Run like the Wind!

After 11 long days of working, I finally had my long anticipated day off today! So yesterday, I had heard that there was to be a cabin girl surprise. I was thinking "oh, it's probably snowcones again". I was going to do a double feature with Brit in town. So Steph leaves me a note, because Thursday was her day off, saying "Katelyn, if you could check with the girls to see which ones would be interested in a possible cabin girl ride (*audible gasp from me*) then let me know the numbers tonight so I can tell Tye!
Well, needless to say, my plans changed quickly! Brit was very sweet about it, and we ended up having a sleepover in her room and falling asleep watching Clue. We awoke at 7:30 to the sounds of hungry wranglers and tired waitresses. After getting a little pick-me-up, we came back and "snuggled" watching the movie we'd tried so hard to stay awake for the night before. After a great catch-up with the fam, Brit and I walked and talked on the Jail road, which was very refreshing. We stopped to say hey to the babies and the mares, and Casanova of course (He's our stallion). About fifteen minutes before we were supposed to ride, it started to pour and hail. Steph had given Tye full permission to ixnay our ride for the wrangler's sake. He didn't want a wrangler to have to go out in miserable weather just for a staff ride. I normally love the rain and love to watch it, and for the first time, I was begging the rain to stop. And guess what: IT DID! There were five of us girls, plus our wrangler, Reid. It was a blast because it was so low key and Reid asked us what we wanted to do, where we wanted to go and so forth. We almost loped the whole way to the rock we were going to. Reid had a little scheme up his sleeve: Billy, one of the guys on maitenence, was proposing to his girlfriend today, and Reid knew it was on Turtle Rock. Laura, unknowingly said we should go there, and so we went, and were the first(besides Alex who had been taking pictures) to congratulate the couple on their engagement. They both could not stop grinning. I loved it! The ride was amazing. So much loping, and I had a great horse (Duke!) and we laughed the whole way, running through the creek and up the jeep road as fast as we could. All in all, a double feature can wait, but a day like today is once in a lifetime! From my bunkhouse to yours, Oooo-aaah!

Thunder and lightening and rain, Oh my!

Well, today we got our first major and legite thunder storm. At one point it was very close so that the thunder and lightening were milliseconds apart! It was awesome! It is now starting to let up, and everyone is hoping that it will not postpone or cancel Staff on the Rock, which is our single staff get-a-way. Our theme is Hoe-down, throw-down! Get to dress up like a total redneck! I went into Woodland Park on my day off, and went to Walmart, and the Cowhand (the local cowboy store) and neither had overalls. Then I stumbled upon a goodwill (yes, Dorri would be proud) and found a brand new pair for 4 bucks! The funny thing is, they are mens, and I can pretty much put two of myself inside them. But they are perfect! Caroline has just said we are go! Woot! So I'm going to get dolled up in my ugliest get up I can, and go throw-down something :) Don't worry, there will be pictures galore! From CO to CA, catch you later!

Small, yet mighty

Today brings to an end the week of twenty some odd guests, only 8 cabins, and missing staff. It has been beautiful all week, and I have gotten to know the people here this week so much more than any other week yet. The kids have been such a blessing, and I have had so much fun square-dancing, and playing late night volleyball by headlights with them. I'm am going to miss these families, and I know that they have been blessed by the staff because they have said so. It is so encouraging to us especially as cabin girls, who are behind the scenes. And yet despite that, I've gotten close to some of the kids and love it! The day seems to match our feelings as it is the first all week of gloom and rain. What a week to remember, and I will always remember that good things come in small sizes!

Hormones of the mountains

So I just love how we can have beautiful mornings here, and then in the afternoon get massive rain, and still make it to the Jail! The mountains are so unpredictable and I love it! I guess you get used to it, but it seems like God make the rides come in just in time before a downpour. I love that about this place. It makes God real. The way the weather changes so quickly is a reminder of his unpredictability, and how we will never be able to understand him. He rumbles in the thunder, and laughs on the wind, and runs in the wild rushing creek. He is so present, and it thrills me everytime.

Return to Lost Valley

So I'm not much of a blogger, but I'll try my best. My last one was a bust, but I know some people (my mom :)) like keeping up with things. So here goes.
I arrived at Lost Valley Ranch on Saturday the 30, to drizzle and cold. But I was soooo happy! Sure, there were not very many familiar faces, but they have become familiar to me. And it was wonderful to see those who were here last year and to catch up with them, and to learn about the new staff. This is my third season working and I love it. If I could only change one thing about it, it would be to have my family here. I MISS YOU GUYS!!!! But days go by quickly with all the work, and even though economic crisis has hit the ranch, we still carry on with the same standard and love for our guests. It is such a blessing to be with the Warnocks again especially. Brooke and Tony have had such an impact on my life and I love being back just to be able to be with that family again. They have such a love for the people here, from the guests to the staff, from youngest to oldest.
The sun finally decided to poke it's head out and the last few days have been beautiful mornings, with afternoons getting just a bit cooler and windier. On my day off, I walked to the Jail (which is simply down a dirt road where we have program and dinner and some breakfasts as well) and I stopped so many times, because I just couldn't take it all in. I was once again dumbfounded by the beauty and majesty of God's creation around me, and I just stood and drank in the sight of it. It was a wonderful time. My new crew leader, Steph, is wonderful. She is so sweet and is wonderful in her position. Always lighthearted and quick to give encouragement. I am grateful that I was blessed to have her as my crew leader this summer. So off we go into week three, and I look forward to the challenges and fun times yet to come! Oooo-aaah!