Granddaughter’s journal, day one: My horse’s name is Pollywog. I thought the horse would know what to do, but today I found out that I’m the one who’s supposed to know what to do. The next morning we ride a trail— across a stream, up a rocky mountain path, through a meadow, back to the stables. Grandson declares that “now we’re really cowboys.” By Wednesday we’re beginning to feel like pros. Granddaughter’s journal, day four:
The ranch is at an altitude of 8,000 feet, making a walk in the woods a huff-puff experience for some.
While experienced fishermen go on all-day outings to more remote locations, others choose to practice on the ranch proper.
I think I’ve learned Pollywog’s personality, which is that sometimes he wants to do things his way. But now I can sometimes make him do things my way. The week progresses, offering us a mix of family time and individual time. We ride together and eat together, but in between we can each explore our own interests. Daughter-in-law and I take a long (for us) hike—proudly puffing our way along trails that rise to an elevation of nearly 8,000 feet. Son tries his hand at flyfishing, and Husband finishes two books and starts a third. The kids spend offhorse time doing crafts or swimming in the pool. After dinner the counselors entertain the kids while the adults have a chance to
Guests of all ages tend to gather around the swimming pool in late afternoon.
get to know each other. Out of 12 groups, five are adults-only; the rest have children ranging from toddlers to teens. Only three, like us, are first-timers. Every day we learn something new. One day we have a lesson on wildflowers. Another day we hear stories of Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid, who had
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an “Outlaw Cave” nearby. And another time we watch a moose moseying around the grounds near the fishing pond. Saturday is Rodeo Day, a chance for the kids to show off their equestrian skills. “Mount your horse.” Grandson is too short to do it alone—
a ranger has to lift him on—but he grabs the reigns like a pro. “Circle the barrels.” No problem. “Weave between the poles.” Granddaughter does it at a trot. Six days has transformed them both from Western Wimps to Cowboy Champs. But it’s at the square dance where Granddaughter really shines. Blond hair flying, she allemandes left and circles right. Wrangler Dave grabs Grandson’s hand. “Come on, Buddy. Let’s dance!” he calls, as he propels a grinning Grandson ’round the room. Then, the next morning, we have our first crisis. None of us wants to leave. “Wait! We have to go down to the barn to say goodbye to Pollywog.” “Wait! We have to take one more picture of the fishing pond.” Wait, wait, wait! It takes us two hours to say our goodbyes and get into the car. Grandson’s comment, day seven: I like to watch sports, and Wyoming doesn’t have any professional sports teams. But that’s OK. It’s still paradise. www.paradiseranch.com Photos © Irv Green unless otherwise noted; story by Andrea Gross (www.andreagross.com).
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50plus SeniorNews
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August 2013
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