Howdy Y’all!
It’s been a great week at the ranch, and we are thrilled to have OFL High Desert here. As I’m writing this, the students are getting community service hours for helping clean our ranch, take care of our animals, cook food for dinner, and riding horses. As of today, all of the students have successfully ridden a horse. They love spending time at the barn with our animals.
We’ve also tried to spend as much time outdoors as possible. Over the weekend, we went on three hikes. Students got the opportunity to take some time to sit quietly in nature and reflect on their time here. They also got the chance to learn about the local flora and fauna of Rocky Mountain National Park from a real park Ranger. The students really enjoyed experiencing all that the great outdoors has to offer them. Best of all, we had our first snow of the season on Sunday night! We immediately stopped what we were doing to stand out on the deck to watch the snow fall. It was magical.
The students are having a great time. We’re working on academics, eating good food, and getting out of our comfort zone! Tonight we are hosting a poetry slam, and the students are so excited to share their own poems. I’m sure it will be a great night!

Barn cat Cali taking a little break

Students with Baby Goat

Stopping to look at the yellow aspens. So beautiful this time of year.

Making yummy pizza

First snow of the season!