STGR Blog

While it is nice that we don’t often have clouds, sometimes they make for great sunsets like the one we had tonight.

It has also cooled down a lot the last day or so and is only in the upper 70’s right now which is great!

About 2 years ago we had a group of ladies stay with us that were all breast cancer survivors. They wore pink the entire trip - everything was pink from socks and shoes to shirts to bandanna’s and hats. Ever since then we have created a tradition of all wearing pink shirts on Wednesday nights for dinner. If you care to join us please bring along your pink shirt!

We have so many returning guests this week that we got a large group of people wearing pink and Henry S. (5x returning guests) was nice enough to take a picture of everyone.

Well, we finally had a day off on Saturday and took advantage and went golfing at our favorite local course in Parker, Arizona - Emerald Canyon Golf Club. As of May 1st it is only $20 after 1pm for unlimited golf with a cart. It is probably the best golf deal in the entire world! as you will not find a better course for $20. If it was located anywhere near a major city it would easily be over $100 as it is just that spectacular and scenic. Trey and I ended up in a tie with 89’s and Randy and Dan are better off keeping their scores a secret!

Here are a few pics so you can see just how scenic it is. If you are interested in playing while you are in the area the only bad thing is that it is about 1.5 hours one way from the ranch.

Here are some cute little pic’s of Lilah and Ozzie snuggling together in the office today. It’s hard to believe a cat and dog can get a long so well!

Here is a new picture I took tonight of the Beavertail Cactus blooming while the sun was setting. I set up directly behind the dining room and I later realized that our new Stagecoach is hidden behind the tree so I guess I will be taking a new one soon.

Ok, I was able to take another one tonight with the Stagecoach in the frame. As you can see their is a great sunset just about

every night here at the ranch!

I took these two pictures today after we were done cleaning room #12. The first is of the new decorations and bedding we just purchased and the second is of the porch area and mountains in the distance. You’ll also notice a new swing on the left side of the picture to enjoy the mountain views throughout the day or stars at night - there are 3 new swings like this scattered around the ranch.

(I used my new wide-angle Sigma 10-20 lens again for both of these)

Just a quick note to say a heartfelt “Thank You” to all of you for making our first vacation a memorable one. We had a spectacular time, and we will be back again. Everything was perfect.

Thank you Craig , Scott, and Trey for your poems, treasure hunts, and humor. You put a smile on our faces and that’s priceless. Codi, Tanner, and I came to say bye but were saddened that we had mistimed it. Take care of yourselves as we would love to see you all again.

Carrie, attached are photos that Codi took of the elusive Desert Tortoise that Craig said you have been looking for.

Hugs to you for your contagious laughter and thank you again for everything.

Linda, Codi, & Tanner

I wanted to share some of these silhouette shots I took during a horseshoe tournament we had. While the sun was setting I took advantage of the sunset lighting and set my camera on the fastest speed which makes everything dark except the sky - the result is some pretty cool images.

I just purchased a new wide angle lens (Sigma 10-20mm) that allowed me to take a much wider shot of the Hualapai Dining Room and I wanted to share it with everyone. I also used some HDR so you can still partially see the mountain views and courtyard out the windows. I will also be posting many additional pictures I randomly take in the future here in the blog.

Update on March 26, 2008: I also took the same shot at sunrise so this is what it will look like when you come and get your coffee in the morning…

Thanks to Chris and Sue from England for creating a “Human Ring Trick” on some of the staff and other guests. We have many of the “ring games” in the Lodge in which you attempt to get the ring of a complicated puzzle. Well, Chris had his own ring trick in which we each had a rope around our hands and we had to seperate ourselves without detaching the ropes. It proved to be possible in the end, but much more fun and entertainment while trying!