Expedition Travel Log
This imagined travel log is a compilation of experiences and represents one variation of a trip schedule. Dates, activities, and schedules are flexible.
Sunday
We landed in Denver and headed north and west, feeling ourselves expand with the view. Wide open spaces! The North Platte River reflected the sunset on our last few miles before crossing the bridge at the A Bar A. We are cozy in our cabin, Sparkie’s Lookout; beautiful views from the front porch! It feels tucked away and private even though we’re just a few minutes’ walk from the dining room. Everyone is tired and excited for tomorrow.
Monday
Up with the sun and couldn’t wait to eat breakfast and make our way to the corral. From our porch we could see the wranglers in the distance, rounding up the horses for their days’ work. We rode all morning and re-visited one of our favorite trails! We’ll be sharing a lot of miles with these horses this week and we are all happy with our mounts. This afternoon we met our fishing guide and made sure we have all of our gear ready for the next leg of the trip.
Tuesday
After breakfast we saddled up, with lunches packed for a full day’s ride. Our guide led us on an extraordinary ride, exploring new country on the ridges above the North Platte and Big Creek. We arrived at Burta’s Cabin in mid-afternoon, with enough time to fish for a few hours before dinner prepared by our guide. Beautiful sunset and a wonderful evening hatch to fish until dark.
Wednesday
We had a leisurely morning with a hearty breakfast, compliments of our guide, then split up for the day with half the group riding out to explore on horseback while the others hiked and fished. Another beautiful day and peaceful night at Burta’s Cabin. We’ve never seen so many stars…
Thursday
This morning we saddled up early and rode several miles over the ridges, catching glimpses along the way of the magnificent headquarters at Big Creek Ranch. We rode into the corrals there around mid-day, in time to watch the farrier shoeing a cow-horse in the historic barn. Dinner was served by our Big Creek hosts and we are completely enchanted by the unique setting and beautiful views of our ranch “home”!
Friday
A spectacular ride in the mountains above Big Creek Ranch filled our day, with an exciting evening hatch on Spring Creek to top it all off. We wish we could stay here for another week!
Saturday
The cowboys were up and about early this morning, getting ready to move part of the herd to new grazing grounds in the mountains. We got some great photos of the horses and cowboys at work before saddling up ourselves and heading back towards A Bar A. Several hours of riding took us along a new route and we arrived back at the ranch in time for an afternoon float on the river and time to relax on the porch at Sparkie’s Lookout before a delicious dinner in the dining room!
Sunday
We are headed home today, sad to leave but filled up with memories.
