The first snows have arrived. They were late this year, but came in with lots of wind and precipitation. In the middle of October we got about 6 inches of snow, but they melted away quickly. Now the roads are mostly dry, but soon the winter will arrive with more strength. We have completed the construction of our new bridge across Big Creek and I will upload some pictures of it in the next few days.

We are almost full for the summer (just a few cabins remain), but there is still space after August 21st. That is a great time to come for fishing and riding. Over Labor Day weekend, people may want to consider coming for a long weekend with or without friends.

The horses are getting their final hoof trim before the winter and the ferrier will get that done this week. Already, the horses are starting to get their long winter coats. Soon they will start to look like big teddy bears walking through frosty fields.

Yours from Wyoming,

Justin Howe

It is snowing and blowing today, as it has been for several days, but the air is humid and warm. The snow is still feet deep, but the tree branches are starting to lose the brittleness of winter. Outside my window the willow bushes are now turning the bright yellow and red that heralds the coming of spring.

While going through the day’s messages before heading out to do chores, I was snapped to attention by a sound long relegated to memory. A Wyoming ground squirrel, known as a gopher, was calling through the storm. Gophers hibernate through the winter, so we have not seen one since late October. This particular Gopher had tunneled up from its burrow through three feet of snow. I can imagine its surprise when it emerged into a still-frozen world.

Still, I think he saw his shadow and it seems like spring is truly (finally) on the way.

Recently, I was reading through some of my favorite correspondence and found this note from one of our friends/guests. The red-wings have returned, and the geese are honking along the riverbanks in search of nesting places. Snow still blankets the valley floor, and more comes each week, but we know that spring’s not too far off now–and the time when we get to see our friends again. Here’s the note that got me thinking of summer:

When I was a kid, we used to spend summer vacations at the beach. When I fell asleep at night, my body would have the distinct sensation of riding the waves, the activity that I spent most of my days pursuing. This year, when I returned from our week at the A Bar A I kept reliving so many of the experiences as I fell asleep, much like the save motion had been indelibly inscribed in my mind during those childhood summers.

I cannot only envision, but can smell, hear and feel…

My fishing fly gently breaking the surface of Big Creek just as I was taught, tempting a big rainbow trout.

“My” horse, Surprise’s, legs splashing through the Platte and later, his gently swaying body under mine as we traversed the aspen groves on Savage Trail.

The inner tube float under me, my body brushing the water-rounded rocks, with my son on my lap, singing and laughing exuberantly as we floated down the river.

The friends gathered at Slim’s Draw on Friday night, under clouds admitting just enough light to ensure a surreal orange glow on all our smiling faces.

My excitement at hitting two clay targets in a row during my first trap shooting lesson (and my family being there to observe it!).

My children on their first horse ride, asking me to “make it last forever,” even after vowing to never ride a horse only two days before as we drove to the Ranch from Denver.

Usually when I return from vacation, I fondly reminisce about the dreamlike quality of the surroundings I just left, but am somewhat pleased to be getting back to “reality.” What was unique about this vacation was that our summer life in Wyoming seemed more “real” to me than the other 51 weeks of the year. I’ll see you in 51 weeks. S.G.

Recently there was a least weasel, the smallest of the weasel family and only about seven inches long, was running around the swimming pool very anxiously. When we looked into the water we discovered six baby weasels, each about three inches long, “weasel-paddling” and barely afloat. Justin Howe, the Ranch manager, got the pool net and began scooping them out one at a time. As he set the bedraggled baby on the pool deck the mama ran over, chased him briefly and then snatched the baby up, putting it behind one of the whiskey barrel planters then watching as Justin retrieved another. Each time she fearlessly chased him briefly and snatched the babies by their neck skin, carrying them away to safety, one behind each of the whiskey barrels. Once all were out, and she seemed to be counting because she kept up her frantic chasing until all six were saved, she then turned to her goal of chasing Justin away. She wasn’t aggressive but did run at him, coming within two feet and ignoring it when Justin stamped his feet to chase her back. He quietly backed away and re-hung the net then went into the dining room to watch as she retrieved the babies and carried them off to safety.  Mother love had kept her chasing an animal easily a thousand times her own weight and size. What bravery!