Week 4: Farriers, Trail Rides, and Culinary Adventures

Thursday: Hooves and Horses

Our week began with a much-anticipated visit from the farrier. The day was spent in the company of horses, dogs, the farrier, and the horse trainer.

We even had the chance to ride in the arena, which was Mike’s first time back in the saddle after three years. He also had his first go at dragging the arena and did an excellent job making it look all pretty.

Friday: Yoga, Work, and Wood

I started Friday with my favorite Yoga class at JalaBlu in Buena Vista. Post-yoga, I headed to The Blend to work, a ritual that’s becoming a staple of my Fridays. Also discovered the cutest local bookstore next door called Once Upon A Trapeze with all sorts of books and art supplies too.

In the late afternoon, I cleaned out the bunkhouse laundry room while doing our laundry. Meanwhile, Mike spent most of the day splitting wood and cutting up scrap wood with a circular saw, prepping the fire pits for guests arriving next weekend. Despite the long day, I still had the energy to make a gluten-free vegan pizza with mushrooms, onions, artichokes, and tomatoes for dinner.

Saturday: Anniversary, Trail Rides and Town Adventures

Saturday, June first was our 3 year Anniversary of full time nomadic life. What a great choice we made!

Early morning cowboy Mike took a few minutes to play frisbee with his buddy dog Milo. I could probably write an entire blog on Milo’s new ranch life too. He is very much in his element!

Saturday marked our first trail ride together with the horse trainer, Natalie, who has been riding horses on the ranch for nearly a decade. She guided us through parts of the ranch neither of us had seen before, even Mike, who has explored extensively with the quad.

In the afternoon, I focused on cleaning the bunkhouse rooms. That evening, we ventured to Leadville to wash the jeep, caked with mud from the dirt road. We dined at Quincy’s Steak and Spirits, a unique restaurant with only 2 items available every day: Vegetarian lasagna or Prime Rib on the weekend, Filet Mignon on the weekdays. I indulged in their prime rib, and Mike enjoyed the vegetarian lasagna. After dinner, we did some grocery shopping, sticking to our plant-based diet for home but enjoying a bit of variety when dining out.

Sunday: More Trail Riding and Wildlife

Sunday brought another trail ride with Natalie to prepare the horses for the upcoming guests. We bushwhacked through willows, waded through a swift creek, and climbed a steep hill to the Colorado Trail, then descended back down. The Colorado Trail used to run through the ranch until the owner paid to have a bridge built down by the Clear Creek Reservoir Campground so now it is diverted around the ranch property. 

This adventurous trail ride was the most fun I’ve had on horseback! We spotted a beaver, deer, and a blue heron in its nest. The horses were perfect throughout. Unfortunately no pictures of the adventurous parts!

Otis got to channel his inner Coyote hunting Colorado ground squirrels (like tiny Prairie dogs) sporting his new Coyote Vest, which is meant to hopefully protect him from coyotes, not turn him into one.

Monday: Morning Routines and Ranch Tasks

I started Monday early, feeding the horses at 7 am, which is my favorite time because of the beautiful sunrise over the mountain. The rest of the day was spent indoors, working on the computer. 

Mike was busy dragging the mares’ pasture, preparing fire rings for guests, clearing irrigation blockages, and fixing an exposed plate on the road we noticed while trail riding. 

For dinner, I made a Chickpea and Spinach Curry with basmati rice, a new favorite recipe with a touch of maple syrup. In the evening, Mike put up hummingbird feeders, and I resumed working on my cross-stitch, which I hadn’t touched in months.

Tuesday: Indoor Work and Culinary Experiments

While I worked indoors on Tuesday, Mike was busy with irrigation tasks, washing bedding, and setting out patio furniture cushions and shades. 

I tried a new recipe for lunch, Mushroom Stew, which turned into a supper meal instead. Despite the recipe suggesting a 10-15 minute simmer, it took nearly an hour for the potatoes to soften, and the red lentils never fully softened after two hours. The taste was excellent, so I’ll make it again but with some adjustments for next time.

Wednesday: Bunkhouse Prep and Rest

After finishing my work on Wednesday, we made up the beds in the bunkhouse with new bedding that arrived this week. Mike did some light chores in the morning and then took some much-needed rest time, knowing that when the guests arrive, it will be full-time for the entire week. He’ll be helping with meal times, horse adventures, and providing assistance where needed.

This week has been a blend of routine and adventure, balancing ranch work with moments of relaxation and new experiences. The horses are ready for the guests, and the ranch is almost looking its best. I look forward to seeing what next week brings!