Whenever Paul (as current president of the ranch owner’s association) has to conduct a Carrizo Ranch owner’s meeting up north, he likes to take a few kids with him to have some fresh, high desert fun.
This last time, only the youngest three were amenable to braving the high country winter – Lyss, Ellie and Ruben. They took off after school on the Thursday before the long weekend, which meant arriving well after dark to a frigid cabin and stone-cold wood stove. Despite cranking up the fire and keeping it going all night, by Friday morning the outdoor temperature was -2°F, while indoors it was a shivering 50°F! Nonetheless, they bounded from their sleeping bags with the exuberance of youth. After a short frolic around the cabin, investigating the snow-filled fire pit and throwing a few snowballs, they climbed into the truck – with Lyss and Ruben choosing to sit in the back – to drive into town for some supplies. By that time the temps had climbed to 15°F, but when you’re riding outside, that windchill gets even colder. Still, they made it about 7-8 miles before they made Dad stop and let them inside the cab.
After picking up supplies, they took a drive out to Lyman Lake, where they hiked up to the top of the hill, made some snow angels, and got to step out on top of the ice at the edge of the lake.
Back at the ranch later, they took a little hike to Purcell’s Well, to which they have hiked many times, but never in the snow. Making snow angels in the wash is a whole ‘nother thing than the usual sand-angels!
After the ranch meeting adjourned on Saturday, Dad decided it was just going to be too cold at night to stay, so he decided to take the kids home via the Petrified Forest. Always a fun place to visit, including the familiar sights around the visitor center, Blue Mesa, the Painted Desert, and The Old Car. Our desert babies had a blast playing in the snow up north!
I’m grateful, since for now I am unable to go along on these adventures with my camera, whenever Paul gets a stack of great pics on his phone for me to edit and post up here!
Enjoy!
