Fall 2008 Newsletter
Indian Summer
It looks like our Indian Summer will be ending as it started. We had rain, snow and hail early September followed by some beautiful weather, nice warm days of golden sunshine and cool nights. Mother Nature must have been inspired by all the artists and photographers that have stayed at The Hideout and Trapper Creek Lodge this year. Instead of the beautiful bright yellow that normally adorns our aspen trees; some of them have had a blushing of brilliant pinks and reds. A great time for trail riding and every cattle drive was prettier than the one before it. The Big Horn Mountain peaks have kept their white powered tops throughout the year.
We recently had an unusually early cold front come through; and even in the valley we received 4 inches of snow and temperatures in the 30's.
This made the cows with their black coats easy to spot, standing knee deep in mountain snow.
Fall Round-Up
This is the time of year when all the calves are weaned from the cows. First all the cattle are driven to lower pastures, which is an exciting job for those interested in cattle work. The cows have been familiar with hiding from our wranglers and guests in the timber, canyons, creeks and other secret places. So, if you like long days in the saddle, this is the time to come. Our fall round-ups have to be the ultimate in riding through vast country with a sense of purpose.
After the cows and the calves have spent a full summer together in the mountain pastures, one can only imagine the noise that comes from separating them. A cow will ball several days for her calf, although this separation is for her benefit. Since all these cows should be approximately 6 months pregnant (if our bulls are doing their job properly); they're bodies don't need the additional strain of nursing a calf.
Through participating in this Western Adventure at The Hideout with our wranglers and cowboys; you will come to understand the West in a way you've never known before.
Elk Rutting Season
The Indian summer is also the season that the majestic elk come down from the Wilderness Area to rut. It is amazing how close one can come to observe this, just be careful not to get to close!
When trail riding or doing cattle work in the high country, many guests have encountered herds of elk or moose near one of the mountain springs. It seems the moose population in the Big Horns have been increasing over the past couple years, much to our delight.
Hunting
This is also the start of hunting season. First the bow season and as of today the rifle hunters are back in town. Every year it seems that the bucks know just when to go and hide. The Hideout is proud to be partnering with Powderhorn Outfitters, who manages our hunting property during this season. They have an eye for the long term well-being of our ranch lands, wildlife, environment and hunting.
People & Staff
Some of the seasonal wranglers are now leaving the ranch for warmer pastures down south. Buster and Jim rode out last week. Buster headed down south to ride with the snowbirds. Jim will be staying here in Shell, to assist in the building of his and Clara's new house. We really enjoyed riding with these old cowboys this summer.
Always smiling, Farrah is riding her last week out in the barn and will begin assisting Ashley in the office. Her newlywed husband, Caleb was hired by The Shell Lodge Company. Now together with Marco and Junior he has started the process of restoring The Old Shell Lodge. To view, click on the Trapper Creek web site (www.trapper-creek-guest-ranch.com), accessible through The Hideout web site. You can follow their work, and plans for this project, under the tab "The Old Shell Lodge".
Stewart, Shawn, and Jared are doing well, just adjusting to some slower colder weeks, filled with barn chores and colt training. Ashley's sister Taylor headed back to Canada and then on to Tasmania, a little island off of the shore of Australia to work as a nurse.
Sariah is turning 2 years old this November and Sarah is starting to show the next baby's arrival! In the kitchen, Chris and Robb have started planning for all the upcoming Christmas and New Years parties.
Guille has already started to winterize most of the cabins, leaving a few open for our winter guests.
Greg, Ramon and the ranch crew are trying to beat the weather/clock, and finish harvesting all corn, oats and hay before winter weather sets in. Then at the same time, trying to move cattle and wean calves, with the help of The Hideout staff and guests.
Off Season Events at The Hideout and Trapper Creek Lodge
As you might know from last week, Geert De Coster, one of Belgium's top 10 Artisan Chocolate makers visited us and spoiled the guests of both Trapper and The Hideout with his incredible chocolates. Several newspapers came out and we are already planning for Geert's next year trip. Next to the more traditional pralines, Geert surprised us with chocolate praline appetizers filled with goose liver and even shrimp. Nobody could believe that this could taste this good.
This week, Swiss nature photographer Daisy Gilardini, who is staying at The Hideout with painter and partner David, will be giving a presentation about her work regarding the North Pole and Antarctica. Daisy is an accomplished dressage rider and has taken breathtaking shots of the ranch work, horses, cattle drives and people at The Hideout. You will see some of the pictures soon on our web sites.
Artist, photographer and painter Bobbie Goodrich from Scottsdale, AZ has chosen The Hideout as the place to conduct her horse photo shooting clinic, followed by a professional Photoshop workshop. The photographers came to shoot the Indian Summer; instead they found snow and winter picture opportunities. Bobbie just came back from Africa and showed some of her Western and African work with which she won many rewards.
Horses
We have bought several new horses to replace a few of the older ones. Some of these horses where sold and we still have 4 to 5 horses that are looking for another home after some long years on the range. Please call Stewart or Peter if you are interested.
Vintage Cars at The Hideout
