Hikin' The Ranch

Saturday morning I woke up before everyone else (of course on my early AM schedule).  Since I was at a fabulous ranch in Paonia, CO I headed off for a nice walk and talk.  I had a great phone chat with my mom while watching the sun rise on a chilly morning.  Peeka, my dog, and I did a little exploring around the barn too.

After breakfast we all, including 3 dogs, went on a hike around the ranch for about an hour.  It was a great adventure and exercise.

Running The Ranch

Sunday morning I actually got a little downtime with myself, nature and the sunrise.  Running early on a Sunday morning is one of my favorite things, especially when I get a chance to enjoy a beautiful place like the Smith Fork Ranch.

I took off on a trail run first down the Old Ferrier Ditch Trail.  We rode horses on the trail Saturday and I ran along the cliff by the river, through the Cottonwoods back to the ranch's breakfast ride spot and to the river where we crossed on horses the day before.

As I was running back the sun was rising above the mountains and it felt like it was chasing me down the trail.  I raced it back to the road.

From there I ran by the cabins and main building.  As I was passing the barn and where a couple of folks were practicing roping, Gus the ranch dog, ran with me.  We headed back to the cattle guard at the entrance to the ranch.  It was a great view of Needle Rock.

From there I ran back for a well earned breakfast.  That's a way to the start the day!

Giddy Up & Go At Smith Fork Ranch

Saturday I had a jammed packed day of activity at Smith Fork Ranch.  I started with what I can exploration workout.  It was a combination of hiking, running and just plain ole exploring.  I was off on this adventure that including hiking straight up a hill from the ponds to capture to sun rising over the mountains.

After breakfast we headed out on a trail ride.  It was the perfect morning to ride through the fall foliage and enjoy a gorgeous warm fall day.  We rode for about an hour and a half.

After lunch it was a fly fishing clinic the fishing in the ponds for about an hour and a half.

We topped off the afternoon with archery on the range and then on the course.  It's a great arm workout.

Just a great day on the ranch!