For the Best
Week
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Activities | Riding
| Children | Slide Show
Waunita
Smoke Signals
This year’s May/June showers were followed by some of the most magnificent wildflowers ever. And, although late in coming, the fall aspen season was truly breathtaking. We’ll hope for a repeat of those events for 2004. Although 2003 guest numbers were down, we enjoyed hosting many old and new friends. If reservations already on the books for next summer are an indication, 2004 will be a full-to-capacity season. That’s a hint – you need to book early to get “your spot.” “Numbers” posted for the 2003 summer season show guests from 28 states, with Texas again well represented, followed by California, Missouri, Colorado, Tennessee, Ohio, Indiana, Kansas and Pennsylvania. Over half (51%) of our guests had visited the ranch before, with 33% sent (or brought) by previous guests. The remaining 16% all came directly or indirectly as a result of our Internet listings or the two dude ranch associations to which we belong. The Colorado Dude & Guest Ranch Association, headquartered in Granby, Colorado, and The Dude Ranchers Association, headquartered in Cody, Wyoming, both work very hard to promote the dude ranch industry. As vacation-related competition increases, it becomes more and more difficult for these associations, with their limited resources, to “battle the big guys.” We therefore depend on our guests to help by telling their friends about how a dude ranch vacation can be a cherished memory. About the PRINGLE Family... Rod and Junelle moved to Waunita Hot Springs Ranch 42 years ago, a young couple with young children. Now we are a “mature” couple with grown children and grandchildren. A lot can change in 42 years! However, God continues to bless us with good health, a loving family and the opportunity to provide our many guests with the “best week of their year.”
The same can be said of Ryan & Tammy Pringle, who see to the day-to-day operation of the ranch. Ryan manages the general program, while Tammy oversees the house and foodservice. Their children, Randi Renee (15), Kolby (12) and Dani Shea (7), help with ranch chores and entertaining the younger crowd. They attend Gunnison High, Middle and Elementary Schools.
Rod S. & Elisabeth Pringle live in Abilene, Texas, where he works for U.P.S. and she teaches in the Headstart program. Their sons, Josh (18) and Logan (16), attend Abilene High School. Our Extended Family... Eric Soerensen has been at the ranch about 11 years, ever busy in the areas of maintenance, fishing guide, campout host, hay cutting, and yarn-telling.
David & Renee Brown, along with son Rankin (3), came on as full-time employees in May, 2003. David manages the horse ranch and the horse program. Renee has worked in the foodservice and housekeeping areas. A daughter will join David & Renee’s family in December – a blessing for them, but unfortunate for us, as Renee will be a “mostly stay-at-home Mom” for at least a couple of years.
Daisy, our faithful shepherd, passed away quietly this November. Summer Fun...
Waunita Winters are snowy and serene – an oasis of warmth and friendship. Winter groups enjoy comfortable accommodations, home-cooked meals, and the warm pool. See our winter website, www.waunitasprings.com for more information.
The second Ranch Cookbook came off the press last winter. Just email us and we’ll be happy to send you one - $12.00 postpaid. It is a combination of our first cookbook, plus recent recipes and is printed in loose-leaf format. Contact
RANCH Now
See our previous Ranch Newsletter - November 2002 See our previous Ranch Newsletter - November 2000 See our previous Ranch Newsletter - November 1999 See our previous Ranch Newsletter - November 1998
Activities | Riding
| Children | Slide Show
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Will
Dudley, one of the musicians joining us for the Friday night music show,
has recuperated from his 2002 life-threatening auto accident. He plans
to spend at least part of the winter in Nashville, working on new recordings.
