Wrangler Unversity

We took the opportunity to invest in the Wrangler University hosted by Dr. Ruth Sorensen and husband Paul who assisted her. Our staff and guest participated in this all day, which was extremely educating and valuable information in learning horse first aid. Tex, seen in photo above was eager to take part in the day school. We feel that this will help our wranglers to understand the importance with caring for our horses. Our  guest loved being a part of this day and learning along with our staff. We are looking in to hosting this Wrangler University once a year to guest who are interested in learning more. Our wranglers felt that it was well worth it! Thank you Ruth and Paul for all ya'll did for the team and Medicine Bow Lodge~

Introducing "The Never Ending Adventures of Roper and Katy"

Our summer kicks off next weekend and our summer staff are arriving anxious to begin probably the most memorable summer job they will ever have in their lifetime. We have a major check list going to have everything ready which includes getting cabins opened, horses ready for riding, food ordered... Roper decided to be a big help by checking out the horses with making sure that they are ready for our guest's. Here he is on Tex saddle ready and gave the paw's up. He decided he would rather run along with Katy on the trails than on a horse. He will leave the riding to our guests and staff no worries he and Katy will be a step a head on the trails. Stay tuned because you never know what these two will be doing here at Medicine Bow Lodge.

"Right here in our Backyard"

Moose watching is absolutely one of my favorite obsessions and especially during the summer months. They are such a unique animal with their awkward look because moose have long lanky legs, like toothpicks and an enormous body. They have horrible eyesight, but a very keen and sharpness with their hearing. Did you know that they are vegetarians? That is why moose love the marsh areas with all the vegetation and they can disappear quickly in the brush areas becoming camouflaged instantly. A cow moose with her babies is more dangerous than a mountain lion, or bear. You have to use common sense. All of our kids have had to take safety by climbing a tree out of respect for the cow moose. 
 These twins were born last year. They were about a month old.Mid June, early July is normally when the babies are born. It has become a favorite after a delicious dinner, and dessert to go moose watching. Dusk is the best time and early mornings, before breakfast to have the best chance to see moose in their habitat here in the Medicine Bow National Forest. They may even pose for you. They frequently visit Medicine Bow Lodge,with all the plants and berries right here along the creek behind our lodge. Our staff are always eager to take guest that want to jump on horses and go looking for moose in the meadows. Just another reason I love where we live, and what a privilege it is to do what we do right here in our backyard.

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"Tag, You're It!"

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I thought my husband, Tim was crazy when he taught our kids' how to play "tag" on a horse! I should have known that he would use this as a teachable moment. Those of you that have experienced tag, the Medicine Bow Lodge way know what I'm talking about because you learn to stay on your horse in difficult situations. Tim doesn't make it easy on the staff, in fact it has been said that he becomes this ruthless and relentless man when he enters the corral. I remember one wrangler saying, "What happened to your husband, I didn't expect this at all!" It is nothing for Tim to come along and remove the bridal or undo the cinch, leaving one to wonder, what do I do now? He wants the staff to realize that balance is key and to hold on with their upper thighs and to lead  the horse with the inner part of their legs.

It is the staff's goal to get Tim however they can. I know of one time that our our now son-in-law succeeded with dethroning Tim. He had a wicked smile with the victory. It is a game that is taken very seriously which everyone wants to have the fastest and perfect horse. One of the perks is the staff gets to choose Tim's horse. They think that choosing certain horses for him will give them an advantage. Not so! They find out quickly that it isn't the horse but it is the rider's abilities to maneuver with speed and precision that gives him the upper hand, even when your bridle has been removed from your horse. Oh the fun memories of this game!
Guest have been known to ride in the corral to experience a variation of tag, the Medicine Bow Lodge way. They find out quickly that it isn't so easy. I think they have more fun watching the staff play and take video/photos of this entertaining game.

 

"The Intruders"

Here at Medicine Bow Lodge, we have plenty of places to to hang your hats. We have been blessed with the gifts that have been given to us after the 2009 fire, such as this antelope hat rack. You would have thought that we had let an intruder in the lodge by Roper's response. He went in to protective mode not knowing what to do with these hollow skeleton heads that you would find in the open fields. Roper was unsure of these new creatures. He kept looking to Tim, as to say, " Okay I'm here ready to protect you from these foreign objects." This rustic decor now hangs in the entry way of the lodge ready for your hats. And, more than likely you will be greeted by Roper who continues to stand watch, waiting for these intruders to make a move, but will happily welcome you!

"Happy Guest Equals A Happy Horse"

Winter is coming to a close for the 2012 season here at Medicine Bow Lodge. This will allow for earlier riding here at the ranch.
We have the saddle soap and leather cleaner ready to prepare our saddles' for this upcoming season. Personally, I love helping with this project because you see the results with the sheen on the leather and the character comes alive in each one. I love the smells of the old leather with the new. I have learned first hand from Tim how important it is to care for the saddles, and tack. Each saddle has its own saddle rack ready to be fitted with horse and guest alike. It isn't just throwing on a saddle that is involved with riding. The horses love having a saddle fit their rider, because the rider is sitting properly in the saddle and takes pressure off the horse. So, I guess you could say, Happy guest equals a happy horse. This has been an on going learning experience for a city girl like me.
For the longest time, I would tell Tim that I need a narrow horse! I just wasn't comfortable on the horses he would have me ride. Well, he kept telling me,"Debbie it isn't the horse, it is the saddle." He took me to a saddle store and had the owner show me the difference in saddles and that it is the tree of the saddle that you want to fit, not the horse! Yes, I was embarrassed and I know my husband was perplexed with my thinking. Needless to say, I now have a saddle that fits me like a glove that I am more than happy to share with lady guest who need a "narrow horse", actually a narrow tree in the saddle.
Medicine Bow Lodge wants to make sure that each of our guest are fitted to the right horse, and a comfortable saddle, this helps to assure the best riding experience. It is our number one goal for our guest to have a pleasant riding experience with the desire to return here for the "Ride of A Lifetime."

"This Is Where I Belong"

"You know, I love a hot shower, good food and a warm bed, but when it comes down to it, this is where I belong" This is what Tim said while we were snowshoeing up in the mountains today. Where we were snowshoeing was on a horse trail that is a favorite for loping as you wind up this wooded rugged area. He was daydreaming about riding with our guests' and teaching them good techniques as they ride in this range. This cowboy at heart just loves where we live in this rustic mountain range where he is at home. You will not meet too many men like my husband who loves his work with a passion, which has many hats, but hands down he would rather be on a horse, enjoying the company of our guests', and exploring new places as he shares his Faith, the history of our home, and business, the Medicine Bow Lodge. Wouldn't you rather go vacation at a place that lives their work with a devotion and desire to make sure that whoever comes here has the best vacation ever! He is always ready to Ride!

"Wishing You Were Here?"

Don't you wish you were here? This is what we wake up to every morning during the winter season at Medicine Bow Lodge. Our guests' that are here right now are riding in this area today. They couldn't ask for a more perfect day to snowmobile. It is because of these wonderful snows that God sends that allows us to have such beautiful summers with the wild flowers, green meadows, lush pastures for the horses and fantastic fishing in the streams, rivers of these mountains located in the unique Medicine Bow National Forest. A day like today, I know spring is coming because of the warmer temperatures. This photo is of Kennedy Peak and right below it is a favorite horseback ride called "Mitchel's Ridge", named after one of our favorite past wranglers. As you can see, it is a picturesque view for an all day horseback ride, a place to get off the saddle, enjoy some lunch, and rest your bottoms, maybe even get in a short nap, before heading down the steep mountain inclines, play in the meadows and cross the crystal clear streams.Oh, if Tim goes along, you are guaranteed that he will take some time and dabble in panning for gold! Don't worry, our sure footed horses are up for this ride and enjoy the breaks by the streams, to nibble on yummy Wyoming grasses. The ideal time is beginning of July through early October. Just one of the many rides to enjoy winter, spring, summer, and fall. So, don't you wish that you were here?

"A Night To Remember or Forget"

Here at Medicine Bow Lodge, we consider ourselves blessed with the guests that return year after year. Annually, we have this same group of snowmobile enthusiast during this particular week . The snow conditions were perfect for them with boon docking through the trees into the white powdered filled meadows. Friday, they started out with a semi- plan of where they were going for the day. Living here in the mountains, you never know when a snow storm is in the horizon and the severity of it. The snow came in quickly which wasn't unusual. What was unusual was that the guys were not back at their normal time. We had prepared supper, Catfish, shrimp sauce, twice baked potatoes, salad, homemade rolls, and Banana's Fosters. These are all great riders and Tim kept reassuring me that they could take care of themselves. Tim knew where they were and anticipated their scenario. Tim followed procedures with checking to see if any calls had been made to Search and Rescue. None had been made. We received the first call at 7:30PM from the guys. They were in a spot that they had no idea how to get out of this canyon. Thankfully, Tim had been in this exact area and same predicament and was able to instruct them what to do.
They called frequently letting us know how the eight of them were doing. Needless, to say, they were fatigued, sore, hungry and very cold. Tim received the last call at 2:00AM and they decided on the course of action to get them home. Our guests' arrived here at 3:15AM, cold, sore and starving. Tim and Mike had them drinking water, then coffee and sitting next to the fireplaces. They fed our guys, that were thankful to be alive and had a night to remember in the Snowy Range Mountains.
Incidentally, as our guests started their journey back to Medicine Bow Lodge, they came upon 3 snowmobilers that had prepared to spend the night, because they were lost and visibility was poor. They had built a fire and were putting shelter together. Our guys convinced them to join their group, "Stay close together, and go slow."
They got these 3 guys back safely to their cabin.
You never know what is going to take place here at Medicine Bow Lodge and we said bye to our Eagle guys with them saying, "See you next year, same time."

"Off the Beaten Path"

We have had continuous snow on and off since Thursday. It is perfect conditions for enjoying the winter activities. Tim went out this morning and re- groomed my snowshoe trail. The snow was coming down heavy with my face being covered and the visibility not being great. It was still beautiful and so peaceful, only hearing the steps of my feet in the deep snow. Normally I go a different direction and thankfully, I was led to detour today, because off the path, I came upon my husband Tim with the snowmobile buried and he needed help! There is never a dull moment living this life. It only took the  two of us just a few minutes working together to get the sled unstuck. Tim was out and about gathering downed trees for firewood. As you can see, he was very happy that I got off the beaten path.

What A Thrill!

Here at Medicine Bow Lodge, you never know who is going to come across our cattle guard, even during the winter. We had the pleasure to have a desperate dog sledder show up because we have snow. She needed a place to stay and work her dogs for an upcoming race this weekend in Casper. We were enthusiastic, to say the least, to have Carol and her dogs for guest this week. Mike, who works for us had the privilege to go out with her and he ended up learning to drive the team. I went dog sledding today and chose this time not to drive the team. Honestly, I wasn't sure what to expect. I learned how to harness the excited dogs, and hook them up, and jump in and out of the sled when needed. This was because I led told Carol the wrong way. The funny thing is that the dogs were headed the right way! They listen to voice  commands, the same as mules. I was amazed how they figured out the trail and stayed on course. It was such a fun, enjoyable and thrill for me to experience dog sledding. The fresh snow made it easier for the team to glide across the trail and they handled the turns and slopes with complete control. This was our first time to dog sled, but we know it won't be our last! We have the ideal place to run dog sled tours. We think this would be an alternative to snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and a break from snowmobiling. Hmmm... Who knows?

Winter Fun in our back yard!

 

This could be considered "The ride of a lifetime."You can tell by this picture that there is always something fun, adventurous and unique right here in our back yard of the Medicine Bow National Forest.

 This is where living where we do has its perks, even in the winter time. The kids of Saratoga schools have Fridays off and took advantage to come play in the snow today. It was a perfect outing for them to enjoy the great winter outdoors. Guest can enjoy this too, plus snowshoeing and cross country skiing if you are not in to snowmobiling. I'll keep saying it, " We have it all here at Medicine Bow Lodge". 

Breaking Trail in "Almost Heaven"

Snowshoeing has become a favorite winter activity for Tim and I. This is something we can enjoy together. It reminds me of the rides that Tim is known for here at MBL. He took it easy on me today being that it was our first day this year to snowshoe. I love the sound of the crackling snow and the crunching sound beneath my feet. We call this talking snow. It is a great way to exercise while enjoying the beauty that surrounds us. We had to break trail which can be adventurous. I fell a couple of times and had a little trouble getting back up because I was laughing hysterically. Roper, our dog, came to my rescue, at least that is what he thought when he was pouncing on me. I felt like I had run a marathon when I got back to the lodge.

This is an activity that we want to promote. We have the wide open spaces and also the cross country trails for guest to enjoy what we like to call "Almost Heaven". Now it is time for a mug of hot cocoa by the fire!

Wyoming Snow - 2012

I look out and see the ground blanketed with fresh snow. There isn't a cloud in sight with the "Bluebird" sky and the sage is almost completely hidden by the snow. Work continues with Tim and Mike grooming our driveway. Tim hooked up the snow blower to the tractor and snow is flying everywhere!
I went on a jog on the driveway and kept hitting these patches which caused me to sink! No worries, I trudged along while enjoying the incredible beauty that surrounds our ranch.

Tomorrow, I am planning on a snowshoe adventure. I can snowshoe right from here and go anywhere, even across the creek. Maybe I will see a moose or two. People just don't realize what a great place this is for snowshoeing, cross country skiing, along with snowmobiling.