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!
Spring Has Sprung
Spring sprang at the Rankin Motel and we are now open for another wonderful summer. Look at your calendars and put us on the map. You won’t want to miss the streams and fish not to mention the scenic views and cool air. We look forward to seeing you this summer. Send us an email, we’d love to hear from you!
Rankin Motel Room
A little make over always brightens a room. We’ve added some new color to the rooms along with new mattresses. The coffee pot is ready and the summer air is inviting. Hard to believe it is June already. The fishermen have arrived so the rivers must be ready for them. Watch out for that snow run off though, the water could be swift. We hope to see you soon!
Idaho Field
The sheets are being aired and ironed as the Rankin Motel prepares for another wonderful summer season ahead. We welcome all of you future travelers and look forward in anticipation to fish stories and maybe even a few moose sightings. The days will be getting longer as the sun shines across the beautiful Idaho landscape. Give us a call, we’ll be ready with the coffee on.
The days have gotten shorter now and the spuds are harvested. A soft layer of white has dusted the landscape. The Grand Tetons pictured above await the winter crowds to its ski trails and majesty. The Rankin Motel closes for yet another season of hospitality. We rest for a brief time yet stay plenty busy preparing for another summer of fishing, berry picking, and coffee on the lawn. God’s peace to all you travelers and we’ll look forward to seeing you again soon!
Started in 1997 the annual Mesa Falls Marathon draws many a crowd over this upcoming weekend. The race starts at Upper Mesa Falls and tapers down the mountain through Targhee National Forest and eventually into Ashton, Idaho. A route I am familiar with, the mountain unfolds into the rolling hills of farm land with the Grand Tetons accompanying each runner. The wind in the trees will cheer the runners forward. I hope everyone gets a chance to be there. I still am in heart and mind.The Rankin Motel welcomes everyone to the falls!
The Idaho landscape is rich with color and culture. Growing up in this area one gathers a great appreciation for the sky, land, and vistas. From the wind we hear the seasons pass. It is never too late to enjoy the crisp reminders of fall which will all too soon be upon us. We hope you visit and enjoy this country. The rolling hills beckon and invite you to experience.
Rankin Motel Cabin
Wherever you stay tonight, we hope your room has character! Comfort and ease are key to any lodging. These Auto Court cabins have seen many guests throughout their life time. One summer a family arrived too late in the evening to find ice cream in town. Not to be disappointed, Mr. Grover, Manager, delivered cones fresh from his freezer. Children, ice cream, and vacation, good memories.
Fishing is always a sport. When these girls captured their prizes late one evening, the best way to get a picture was the following morning. Someone failed to take them out of the freezer until photo op. You might note that the fish are not standing on their heads but they are quite stiff. Tell us your fish story! Or come see us and live one!
Fish Prize
