Spring has Sprung!

We all love this time of the year when all the buds start peaking through the ground and sprouting on the trees. But most of all we love the new life in the wild. We seem to have a resident pair of Great Horned Owls who roost each year on the Ranch in a tall tree near the river. These owls are territorial and will come back to the same place for as long as 8 years. She has now hatched her baby, and is naturally very protective. When we sneak up to the tree to take a look, her piercing eyes look right through you. Soon the baby will venture out to the nearest limb, trying that out for a few weeks, and then eventually spread his wingsÖ..and another cycle of life will begin.

This time of year itís always amazing and surprising to come upon baby fawns nesting in the grasses. Often the deer have twins, and of course thatís ìdoublyî thrilling. Fish are jumping, new baby foals are dancing around their moms, and summer is on her way. Make a point to come out to see the Ranch this summer if youíve not yet had the opportunity. You too can leave the fast lane for a while, and glean a little part of the miraculous natural world that surrounds the Ranch.

We are pleased to welcome Judy Doerr to our GRR Sales Team. Judy has worked in real estate since 1987 in the commercial and residential arenas, and is now turning her attention to selling land here at the Ranch. She completed a BS degree in psychology from the University of South Dakota and has lived back east and in the Caribbean. Now, however, she’s happy to call Montana “home.” Judy lives with her husband, Brian, who is an architect with a local firm. “What’s not to love about Montana?” says Judy. Any of you who have not stopped by the office to say “hello” and welcome Judy to the Ranch, please do so!

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The Equestrian Center was a ìhappnígî place on St. Patrickís Day. We'd like to thank all of those who attended the St. Paddyís evening to eat, drink, socialize and, more importantly, to brainstorm future events and activities everyone would like to see happening this spring and summer.

As a result of the St. Paddyís brainstorming session, the following events have been scheduled:

• June 19th—A dinner potluck at the Sunset Site. Bring your own coat hangers and símore building materials.
• June 12 & 17—Two off-ranch trail rides. (Hikers are welcome to join in these two rides—also please let the EC know ASAP if you will be attending either or both of these rides, and whether you need a trailer for your horse.)
• June 12 - Meet at the Gallatin Canyon Trailhead
• June 17 - Caravan to Yellowstone National Park.
• July 23rd—Friday Evening Poker Ride here on the Ranch. We will need stations to stop by for the cards if non-riding homeowners would like to volunteer their assistance.
• Aug. 7th—Potluck Breakfast at the River Picnic Area ñ August 7th. Everyone on the Ranch is invited! You may meet at the EC and ride down with the group, or drive your car down and meet us there.

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Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park (not far from the Ranch) will be celebrating her 100th anniversary this summer. The big double doors first swung open to receive guests on June 1, 1904. The Northern Pacific Railroad and its former subsidiary the Yellowstone Park Association financed construction of the Inn at a cost of approximately $140,000 with an additional $25,000 for furnishings. She is one of the few remaining log hotels in the United States today.

Folks would come in from dusty stagecoaches, and be pampered as if they were at a grand hotel back East. Old Faithful Geyser was as much of a curiosity then as today. The manager would think nothing of interrupting dinner, church services, or any other gathering to herd guests outside to watch the spectacular eruptions. Old Faithful Inn has survived earthquakes, fire, extreme winter conditions, and millions of visitors. Folks come to Yellowstone today for the same reason our forebearers came in yesteryear ñ to experience the parkís wildness, its wildlife, and its wonders. This spring and summer should be accompanied by some special Centennial celebrations. Come on out and enjoy this treasure, and stop by Gallatin River Ranch while youíre here!

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Mark your calendars for our Homeowners Meeting, Barndance and BBQ — Aug. 13, 14 & 15

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Ken Vidar	Project Manager	.....284-3400
Mary Ellen Vidar	Ranch Sales/Marketing	.....284-3400
Michael Libster	Ranch Sales	.....284-3400
Judy Doerr	Ranch Sales	.....284-3400
Suzanne Cross	Office Manager	.....284-3400
Scott Tracy	Assistant Project Manager	.....284-3400
Jeff Gates	Ranch Security/Manager	.....580-5144
Marlin Sprow	Ranch Operations Manager	.....284-3200
Brandie Elfland	EQ Manager	.....284-3782
Joe Vasarella	GRR Fire Chief	.....284-4380

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