Solstice Ranch

© 2001 Shawn Vidmar

Howdy all!

Well on what was the worst hail storm in Beulah Valley history, I was taking a look at some land just outside the valley, June 20, 2001.

I was ecstatic to be considering a 36 acre piece of land that shared two boarders with the San Isabel National Forest, one with the Hansen Ranch and the final is defined by about 1 mile of dirt road. It had been hand-picked by one of the two founders of Red Creek Ranches and as they were having a falling out, I benefited. Primarily because the seller didn't want to split any profits made from the sale of that piece, and therefore sold it for what he bought it. Translation, less desirable pieces surrounding lot 11 were going for more money with less beauty.

What I really liked about it was that it offered a little bit of everything I love about the mountains. There is a rockband that runs diagonally through the center of the piece. there is a high plains meadow offering spectacular views as far north as Pike's Peak and as far south as the Pueblo Power Plant. There are many different kinds of trees, grasses, flowers and shrubs.

I took the dogs up early on June 21 to get their opinion. After scaring the bejeezus out of some wild turkeys and chasing some free range cattle, they gave me two very enthusiastic tail wags, and I signed the paperwork.

Because my offer was accepted on the Summer Solstice, I've named it Solstice Ranch. The dogs and I go up every other week or so to get away from Pueblo. They run and bounce about like puppies. My Christmas card picture is from a recent visit.

I love dreaming about the house I'm going to build there. I keep a notebook of ideas for the house. I hope to have enough money saved to establish a water well next summer and break ground on my house the following summer (2003).