I recently had occasion to drive from Westcliffe, CO to Helena, Montana.   As I was entering the county in which Helena is located there were views of mountains ahead and a large highway sign that read: “You Are Now In PRIME BEEF Country”.   Although, I am sure there are large numbers of cattle in Montana, it struck me as interesting since there was not a cow in sight.   I couldn’t help reflect on how this sign would be just as well suited to our own Wet Mountain Valley.  Prime BEEF country to me is the Maytag Mountain Ranch and the many other ranches that line our valley.   And as for mountains, the Sangres are much more majestic than the Rocky Mountains that form the backdrop for Helena.  So as I was driving into Helena, I couldn’t help but appreciate, once again, the beauty and richness of the Valley that I call home and the hard work and dedication that it takes to run a Ranch such as the Maytag Mountain Ranch.  Our Ranch Managers work hard to maintain the organic certification and our beef is second to none.   So, although Helena may be Prime Beef country, the Wet Mountain Valley in the heart of Colorado and the Maytag Mountain Ranch easily claim this fame also.

Join Us Snowshoeing in the Sangre De Cristo Mountains

Happy New Year to All.   Now that it is January 1, 2009 (I know it seems the years go by so quickly anymore!), all of us at the Ranch hope you are having a wonderful first day of the new year.   At the Ranch, we are busy planning all of our 2009 activities….this is going to be a great year.   I’m not a financial advisor, but I do have a few investments in the stock market and for me, as for many of you, 2008 was not a good year…it became easier to ignore those financial reports rather than watch the slow decline of the stock values.   However, I can already see the market turning around….2009 is a year of change as defined by many voters in our 2008 national election and it will be a year of change in the stock market.   Sure, there will still be some volatility, but soon the market will settle down, the wild swings and negative numbers of the Dow will become history as our nation revamps, revises and comes out of this depression stronger than ever.  Probably a good time to invest in land rather than stocks, though.   

So what are you doing on New Year’s Day 2009 to celebrate the Year of Change?   I’m spending the morning snowshoeing in our fabulous Sangre De Cristo mountains and then I’m rushing home (actually, nothing is done in a rush in our beautiful Valley) to watch Penn State play in the Rose Bowl.   I’m a Penn State football fan having watched Joe Paterno grow old with me over the 40+ years of his coaching career at Penn State.   Great coach!   Go Lions!   Happy New Year…Change is in the Air.

Jake Tests the Venison for Doneness

A beautiful wood fire crackled in the Cookhouse fireplace and Christmas carols played in the background.  It was a Christmas setting right out of a Dickens novel with the Ranch family and friends gathered for an evening of good food, conversation and fun. Everyone snacked on appetizers while waiting for the meat to be done.  The anticipation was high as many in the group had never sampled venison before.  In addition to the venison, Jake, our master chef had also prepared a white chili.   

It was finally announced that the venison was ready.  At the perfect temperature, Jake removed the meat from the oven and carefully sliced it into beautiful steaks.  The line started to form at the buffet island even before he had placed the first platter of meat on the buffet.   With the chili and salads, mashed potatoes, and a medley of vegetables, the guests filled their plates with the venison steaks and a wonderful assortment of side dishes.   The venison steaks were the highlight of the meal.   Prepared to everyone’s liking, with the meat ranging from medium rare to well-done, one could not have found better venison in any restaurant in the country.   So, on the eve of the Winter Solstice, we sit down to a beautiful meal in the Ranch Cookhouse.  As we share a glass of wine and a wonderful dinner, the entire Ranch family hopes all of you are as warm as we are and enjoying a meal with friends and family during this holiday season.  As the meal ends, everyone mingles enjoying the warmth of the fire on this clear, cold December evening.   With the Winter Solstice upon us, we start looking forward to the lengthening of the daylight hours.  Although the Spring season is still many months away, one cannot help anticipating the extra warmth the sunlight will bring.  As the evening meal is completed and the plates are cleared from the table, many help in the kitchen to clean up after the dinner.   Finally, the chef has a chance to relax and is captured enjoying his after-dinner cup of coffee.  We all wish to thank Jake for his tremendous effort in preparing this meal.   His hunting skills combined with his mastery of cooking venison, created an evening to be enjoyed and remembered by all his friends at the Ranch.       

Winter Serenity at the Ranch

It is December 9th and the first snow of the season has fallen at the Ranch.  The snow provides a peaceful serenity to all of our Ranch activities….including feeding of the cattle herd.  When the snow blankets the pastures, the Ranch Managers bundle in warm layers and take to the fields…spreading hay for all the cattle.   The sound of the engine and the hay being thrown from the wagon tells all the cattle it is feeding time.   Everywhere there are other animals also looking for food.  The snow-covered buck, below, searches among the trees for green stems and other treats.

Snow on the Mountains

As we turn the calendar page to November, slow changes start appearing around the Ranch. This is the time of year when activities slow down in preparation for the winter season. The calves have been weaned from their mothers; all the Ranch vehicles undergo fall maintenance – the process of winterizing all the vehicles for the few months of cold weather ahead. And, of course, the trees have lost their leaves, and the elk and deer sightings are up as the animals roam extensively on these cooler days. Our management team is cutting fire wood to keep the cabins and lodge house warm and we are already looking forward to decorating for the upcoming holiday season. Owners and guests enjoy this time of year at the Ranch as it is particularly relaxing and peaceful. As with any business, this is also the time of year we start looking ahead to next year, planning for next year’s activities and finalizing our annual budgets. As we transition from Autumn into Winter at the Ranch, it is a great time of year.

Autumn Colors Surround Lake Isabel

Lake Isabel is a mountain lake located in Custer County just southeast of Westcliffe, CO. The Lake is located in the San Isabel National Forest. The lake is a popular spot for fishing and hiking. A trail circles the lake and numerous other hiking trails exist in the Forest area surrounding the lake.

Apple Fest at the Ranch is this weekend, October 3rd and 4th. Also, this weekend is Oktoberfest in Westcliffe. With the Aspen trees at the peak of their golden hues and beautifully, crisp Fall air in the Valley, this is a perfect weekend to visit the Ranch. Everyone at the Ranch may participate in the Apple Fest. Ride the haywagon drawn by our two Percherons and help pick the apples from trees around the Ranch. Then we’ll use our new apple press to press the apples into juice. The apple cider we make from this juice is the best in the Valley. Then head to Westcliffe for the local Oktoberfest on Main Street. German music and foods will be served. So come and enjoy our Fall weather and enjoy a beautiful weekend at the Ranch.

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.