Week 2: Finding Rhythm on the Ranch

As we settle into our second week on the ranch, I’m finally acclimating and finding a rhythm between regular work, ranch duties, and exploring the breathtaking surroundings. The 9000 ft elevation hit me hard at first, causing shortness of breath and lightheadedness, especially when bending down. However, as the week progressed and we neared the full moon, these symptoms started to fade.

My walk with Milo and Otis to Coyote Meadow was a highlight; this ranch has so many named locations, each with its charm. We saw large vertebrae bones which reminded us how close we are to wild life in these beautiful, leafless aspen trees. 

Meeting the horse trainer was enlightening; she’s been with these horses for a decade, even taking them home during winter. We inspected the fence lines to ensure the area was secure for the horses, reporting a few spots which Mike immediately repaired. He has also been working on the beaver dams and irrigation to keep the fields well-watered before the summer heat.

Cleaning the horse paddock was more strenuous than I remembered, but the high altitude probably added to the challenge. The retired horses—Patron, Cowboy, Rio, and Cricket—arrived in the late afternoon on Thursday. Learning their feeding and care routines was simpler than what we dealt with in Vegas. 

Dinner was a delicious Creamy Pesto and Tomato Gnocchi, a new favorite. After dinner had an integration video call from last month’s workshops in Washington, a great way to reconnect. A post-call walk revealed the horses happily settled across the creek, and we spotted about 30 elk in the far field.

A Friday sunrise view from my bed window revealed the horses mingling with a herd of elk, even in the paddock and barn area. The day ended beautifully, with Cricket and I enjoying the moon and stars in the pasture—a perfect start and end to a day.

On Saturday the arrival of the mares—Gwen, Dash, and Salsa—marked the beginning of the riding season. We settled them with the horse trainer, did more paddock and tack cleaning, and my body definitely felt the soreness! Lunch was a nutritious miso mushroom soup. In the evening, we explored Buena Vista, enjoying an amazing vegetarian pizza at Crave BV, and live music at The Lariat. The band, My Blue Sky, provided a fantastic atmosphere.

Sunday we had a leisurely start with vegan breakfast sandwiches and Bloody Mary’s which set the tone for the day. Mike worked on clearing beaver dams, while I caught up on Ayurveda classes online. In the evening, the horse trainer, along with friends, helped clean the mares up for their first ride of the season. Riding Gwen felt natural despite the three-year gap. We enjoyed a glorious ride through the forest and meadows, capping the evening by the fire with Mike and some sparkling wine.

Monday morning Mike tackled a huge beaver dam with the tractor, and I spent a couple hours in the afternoon weeding and cleaning flower beds. The pasture was graced by over 100 elk again. A surprising and slightly alarming event occurred at night when a black bear entered a truck and the main house, helping himself to a bag of dog food. Luckily no one was staying there and he also didn’t trash the place.  He’s been around a few nights now and becoming too comfortable so DOW will attempt to relocate him soon.

Tuesday morning started with the sight of elk in the pasture. Breakfast was a special oatmeal with ghee-sauteed walnuts, hemp seeds, blueberries, and a pre-made spice blend of cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. That digestive spice blend is great for anything that you would add sweetening too, like coffee and oatmeal.  

Lunch featured a successful Vegan Broccoli ‘Cheddar’ Soup, the best I’ve ever had.

A spring snowstorm saw us cleaning a very smelly secondary barn infested with mice over the winter. Our reward was a trip to town for dinner and groceries at Lagree’s. The sunny, blossoming town felt like a different country compared to our snowy ranch. On the way back, we witnessed a magnificent sight: a herd of over 100 elk crossing the road and leaping fences right before us.

The week ended with witnessing the Full Flower Moon rise over the mountains. We watched it from inside the RV as it rose directly in the middle of our front window. Capturing pictures from within the warmth through the window was a perfect way to end the week.

Living on the ranch continues to be a blend of hard work, stunning natural beauty, and new experiences. Each day brings its own adventures, and I’m grateful for every moment spent in this incredible place.