The last couple weeks we have spent some time surveying many of our return guests about what direction they would like to see us go with the ranch in the coming years. There were some big ideas, and crazy ideas, and just out-of-the-box ideas that we floated their way to get a sense of whether we are on the right course, or not. Through this process we have learned that although everyone has a different opinion there were definitely some trends that we noticed. Based on those trends there are some new plans that we’re excited to implement starting this summer.
There was a strong consensus to continue investing in keeping up on the quality of the accommodations. Following the many suggestions along those lines, and assessing how we can best accomplish this task we are proud to announce that we will be remodeling all the cabins throughout the coming summer months. As you can imagine, there is a limited window of opportunity given the amount of snow we get each winter, so we have to take advantage of the good summer weather for construction. We are sure that our guests will enjoy the open air feel of their cabins as we replace windows, and we have even devised a plan where Bill will build new furniture right in the cabins so the guests can enjoy watching him in his artistic zone and learn more about the art of woodworking, all while they are getting ready for the day or relaxing with a good book in the afternoon. We are recommending that guests bring slippers with them, as when we are replacing flooring, they might prefer the protection from the nails and splinters. Porta potties will be placed near each cabin for our guests’ convenience during the bathroom remodel phase, and we will allow a one time variance to the “please don’t shower your children by putting them in the hot tub” rule for this summer only. This is an exciting undertaking, and we are looking forward to having all the remodels finished by next winter!
Another strong recommendation we received was that although improved bandwidth is helpful for those who need to work while on vacation, most of our guests really like the lack of connectivity and the resulting connection they find with their family. Since so many people enjoy this, we have decided to collect cell phones, iPads, and laptops at check in. Now, for those who just have to work, with an advance note from their boss, we will release their devices during limited hours. Please do know that these notes need to be notarized and on company letterhead. And, if you would like to post anything on social media, as long as you use the hashtag #vistaverderanch and have a following of at least 1,000 people, Devyn will temporarily allow you access to your device.
Lastly, we have tweaked our kids program based on the feedback we received from our guests. Apparently everyone is frustrated that kids don’t have discipline anymore these days, so we are going to take things into our own hands and help shape the next generation. It may take a village to raise a child, but it takes a ranch to shift their paradigm. Fire engine rides with ice cream and horseback riding to pan for gold will be awarded only to the kids who can show that they can make a proper hospital corner on their beds each morning, polish their silverware prior to breakfast, clean the grease trap in the kitchen, scoop out the cow pen, and massage the guides feet after long hikes. It’s really going to be an amazing program, and Mandy is already lining up the schedule to include a 6am wake-up to feed the chickens and clean the coop.
You can imagine how excited we are to get the ball rolling on moving forward on our plans! Of course, we may have to wait until after April Fool’s Day to do our final review and rubber stamp these ideas…..or not?
