Unexpected Holiday Trip to the Ranch

 

Originally, we planned to be in Oregon for the July 4^th Holiday. Due to a series of mishaps, we ended up at the Ranch, in the 100-degree heat. It was amazing!

We took our little Can-am Defender out to play. Out friends have a Can-am Maverick, it is much faster than our little one, we can go most of the same places, just not as quickly. 

As always, the mountains did not disappoint. It is always amazing to me to see the diversity of large, wild animals near the ranch.

This sweet antelope hangs out near the ranch. We see him a lot in the summer. 

This beautiful herd lives about a mile down the road. They come by occasionally to check us out. I had no idea how beautiful donkeys were until I saw the wild ones near the ranch. 

We were thrilled to see the donkeys, an antelope, a few jackrabbits, and this stunning horse. This beautiful boy hangs out near the ranch. Last year we got to see his family. Hoping to see them again this year! 

Mountain Sunset

Since we have added a ton of lights to the defender, (I am tentatively calling her Mad Maxine, John wants to call her Paul after the alien in the movie Paul – we are still working on that LOL), we are able to go on night rides. This is why we did it. Look at that sunset over the mountains. This picture was taken just a few miles up our dirt road!

Mormon Cricket

If you live in the west, you may have heard that Mormon Crickets are out and about. We have them at the ranch. Here is one. They are definitely creepy, not quite creepy cool but they don’t fly so YAY! These little guys look like tiny Xenomorphs (any Alien fans out there) and they walk. When you get close to them, they desperately try to hop away from you. Unfortunately for them, they are clumsy hoppers! They trip and roll a lot while making their escape from your presence. Don’t get me wrong, they are still not my favorite thing, but they do not bite, fly, or carry disease, so I’ll deal with them. 

Here are some of the things we saw this weekend…

View from the back of the Tunnels Camp Ghost town. 

This outhouse has graffiti inside that says" 4 out of 5 starts, would Poop here again". You can't make this stuff up! 

This guy was in the fire ring. Since it was so hot we left him alone. We did add a "bridge" so he could get out in case he was stuck. 

Another view of Tunnels Camp Ghost Town

Old cabin near the outhouse

Best Dessert Ever

As far as I am concerned, the 4th of July holiday is not complete without strawberry shortcake. Did I mention that we were glampers! 

The ranch in the moonlight

It is too hot to work on upgrades right now, but we are planning our next steps. I’m thinking an outdoor kitchen is needed. Once it cools a bit, John is going to build a covered deck along the Conex shipping container. That will provide shade and begin the cabin/saloon/permanent structure project. 

Due to a family emergency (fortunately it all worked out well!!), the well may be pushed back to next year. We are evaluating finances and will know soon.