Cattle on the Mesa

By the middle of May, we will have received our yearling cattle from their winter pasture in California. Currently, we have about 1500 head of spayed heifers on pasture in central California. Before trucking them here we will sort and sell off the heavier end.

In the springtime when the cattle arrive from California they get “worked”, which means they are: vaccinated, fly tagged, wormed, some are branded and various other procedures tailored to the individual needs of each animal.

After the cattle arrive and are worked, they are trailed from the corrals to the mesa. This process is repeated several times as the receiving and working of cattle occurs over several days.

During the week of May 26^th, we will begin trailing cattle to the forest pastures. This is a time that often appeals to many of our guests for various reasons. We are gathering and moving 1300 head of cattle in several groups and must use the horse effectively to get the job done and work together with the other riders. The additional challenge comes with moving yearlings (young untrained cattle) through gates, across water to a trail where they have never been and pretty sure they do not want to go! Every year is different because the cattle are never the same.

Gathering To Change Pastures

Once we complete this transition from the mesa to the forest, and it usually takes 2-3 days, we begin moving the cattle every 5 to 10 days to new pastures. This continues throughout the season.

If you want to join us for the first spring roundup, call to get details. If you prefer another time we encourage you to call and we can give you more specific details about what will be happening then.

With Karen Gordon Schulman

June 30th to July 6th, 2013

IN the least it is ironic that this workshop is being offered by Focus Adventures at Focus Ranch. Karen Gordon Schulman, photographic artist, writer and teacher is the owner of Focus Adventures, a nationally recognized photo tour and workshop business based in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Focus Adventures offers regional photo workshops as well as international photo tours. Karen often wondered about Focus Ranch as she occasionally redirected phone calls over the years. In 2006, Karen was introduced to us (Maureen and Terry Reidy) and the ranch. She offered her first “Fall in Focus” Photography Workshop in September, 2006 and it was a hit. It didn’t take long to realize that Focus Ranch provided the perfect setting for another of Karen’s quality Focus Adventures programs and we began planning for her return before she drove away.  Things don’t always work out the way we plan and there had to be several postponements in scheduling Karen’s return but in 2012, we had our second photography “hit”.  We are looking forward to once again being featured as one of Focus Adventures’ offerings in 2013.

“…as Karen’s assistant, she and I have led workshops together in four countries and many different locations but this was outstanding! Your ranch is beautiful…staff are warm and wonderful and the food and lodging are top-notch.”
J. Potekhen, Silverthorne, CO

Focus Ranch In June: Seasonal changes begin early at the 7000 ft. elevation. Daytime temperatures have moderated but mornings and evenings continue to be cool. Landscapes are lush green and punctuated with the flowers of late spring and early summer- lupine, Indian Paint Brush, wild geraniums, Phlox, – to name a few. The Little Snake River rapidly flows, breaking the stillness of the ranch.

Wildlife and livestock are adjusting to the seasonal changes, offering opportunities for scenic horseback riding and hiking. Birds are abundant and so once again, we will see our feathered friends from the south. All in all, it is a great time to be at Focus, participating in the workshop and experiencing ranch life.
A typical day at the ranch usually starts with a hearty breakfast-forewarned by the wake- up bell but instead, coffee/tea, juice and a light snack will get you going so as not to miss out on the early morning light. A full breakfast will be served upon your return. Ranch activities, which include riding, fishing, hiking, sightseeing, relaxing will be coordinated with the photography events and interests of the participants. The schedule of the day is determined by photo opportunities, quality of light, instruction and ranch experiences. Meal times for lunch and dinner will be somewhat flexible and adjusted when necessary. After dinner activities will vary. This may be a time for discussion, reviewing work or time to just enjoy each other’s company and the ranch. Karen and the group will make this call! Our goal during the time you are here is to weave a ranch experience into your creative journey.

Insights Into Digital Photography With Personal Vision

What You Learn: During this workshop, Karen covers both the technical and aesthetic sides of digital photography and will guide you in developing and expanding your own unique photographic vision. During field exercises, Karen will provide opportunities to broaden your creative spirit and challenge you to try new techniques with your camera.

Who Should Attend: Karen works with all skill levels, from more casual to advanced photographers hoping to expand their vision. Participants need to be comfortable with the basic operation of their digital cameras and at the minimum have an understanding of the relationship between ISO, aperture and shutter speed, as you will be working mostly on expanding personal vision. Digital cameras and a laptop computer with editing software (that you are familiar with)are REQUIRED for this workshop. If you are interested but unsure if this program is for you, please contact Karen. (contact information below)

“I am of course, learning more and more about my camera but, on top of just learning about the mechanics of the camera I am enjoying learning to see the “art” that I can do with my camera.”
Diane, Lake Oswego, OR

More about Karen, A sensitive, professional photographer and educator, Karen Schulman believes that participating in a photo workshop or tour is about more than making great photographs. It’s a journey of self-discovery. Karen’s photography appears in numerous publications as well as private and corporate art collections. Karen is a member of the American Society of Media Photographers, The Texas Photographic Society, the North American Nature Photography Association and the Steamboat Springs Arts Council. She is a 5-year breast cancer survivor.

Focus Adventures: established in 1985, is a privately owned company located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado. Owner Karen Schulman has been an educator since 1968 and a photographic artist for 30 years. The company originated in Los Angeles, California, and relocated to Steamboat Springs in 1991. Focus Adventures has been recognized in numerous publications as a leader in the field of photographic instruction.

Details:

Cost: $2,350 per person (tax and tip included)
The cost is all inclusive: private room, food, workshop and ranch activities. 

Early Registration Discount: $100 if reservation is made before April 1st 

Arrival is Sunday afternoon and departure is Saturday after breakfast.
Maximum number of participants: 10
Traveling companions not enrolled in the workshop will be charged the regular guest rate: 6 nights/dbl. occupancy, tax & tip incl…$1834

Transportation: There will be a $50 per trip charge for transportation to and from Steamboat Springs airport or town.
Deposit: $ 500.00 per person to confirm reservation. Cancellation 60 days prior to the workshop will allow for a full refund minus $50.00 for administrative costs. Cancellation after that time may result in forfeiture of the deposit unless we can fill the space.

For additional Ranch information, contact : Maureen or Terry Reidy: Phone: 970-583-2410 or roundup@focusranch.com

For additional  workshop information , please visit: www.focusadventures.com.
Karen Schulman can be reached:  karen@focusadventures.com or by phone at 970-879-2244

Week of June 23rd – 30th, 2013

(Regular weekly rates apply and all ranch activities available)

Cliff will be again offering his fly fishing clinic in 2013. Whether you are new to fly fishing or just needing some tips, this clinic is designed to teach the fundamentals of fly fishing while providing practical experience. It is geared for those who want a thorough introduction to the sport. Topics to be covered include: fly casting techniques; gear; knot tying; trout behavior; water entomology and flies; river anatomy; fishing strategies, catch and release and trout fishing techniques.

Skilled Fishers Welcomed: Cliff will be available to guide and advise.

• Half Day Classes with the other half of the day for fishing or other ranch activities
• Classes limited to 6 people
• 5 half days of instruction
• 5 half days of fishing at Focus Ranch in the Little Snake River
• (1 full day trip to nearby waters if that fits)

Half Day Class Schedule:

• Day1 – Fly Casting Techniques
• Day2 – More on Casting, Gear, and Knots
• Day3 – Trout Behavior, Water Entomology and Flys
• Day4 – River Anatomy and Fishing Strategies
• Day5 – Trout Fishing Techniques

The flow of the scheduled programs will depend somewhat on participant’s knowledge and skill level —- as well as the local hatches, best fishing time of the day and everyone’s self-control. Practicing can only be done so much, and then you just have to go fishing. It’s a great excuse to drop out of any class!

Where and when we fish will be weather and water dependent.
Participants will be emailed a list of equipment that they need to bring to the ranch including rod, reel, waders, flies and other gear.

Cliff Watts began fly fishing as a teenager in north Georgia and now in his 60’s, continues with the sport in Colorado and Wyoming. Trips to Russia, Argentina, Brazil and Bolivia have added to his resume along with his yearly outings to British Columbia. He has been coming to Focus Ranch for over 35 years and in that time, we have watched him successfully teach kids and adults the sport of fly fishing.