A Family Vacation At A Dude Ranch
The Dude Rancher’s Association is a wonderful organization that preserves this special way of life and the wonderful environment in which dude ranching takes place. “Horses, Hats, Hospitality, Heritage, Honesty and Heart” are the core principles of dude ranching. Here at the Covered Wagon Ranch we have the honor of following a family that has been visiting our ranch for several generations, and here is their story…..
Well before our (JT and Debi’s) time, this family from Minnesota has been coming to the ranch. I don’t know how many years in total that Judith and Ken have been visiting us, but I know it goes back there! I can always rely on Judith to tell me a story or two about the ranch from way back when. I love those stories and it helps us continue to get a better understanding of the history of the ranch. As time went on, family members continued to add to the family vacation. Eventually, Mia, Madeline, John and Olivia all started showing up on this annual tradition. Our story will start pre-Olivia.More time passes and next thing you know, Olivia starts to enter the picture.
This all took place about 7 years ago, just before JT and I got to the ranch.
Next thing you know, Olivia is born! She basically grew up at the ranch and we all got the pleasure of watching her grow. She participated in the cookouts, and got to grow up around the horses. Next week we’ll talk about Olivia growing up at the ranch and when she actually got the opportunity to ride her own horse!
Thanks to you, Debi, and also JT, I get to follow the news about CWR and enjoy every minute of these updates! Although I’m a Labor Day week (Year 2008) ex-visitor to your beautiful ranch, I’m now no longer able to even consider riding again due to my almost 83 year old body falling apart! But my memories are “fresh” and I consider that week the fullfilling of my Bucket List, as the days go by, myself living alone with pet cats, but a home health care aide to assist me a couple hours daily.
I charish those memories and wish you and JT and CWR all the best!
Al Carter
Thanks to you, Debi and JT, I get to enjoy “returns — vicariously,” to CWR with these updates.
My week long visit to CWR during Labor Day week of Year 2008 has ever since been my most enjoyable memory! Although now almost 83 years old with a broken down body, mostly bones and joints, I’ll forever charish my recollections of your super ranch, the folks I met while there, and the beautiful horses! I definitely consider that week-long trip the fullfilling of my Bucket List!!!
Thanks for great memories,
Al Carter
Alan, thank you so much for your kind comments. You too, my friend, have provided many great memories of the ranch. We’re always thinking of you and your heart will always be here at the ranch! Stay well, debi
Great! We have some good ranches out in Colorado, but always envious of whats in Montana