A Simple Walk

Having a day off from our busy ranch life is usually the time we take to sleep late, go into town, be lazy or well...whatever! And then there are those days when you just have to get out and be "one with nature". Having no time frame to adhere to, no urgent personal chores I needed to complete and feeling rested, the red cliffs around the ranch were calling my name.

Grabbing water, a few snacks and of course letting folks know what I was up to, I eagerly took off through the meadow and crossed the Wind River at the back of the property to head "up the draw".

Entering the willows & cottonwood tree stands I can't help but notice the quiet that surrounds me. When thoughts of visiting moose (or other wildllife) cross my mind,  I feel it is important to make my presence know to whomever, or whatever, might also be out on a walk! So, whistling a tune I

start up the sandy wash and hillside, soaking in the rugged beauty. It crossed my mind how different things look from on foot and on horseback. I stop to admire the colours of the rocks, the weathered wood from fallen trees or an old fence post standing for who knows how many years. I touch stones, I smell the flowers, I listen to the birds cry out as they fly overhead.



Wildflowers growing out of a lichen covered rock outcropping!

 One can easily imagine being the only person within a hundred miles.

I hike up...stopping now and again to take note of where I am going and to catch my breath! The strain on my muscles reminding me that I do not walk (hike) enough. Sometimes nature surprises us even more than we hoped when we see new life in a way we never expected!




Twin elk calves!

It's easy to lose track of time when you are out here, so after a couple of hours of scampering over this remarkable landscape, I take a few minutes when I reach the top to just sit and soak it all in.

A view from above.

That's when I realize that this was not just a "simple" walk. This is a memory that I can revisit time after time, a place I can go to and enjoy no matter where in the world I may be. It is a time when "the world" ceased to exist and I was a part of this amazing country I love so much! All from a seemingly innocent Dude Ranch in Wyoming.  And that, my friends,  is something not many people can say!

Are you ready to come experience your "simple walk"?

The World Is Here

With the Olympics upon us, I felt the need to brag just a bit about some of the countries represented at the ranch (so far) this summer! Drum roll please....

England, Dominican Republic, Switzerland and Belgium!

Although we did not have any special "events" in honour of their visit, we certainly had our share of memorable moments!
More to brag on as our Wrangler (& Lee & Bob's daughter) Piper heads out the the Little Britches National Rodeo where she has qualified for four events: poles, trail, goat tying and breakaway roping. She has also been riding every Friday night in the Dubois rodeo. Her boyfriend, Noah, also participates in bare back riding.

If you've been here before you know all about the Calf Scramble at the rodeo. Last year we had some of our "more mature" guests enter and win! Yep, us "old folks" were sure proud!
This year we are tickled to have more guests enter as well as some of our staff members!

A very special time for us was when a 19 year old guest from Virginia fulfilled his "bucket list wish" of riding a bull! What a great way to end a week!

Guess there's only one thing left to say now....

Who needs the Olympics when you have all of this !

YIPPEE!!

Just Another Day (NOT)

Dude ranch people are "different"! Well, a lot of folks see us that way. But it's not a bad thing. On more than one ocassion we have been told how lucky we are, how exciting our lives are! You won't get any arguements there from us "hard core" ranchers. But sometimes folks can't see the real work that goes on at a Wyoming dude ranch like ours. Starting weeks before our first guests arrive to weeks after they leave we are a busy family. And I use the word family because being at the L&B is like that, at least for most of us!
Our days are not 8-5, with Saturday and Sunday off. And you wear many different "hats". Even if you were hired to be a dining room server, that does not mean you won't be called on to help clean cabins or mow grass. Wranglers get up long before our guests crawl out of their cozy beds to  feed the horses, "wake up" the corral and then they can have that first cup of hot coffee. It doesn't matter what the weather is like out there, that is the first thing for them. If there is a sick or injured animal, then their job turns into 24 hours a day until all is well. When the guests have an afternoon off to enjoy the pool or simply relax on the front porch, Wranglers are loading up several tons of hay to bring back to the ranch. Dining room staff usually ends their day around 10 pm and  housekeeping....that too is 24-7 because ya' never know what "surprises" may happen!
The reason I point all of this out is because sometimes (not often) we run across someone who thinks it is all play and no work! Banish that thought!
But, having said all of that, let me tell ya' about some of our perks! Walking to work (no gas, no traffic jams, no loud radios and definately no drive thru windows), just the sounds of an early Wyoming morning. Hot coffee enjoyed quietly with your ranch family made even sweeter by the fire in the big old cast iron stove. Communication. Someone asking "how are you today?" and really meaning it!
The aromas coming from the kitchen ( perhaps ocassional swearing when the cook burns his fingers or the bacon :)....yep, it happens folks! :) We are, after all, only human!
Walking into the lodge to check on the fireplace and finding the early risers in there soaking up the peace and simply being in that moment in time. I often wonder what goes through their minds as they sit there.
When we get a break, we sit back on a bench, lay on a shady spot of ground or take a quick hike into the hills (we don't have a "break room" here, ours is wide open spaces). At night we don't go to town to enjoy the nightlife. Usually you can find us around a campfire laughing and visiting....connecting.
Our cell phones are used mostly as alarm clocks, we watch movies only when the weather is stormy and if someone brought a TV w/ a DVD player. Sometimes we use that as catch up on sleep time! And we all rediscover the art of reading a good book! Amazing!
We ride horses, we take trips into the Tetons or Yellowstone, we hike, we swim in the frigid Wind River or perhaps the pool (which seems too "civilized" for us), we fly fish. Even if we are "off" you will probably find us visiting with the guests, learning about them and their homes and families! They bring the world here for us to enjoy.
Do we work hard? You bet your sweet bandana we do! Do we work 8-5? Nope, usually 6am-10pm, 51/2 days a week with some breaks thrown in here and there!
And when we start our day we can honestly say that it is NOT just another day at the office.
But most of us wouldn't have it any other way!

Time Marches On

It's hard to believe that we are in our 20th year of operating the L&B! Oh, the ranch has been around much longer than this, of course (since the early 1920's), but our time has been a remarkable journey.
All of the guests have left their mark from being here and from each I think (hope) we have learned. But the time that we spend with our staff.....now that is another story!
Most ranch owners will tell you that it is hard hiring someone over the phone, but that is usually just what we all have to do! Because our staff doesn't consist of folks from nearby towns! We hire people from all over the world!
And we have been pretty fortunate over the years to have had some awesome workers share their summer, and talents, with us! Sometimes easier said than done.
Think about it for a minute if you will. You leave home and travel vast distances, maybe even from the other side of the world and show up to spend months with total strangers. You were "warned" that ranch life is not easy, but you can never truly understand until you get here and dig in to the everyday work. If you expected feather mattresses and fine linens, TV's, texting on your cell phones and an 8-5 schedule you are in for a very rude awakening! But we do try our best to explain.
It's hard work, with long hours and everybody helps out in all areas!
And if you have just the right mind set, something pretty neat happens. Come Friday night after the barbeque cook out and the poetry, you seem to be hesitant to load up and go into town. Instead you want to sit back and relax while listening to the guests talk and laugh about their adventures!
.

 You realize that the hard week you have behind you was so worth it because you have helped folks make memories of a life time and you will always be a part of those special memories. We have years of memories tucked away and on those quiet nights they come to life for us again.
It's hard to see our guests leave. They become a part of our L&B family and yes, we do tend to get all sappy on Saturday mornings when we say "good-bye".
And unfortunately, sometimes we have to say that to a very valuable staff member, and dear friend, that leaves us to answer the call of his/her heart.
Such is the case now.
Ross Ketchum has been with us for a long time and has been one of those that we could count on, no matter what, to help out and (hardly) ever complain! Quiet spoken, a lover of books, world traveler and all around good guy, he has been a constant for us, a rare find in the dude ranch industry!

He leaves us to pursue his desire to teach and we wish him the very best of luck. And we hope that, no matter how much time marches on, he (& Louie) find their way back to their "L&B home & family" from time to time.

We will miss you Ross.

Thank you for being one of the best!

Our Piper

When you were just a tiny girl, you didn't dress in Momma's pearls.

Instead you rode a steed on high

And were the apple of Daddy's eye!

With your Mom you would read your books,

From the balcony or the overlook!

Perhaps you laughed the days away

Just being at the ranch was your form of play!

Instead of dolls, tea parties or trips to the zoo,

You created your own stories as over the plains you flew.

With horses you became the best of friends

The land was your playground,

And your laughter carried on the wind!

           From swimming holes to rodeos & everything in between,
You've grown up in a world many will never see.

And the old adage is true; "We turned around & you ARE grown";

Now embarking on another journey, but not too far from home!

So it is with these heartfelt words that I wish you all the best

You are loved and appreciated and you're one of the best!

Congratulations on your graduation, Piper! With love from your Lazy L&B Family

Wrangler Susie

When I was just a little girl

Dressed up in Mama's pearls

All I ever wanted was

To be a Buffalo Girl

To ride like Annie Oakley

Shoot straight like Calamity Jane

With one Paint horse and a yellow dog

We'd ride across the plains

We'd come down from the mountains

Into town just once a year

And all the folks would stand around

And look at  me in fear

I'd walk into the Long Branch

And take a shot of whiskey

After 12 or 13, I started feeling kinda friskey

I'd grab myself a cowboy

And spin a yarn or two

Then saddle up away I'd ride

Off in to the blue

A lot of folks would stand around

And say "who was that floozie"

Well, shut your mouth and bite your tongue

They call her "Wrangler Susie"

To my Beloved Chief & My Jumpin' Mule Briggy

 Susie Mortimer 

Susie was a guest at Lazy L&B dude ranch in WY, and this was the poem that she wrote for our "Friday night cookout"! 

Happy Easter

I have no tales from the ranch, weather reports or stories from past guests. Just simple heartfelt words from our family to yours...

Have a very happy Easter!

We hope it is spent with those you love.

Quality family time!

Through Our Neighbors Eyes

We love to share the "whole" story of life at the ranch, not just what happens when our guests visit, but sometimes this is hard if you are not there on a "day to day basis". Of course WE know how beautiful and peaceful the area is when blanketed in snow, how remarkable the silence that falls over the land. Even the animals move at a different pace as if in awe of their surroundings, afraid to make the slightest of sounds lest they disturb this winter wonderland they call home.


Wanting to share with you the most current news from the ranch, I "visited" (via internet) with our neighbor John Finley. A good friend, talented artist (we sell some of his beautiful pieces in our ranch store) and a lifelong resident of the area (his ranch connects with ours)! He is kind enough to look out for the ranch in winter time when we cannot be there.
Now this is straight from "the horses mouth" (well, at least John's mouth anyway)!

"The last few days have been pretty nice with the temps. in the 50s and even mid 60s after a cold and windy couple of days earlier in the week. Most of the snow here in the valley is gone except the big drifts. The deer are coming around and looking for the new green grass that is just starting up. Not many elk down right now. There are two or three moose hanging on the creek. The blue birds arrived on the 13th and the Red Tailed Hawks are back as well as some other spring birds. Some Canada geese have been flying the creek. No bear sign yet, the wolves have passed through several time this winter".

Sounds like springtime is just around the corner and we can't wait to open the ranch and once again share our Wyoming home with old friends and welcome new friends to our "Lazy L&B family"!

Book now for the following week(s) to recieve our best discounts of the year!

25% off June 3-9 & June 10-16

We Inspire Poetry

 

On their Sunday evening orientation, guests are "informed" that at the end of the week they have to entertain us on Friday evenings at the campfire cookout! 



A beautiful Friday evening with new friends!

Heck, we're easy....just write a poem about your stay with us! Piece of cake, at least we think so!

Most people don't believe they have it in them, but let me tell ya' folks, after 5 days in our amazing part of Wyoming the words flow effortlessly. Guests get creative, not only writing in simple poetry, but also offering up Haiku (a form of Japanese poetry), singing their poems to the tune of a favorite song or even going so far  as to do a "rap" version! The kids will sometimes "pair up" to read theirs, families will do one written together, while others give simple, heartfelt "speeches". They read from note cards and "notebooks", Ipads and phones, they get emotional (oh heck, we do too), they tell jokes or perhaps stories from past visits. Laughter & applause fill the air as the day dies down along with the embers in our campfire.

Roasting marshmellows around the fire.

The Dubois Rodeo is gonna' start real soon & we don't want to miss that.....but sometimes, we linger for just a  few minutes more to soak up one last memory of a truly special vacation.

"THANK YOU" to all those wonderful poets over the years...we know we have been entertained by the best!!

Bloomberg Business Week

 

 

 

 

 

"The Best Place in Wyoming to Raise Your Kids 2012" 

 

 

To view this press release, click here:

http://www.pitchengine.com/wyomingswindrivercountry/bloomberg-businessweek-names-dubois-the-best-place-in-wyoming-to-raise-your-kids-2012

We are really glad to be a part of this wonderful community, and we couldn't agree more!

Friendships for a Lifetime!

 

“Wonderful trip, we hope to come back again!”

Reviewed August 28, 2011

"We had a great time! The scenery was spectacular, the wranglers were helpful in every way and the food and rooms were great.  We had a great time at the square dance and the rodeo. We were proud of the men from our group who came in 4th in the steer event . I would gladly take this trip again and again. Thank you for a great week"!!!

 From one of the Florida 9ers!

Adults find their "inner child" out here!



Early season tends to have more adults, even if there might be some families, there is plenty of adult time. Adults always ride with adults and enjoy a nice" Happy Hour" & sit down dinner a few nights a week.



The years may pass, but friends are forever!



 If there are families, the kids are usually off hanging with the wranglers and new found friends, so it really is a wonderful environment for all. If you just have to have that special adult time only, we offer adult only weeks Aug 26 - Sept 1 & Sept 2 - 8.

“As delightful as always, after all these years”

 

"It was great to have the opportunity to revisit Lazy L&B again briefly. We began coming to Lazy L&B about 20 years ago, stayed there 4 times when our children were young, and return whenever we have the opportunity. As parents from a big city, it was invaluable to have a vacation where our children could play without the hour-by-hour programming of summer camp (although the supervision was always great) and enjoy being free outdoors all day riding, hiking, swimming, or just roaming. The same could be said for us parents too! The kids always enjoyed the square dance in town.The food is excellent, and the accommodations are true west--rustic, but very clean. I've noticed several improvements in the property over the years,  BUT....

there's no improving on the staggering landscape".

 (shared from Tripadvisor)

Don't Just Take Our Word For It!

“Amazing Vacation!!!”

Reviewed October 3, 2011

I’m still flying high on the memories of my week spent at the Lazy L&B. The staff was warm, welcoming, attentive, respectful and just a lot of fun in general. The cabins were great, the lodge was rustic and authentic. The grounds are beautiful and well kept. I appreciated that the staff takes the time to match riders with the horses and that you ride the same horse each day. I also appreciated that they took the time each day to see how each rider was feeling and discuss the plans for the next day. Each ride was different and the scenery was magnificent.

I was so impressed with the condition of the horses and how they were handled by all of the L&B staff. Oftentimes when you go on trail rides the horses are not well kept and are not treated very well. It’s very obvious that everyone on the ranch cares about and respects the horses. It really touched me to see how each horse was handled gently and with kindness and respect.

"This was an absolutely wonderful vacation and I hope to go back again one day."

(Kind words from one of our guests, taken from TripAdvisor)

Well, perhaps it is not so wild as in the old westerns, but when out here it is easy to lose track of time!

What a wonderful way to spend such a splendid afternoon.

It's Just What I Needed.

For so many of us, no matter what part of the world we live in, winter brings with it the "blahs". Days are short and it seems workdays are longer! Thoughts and "daydreams" turn to springtime.....and vacation.

Imagine if you will, waking up to the sounds of "nothingness", having a cup (or 2) of hot coffee in front of a roaring fire in our lodge where hundreds of others have gathered before: guests, and staff members too, from around the world. Enjoying a hearty breakfast of fresh fruit, hot homemade coffee cakes, hot cereals or order from our kitchen! Our breakfast cook always has a special treat planned & we encourage you to bring a hearty appetite. No diets here ladies, you will need those extra calories! 

 The head wrangler comes around to find out "What would you folks like to do today"?....and the plans are made, so let's "mount up and ride"!

June & early July are amazing times to be in our country. It's just turning spring and nature is offering up the opportunity to witness her rebirth! Wildflowers are blooming, the mountains are still capped in pure white and each ride brings the chance to see Elk, Moose & Bighorn Sheep with their young.

 The ranch is surrounded by protected habitat which makes it more likely to see these magnificent animals in their natural environment!

Have you ever seen wild horses running across a mesa?

A sight you will not soon forget if you are lucky enough to witness it.







Come visit us and experience a way of life that is steeped in tradition and adventure. A step back in time to simplicity, relaxation and grand memories.

25% OFF regular rates for the weeks of

June 3rd -9th 

&  

June 10th -16th
Book by March 1, 2012 to recieve 10% off all other weeks.

Give us a call and book now! We promise that you'll leave saying "It's just what I needed"!
Contact us at ranch@lazylb.com
Lee, Bob & Piper Naylon
800-453-9488

Keeping Traditions Alive

We find that, so many times, people "assume" you go to a Dude Ranch, spend a few days riding horses and go home, only ocassionally thinking about what they did. Our experience over the last 20 years shows guests what we are already blessed to know.

A Dude Ranch vacation is something that gets in your blood and makes you want to come back year after year. For some, it is a life-changing experience.

Folks arrive here on Sunday as strangers, but by Saturday morning, strong frienships have formed, plans to meet back here next year are already in the works and (our favorite)...kids don't want to go to Disney World!!!! They want to come back here. They are curious about us and ask questions like "how can I get a job here" or "I would love to be a Wrangler"! What a far cry from the modern, electronic world we live in. After one day they forget about TV's, IPads, Internet & all the other things that draw them into that world. Instead they are up and out the door at 7AM to help saddle their horses, they eat hardy breakfasts with their families, they learn, they soak up nature, they ride, they ask a "gazillion" question, THEY keep US entertained,... and they too make lifelong friends. They reconnect with the most fundamental elements we grew up with. Strong family ties & nature!
We are proud of be a part of the Dude Ranchers Association and to continue offering this special vacation of a lifetime. We support our young people and encourage them to follow in our footsteps to keep this way of life strong and growing. What better way than to make sure that the future generations are well educated!
We hope you will help us, too. because either way (or, if you're lucky) BOTH ways, this is a WIN- WIN for all of us...

Win a Week stay for 2 at the Lazy L&B Ranch!
Help support today’s kids college education & keep dude ranching history alive!!
Raffle ticket proceeds go to:
The Dude Ranchers Educational Trust Scholarship and Heritage Center$20 ea. or 6 for $100
Drawing will be April 1st
Contact us at ranch@lazylb.com
Lee, Bob & Piper Naylon
800-453-9488

                                                                     http://www.lazylb.com/

"What do parents owe their young that is more important than a warm and trusting connection to the Earth…?”  – Theodore Roszak, The Voice of the Earth