It’s mid July, the weather is heating up, and the summer feels like it’s in full swing. Things here are the ranch have been going very smoothly, with five terrific guest weeks under our belts and another great one already under way. For week six we have a slightly smaller group of guests than in weeks past, which will give us the opportunity to get to know the families on a slighly more personal level. This week we welcome five wonderful families, whose kids outnumber the adult guests!
Last week we had lots of fun with our guests, the majority of whom were returning. We hosted another family reunion for a group of four sisters and their families who try to get together once a year. To everyone’s delight, we were able to get the Wiki-Up back up and running as water levels have started to recede. Tom and Meade gave their first horseshoeing and forge clinic, which guests and staff found fascinating. We will welcome back a group of horseshoers this weekend and next week for lots of shoeing and good times.
This week we have an entire group of new guests, so we’re excited to show them all that the 7D and Sunlight have to offer. This morning they all got matched up with a horse and learned the ropes down at the corralls. We’re hoping to get in some great hikes, rides, and some fishing this week if the rivers cooperate.
Last night we picked up Peter after his two weeks away from the ranch. Everyone is excited to have him back, particularly our little goats, Hetfield and Nanners. Cordelia, our new housekeeper/server, begins her first full week of work with us. Valerie, one of our beloved wranglers, will be away from the ranch for the next two weeks, and it just won’t be the same without her! One of our horses, Pigeon, is expecting in the next few weeks, and we can’t wait to have a new addition to the corralls, as well as to have the chance to ooh and ahh at a cute little foal.
As Andrea said this morning, it seems as though we’ve all gotten into the groove of the summer here at the 7D, and we’re looking forward to another great week with guests and all the wonderful opportunities Sunlight provides for us each day.
The Evans clan has returned to their respective homes after a completely satisfying week with you all. What a crew….oh to be a ranch hand in one’s 20s (Ok, 30s. 40s, 50s! whatever age)….I know you work your butts off but I think you all are having a good time. We won’t quickly forget Meade’s stories, Wyatt’s haircut, Hank (age 5) first handling a gun with Sam dressed as Osama, black and white dog fest, Sheri’s beautiful flowers, rding together as the Cackling hens on Jeff’s rides.. thanks for all the fun… Come and visit me in Tanzania!!