and photographers who has worked for Discovery Channel and National Geographic to record and take photos of us while we will be doing the activities. We were honor to not open the season, we will be also recorded by the people who recorded the best documentaries for the best shows for Discovery and National Geographic.

Camera crew is interviewing with Edyta.

After going over some safety talk we were ready. Since we were the "season openers" we had to help the dog sledding crew to harnace the dogs. In order to do that, Edyta and I were split into two groups. We had to pull the dog line straight while the crew was harnacing the dogs. There were 2 types of dogs. Siberian Huskees and Alaskan Huskees (a.k.a. Malamut). Each on of us got total of 8 dogs. After all the dogs were harnaced, we sat down in the sled and started enjoying the scene and the ride.

Camera Crew recording us as we slide down the road and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Crazy Mountains.

After this great adventure, we pet the dogs and spend some time with them. After Marlboro camera crew interviewed us we have left the dogs and head back to Stage Stop. We had couple of hours break time for our next event. Sporting Clays (Clay Shooting).

We head back to our room and relaxed a little bit. Afterwards, we shoot some pool and ate our lunch at Saloon.

Before we head back to Stage Stop, we tour at the Town and took some new photos.

It was 1:00pm and we were already heading to shoot some clays. This was the first time to shoot a moving object for both Edyta and myself. After going over some safety tips again it was Edyta's turn and my turn. Unbelievably I've shot almost 20 clays from different angles, I've only missed 4. It was even amazing for our instructor. He did not believe me one bit, since i was hitting all my targets. He taught us how to shoot multiple targets without aiming the target at first. Both Edyta and myself enjoyed the game of shooting. It was great.

After shooting rounds of bullets to clays, it was time to get down to Snow Tubing. Marlboro photographer was there at all times to take our photos while we are shooting the clays. We had to the new event...

We have slide down 5 times. You could either go alone or go as two tubes together. So couple of times, I went alone face down and sitting. Couple of times Edyta and I went down together. At all times, the speed, action, weather, scenery was just perfect. Weather was so cold but I've managed to record this action multiple times. Also Marlboro photographer took a great shot of us while we were tubing. I hope that shot makes it into Marlboro.com

We have been pulled up by this monster at all times. Otherwise you could only tube once.

That was it. We have completed today's adventures. It was time to head back to our room, warm up a little and get some dinner and fun.

Edyta and I've both signed up for getting a back massage. That was great after all those activities. I've also signed up for a pool tournament (finished 4th, it was not fair since it was single game elimination, one mistake you were out... :( ).

These are couple photos from our room looking at the ranch entrance before sunsets.

This was a great 9-ball practice from me.

Some video from the tournament.

It was the end of day. We were both tired and the next day was so close and our activities were gonna start at 7:15am with jumping off the cliff on a zipline...

We got up around 5:30am and went to Activity Barn for our Adventure Trek gear. After geared up we left with a truck called Matracks. After 45 minutes of trail we were at the skirts of Crazy Mountains.

Both Edyta and myself were doing this crazy adventure as first time. After getting into YURT, the zipline team has geared us out with proper winter gear and went over some safety tips. We were ready to jump off the cliff to the other side of the mountain. I was first...

Preparation...Ready to jump...I've recorded to whole event going one side and Edyta recorded coming back...

This was one of the best things we have ever done before, it was too short though. I wish there was more ziplines to jump. While were were heading back to Activity Barn we have seen some loggers.

Our next event was "Photography Experience" at 10:15 am. Photographers were husband and wife that worked with National Geographic, Smithsonian and some more. They have taught us a little bit about photography with tips and tricks. After the class, everyone had to use the techniques we have learned from them and bring back the photos. We walked outside of the building Edyta walked one way, I've walked the other way. Anne and Otto went over our photos and picked 2 from each of us to get printed.

It was time to eat some lunch and head to our next 2 events back to back. "Snowmobile Intro" and "Snowmobile Trail Ride" at 1:00pm.

This was the first time for both of us again...The Marlboro Staff has divided us into 3 groups for our intro ride. They went over some safety and basics of snowmobiling than the action started.

We were in a single file following our instructors. It was though...The intro ride was more like going through and evaluation, because if you don't do good here, you won't be able to go to Trail Ride. After an hour of snowmobiling we headback to our base. There were more people who was waiting for the trail ride. We were around 30 snowmobiles, I was the 4th and Edyta was the last riding with one of the instructors Kipp.

The trail ride was 2 hours. They took us into different terrain throughout the ride. It was AWESOME. After an hour of snowmobiling they took us into a Cabin with fireplace. We got in, get some hot chocolate and some food for 15mins or so and jumped back into our rides.

Another adventure was over. We had back to our base. We took of our snowmobile gear and head to our rooms before the dinner. Tonight was the last night in the ranch which was a special party for the first time by Marlboro. "The New Years Eve Party". That was the purpose of all 94 of us coming to the Ranch. Everyone was excited and happy.

After a nice dinner, Marlboro Staff told us to move into Livery. They had more surprises for us. So we had there.

Marlboro branded food and great massage...

Johnny Holland on the left performing. Marlboro Ranch Director Brooke and us on the right.

Livery was ready to Rock'n Roll. Countdown had started already.

We all sat down on a poker table and played some "BlackJack". Also Edyta and I've played some Darts as well. After Johnny Holland, Gretchen Wilson took the stage and sang around 15 songs. We also got her Autographed Photography as well. It was now time to countdown.

Countdown...10..9..8..7..6..5..4..3..2..1..

!!!HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!

FIREWORKS...

After the Fireworks, they've served us 1:00am breakfast and party was going to go on till 4:00am. Unfortunately after fireworks, we've had down to our room. Had a good night sleep...ZZZZ....

5:30am in the morning we got up and prepare our luggage's for pickup. We had to put our luggage's on front of our room door by 7:00am and our bus was going to leave at 9:00am. We had a great time at Marlboro Ranch for the second time.

We've made great friends. Enjoyed every second of all the events, food and smiles of each staff member. Another DREAM VACATION was over and it was time to head back to our home in NY.

We have made great friends and we are hoping to keep in touch with them.

Emily and Darren Holley from Pensacola, FL

Amy and Chuck Hullett from Marshall, NC

Kathy and Dan Motz from Randolph, MN

Michelle Phillips from Indianapolis, IN

Joe Wiemann from Dubuque, IA

Travis Grunow from Vista, CA

Last but not least one of the best Marlboro Staff Christopher Brocco.

One more time, thank you so much for Philip Morris and Marlboro Staff to gave this wonderful amazing dream vacation of our lives. We are hoping to be back at the ranch sometime soon.

Ski Resort in Switzerland, $5000.

Snowmobiling in Vermont , $3000.

New Years Eve Party at Marlboro Ranch, Montana, PRICELESS.