Intro and Itinerary

Walendo and Ellen on Cheyenne & Flax

This is a journal of our wonderful week-long vacation at the Laramie River Ranch dude ranch in Colorado, just south of Laramie, Wyoming. Both of us went with almost no horseback riding experience, but we came back comfortable on a horse, eager to ride more. We met some interesting people, learned some new skills, and generally cleared our minds and spirits living on the ranch. We rode every day, and were lucky enough to have beautiful, warm, sunny weather nearly every day. It was a fabulous trip, one we'd like to repeat again next year. All the details of our experience are in the following pages, though you probably have to care about us or be very interested in going to this ranch to want to read it. For everyone else, here are some of the highlights:

• Top highlight for both of us was the all-day ride and overnight camping. By the end of the day, we felt like we'd explored the entire area, high and low (especially high), though there was plenty more to see. The views were stunning, the weather warm and sunny, and the wrangler (Jeremiah), friendly and helpful. At the campsite, we were greeting by one of the West's best outdoor cooks and naturalists, Chad. Not only did he cook delicious meals, he even baked: rolls & pineapple upside down cake at dinner, and donuts at breakfast! (I think by breakfast he was just showing off.) He had also set up one of the more comfortable campsites I'd ever been in, including an outhouse tent -- with a magazine rack, to boot. And most amazing, I was actually warm enough inside my sleeping bag, despite the chilly night temperature. (Day 4)
• My biggest thrill was going out with a wrangler (Cara) and one other person, making our way up to a high plateau and then breaking into a lope for my first time ever. I spent most of the time out of the saddle, but I didn't care because it was so much fun. (Day 3) I got to lope twice more (plus lots of trotting) and I couldn't get enough.
• Walendo had a blast learning the back and forth motion of fly fishing, also his first time trying it. So what if everyone else caught several fish before he managed to get one? He said the hooking and releasing of the fish was the least fun, anyway. He liked mastering the motion and the peacefulness of the river. (Day 3)
• We met some interesting people while we were there. People came from England and as far as South Africa, though most were from around the US. Some were experienced riders, others rank beginners, but everyone was supportive and friendly. The ranch takes only about 25 guests at a time and the staff is probably about half that, so you get a chance to meet everyone over the course of the week. We were impressed by how well the ranch was run, how much attention the management paid to all the details that factor into the guests' experience.
• Although there was entirely too much of it, the food was delicious. Three full meals a day with cookies and fruit always available, oh plus appetizers before dinner. The best part was that horseback riding somehow seems to burn an awful lot of calories, so I felt like I was eating twice as much as normal and I didn't gain any weight.

Laramie River Ranch Lodge

Day 1: Drive from Bay Area to Laramie River Ranch, Colorado
Day 2: First day riding
Day 3: Learning to trot & to fly fish
Day 4: All-day ride & overnight camping
Day 5: Return to ranch, visit to Laramie
Day 6: All-group lunch ride
Day 7: Breakfast ride & "team penning"
Day 8: Drive home

Next   (Drive to ranch)