Pool shark...or Dog?

So here's an average night at the ranch. The day is done and it's time for some down time. What better way than with a game of pool. So check out the spectator on the right there. Yes, that's Jack, watching as Emma takes a shot.

For anyone who's been to Echo Valley before, this is quite normal, but for us girls who are all new employees to the ranch, it made our game even more fun. Watching Jack hoist himself up to watch the game and jump up and down along side the table to try and sneak a peak...it's just something you have to see to believe!

Over the River and Through the Woods...

Hiking Guide Angela and myself (Kat), decided to take on the Rheinhardt trail to see in what shape it was in. On a beautiful day like this...how could we resist. So here we stop at the first lookout and water stop...what an amazing view.

And just so you can see the face behind the camera, decided to take a shot of yours truly for once, me with Angela in the back there.

And no hike would be complete without the company of a few dogs. So Bernie and Jojo toughed it out with us. Luckily there were a few little patches of hidden snow for them to get their cooling off too! We took our time with the trail and took approx. 3 hours. It was a nice end to a gorgeous day!

Signs of Spring

The ice on the ponds have almost completely melted. So this little muskrat decided he'd be the first to test the waters this season.
Ducks and all kinds of other birds are beginning to make themselves noticed at the pond and on the roads everywhere.

These 2 frogs (and water flea) and getting ready for spring. So the animals verdict is...spring is just around the corner guys!

A Final Sprinkle of Snow

The other day we received one last sprinkle of snow. So feeling inspired at 7am that morning, I made a couple of photos before the sun crept up over the horizon. The flakes just dusted the old farm instruments displayed in front of Dove Lodge.
And here you can see the sun creeping up behind the Lookout Lodge. As beautiful as the snow is, only a few hours later it had already evaporated into the air again.
But it wasn't gone before the dogs got to have their fun. For once it's not the puppies goofing around, but our big dogs took this chance to feel like pups themselves again! Elomo couldn't get enough snow in his mouth. Jojo and Bernie couldn't stop jumping and bouncing around.
And Bett and Anna were running all around chasing eachother in a fun game of snow tag!

Great Views from the ranch

As Angela and myself returned from another hike we witnessed this beautiful view of Mt. Bowman with the Lookout Lodge in the foreground.

Working at Echo Valley

On the left is our wonderful new hiking/fitness guide Angela accompanied by Wrangler Flint. The 2 of them, along with myself Kat, are checking out all the trails to make sure they're ready for guests. And lets not forget to mention all 7 dogs who lead the way on every hike for us!

Preparing the Horses for Another Season

Angela our new hiking guide, brushes down Moonwalker. Time to get the horses out for some riding!

Willow stands waiting patiently by the stables. Bet he can't wait to go out for a ride.
Flint taking the horses over to the ring. Beside him is his dog Pocket...do wranglers always color co-ordinate their animals...?
Flint and Willow out in the ring getting ready for all the eager riders waiting to come out to Echo Valley this season.
Wrangler Julie (in front on Moonwalker) with Hiking Guide Angela (in back on Adonis).