Horses at Dusk...

One of the EPIC things I've ever done was to visit a friend of mine to horseback ride at a 5th generation, family run Texas Longhorn cattle ranch called Black Mountain Ranch, Colorado.  It sits about half way between Vail & Steamboat Springs adjacent to the Colorado River so they do rafting trips in the summer, as well. These people are hard core genuine ranchers. Yet, from the moment I set foot on the place welcomed me like family, directed me to the dining hall,  fed me a gourmet lunch and provided stimulating company with tales of grand adventures to boot!!  Tis difficult to explain but their warm, inviting, down to earth hospitality was VERY impressive and MOST welcome!!!

I was able to capture these horses grazing in the lovely evening light whilst driving up to an evening cocktail party they hold for the guests every week.  It was forturnate really that I missed the little shuttle bus up the hill so that I was able to view this stunning vista! 

All in all OH WHAT AN AMAZING PLACE!  I was able to be part of a REAL cattle drive, learn to rope calves (and yes there were horns involved YIKES! I loved it so much I shortly afterward went out & bought my own lasso! hee!:), eat gourmet food, enjoy all that the great outdoors has to offer and then some!  I'm not advertising just gushing with praise!!