Three Peaks Ranch Re-rations ROC 7-26!

While NOLS Three Peaks Ranch is located in the small town of Boulder, WY (population 75) it is by no means a small operation. In addition to being home to all of the school’s horsepacking courses and housing over 70 horses, the ranch also resupplies many of the Rocky Mountain (RM) courses on horseback. July is an exceptionally busy month at the ranch. They have done 33 re-rations this July! Two lucky summer RM employees, Antonella Cavallo and Sarah Reid, were able to get a day out of the office in Lander to see what goes on during a ranch re-ration of a rock climbing course (ROC 7-26).

Mornings are early and efficient at the ranch. The day started at 5 a.m. Rachel, the ranch cook, had scrambled eggs and sausage ready for us to eat. By 5:45, the staff was busy at the corral catching horses – five staff horses and six horses for the ROC re-rations. By six, we were on the road and headed to New Fork Park.

Once we arrived at the trailhead, Three Peaks staff PeeBee, Bill, and Narren were awesome at explaining the process of dressing the horses to the two newbies. The pack horses each carry about 100 pounds. Each re-ration box is no more than 25 pounds, and usually the horses carry four boxes. After getting all of the horses fitted with their saddles and gear, we were off on our three hour ride to rendezvous with the ROC course. Words fail to describe how gorgeous the ride was through New Fork Park, but picture sparkling lakes, green meadows, steep cliffs, rushing rivers, and aspen forests.

ROC 7-26 was eager and ready for their re-ration when we met up with them. The students were very excited to get more spices and their climbing gear. Course instructor’s Cody Paulson, Amy Digiovanni, and Andy Spilecki were great at guiding their students through the re-rationing process.  In less than an hour we were back on the trail and made it in time to the Sugar Shack in Pinedale for milkshakes on the way back to the ranch. This was a momentous occasion for Antonella – it was her first milkshake. All in all, it was an amazing experience. Three Peaks Ranch – you rock!!

Antonella points to her horse Tex.

ROC students and instructors sort through their re-ration boxes.

Bill and Narren help each other repack the horses.