I Moved!!!

You've heard of Spring cleaning, but I'd like to introduce you to fall upgrading- the location of my blog has changed. follow http://blog.clazyu.com/ to check out the new site- I think you'll like the improvements (they match my grand personality!)!


See you there!

Happy July 4th from Colorado's Best Horseback Riding Vacation Spot- the C Lazy U Ranch!

I know it's a bit late, but that's what happens when you get caught up in all the amazing extra festivities that the ranch has to offer during holidays, and all the amazing guests that come to visit, either for their first, or the umpteenth dude ranch vacation; we, of course, got some great pictures from our 4th of July parade (you can check them out on our Facebook pages). While the guests enjoyed the classic July 4th meal, bratwurst,burgers fresh from the grill, hotdogs, shrimp poboys, and the delicious sides, I managed to sneak under the corral fence and enjoy the hay that some of my buddies happened to "drop" by the manager. I was also spotlighted in our parade, I should mention, pulling my cart with counselor Paige and our cowpoke, Marco, riding in it- I hate to say it, but I think that I stole the show (sorry everybody else!); but, for staff moral, they gave the best float award to the Ranch Hands... I have to admit, it was pretty cool- they were hoisted several feet off the ground using one of our big ranch vehicles, attached to it using the ropes course gear (I wonder if we have a harness big enough for me- I'd like to be a part of that one next year).

The river is finally starting to come down, and slow a bit- enough at least that one of our guests, John Kim, was able to catch a bunch of trout- I happened to stumble upon him while I was out meandering the path by the river (that's where the best grass is). On my way back (not full, but satisfied... am I ever full?) I watched a bit of the tennis match that was going on between our tennis pro and one of our guests- she was giving him a pretty good run for his money, and it looked like they were both enjoying themselves- how they were focusing, though, was beyond me, because I think that every kid on ranch was splashing in the pond at the same time- at one point 7 of them squished onto one of the paddle boats (successfully sinking it partially, as you can see) and then jumped into the water, abandoning ship.

I almost forgot!!! At one point this week I was almost upstaged by some moose that decided they needed to come out at exactly the same time that all the ranch staff were transporting the guests to one of the homesteads for cocktail hour... a pathetic attempt to draw attention to themselves, if I may say so myself!Speaking of wildlife, though, no more bear spottings since my last post- if it's not one thing, it's another- I don't know how I'm not more tired keeping track of all of this... it helps that I love what I do... or don't do, some would say.

Nothing else to report this week, besides great weather, wonderful friends, both in our guests, and in the herd, happy smiling faces, and one of the best Colorado family vacations that anyone can ask for... after all, I'm here!

New Families, Old Bears, and Happiness.

Gosh, I've forgotten how busy the summer gets, and how quickly the days fly by, until I check my blog, and realize that it's been a week since the last time I checked in! But I can't complain because I've never seen a more beautiful start to a summer in all my years at the ranch- an entire day goes by without there being a cloud in the sky, and the beeze that blows throughout the day pacified the otherwise too warm June days; but more importantly, the extra moisture we've been getting from our epic winter has yielded more grass than I could ever think to eat...and anyone who's ever seen me knows that I CAN EAT!

On a side note- I've been feeling a little less important these days, as the bears have finally come out of hibernation and have started to frequent the ranch again... I don't know why everybody is so drawn to them- it's not ,Ike they do anything around here besides eat... At least I also pull my cart around occasionally!

But, on a positive note, this past week was one of new guests- I'd say about 50% were experiencing their first trip to the ranch, and I'm happy to say that each of them has already book their spot for the same week next year- I've been told that some of them are even coming for a winter trip this holiday season! I'm so happy to welcome all our newest C Lazy U family members, because they really are just the nicest people, and a wonderful addition to the ranch. Welcome, Lodmells, Kauderers, and Rosas! And welcome back to our long time return families- Spencers, Stacys, Kanes and Campbells, we love you all (me most of all, because you don't have young kids that I have to pull around in my cart!).


Until next time!

My Afternoon Off. In Short: AMAZING!

I know, I know, there are others working far harder than this, but let's be honest- I have an appearance to make at Coors Field this Saturday, and I need my beauty sleep. The sun is definitely to blame- it's been nothing but blue skies and warm weather here at the ranch, so a donkey can't help but want to soak some of it up!

But, speaking of which, I'll be at Coors Field all day this Saturday, June 18th, giving rides in my cart, and cheering our Rockies on- if you haven't gotten your ticket yet, and you'll be in the area, you definitely should- if for nothing else, to come see me! We'll be branding baseball to help raise money for the Rockies' charity, too!

Happy June everyone! For those of you that have booked you stay for the summer, I'll see you soon; for those of you that haven't, I've heard that we do still have some availability left- you should give us a call: 970-887-3344.

And We're Off!

"Let's go up!"
Echoes the wrangler's cry in the distance of the warm summer morning.
"Clip" "clop" go the hooves on the dirt ranch driveway-
180 horses snort and whinney as they make their way into the corrals,
Ready for breakfast.


A dart of green here A flash of red there
The hummingbirds have arrived,
Whistling their happy tune as they chase one another,
feeling safe to play
B
E
N
E
A
T
H
A canopy of neon green speckles-
The Aspens have leafed.

"Who's on Shoshone?"
"Hold your reins like ice-cream cones."
"I'm scared!"
"A long time ago a man named Shorty lived on the ranch."
"I said a boom-chick-boom!"
"Hey, wanna come to my cabin during cabin time?"
"Can we lope again?"
"Mud fight!"
"This is awesome!"
"Welcome to the C Lazy U SHODEO!"
"This is my address, let's be pen pals."


The sun peaks down behind the mountain,
Illuminating,
For a moment,
The ranch,
In a pool of gold.


Smoke risING
As kids giggle and roast s'mores
Around the campfire
And watch a cowboy brand their boots.
A souvenir of their stay.

Happy Tails
To our first week of guests.

New Pastures and Homemade Barbecue

The smell of barbecue fills the air as the first Patio House cookout of the year gets underway; compounded with the sunny days and warm temperatures we've had these last few days, and the new pasture the wranglers are jingling to, grass lush and green, ripe for the eating, it is hard not to feel giddy about summer- one more week and our first round of Summer guests will be making their way down our mile long driveway to be greeted by a ranch hand; it's a wonderful tradition really: as they are escorted into the Outfitter's Cabin, the sound of good ol' country music playing melodically in the background, setting the atmosphere for their stay, faces light up at the site of friends from years past, stories are recounted as old friends catch up, and astonished looks spread across the faces of people who never knew that something could be so breathtaking as this.

Having lived here as long as I have, I've seen a lot of hugs and handshakes as old and new families are greeted during this Sunday afternoon ritual here at C Lazy U, but my heart still swells each time I see it- this place, the C Lazy U Ranch, is my home- with so many friends living here with me all year, I can truly say that I am surrounded by family- and yet, I'm still never as full as when our guest arrive for the season- that is when my family is complete.

As twilight falls around my friends and I, I realize that I've neglected my dinner, and so I end tonight with this- friends, old and new, I can't wait to see you- your C Lazy U family awaits you, but, right now, my grass awaits me!

Fencing at Twilight

A cool breeze blows through the Aspen stand and up over the saddle where two cowboys cut and remove winter fence, in preparation for the coming summer months. Twilight has descended in the quiet valley that plays home to our beloved ranch, allowing the boys to fence without breaking a sweat. The smell of snow lingers on the breeze, as patches of white are ever present on the surrounding hillsides- but not here; here, the sage brush is exposed and the mud has begun to dry out, as if knowing that soon it will play host to our herd of 200 horses once again. It is difficult to remember to breath, sitting in the quiet serenity of this scene, knowing we get to call it home.

The cowboys stop for a moment to chuckle and review their work, also sneaking a peak at the Divide, glowing purple,pink and yellow with the setting sun; but a large gust of wind sends the winter fence flapping against its barbed wire base, bring the cowboys focus back onto the task at hand. As the temperature cools, that once gentle breeze begins to grow in strength, setting the Aspen trees into a frenzy of "clacking" as the knock against one another- if the song would have a name, it would simply be called, "The West". There is something in the air on spring nights such as this, a magic, that so often we forget about after growing up; but it's difficult to miss out here, because it is all encompassing; it has the ability to calm the most turbulent spirit, relax the most occupied of minds.

I count myself lucky to get to live and work at the C Lazy U Ranch, as do the boys that are with me; but we are equally fortunate to get to share this place, and all it's magic, all it's awe inspiring wonder, with our guest, old and new, each year.

See you at the ranch!

Monty and Anna!

We are so excited to announce this once in a lifetime opportunity!! Monty Powell and Anna Wilson at C Lazy U Ranch. The two famous singer/songwritters are coming to the ranch July 24th-31st to spend time with YOU! Check out clazyu.com or give us a call for more information. You don't want to miss this!!

Rockies Opener

Rockies Opener was a blast this year. So many people to see and things to do. Got to spend the day in the sun listening to live music and what a game the Rockies played. Too bad they lost. Now it's on to the next adventure...

President's Weekend Skiing

Skiing was a success over President's Day Weekend for the guests at C Lazy U Ranch. Check out the fun they had...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykedK-qFTXs

It's not to late to plan your spring break skiing vacation in Colorado. Lots of snow and sun in Grand County.

Powder Days are Here to Stay!

The snow continues to fall here at C Lazy U where we are having one of the best Winter seasons ever! We are gearing up for an amazing President´s Day weekend in which we plan to continue spending our days skiing in waist deep powder and dueling on the hockey pond.  Word on the Ranch is that this is the best ski season we´ve had since introducing snowcat skiing 2 years ago!!  Katie pony might be a bit nippy, but we´re loving the weather.  Remember, there´s no such thing as bad weather, just bad clothing!

We invite you to bundle up and come experience the best of what Colorado winter has to offer this year.  President´s Day is fast approaching, but there is still plenty of snow to enjoy in March.  Make your spring break plans now, and don´t forget that Kids Ski FREE for spring break (Feb.22 - April 1)!!!

-Private snowcat skiing

-Snowmobiles

-X Country Skiing

-Pond ice Skating/hockey

-Horseback riding

-Tubing/Sledding

A Very Special February

Don't forget about these very special deals we are offering this month!

Valentines Day Ranch Romance

Includes luxury accommodation, gourmet meals plus a special Valentines Day dinner menu, most ranch activities and a Cowboy Soak spa treatment for two!

$295/person/night

2 night minimum

February 11-15, 2011

President's Day Getaway

Includes luxury accommodation, gourmet meal, most ranch activities and one child FREE per paying adult!

$330/person/night

2 night minimum

February 18-21, 2011

Call ASAP to make your reservations and take advantage of the beautiful winter season we're having! 

970-887-3344

Sweet Surprises at the Lazy U Spa

We are proud to announce that the "Lazy You" Spa was named one of the Top 25 Spas in Colorado by Denver Magainze! You can read the great things they had to say about the Lazy U here: http://www.denvermagazine.com/January-2011/25-Best-Spas-in-Colorado/

The Lazy U Spa is one of our more recent additions to the Ranch.  It is located in a circle of sturdy white tents on the banks of the tranquil Willow Creek that winds through the meadow.  It is open year round and offers traditional services like massage, facials and nail care, as well as some unique treatments such as the "Western Wash" soak and the "Bonnie & Clyde" couples massage. You can find more details about the spa on our website: http://www.clazyu.com/LazyUSpa.aspx

We'd like to invite you to visit the Ranch and the Lazy U Spa for a special Valentine's day weekend getaway. Book 2+ nights** from February 11-15, 2011, and receive a complimentary Copper Tub Soak for two as well as a special Valentine's dinner complete with a bottle of sparkling wine! Call the office 970-887-3344 to make your reservations soon!

**$295/person/night

Best Wishes for 2011

As we wrap up another wonderful holiday season at the Ranch we are already looking forward to another great year! Thanks to everyone who joined us for the Christmas and New Years festivities these past few weeks.  I think it’s safe to say that fun and enjoyment were had by all, whether the time was spent working up a sweat on the ski hill or relaxing by the cozy lodge fireplace. Check out some pics on our Facebook Page!

You may have spent some time today pondering what you want to accomplish this year.  Perhaps you are resolving to spend more time with family and loved ones, or adapt a more active lifestyle, or learn a new skill.  At the Ranch, our main goal is to offer you the best of the best, from service to food to friendship, and this year we resolve to continue working towards that goal.  If you were a guest with us this past year, please take a moment to tell us your thoughts, feelings and other feedback about your stay.  Good or bad, we love hearing from you and welcome any information that will help us serve you better in the future. Please send all comments to clazyuranch@gmail.com, or send us a message on Facebook. 

Just a reminder that the Ranch is open year round, and we are already taking reservations for 2011!  We’re happy to announce the return of discounted family weeks as well as not one, but TWO, Julie Goodnight clinics. Also, don’t forget that the fall and spring seasons are perfect times to bring groups (Family reunion? Corporate retreat? Wedding?) and we are happy to accommodate your function’s needs during these times.  Please see below for special dates you should be aware of as you make your 2011 vacation plans.  Feel free to call the office at 970-887-3344 if you have any questions about events, rates and availability.

Upcoming Events in 2011:

May 20-23 Julie Goodnight clinic

June 5-12 Kids stay FREE

July 3-10 Kids 50% off

Aug 14-21 Kids 50% off

Oct 14-17 Julie Goodnight clinic

Nov 24 Thanksgiving

Dec 25 Christmas (Sunday)

December 31 – New Years Eve (Saturday)

Happy Trails!