Last month, our crew left the snow-covered landscapes of Montana and headed to the sun for the annual Dude Ranchers Association Convention.
It’s an event we attend ever year where we get to rub elbows with other ranchers and take away key learnings and best practices. This year we took home something a little different, as Doug and Maureen Averill were inducted into the Dude Ranchers Association Hall of Fame. In true Doug fashion, he dedicated the award to Maureen.
To Doug and Maureen (or as we like to call them, Dad and Mom), thank you for taking such good care of this place. Thank you for raising me, as well as my brother and sister, to work hard and be kind. It’s an honor to carry on the tradition of Flathead Lake Lodge and I’m proud to be the third generation of our family to manage this ranch.
The award seems especially fitting this year, as 2025 marks our 80th anniversary. Founded in 1945 by Grandpa Les Averill, Flathead Lake Lodge is the epitome of a family tradition. Doug was raised right here at the ranch, and in turn raised our family at the ranch, too. And in true Averill family tradition, Kate and I are raising the fourth generation right along the shore of Flathead Lake.
With sincere gratitude and appreciation,
-Chase