USA Today recently did an artilce on Ranch Living.   Maytag Mountain Ranch was one of the Ranches showcased in their article Read about us at http://travel.usatoday.com/destinations/secondhomes/2010-06-17-ranch-living_N.htm

A local reporter from the Pueblo Chieftain recently visited the Ranch. His news article on the Ranch captures the fun that families have a the Ranch and the desire to promote ecologically sound ranching that is a the heart of the Ranching efforts conducted by the Maytag Mountain Ranch Homeowner’s Association. Read about our Ranch at http://www.chieftain.com/business/local/article_5d130fe2-7b41-11df-87f2-001cc4c002e0.html

Almost the end of May and the grass on the Ranch has turned a deep green.   We are beginning our calving season and the new-born calves are fortunate to have the warm weather and green grass.   The fruit trees are in bloom and the spring flowers are all around.   The snow on the mountain peaks provides plenty of water for irrigating the fields.   The herds of deer and elk are plentiful on the Ranch and provide visitors with closeup views of these animals.   This is a great time of year to be living at the Ranch.

Spring has arrived at the Ranch.  With Eagle Peak in the background still covered with snow, the Ranch pastureland is free of snow.  The grasses are growing and the cattle are excited to taste the fress, green grass.  As the grasses grow, our Ranch Cattle Manager keeps a watchful eye.  He frequently moves the cattle between pastures to keep the cattle healthy and to keep the range land healthy.  The mountain bluebirds and the western bluebirds have returned to the Ranch and the crocuses and daffodils are blooming.  The Pasque flowers, one of the earliest blooming flowers in the Valley, have been visible for several weeks now.  We invite you to visit the Ranch and enjoy our beautiful spring weather.

The Permaculture Garden will be Blooming Soon!

From Ava our Gardener:

    We have entered a perfect time of year to begin the winter pruning of the various fruit trees. In addition to removing branches broken by snow or wandering herds of deer and elk, selective thinning should channel more of each tree’s resources into the fruit. This should allow the plums, peaches, apricots, apples, cherries, and pears to be larger and sweeter when the fruit ripens this summer and fall. Careful thinning also allows more sunlight to reach the leaves and air to circulate. This movement of air and warmth from the sunlight helps prevent mold and fungus on the leaves and branches.

Changes to the grape arbor are coming along nicely. The grapes should be well supported with the minor improvements we are making to the structure. Similar to the fruit trees, I hope to have larger and sweeter grapes than ever before. We are experimenting with companion planting among the grapes. Clover can be found near the grapes; this gives the grapes more nitrogen from clover. Chives are being planted to help with insect control; chives act as a deterrent to insects that are detrimental to grape vines.

Nature’s choice of first stage ground cover and soil builders have worked very well in our garde. Bindweed and wild grasses have been holding moisture and converting subsoil into richer top-soil. The garden is now ready for more broad-leafed plants, such as comfrey, squash, pumpkins, and even fields of strawberries. The tiny burrowing mammals have been diligently tilling the soil, bringing air and water to the microscopic life forms that turn lifeless rock into a feast for plants of all kinds.

The plants with very deep roots, such as hollyhocks, valerian, and dandelions are doing their work, as well. Everything works together to make the garden a place of beauty and harmony. This is the essence of a Permaculture garden. If you have been to the garden before, you will find it somewhat changed this spring. If you have never visited, you will find it to be a place most enjoyable to wander and relax. I in-vite you to visit and ask me questions about the plants and their uses. If I don’t know the answer, I will find out and let you know. Visitors in the garden, including children, are always welcome.

Have you ever thought about leaving the corporate world behind;  leaving the hustle and bustle of the office life and getting into the great outdoors?  Do you enjoy fly-fishing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding or just sitting quietly on your deck and watching the wildlife including elk, deer, bobcats, and turkeys?  The constant stress of a high-powered day-to-day career takes its toll on your health and well-being.   I would invite you to take a break from that stress and whirlwind agenda of e-mails to respond to and meetings to attend.  Consider owning a part of a working cattle ranch where you can come to relax and unwind.   When you own a part of Maytag Mountain Ranch, you are part owner of the cattle herd, the horse herd, and the chickens.  You share the 3,000 acre ranch with a small group of other like-minded owners.   The Ranch environment is one of quiet solitude or friendly gatherings…your choice on your schedule.   The Ranch is managed by 3 very capable managers who keep the horses ready for riding, who welcome your help in moving cattle, or who will give you advice on the best restaurants in town.  This is a sustainable ranching community at its best.  Look at the pictures on our website and give it serious consideration.  And if you decide to come and visit and invest in the Ranch time as your time, I know you won’t be disappointed.

An intersting winter activity around the Ranch is identifying the many animal tracks that appear in the snow.   Animals are often so elusive, that without the tracks, one would never know the animals had visited the area.   Here, tracks of the wild turkeys that roam the foothills and mountains around the Maytag Mountain Ranch are clearly visible in the snow.   The turkeys usually travel in a group.  A group of turkeys is called a rafter.   Although, colloguially, many people know a group of turkeys as a gobble….based on the loud noises that the turkeys frequently make.   The Merriam Turkey is the most common wild turkey found in Colorado.  These turkeys prefer the Colorado ponderosa pine, scrub oak, and pinion pine forests.  The turkeys are often found at elevations between 6,000 feet and 9,000 feet.  The distinguishing feature of the Merriam Turkey is its white rump.  Its feathers sport a collection of black with blue, bronze and purple reflections.    Visit the Maytag Mountain Ranch and look for the animal tracks in the snow.   We invite you to own a homestead where the wild life abounds.

Have you ever been to the Royal Gorge Bridge and Park?  If you have, you know about the highest suspension bridge in the world, the world’s longest single-span Aerial Tram, the world’s steepest Incline Railway, and the world’s highest Skycoaster®.  This is all located in one park that spans the Arkansas River.  This is where looking down from the bridge that is 1054 feet above the Arkansas River provides

Suspension Bridge above the Arkansas River

spectacular scenery and breath-taking dizziness if you are prone to acrophobia.   Now, for even more excitement, the Royal Gorge Park is planning on installing 4 zip lines across the Gorge at a height of 1000 feet over the river.  This is an unbelievable feat of engineering and will thrill the young at heart.  I’m sure it will be an impressive sight for those who take the train ride along the river that is far below.   From the train you will be able to look up and see people zipping across the Gorge at a top speed of 50 mph.  Not sure I want to try this!  The Royal Gorge is a half-hour drive from the Ranch and a great place for the family to spend the day.