While visiting the Ranch this Fall, take in some of the many activities in the nearby town of Westcliffe. On Friday, September 19, the American Legion is hosting a day to honor POW and MIA servicemen and women. For those of you who like trail riding, the Saddle Club is sponsoring a trail ride on Sunday, September 21 over Music Pass…beautiful views are everywhere on this ride along the high mountain trail. On Tuesday, September 23, the Valley’s local plant expert will talk about using, growing and sustaining native medicinal plants. Also on Tuesday, September 23, a radon workshop will be held. At this workshop one can learn more about rado and recieve a free radon test kit for testing your home for this gas. Fall is a big time of year for Art lovers. The annual, prestigious Art for the Sangres is held at historic Pines Ranch on September 27. Many works of art are on sale by nationally recognized artists. And don’t miss the annual Oktoberfest celebration taking place downtown on October 4th. Kommen Auf Oktoberfest! These and many more activities abound in our beautiful Wet Mountain Valley.

The Rainbow Trail is a long trail that traverses almost the entire east side of the Sangre De Cristo mountains. A section of the Rainbow Trail south of the Comanche/Venable trailhead is an easy hike that is a good choice if hiking with children. The trailhead may be reached by heading south on Highway 69 from the Ranch, following the Highway through Westcliffe and continuing south approximately 3.3 miles south of town to Schoolfield Road. Turn right and proceed west on Schoolfield Road until the road ends at a T. Go left at the T and follow the road as it curves to the right. Watch for the sign indicating a right turn to the Comanche-Venable trailhead. From the parking lot at the trailhead, look for the Comanche trail to the left as you face the mountains.  Hike this trail for approximately 1/4 mile where it intersects the Rainbow Trail. Turn left and hike the Rainbow Trail southward. After about a mile, the trail crosses Hiltman Creek, a great place for a snack and for kids to play in the water. After another 1/2 mile, the trail runs along a ridge that provides scenic views of the Wet Mountain Valley and Horn Peak. This is a great place to rest, relax and enjoy the views before returning to your vehicle along the same route.

August 2008 was a big month for Samantha. She officially turned 21. Family and friends gathered in the Ranch Cookhouse to celebrate. Turns out it was a duel birthday as just days before Sam’s big one, her father, Russ, celebrated his birthday…he finally reached middle age, but the actual birthday number is for anyone to guess. The pride in Russ’s eyes when he talked about his daughter reaching adulthood was evident to all gathered at the duel birthday party celebration. Two cakes with many candles were lit as friends and family sang Happy Birthday to both.

Jeannie, as usual the fantastic cook, provided the ranch meal of brisket and ribs along with potato salad, corn on the cob, and numerous other side dishes.  It is terrific to have a large cookhouse at the Ranch for entertaining guests.  Tables were decorated in bright yellow tablecloths and “over the hill” confetti…guess that was for Russ, not Sam. Everyone commented on the great meal that was served in the elegant, but casual, Cookhouse atmosphere. The ovens and two dishwashers were put to good use. Proud parents, Jeannie and Russ, with daughter, Sam, were all beaming with joy at the excitement of the day. Sam will be heading back to school right after Labor Day. Her parents will miss having her around.

Congratulations, Sam, on reaching adulthood. May the best that life has to offer come your way. And may you always show your appreciation to the wonderful people who are your parents. Congratulations from family and friends also go to Jeannie and Russ. You have raised a very talented and capable young lady. You deserve to be very proud parents. And thanks for sharing this wonderful day with all your family and friends.

This past Saturday was a crisp, sunny day; not a cloud in the sky. We started up the 4WD road towards the old Rita Alta mine. Several miles up the road is the old trail that crosses over a ridge and down through a valley and connects to the North Brush Creek Lake Trail. This is the shortcut known to locals that gets one into the lake area quicker than the normal trail that comes up the mountain from the Rainbow Trail. It is still a 4.5 mile hike to the upper lakes, but it provides an easy day hike into beautiful high mountain lakes. The normal trail starts from the Duckett Creek Trailhead. Starting at that trailhead provides a very pleasant, but longer walking alternative.

Temperatures were in the low 40’s this morning…may sound cold, but at this elevation the sun is warm and many here consider it short-sleeved shirt and jeans weather. We are fortunate at Maytag Mountain Ranch to have many days of sunshine. When you step outside your door, the air is crisp and clear and feels refreshing. It is not uncommon for many to open windows and let the Autumn air into their homes. The quiet sounds of the cattle lowing, the horses whinnying and the soft breezes rustling the Aspen tree leaves can all be heard around the Ranch. Come join us for a Ranch visit this Fall.