Monthly archive for September 2010

We welcomed guests from Buhl, Idaho on Saturday as they traveled to Yellowstone Park.  They were thrilled to be able to stay in the same cabin as they had 15 years ago on their first trip to the Park.  The son, daughter and their mom had a glorious time and will stay with us again when they are in our neck of the woods.   Earlier this summer, we had a couple stop in as they retraced their honeymoon trip in 1956.   They shared a picture of her as the young bride standing in front of one of the cabins when they had wooden shutters with stars on them.  It is hard to describe the wonder at still being  here to welcome visitors to this beautiful country.

The Rankin farm tree has turned a brilliant gold against a perfect blue sky.  It is always the first tree to turn.  We wonder at the mystery of this tree’s timing.  The grain has been harvested and the fields plowed under.  The sunsets are gentle, slow and linger as we finish dinner with a cup of coffee.

Early fall mornings are golden as maple syrup sunshine flows slowly over our front lawns, trees and flower beds.  We welcomed a few guests over the weekend and admired the new roofs going up on the office, cabins and showerhouse.  The heritage flower garden needed my attention so I gathered my tools and headed off.  I wanted the old remaining farm equipment from the pond for a flower bed.  Large chunks of lava rocks from that same area worked nicely to form the edge to the bed.  Once equipment and rocks were placed, I shaped the ground around the pieces of rusty equipment and planted daisies, hens and chicks, sunflowers and black-eyed susans.  This second year the perennials were beautiful and I added a few more.  Weeding is a constant demand though.  To my quick observation thistles had dared to invade my oasis!  My anger was quick and that of my grandfather.  Growing up, D.K. took my brother, sister and I  to mend fences on the farm.  I can still feel the hot, searing sun, smell the sweat that soaked his hatband, and hear his rants at finding the tall thistles crowding his crops along the fence.  They were our enemy and we were to never forget this!  Of course, I have not forgotten and I attacked them, careful to pull them out, roots and and all.

The Secret is out!  Robert and I were talking this morning and agreed that the fall is not a quieter time of the year to enjoy Yellowstone Park the way it used to be.  We have had our No Vacancy sign on for most of last week with the overflow from the Park.  We’ve welcomed many international guests and local travellers to the area wanting to explore the beauty of our area.  Robert has directed many of them to the Mesa Falls loop as they journey north.  Also Bechler Meadows has been a very popular hiking area this summer.

Construction continues on the property!  We upgraded the electrical wiring in the cabins, and replaced the doors (original 1924!) on them.  We’re getting ready for new roofs on a few of the buildings this week!  And my flower beds are beautiful and thriving thanks to H.G. Lumber and their fertilizer advice!

Nights are getting cooler and a few leaves are turning.  I am finishing a few craft projects for the cabins and looking at what work we need to get done before we close up next month.  As always, lots to do!