No. 39 • February 2009 • Durango, Colorado
Gene and Jan Roberts in 1970, their first summer at WTR
A lot of things change in forty years: fashion, Farrah Fawcett hair, Elvis length sideburns, technology and changes in every aspect of our lives. Jan used to hand-write answers to inquiries, and kids swam in the pond instead of a pool. But the most meaningful themes have held steady at WTR: Quality family time, western hospitality, unspoiled wilderness, the magical connection between horse and rider, person and place. Sharing the WTR experience has kept friends and guests returning to our home for four decades. Our family remains dedicated to creating lasting memories. That will never change. Come join us for the best week of your year!
Gene and Jan in 2008. 2009 will be their 40th season at the ranch!
Our former guests are the best promoters for WTR. We love sharing their thoughts with you, so look for the “Mailbox” throughout the newsletter. Thank you for a wonderful week at WTR. We all had a ball! For the great riding, great all-day rides, gorgeous scenery, wonderful horses, wild tubing/wakeboarding, delicious food, delightful fellow guests, fun wranglers, great staff, invigorating yoga, relaxing fishing, comfortable cabins, great dance, adorable rodeo. We loved everything. The Vigilante Family, NJ
Lessons, rodeos and special horsemanship clinics allow the opportunity to feel the exhilaration of cantering (loping). We also have beautiful open meadows for moving at a faster pace.
Cowboy dreams??
Have Extra Time? Experience Durango!
Before or after your stay at the ranch, you could: • Ride the Durango & Silverton Train • Tour Mesa Verde National Park • Take a jeep tour into the high country • Hike a 14,000 foot peak • Raft the Class V waters of the Upper Animas River • Learn to fly-fish or rock climb
Folks love to ride and soak in the majestic scenery. The Duros family from Illinois.
GIVE A HOLLER! www.wildernesstrails.com wtr@wildernesstrails.com 1-800-527-2624 970-247-0722
Adults-Only Weeks and Horsemanship Vacations May 24-June 6 and August 23-October 3 are reserved for adults. These weeks feature a limited capacity, relaxed atmosphere, flexible riding program, a discounted rate, and no single surcharge. For an incredible horsemanship education vacation, visit the ranch for a cow working or ranch roping week with renowned professional clinicians Tom Curtin or Lee Smith (May 24-30, May 31-June 6, or September 6-12). Experience the stunning peak of Colorado’s shifting shades of autumn during Ride the Colors of the Fall Week: September 27-October 3 (limited to 15 intermediate to advanced riders). Cowgirl Camp, August 23-29, is reserved for the gals! An exceptionally fun and decadent week centered around great riding, exceptional dining, and building lasting friendships. Cowgirl Camp, August 2008
It was the best vacation either of us have ever had—more beautiful and more rejuvenating than we could have ever hoped for! We are so grateful for the experience—the riding, the majestic views, the scrumptious food, the personable staff, all the awesome photos and the memories that will never be forgotten. Connie, IA
Jazzy carried the American flag with Jan in the ranch’s weekly rodeo for many years.
The Ranch is a magical place with loads of energy, GREAT horses, and lovely people! Sarah, Belgium
The Jazzman, aka Jazzy, was laid to rest in December 2008. Jazzy was the epitome of an unforgettable horse— beauty, intelligence, a unique personality and a comical disposition. From show horse to trail horse, he was the best! Trot on, Jazzy!
The Jazzman (1973-2008) Erika, in Showmansip, and Lance, in Pleasure Driving, both won blue ribbons showing Jazzy in Salt Lake City in 1983.
Fishing on the upper Pine River. Ride, lunch, fish, relax!
Take advantage of three stocked ponds on the ranch, an all day fishing ride up the Pine River, fishing on nearby Vallecito Lake or Vallecito Creek, and fly-fishing on the gold medal waters of the Animas and San Juan Rivers.
Nothing could ever compare to the amazing week we just spent with your entire WTR Team. We appreciate how hard everyone worked to create such a unique and warm environment for us. We will always remember the amount of excitement, integrity, fun and heart everyone pours into each moment. Barbara and David, CA
Explore the Ancients
Fall Elk and Deer Hunts
Join us for a quality guided lodge hunt this fall. WTR offers the finest accommodations and access for first and second rifle seasons: October 10-14 (elk only) and October 17-21 (elk and deer). Hunters ride from the lodge daily, enjoy the warmth and camaraderie of made-to-order breakfasts and dinners, and relax and regroup each evening with hot showers and cozy accommodations. A guided deluxe camp is available for bow hunters during late August and September. Packing service for do-it-yourself hunters can be booked late AugustOctober for drop locations in the East Creek, Lion Creek, or Pine River Basins (Area 751). Please contact the office for details and a brochure.
Before or after your WTR ranch holiday, join Dr. Frank Tikalsky for a two-day guided educational adventure exploring the worldrenowned Chaco Canyon (www.nps.gov/chcu/) and Mesa Verde National Parks (www.nps.gov/meve/) Anasazi dwellings. The tour will include transportation, lodging, and an expert guide. Please contact our office for details.
Why WTR?
Experience! WTR has been family owned and operated by the Roberts family since 1970. Real Riding! The original industry standard for horsemanship, groups by ability, trailblazing, cow working, clinics. Our all-inclusive rate includes gratuities to simplify your travel plans. WTR is off the beaten path, located in a secluded Our talented and outstanding 2008 Staff! mountain valley, bordering two protected Wilderness areas, yet we are conveniently reached from our local airport and historic Durango, Colorado — both only 35 miles away. • We have a first rate, attentive staff that is dedicated to meeting your every need. Our service and attention to detail will exceed your every expectation! • Variety! Experience the Best of the Southwest — our location is second to none whether our guests are seeking adventure or rest & relaxation — from the lake activities to an indulgent hot stone massage, there’s always something for everyone. • Attentive and creative counselors spearhead our award winning youth program for “never bored” kids ages 3-17. • Incredible cuisine — Guests rave about our made-to-order breakfasts, delectable cookouts, varied lunches, regional buffets, cowboy cookouts, and vegetarian specialties, all with homemade breads, sauces, and desserts. • Classy and comfortable individual cabins, appointed with all the right details: private, full bathrooms, large decks, in-room coffee, fridges, fireplaces, and more! • • • •
Our Thursday night dance is perfect fun for all ages! No one is too young or too old to dance the night away!
Guests enjoy the solitude and tranquility of our massage cabin. Our talented in-house therapists offer a variety of luxurious massage, hot stone, and spa treatments.
Horse Whisperings…..
To celebrate our 40th Anniversary, children under 17 will enjoy free whitewater rafting! Please note that children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Additionally, if you are flying to the ranch, we will discount your vacation by $100 for every $500 per person you spend on domestic airfares! An overnight pack trip is available on Wednesday nights. Ride to camp, spend the night under the stars, and savor true camp cookin’. Kyla Jackson, www.kylajacksonphoto.com, will again be available for portraits this summer. Sittings can be prearranged or scheduled after you arrive at the ranch. Our local airport (DRO) offers improved service and flight frequency by US Airways, United, and Frontier Airlines. Contact our affiliate, the Colorado Dude and Guest Ranch Travel Service, for exceptional fares at 1-800-729-5521. Durango features a quality array of golfing venues a short drive from the ranch: Hillcrest, Dalton Ranch, and Glacier Club Golf Courses. We’d be happy to arrange a tee time for you! Remember, a discounted rate and extensive menu of activities await nonriders at WTR! WTR raised $1200 during our silent auctions last summer to benefit the Spring Creek Horse Rescue, a local non-profit which takes in abandoned, abused, and neglected horses. Thanks to all of our guests who contributed! We offer several vacation rental properties in or near Durango for guests on either end of their ranch stay. Contact us for details!
The week was so much more than I ever expected. Thank you for introducing me to the amazing potential of human-equine communication. Lea Plummer, CA
Cattle 101 is the highlight of the week for many of our guests. Cattle are moved from the upper pasture and down to the arena for team penning. Some days are also spent taking cattle to different grazing areas in the wilderness area adjacent to the ranch.
Erika Roberts heads our staff of 25 each summer and teaches natural horsemanship. Erika also serves as a board member for the Dude Rancher’s Association, the national organization of dude ranching. She was featured on the Today Show in April 2008.
Helen Welsand Tenhunen (Ellis) 1915-2009 My mom was born in Duluth, MN to Erik & Lena Welsand, who migrated from Norway. She was raised on a farm with 7 brothers and 2 sisters, after which she married my dad. They moved to Grand Rapids, MN and raised my sister, Merle, and me there. My dad died in 1965. My mom retired as a telephone operator with Northwestern Bell and then moved to Florida where she met James Ellis, her loving husband for 19 years. My mother was kind, loving, devoted, energetic, positive and enthusiastic about life. She loved to dance and did so until a month before she died. She is missed by everyone who knew and loved her. — Jan Roberts
Lance is shown in a photo from our 1970 newsletter — now he’s a father!!
Margarita Sunrise (aka Chica), a registered Morgan mare,is one of Jan’s favorite horses.
Harvest time at Mesa Vista Farms. The farm produces premium feed for the ranch’s herd. Our hay is also purchased and shipped across the U.S.!
Randy Roberts spends his winters teaching in Glenwood Springs, CO.
Lance and Vanessa Roberts welcomed their first child, Aksel Lance Roberts, on December 22, 2008 in Buenos Aires, Argentina! Lance and Vanessa manage Mesa Vista Farms, WTR’s hay property south of Durango.
Bill Lawton, aka Bill Magic (1922-2008) Our dear friend, adopted family member, former chef and entertainer, Bill Lawton died in December 2008 in Lafayette, LA near his son, Bill Jr. and daughter-in-law, Carrie. In late 1969 after purchasing Wilderness Trails, we were pioneers in dude ranching and the “unknowns” were daunting. Bill Lawton appeared magically in the kitchen about one month before our first guests arrived. Before removing his hat or unpacking, he tied on an apron and began preparing dinner. It was the beginning of a lasting friendship. Our kids knew him as “Uncle Bill.” Bill was not only a talented chef, but he also played banjo, guitar, drums, and piano. He called our square dances, choreographed our staff show, played volleyball with the guests, announced our rodeo, and recited poetry. But Bill’s first love was magic! His professional shows, performed weekly, mystified and intrigued WTR guests for more than 20 years. His son, Billy (Bill, Jr.) was involved in the ranch as well, doing everything from clearing tables and washing dishes to wrangling. Bill’s infectious energy, enthusiasm, and laugh will always be remembered along with his multiple talents. His spirit is wrapped forever around our hearts and we’re willing to bet he’s still “making magic.”