Waunita Smoke Signals

Volume 3, No. 8, Newsletter 2008, Gunnison, Colorado

This is the 24th edition of Waunita Smoke Signals, sent along with a special invitation for you to visit Waunita Hot Springs Ranch during 2008.

LOOKING BACK TO SUMMER 2007

Like most summers, it went by swiftly, with folks arriving every Sunday afternoon eager to join in the week's activities and leaving each Saturday more relaxed and often tearful. We enjoyed having guests from 30 different states, as well as Germany, France and England.

Almost half our guests (47%) were "returners," while another 37% were sent or brought by past guests. As for the other 16%, we recognize the Internet plays a big part in bringing guests our way. In this area we credit our various memberships and listings with "getting the word out." This includes the Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association; the Dude Ranchers Association; Kilgore's Ranchweb; the Colorado State Vacation Guide; Guest Ranches of North America; and Colorado Adventure Guide.

LOOKING FORWARD TO 2008

We're already making big plans for next summer. There will be trail rides galore along with those memorable cookouts at Canyon Creek, Hurley's Mine, and the "breakfast spot" overlooking our mountain valley. Float and raft trips will remain on the schedule. And Eric will be on hand again to host the overnight campout. New activities "in the works" include trap shooting at the hay ranch.

PRINGLE FAMILY UPDATE

Rod & Junelle What can we say, but they are a year older. In fact, Rod will celebrate his 80th birthday in 2008. Quite a milestone as he spends time working to make the ranch grounds greener and more colorful. He also enjoys helping with cookouts and participating in the arena on cattle penning morning. Junelle, in addition to her office responsibilities, took on extra duties with the Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association - an interesting and satisfying experience.

Ryan & Tammy who manage ranch activities, kitchen and housekeeping, stay busy in the off-season with family activities. Ryan helps with Gunnison High School football radio broadcasts and rarely misses a GHS basketball game - even the 4-hour-away games. Daughter Randi spent her second summer as full-time wrangler and returned to Abilene Christian University for her sophomore year, working toward a Nursing Degree. Son Kolby worked on the maintenance crew this summer and is a junior at Gunnison High School. He will play on the varsity basketball team this winter. Eleven-year-old Dani Shea enjoys a host of school activities, after helping the Children's Counselor this past summer.

Wes & Kari continue teaching in Farmington, New Mexico. They are enjoying their new role as grandparents. Granddaughter Ava will be "1" in November. She and her parents, Robert and Jessica Montgomery, live in Tulsa, OK. Wes and Kari's son Brody also lives in Tulsa.

Rod S. & Elisabeth live and work in Abilene, Texas. Son Logan spent most of the past year with a Christian discipleship program in Tennessee, entitled Narrow Gate. His future plans include study and work toward a goal in music ministry. And his brother Josh plans to enroll in a Narrow Gate program this fall. More information about this program can be found at their website - narrowgatefoundation.org.

RANCH NEWS

Eric Soerensen - As many know, Eric, in charge of ranch maintenance for the past fifteen years, had hip replacement surgery in early August. At this writing he is still using a crutch, but responding well to therapy, with plans to discard the crutch in a few weeks. We send our sincere thanks to all who have expressed concern about Eric and who have contributed financially to help with his huge medical bills during these past months.

Will Dudley - Ranch guests remember Will as one of our featured musicians in the Friday evening Western music show. Will is currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in English and Education at Western State College in Gunnison. Our staff quarters have become his "home away from home" this winter and spring - a blessing for us.

Whitepine/Double Heart Ranch - Our "neighbors across the road," the Joe Penns, sold their 8500-acre ranch to a Texas family, who is converting the property into a private retreat. We see this as a positive occurrence for us, since the property will remain intact for years to come.

Wireless Waunita - We never thought it would happen, but we now have wireless internet service in a portion of the Main Lodge for those guests who bring laptops. Next summer we will provide a desk area in the lobby so that guests may check their email, etc. We are still out of cell phone range for most phones.

Lodge Hosts - The past three summers volunteers have been invited to serve as Lodge Hosts and help with the details of running the ranch. Most came for twoweek stints, using their varied talents wherever needed. We are so grateful for these friends and their service to us and our guests.

Game Night - New in the 2007 ranch program was a night of games in the dining room. Favorites included cards, dominoes, chess, Texas Hold 'Em, Yahtzee, Apples to Apples, Scattagories, and Boggle.

Winter Is Coming - For many folks, that's an exciting thought; not so for some of us thin-blooded ones. (Hooray for hot springs!) Again, we'll plan to spend the winter providing accommodations and meals for groups of down-hill skiers (destination: Monarch and Crested Butte); cross-country skiers; snowmobilers; retreats and B&B guests. At this writing we still have room for more guests, including the Christmas/New Year's holiday season. Winter at Waunita is a peaceful time - great for renewal.

Fall 2008 - After being closed for September dude ranch guests in 2006 and 2007, we will be open in September 2008 for all ranch activities except rafting. Trail rides winding thru groves of golden aspen and the three forest-located cookouts are special treats in September. With fewer guests, the atmosphere is truly relaxing for folks seeking a slower pace.