"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.

A New beginning for Medicine Bow Lodge - 2011

I can't believe it is already January, 2011! Here we are in a New Year, a New and Improved Lodge with lots to look forward too.
I had the opportunity to sit by the river rock fireplace, where it is warm, and cozy while knitting and sipping hot tea. This has become a favorite area to relax when Tim and I can, because the Great Room is so inviting, just like home!
The snow continues to pile high, which makes the snowmobile guests very happy. It is fun to hear their stories with being stuck in the powder...
We have been cooking soups, breads, and baking a lot.
We have a new addition to Medicine Bow Lodge, "Roper". He is full of energy and is learning the rules along with how to pester "Katie" and when to leave her alone :) He loves to try and conquer the massive snow hills that we have right here.
The work is never ending but Tim and I love what we do.
It has been an on going competition between our staff and Dakotah on who can keep all the wood burning stoves heated. So far, I'm losing to everyone else. I looked as a blessing in disguise!
Dakotah on the other hand looks at it that he won :) However, he lost to Sharise yesterday.
I would love to hear comments on our blog.
I will write more stories later!