For the Best
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Waunita
Smoke Signals
This annual newsletter has been a tradition for over 20 years telling you “what’s been happening,” “what’s gonna happen,” and-for those who haven’t yet come our way - a little of... We’re About - It’s really all about you, our guests - keeping you well accommodated, well fed and well entertained in our unique, safe, and scenic corner of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. It’s also about showing you God’s majesty thru His handiwork- the mountains, the hot springs, the forest, the flowers, the wild game... Waunita Hot Springs is a special “piece of Colorado’ for several reasons. It’s most unique feature is the hot springs, the hottest group of springs in the State of Colorado. Waunita's modern history began in the late 1800’s as a health spa. After its charismatic owner died in the late 1920’s, followed by the Great Depression and World War II, the resort experienced years of difficulty and transition. We came to Waunita from Houston, Texas in 1962, bringing with us three young Sons and a dream. That dream was to transform Waunita into a place where families could enjoy the beauty of eastern Gunnison County along with a variety of dude ranch activities. In the 43 years that have passed that dream has become a reality and we can truly say it continues to be a “great ride!”
The RANCH Family Rod & Junelle are the senior members of the Pringle family. This year Rod finished reworking a small garden area at the north side of the Main Lodge, dedicating it to Vera Satterfield, our beloved cook and surrogate grandmother for over 30 years. Junelle stays busy at the office, as well as working on history projects. Ryan, Tammy, Randi Renee (16), Kolby (14), and Dani Shea (8) complete the Ranch Family. Ryan manages the day-to-day ranch operation, while Tammy supervises the house and kitchen. This fall Ryan has been providing commentary during Gunnison High School football broadcasts. Randy spent the fall “guarding the net” for the JV volleyball team and she is currently playing basketball. Kolby capably filled the position of quarterback on the 8th grade football team and is currently playing basketball. Dani Shea spends much of her non-school time practicing the piano and the violin. What a busy bunch!
OUR TX AND NM (OK & AR) CONNECTIONS Wes and Kari Pringle live in Farmington, New Mexico, where both teach in the Farmington School System. Daughter Jessica is attending Cosmetology School in Tulsa, Oklahoma; and son Brody is a Freshman at Harding University in Searcy, Arkansas. Rod S., Elisabeth and Logan live in Abilene, Texas, where Rod works for UPS. and Elisabeth teaches in a Head Start program. Logan is a Junior at Abilene High School. Son Josh, who worked on the ranch maintenance crew last summer, is a Freshman at Oklahoma Christian University in Edmond, Oklahoma.
Rod S. has written many beautiful songs, mainly Christian songs; and he and Elisabeth have produced two CD’s of Christian music. One of our favorites in this collection is a song entitled “The Flame.” Following are the lyrics: THE FLAME Every child is born with fire in his heart, the
faintest ember, a tiny spark. CHORUS: What will you do with the fire in the heart of
a child? Meanwhile, back at the Ranch: Eric Soerensen lives at the ranch year-round, entertaining summer guests with his fishing expertise and tall tales, while working at a variety of ranch maintenance chores. David and Renee Brown, our year-round horse ranch managers, head wrangler and cook for the last 2-1/2 years, returning to Texas in October. Looking Back
The 2004 summer season was then “kicked off” the day before Memorial Day with an enthusiastic staff ready to help us show folks “the week of their year.” Summer ‘04 proved to another great one, with guests enjoying funfilled days of riding, scenic trips, cookouts, rafting, swimming, as well as a variety of evening activities.
Guests journeyed to Waunita from 29 states and Canada and as far away as Germany and Brazil. The most folks came from Texas, followed by Ohio, Florida, Oklahoma and California. Half of all summer '04 guests had visited the ranch in past years and another 28% were sent or brought by former guests. We’re finding that many of these “brought by” guests are children of folks who enjoyed the ranch as “kids” We are humbled to know that generations of families have fond memories of vacations spent at Waunita. Looking Forward
Comments from 2004
Guests “I’d like to... tell you again what a great week we had with you. You all thought of everything! My boys are begging to come back next year..." - Kim G., MO "Thanks again for another great week in Paradise! We really appreciate the kindness and hospitality afforded to us time and again..." - Scott & Kathy S., CA
“We had a wonderful week at Waunita. You and the staff did a great job, as again always!” - Lynn J., TX “Thanks far the GREAT TIME this year. The girls’ tears on departure are a true testament to the wonderful vacation we had...” -Tom & Anne Marie K., TN “Thank you For the incredible experience
that you gave us this summer. We all agree it was the best family vacation
we could ever have." - Wendy E., MN Contact
RANCH Now
See our previous Ranch Newsletter - November 2003 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
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