A Vacation Travelogue
from Mel Coker

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Ever thought of a really "different" vacation? Want to learn more about a "dude" or guest ranch vacation? You're invited to follow along on our Internet Vacation Travelogue and learn about the fun we had on our August 2000 vacation at Waunita Hot Springs Ranch in Colorado.

Mel, Barbara & Kelly Coker

August 7, 2000 - Day 2 at Waunita
Meet the horses, Riding, Square Dance

Our first FULL day at Waunita! We're up early on Monday morning for our first Waunita breakfast. I ordered scrambled eggs, hash browns, bacon and orange juice. You may order from the kitchen or select cereals and pastries from the food bar. The Pringle family makes sure you're NEVER hungry -- always (ALL day long) at the food bar are a selection of cookies, fruits and drinks.

On Sunday evening after the orientation, each person or family signs up for a time to get their horse assignment for the week and riding instructions by the head wrangler, Scott Norberg. We had been through this twice before on our previous trips, but, it still is important to hear the instructions... This is a horse... and so on...

My family was at the stable at 9:15 to meet our horses... My horse was Yogi, Barbara's horse was Boo Boo, and, Kelly's horse was Zuni. All Waunita Ranch horses are great Western riding horses and carefully matched to various riding skills.

Riding instructions for the young crowd All children love Waunita!

A horse for every size (almost) Robert on Speck

After the ride, soon it's time for lunch... tacos, chips, and fritters. After lunch we have time to rest or relax by the Waunita POOL. We choose pool time! Wauntia Ranch has one of the largest private pools in Western Colorado. The pool is heated by the crystal clear hot water from Waunita Hot Springs. Also there is a whirlpool. Both are popular during the sunny days and after rides.

At 2:30 p.m. we're up on our horses again for the 2 hour afternoon ride. We're back at the ranch with time to spare for relaxing, pool time and clean up for the evening meal. Monday night we have a meal of roast turkey and dressing, asparagus, potatoes and salad.

First rides on Monday

Crossing a creek

Shortly after dinner, it's time for the Waunita Square Dance... I'm definitely not a "square dancer", but, I do enjoy trying and watching others. It's a lot of fun and the caller makes everyone feel comfortable and offers great instruction and patience. During square dance time, the Pringles provide plenty of ice cream.

Waunita Staff at Square Dance Laila, Julia, Rachel, Jessica

Square Dance!

After dinner, we have time to meet new friends at Waunita and head back to the dining area for snacks. We're soon ready to rest our weary bones for another exciting day at Waunita on Tuesday. Our comfortable room has a queen bed and private bath with a private room for our daughter. There's no tv or telephone, but, who needs that while staying at Waunita? (there is a telephone to use in the lobby). Staying in the main lodge offers definite advantages -- you're close to all of the action (pool and stables). And, you wake up each morning to the smell of bacon cooking and coffee brewing.

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BOOK YOUR WAUNITA HOT SPRINGS RANCH VACATION...

Call (970) 641-1266
email Waunita Hot Springs Ranch

Travelogue by Mel Coker