We hit the road sometime after 11am and headed for the border, the Colorado Wyoming border that is, not Taco Bell. We finally pulled into the ranch around 3pm after several stops on the way up. First up was some shooting where the oldest couldn’t get enough. 
He’s a pretty good shot hitting a can of green beans 3 times in a row when we were wrapping up. We then drove down by the old homestead cabin which by some miracle is still standing. Then it was off to the picnic to meet the new owners of the neighbors ranch. First though the youngest wanted to drive so he sat on my lap and drove 
the car for the 2 mile stretch up the dirt road to the highway. You might remember I had let the oldest drive the truck by himself last fall when we were hunting which spurred the youngest guys drive. His logic was “you let Jagger”. Hard to argue with that and besides, he was on my lap with me working the gas and brake. Oh by the way, tons of antelope up there right now, fun to see.
We pulled up and things were hopping. We had to pull around a stagecoach being pulled by 2 huge clydesdales as it was giving rides to people, about half kids and half adults. The old west seems to bring out the kid, even in adults! Our boys must have ridden 3 or 4 times around the ranch sitting on top of the 
stagecoach like John Wayne in their cowboy hats and boots. The oldest was wearing Grandpa’s old Lucchese boots. He was surely the only 11 year old wearing $500 cowboy boots! Hard to believe he’s a size 9 1/2 these days. The new owner is a real nice guy and so is his ranch manager. They told us anytime we wanted to come up and use the lodge (which they just totally remodeled) we’re more 
than welcome. They made us walk up and take a tour, real nice. Super nice guys and they’ll be good for the area. They already own a 6000 acre spread in Rand about 45 minutes back towards Denver. Seems they want to use this as a high end hunting destination and I think the misses said they’re going to build a spa. I guess the owners dad made a ton of money (like billions) in the defence industry for the government in Florida. He has an 11 year old son and I think another younger boy as well but is single and engaged. We also met some other nice people and reconnected with others we’ve known for years.
Mark, the previous owner and our neighbor for years, was having a good old time. He put on some weight and was having a few whiskeys, funny what a few million dollars will do to a guy. He and Peggy (his wife) have already bought a place in Alaska near Wrangell and  one of their sons is up there getting it ready. By contract Mark has to stay through hunting season until December to show the new owners the ropes. Colorado has just become to liberal for him so at the end of the year, off he’ll go to Alaska.
About 7pm we decided to head out as it takes us 3 hours or so to get home. Right on 
schedule about 10pm we pulled into the driveway and I left everything in the car except the guns. We all had a quick tick check (don’t want lyme disease) and then hit the showers before falling asleep.
I’m going to run over and wash the car again as your car gets dirty driving up there on all the dirt roads. Today I need to move the rest of the wine in the house downstairs so more can take its place tomorrow. I also want to get to the gym. Everyone is sleeping so time to get my day started. The misses will post a few pictures when she gets up. The youngest and the new owner are both named Ty so they hit it off. Too funny.
Take care and God Bless.