The tree nursery

By Steph Nature has a funny way of taking care of itself.  Last summer was such a dry summer, that all we did was worry about water and fires.  Luckily, the latter did not become a reality for us here in the Steamboat Springs area.  We have been so happy to have more moisture this…

The valley comes back to life

Springtime in Colorado is such an exciting time.  After sitting dormant under a blanket of snow all winter long, the valley starts to come back to life.  The snow melts, the green grass starts peeking through, the crocuses bloom, and the baby cows and horses start to arrive.  It is hard to not be exuberant during this…

As the aspens turn

By Steph We’ve had a long running joke about the TV show “As the Aspens Turn”.  It would be a soap opera, possibly reality TV show about ranch life.  Not that our drama here is really all that worthy of TV coverage, but hey, these days anything flies.  We’d have exhausted wranglers trying to stay…

Talented Guests

By Steph There are so many talented people who come through the gates of Vista Verde for a summer or winter vacation.  We are reminded of this all the time, when we get to spend time with folks out on the trail or over a cup of coffee.  My closet entrepreneurial side is always enamored by the stories…

Cowboy Quotes

Cowboy Quotes, Sayings, and Wisdom Never approach a bull from the front, a horse from the rear, or a fool from any direction. Don’t squat with your spurs on. Don’t judge people by their relatives. Behind every successful rancher is a wife who works in town. When you lose, don’t lose the lesson. Talk slowly,…

Foal Watch

‘Tis the season for late nights and early mornings if you’re a wrangler here at Vista Verde.  Terry, Nicky, John and Reid have been taking turns checking on the broodmares and keeping watch on new foals.  With the snowy weather we’ve had recently, it is even more important to make sure the mares are carefully…

It’s a Dog’s Life

By Steph During the off-season, the pace at the ranch slows down a bit.  I know, those of you who are laughing, thinking we always live at a slower pace are wondering how that can be possible?  Well, in our perspective, it does seem slower!  There are no guests to take care of or play…

A Poem for VVR

And this is why we love what we do here- who else gets thank you poems from their guests?? We left on a Friday; all filled with good cheer Anxious for fun, home in the rear mirror. Days of driving ahead, some adventure, some fun Me and my wife, and our daughter and son. Adventure…

And that’s a wrap

By Steph With yesterday’s guest departures, our season comes to an end.  How does it go by so fast?  You know that saying, and yep, we are having fun here at Vista Verde.  I just took a little tour through photos of our guests and our staff, and it put a great perspective on the…