7D Ranch

The Final Countdown

7D Ranch — Wed, 12 Sep 2012 19:39:28 +0000

Hard to believe but we are beginning our last guest week of the season at the 7D. Looking back, the time seems to have rushed by. We hope to have offered a wonderful season for both guests and staff. This week we are enjoying a number of returning guests who know Sunlight Basin and the Ranch and are basking in the cool nights and sunny days of September. While the trees have not yet turned to gold, the grasses and flowers range in colors of green, yellow and brown and seem illuminated by the light. Every ride offers another glimpse of beauty.

Last week, our second “adult” week, was one of great energy and enthusiasm generated by Spencer Dominick’s horse clinic. There were also avid fishermen to enjoy the pleasure of fly fishing in the fall when the trout seem larger and even more colorful than usual. The guests who participated in the clinic were avid equestrians, some bringing their own horses, and those coming from the East Coast riding 7D horses. Each morning, Spencer gave instruction and practice in the arena before the group ventured out on trail rides to continue their learning of horsemanship. In the six days they rode, they covered a lot of country.

Autumn is always a poignant time of year when one looks backward as well as forward and enjoys the loveliness of the season yet knows it is short-lived. We have had glimpses of frost on the lawn in the morning but none to nip our flowers yet. More staff leave and we miss them as we hunker down to face our own departures in the weeks to come. Mainly, we continue to make sure our guests have “the best possible week.” It is hard to miss with such magnificent country and weather, good food and horses, as well as fishing and hiking at their best.

Fall is coming on

7D Ranch — Sat, 01 Sep 2012 19:52:06 +0000

We awakened this morning to the cacophony of coyotes singing, dogs barking, horses whinnying and wranglers urging the herds in to the corrals. The sound of the coyotes’ singing as they head out to hunt in the evening and as they return in the early morning reminds us that we live in the wilderness and share it with many other creatures. So far this year, the bears have kept their distance except for the young one a month ago that decided to pasture with a wrangler’s horses, refused to leave, and finally had to be relocated. A red tail hawk family has matured and can be spotted flying as they hunt and call to one another. At least four huge ravens daily croak their early morning conversations outside the pig pen. And the hummingbirds still dive-bomb those who approach the flowers or their feeders.

It is a treat for staff to welcome back returning guests in our first week of adults without children. Two retired cowboys are visiting for a few days, one of whom used to work at the ranch “next door” years ago. Everyone got off to a fine first day’s ride and some even got in a few hours of fishing. The river is clear and beckons. Days have remained hot and dry but the wind blows away some of the smoke from the forest fires in Yellowstone and in nearby states.

Yesterday afternoon after everyone was safely home from rides and fishing trips, we finally got some rain. The good earth has soaked it up and is looking green again. We are grateful. The air smells clean and is sweetened by the smell of the many baskets and pots of flowers which adorn outsides of cabins and lodge.

Our wonderful cook Dianne offered us sweet rolls for breakfast that were so yummy it was hard not to lick the platters clean. A good start to another good day at the Ranch.

The Summer Season Wanes

7D Ranch — Fri, 24 Aug 2012 18:35:26 +0000

Our last week with families and children ends soon and we begin “adult” weeks. It will seem quiet without the laughter, squeals on the swings, and sometimes tears from the little ones when weariness happens. This week families and their kids hiked to the Indian Caves and even an eight-month old made it up the steep hill on his father’s back. The kids’ wranglers led their last expedition of the year to Gravel Bar to continue work on the cabin and lean-to’s they have been building all summer. An impressive effort and result. The kids’ gymkana was led by a white-robed “sheik” and everyone joined in to watch what riders the children had become. Saturday night’s campfire enjoyed singing led by one of the wranglers as well as toasted marshmallows and s’mores. On Sunday it was as hard for the kids to say goodbye to one another as it was to leave the Ranch.

More staff members are leaving to return to college and there are tears shed on their departure too. It has been a wonderful staff this year. One guest volunteered that when asked what he thought was the best thing about his ranch vacation he did not hesitate to say “the staff.” Fortunately, some fine new staff members have joined to help with wrangling, housekeeping and maintenance.

While the kids were busy having fun, the adults got in some adventurous riding and hiking. One ride to Screaming Woman Rock evoked a number of versions of the story of how it got its name. Other rides went to First Basin, Last Basin, the Sheep Trap, Dewey Riddle Spring, Big and Little Skyline. On Little Skyline riders sighted a family of horned toads . So many places and things to see from the back of a horse. And the fishing seems to get better and better as smiling fisherman return at the end of the day. At the end of the week, it seems easier for adults to say goodbye because many have already made reservations to return next year.

The first week of fall brings back a number of returning guests, some from years ago. And the second week offers a horse clinic which has lured guests who want to work on riding skills with an experienced horse trainer and riding instructor. Some are bringing their own horses to work with. Mornings will involve arena work and afternoons trail rides. Hopefully, the warm days and cool nights will continue though our dry country can use some rain.

So busy days hurry by and autumn approaches. A great summer season at the Ranch will end but with lots of memories.

A Hint of Autumn in the Air.

7D Ranch — Fri, 17 Aug 2012 01:59:04 +0000

August arrived with a hint of autumn in the air – cool nights and mornings. And we finally got rained on. We begin another week with families and kids excited to ride and enjoy the ranch activities. All await eagerly the square dance to come. Last night several staff members slept on the lawn and witnessed a magnificent meteor shower. Sadly, this week a few of our staff will leave us to return to school and we will miss them. Last week a wonderful four day pack trip to Dead Indian Meadows, a hike of 20 guests to the Copper Lakes and others to Windy Mountain, kids being taught to shoot a 22, joyful line dancing on the lawn, guests listening to cowboy songs, many learning fly fishing on the creek and finally the end of the week with a campfire, s’mores and guitar singing. Another full week with great memories and accolades to staff from our guests. This week we are again full with families and kids who join every activity – a wild Capture the Flag game on the lawn Monday night, last night another Wiki Up and our fishing guide brought back a video showing a nine-year old guest catching a huge rainbow trout below Sunlight Falls. A dozen kids, plus parents and wranglers, hiked to the Indian Caves to explore their interiors. A cold front is moving through so our hot, sunny days changed from the eighties to the low sixties with clouds hovering over Elk Horn and the Upper Sunlight mountains. The weekend promises a return to warmer days. And only three weeks left to look forward to sharing with our guests in the beautiful Sunlight Basin.

Coyotes On The Prowl

7D Ranch — Fri, 13 Jul 2012 17:30:24 +0000

Guests and staff alike were awakened by the high pitched howling and yipping in the middle of the night this past Wednesday. Many stories came about as to what might have possibly been happening. This pack of coyotes kept the ranch up for a good hour, making their way past the rec hall and through the fields of Holding’s property. It is easy to forget between all the fantastic meals and comfy amenities that we are in-deed living amongst wild animals.

Even as the days at the ranch continue to be packed full of activities and long hours, it is almost impossible not to rise with the sun. This morning, at 5:40 a.m., the sun was peaking out high above White Mountain. It was a magnificent magenta color with hints of orange and yellow. We are so lucky to have these views right outside our window!

There has been a steady flow of staff families that have been making their way to the ranch this season. It is nice to have them share in this wonderful experience of being up here. They seem to just jump right into things, even making time to pitch in and do staff laundry!

It’s hard to believe that we are almost half way through the season. Many more guests are preparing to make their way here in hopes of making many great memories and many carry with them a small piece of 7D that will forever stay in their hearts.

Happy 4th of July!

7D Ranch — Mon, 09 Jul 2012 21:18:51 +0000

The clouds are finally tempting us with what looks like a good possibility of precipitation! We have gone weeks now without a drop of rain and are in dire need of some moisture here in the basin. No rain means dry, hot sunny days and we have been enjoying every minute of them. In fact, on a daily basis, it is not out of the ordinary to see a guest lounging on the front patio with a good book or lying in the hammock slowly swaying back and forth.

Our guests have come from far and wide to celebrate birthdays, renew wedding vows and celebrate anniversaries. We’ve had quite the time celebrating and being thankful for having one another. It’s been a full house this week and it is looking like it will continue this way throughout most of July.

We celebrated the 4^th with a wonderful dinner out on the front lawn followed by a community Wiki-Up enjoyed by many! Many of the staff and guests enjoyed the Cody Rodeo and Stampede on the night of the 3^rd!

The staff continues to embrace the challenge of keeping the ranch looking and working beautifully. We are so lucky to have each and every person here! Our first pack trip was a success and Carol and Chris worked hard to make sure it was a great time. The next trip is due to go out on the 8^th with 2 riders and Chris says he plans on covering a lot of territory!

Hope all of you had a great 4^th! Keep your eyes posted to find out more of what’s going on at the ranch this summer! It’s sure been wonderful so far!

Off to Great Beginnings!

7D Ranch — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 15:13:18 +0000

Summer has taken off here at the 7D Ranch! Guests have been arriving steadily for the past few weeks and many great memories have been made so far. Staff have been working hard to maintain the beautiful grounds of 7D. In fact, just recently, a new fence was built around the vegetable garden in hopes that little critters will stay out! It seems to be working so far! The ranch is in full bloom with hanging baskets full of wonderful flowers and bright green aspens whose leaves whistle in the wind.

Riding is in full gear and the wranglers continue to impress staff and guest alike with their gentle and caring way that they work with the almost 100 horses that the ranch maintains. Valerie’s care for the horses and her dedication to the guests is apparent in everything that she does. Peter Chivers has had the opportunity to take many guests fly-fishing in places like Upper Sunlight, Elk Creek and North Crandall. Although the water level has been high, he still has had success in helping guests catch a plethora of fish. Hiking also continues to be a favorite by guests in places like Sarah’s Meadow and Memorial! Bears have been sited and Kathrin remains strong after being charged but not hurt by a Grizzly on a hike about a week ago!

We are looking forward to the annual Cody Rodeo and Stampede coming up on Tuesday July 3^rd. Many guests and staff will be attending. July is looking to be a busy month with most weeks full of guests! With a combination of old and new guests it is sure to be an exciting month!

Check out our latest newsletter, released February 14th, 2012.

7D Ranch — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 23:01:56 +0000

Last guest week, artist week, and a wedding….

7D Ranch — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 17:18:46 +0000

This was suppose to be put up about a month ago, better late than never! Written by our head cook Grace.

In the morning, the guests walk outside and feel the crisp cold air. Crunch, crunch is heard as their footsteps touch the thick frosty dew. The sun coming up over the mountains with it’s pinkish tint warms the soul and one cordially smiles at the beauty. With their hands wrapped around a hot 7D mug of fresh coffee, they smell wood burning from the cabins. Taking in deep breaths of fresh air with no thoughts of modern day technology, it will be a good day for riding or fishing.

Guests have asked the question, “What happens when it rains on the brunch ride?” The guests on the last brunch ride of the season know that answer. They still ride and food is still cooked. The brunch crew is ready with the piping hot beverages and a blazing fire for people to gather round. Andrea tells a great story from the Dr. Dewey book and a post script about the doc himself. Two rides are offered – one to go back to the ranch and the other one leading on the “OMG!” trail.

Being out here on this remote ranch, one cannot escape the reality of the presence of wildlife. Some of the staff heard a calf cry out and went to investigate. Chelsea spotted a good size grizzly bear that ran off when it saw vehicle lights. Unfortunately, the calf couldn’t be saved. A cage was set up, which successfully trapped the bear. A second offense record has that grizzly being transported to Jackson Hole.

Last week we welcomed a former employee and her family. Heather worked here, as one of the cabin crew, when Marshall Dominick was running the ranch. She reminisced about the great memories from over twenty years ago. In addition to last week, the staff celebrated Andrea Dominick’s youthful birthday. Also, the staff bid farewell to a couple more. Yes, the numbers keep dwindling; we appreciate all the wonderful maintenance work Luke has done and Josh‘s witty wrangling experience.

This week the ranch has a small number of artists here to capture the fall season on canvas. A lively artist group keeps the staff spirits high in time for a weekend wedding. It should be beautiful weather and a spectacular event.

Winding Down

7D Ranch — Wed, 07 Sep 2011 20:50:43 +0000

Sun continues to shine into the basin here at the 7D Ranch. There have been many shifts and changes in the staff recently; we are down to 12 staff members as Meade and Chris Scheer have bid us farewell to return to guiding hunters. Carol finished second in her rodeo event, Breakaway Roping, and fourth overall; we are SO proud of her! Guests and staff both cheered her on during the penultimate rodeo of the season. Lauren has started her next adventure in Maine, leaving behind her mourning housekeepers. Luke will catch up with her shortly, as he leaves next week. We also say goodbye to Cordelia, who dances like an intoxicated octopus. Thankfully, she will not be missed as Chelsea’s cousin Andrea Verdegan has arrived and is working harder than ever as a housekeeper, ranch hand, and part-time wrangler. Vanessa is back in kitchen action, cooking the most delicious brownies ever eaten by man.

Excitement continues with a rescue mission executed at the end of August: Our adventurous cook Grace didn’t return from a morning hike, the staff embarked on a search and rescue mission at 10PM. Chelsea spotted a faint light high up on the cliff at which point Grace radioed us to say she was alive but cliffed out. Meade, Chris Scheer, Josh, and Jeff bushwhacked toward the faint light and finally retrieved the hungry and dehydrated hiker, arriving home safe and sound circa 1:30 A.M. Grace later recounted her excursion in a Facebook note, reflecting how she felt: “I knew I was dehydrated, hungry and exhausted. I could summon all my strength to go back into the woods, but it would be dark and hard to see. I could attempt to climb down the cliff, but with limited rock climbing skills and dizziness, I would most likely get hurt. Or I could stay on this ridge and wait until the sun comes up again to find a better way down. Plus, to remain calm I rationalized with myself that the wildlife wouldn’t walk on this ridge and I would be safe… I heard a vehicle and saw lights in the direction of the brunch spot. I quickly turned back on the walkie talkie and radioed a couple times. “Grace?” It was Sherri’s voice. I felt relief tremendously; it was definitely comforting to hear her voice… Overcome with a huge sense of relief and safety, I patiently waited. I held up my cellphone in hopes they would see that light better than my headlight. I saw glimpses of a light and whistled a couple times… I really appreciate the wonderful staff at 7D and I am grateful for their quick response.”

On a slightly sadder note, a poor calf was killed by a grizzly bear next door in the witching hour of one night. The grizzly has subsequently been captured in a live cage and relocated to the Jackson, Wyoming area. The new evening activity of the weeks is a guest lecturer named Scott who presents a detailed powerpoint on wolves and their habits. But life still grows as Basin (baby filly) gets bigger and bigger every day. She will even come up to you to be petted if you call to her from the fence. The 7D has seen the last of the younger folk for the season. From here on out, we are enjoying adult-only weeks with fewer guests, giving the shrinking numbers of staff a little break. With the extra time, we organized a delightful campfire and sing-a-long last Saturday night. Cordelia’s dad John broke out his accordion and accompanied Carol on the guitar for a splendid evening of folk and campfire songs along with some polka lessons from Andrea V. & Chelsea. We even had a nimiety of campfire songbooks printed up as a donation to the ranch in hopes that the fire sing-a-long tradition will continue.

The other huge event of the season was the wedding of Josh Stanley and Melissa Ridgway. They had their rehearsal dinner here at the ranch before getting married at Elk Creek. A pulchritudinous tent was set up in the front lawn decorated with floating lanterns and twinkly white lights everywhere. The staff worked with admirable ardor for two full days cooking, serving, cleaning, washing dishes, organizing wedding supplies, and chatting with the 150 guests who showed up to celebrate the momentous occasion. Roistering in the presence of new staff, missing loved ones who have migrated south for the winter, we all sing, “I want to linger a little longer, a little longer here with you. And as the years go by, I’ll think of you and sigh… This is goodnight but not goodbye!”