What I Did on My Summer Vacation - by Andy Goodman

Two years ago, my wife Debra and I decided that our daughter Hannah was old enough for us to take a family vacation which consisted of something more that four days to Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. The first trip was Boston and Maine. It was such a great trip we weren't sure we could find anything that would rate the same on the fun meter. We were wrong. Last month, we spent an incredible and eventful week+ (more on that later) at The Tumbling River Ranch, a dude ranch about 60 miles southwest of Denver, located in the Pike National Forest.

TRR is located at an altitude of 9,200 feet, surrounded by 14,000-foot mountains and millions of acres of national forest, and is within riding distance of the Continental Divide. The Ranch has been in business for many years and is run by Scott and Megan Dugan, who live there year round. There are no more than about 50 or so people each week (about 12 families) with 35 staff responding to all of your needs. The service, food, and hospitality was as good as ANY hotel or resort I have visited and for those of you who have seen City Slickers too many times, our ranch
experience was nothing like the movie we didn’t see a cow all week!

The guests arrive Sunday (after 3 p.m.) and leave the following Sunday (after breakfast). Every day during the week there are different activities, with the main focus being horseback riding (Western only). You sign up for what you would like to do, or you are free to relax and do nothing other than enjoy the gorgeous scenery. The best way to describe our vacation is to give you a day- by-day blow of what we did.

SUNDAY: We were met by staff members who took us to our cabin (fireplace yes; phones & TV— no). We spent the afternoon exploring the Ranch and meeting the other families. After dinner (all the food, including breads and desserts, is cooked fresh from scratch every day and EVERY meal is a delicious all—you—can—eat feast) all of the staff and guests get together and talk about the week’s activities. I was amazed to learn how many of the families were returning guests. This made us feel VERY good about the choice we made.

MONDAY: We met with the wranglers, who introduced us to our horses, gave us an introduction to riding and took us on a 2-hour trail ride to some of the most beautiful scenery I have ever seen. In afternoon we went to the riding area for more instruction and then relaxed by the pool and hot tub. While Debra, Hannah and I had all ridden horses before, I was actually a little surprised as to the number of guests who had NEVER ridden a horse. A supper cookout was followed by a hayride and campfire.

TUESDAY: Starting Tuesday, the adults and kids can participate in separate activities. There are counselors for different age groups. I took an early morning ride (about 3.5 hours and more gorgeous scenery) to a brunch cookout. Debra settled for the shorter (1.5 hour) ride while Hannah and her new friends took their own ride and then came to brunch by van. After brunch, the kids went on a trip to Georgetown (a quaint old mining town with shops, museums, and an old narrow gauge train to ride). After a long day, the adults had a great candlelight dinner while the counselors took the kids for their own dinner and games.

WEDNESDAY: After two days of riding, I decided to give my bottom the day off so Debra and I went white-water rafting. Our other choice was to hike Mt. Bierstat with a summit above 14,000 ft. That night we had a talent show. Since I have no real talent, I let Hannah and Debra represent the family and they did me proud with their singing.

THURSDAY: Having recovered from my two days on a horse, I took the morning ride to a fajita lunch. Debra joined Hannah on the kids’ ride and joined me and the other guests at lunch. It was simply amazing to have lunch cooked outdoors while looking over majestic mountains and some of the greenest trees and fields you have ever seen. A small group of guests continued on for an overnight pack trip, however, I decided to ride back to the ranch, relax and get ready for a second “adults only” candlelight dinner.

FRIDAY: Debra and I took a 4-mile hike (round trip) which started at about 11,000 feet and climbed to 12,500 feet (above the tree line). The view was breathtaking as was the altitude. I was glad we took the hike because we needed the exercise before the pool-side BBQ. Those who didn’t want or need the exercise had the option of riding, fishing, or going shopping in Breckenridge.

SATURDAY: The main event on Saturday is the Rodeo, in which the guests get to use what they learned during the week and the wranglers get to show off. Everyone had a great time and Hannah and I won blue ribbons in barrel racing. The final activity is the ranch hootenany where the staff entertain the guests and everyone has an opportunity to exchange snail and e-mail addresses and hugs before Sunday morning departure.

One additional note to our trip. As some of you know, on Friday, Debra, while practicing for the Rodeo, was thrown by her horse and broke her femur. As a result, she spent about 11 days in a Denver hospital before returning home. While the Ranch really had no obligation to make any accommodation for me or Hannah, their response to the accident showed me how special they are. First, Scott went with me to the hospital to make sure Debra was OK and that we had everything we needed. Second, Scott and Megan gave Hannah and me a cabin to stay in and “full run” of the ranch while Debra was in the hospital. The entire staff “adopted” and took care of Hannah so I could be with Debra during the week and many of them traveled an hour on their day off to visit Debra. I don’t know any other place were you would get such treatment.

After all is said and done, we not only had a great vacation, but we made MANY new friends. Friends who I know we will keep in touch with for many years. With the exception of Debra’s accident, it will be hard to beat our vacation at the Tumbling River Ranch and, yes we will be returning. Tell them Debra and Andy sent you.

Andy Goodman is a Partner at Greenberg& Bass, LLP, a business and bankruptcy law firm. Andy’s expertise encompasses all insolvency and creditor-debtor matters in formal bankruptcy proceedings or out-of-court workouts. You can reach Andy at 818/382-6200 or andy@greenbass.com.