Dave Keene Life is Good Lodge

Wade the Dearborn in the back yard where no one else fishes in this completely renovated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom house on 10 acres of the former Gary Cooper Ranch. Don't be surprised to see deer, geese and ducks in the window nudging their way near the deck or the waterfall on the hill. Help yourself to the library, watch satellite television or DVD movies, or read from the house's library.

From the public put-in to the house is an 11-hour float trip; private half-day float availiable with put-in. Or launch from the back yard and float one half mile down the Dearborn River to the Missouri River or from anywhere on the Dearborn to your own private fishing hole among some of nature's oldest rock outcroppings.

Only few miles from the Missouri Inn and under the bridge where the Untouchables was filmed, enjoy the canyon or visit the Lewis and Clark's Tower Rock and surrounding Park. From this base, see the spetacular Glacier Park or the continent's largest dinosaur digs to the northwest, float the Lewis and Clark Trail by pontoon boat and lunch at the island where one of the nation's most famous fires occurred, or travel south to Yellowstone National Park or Jackson Hole, each an easy day's visit.

Bring your dogs to the kennel behind the house, hang on the deck with river and tremendous rock views, play pool or fire up your stove. BBQ or enjoy the new, custom kitchen and fisherman's decor. In the evening, take your pick of 3 spacious bedrooms where at the end of the day 6 extra long beds await (comfortable queen bed available for couples or use two twins) or tie a few at the fly-tying table.

If you've worn out your guide, invite him to stay in the renovated 1898 historic Cooper house (often listed on your GPS). The guest house sleeps 2 more.