Sisters in Sisters

Last weekend our CFO, Sharon Dilley attended the Sisters in Sisters event. Black Butte Ranch has been a consistent sponsor of this special event for years. We participate each year by decorating a table with goodies from BBR (see photo above - courtesy of Sharon Dilley). Black Butte Ranch Spa donated many items to go along with this year's theme of "Sweet, Stress-free Me."

During the weekend participants can choose from a plethora of fun workshops such as "Bellydancing for Beginners, "Confidence and Meditation", "Wine Tasting", and "Living in Enthusiasm." Each night there is a "mix-n-mingle" cocktail hour and then a dinner with entertainment, ending on Sunday with a buffet brunch and a closing speaker.

Black Butte Ranch's long-time Senior Day Auditor (who's retiring in December) Virginia West and her daughter Kim had a great time (see photo to left - courtesy of Sharon Dilley).

Next year make plans to grab your mom, sister, niece or friend and plan on joining in the fun (oh and if you need a place to stay just give us a call).

See ya around the Ranch!

Katie

Firefighters Say Thanks

This morning I came across a very touching letter written by the visiting firefighters (some of whom were from Black Butte Ranch Fire Department) to the residents of Ashland and Medford. I have never seen a letter like this come from the firefighters themselves. I am extremely proud of how our firefighters have represented Black Butte Ranch. Way to go guys!

Green Tip of the Day - 5 Creative Ways to Reuse Plastic Bags

I came across this article in Wend Magazine. I love finding information like this. It gives five creative ways to reuse those gross plastic bags you get when you forget your reusable bags at home :(). There is a video that shows how to make a messenger bag, instructions on how to make a beautiful flower for your sweetheart, even a dress! Let's help keep the earth green and make those pesky plastic bags useful.

See Ya around the Ranch!

Katie

Ben Crane visits Black Butte Ranch

Ben Crane recently visited the Ranch with his family and according to his thank you card to director of golf, Jeff Fought, had a great time. He wrote, "What a treat to come spend a week with you guys at the Ranch." Jeff says that Crane (a Portland, Oregon native and alum of U of O), and his family visit the Ranch often and enjoy their anonymity while they are here. Black Butte Ranch is still one of the few places where "celebs" can actually getaway and enjoy some down time without all the fanfare.

Did I mention that autumn golf at the Ranch is spectacular? As the weather gets a little colder that will cause the leaves to really begin turning, so be sure to get in 18 before the snow flies.

Plan a Fall Foliage Trip

(Photos courtesy of Kate Thomas Keown)

There's no need to travel all the way to Vermont to see incredible fall foliage. There are many amazing areas here in Oregon for viewing the beautiful autumnal hues of red, orange and gold. There is even a web-blog called Oregon Fall Foliage where you can get information about the best areas in Oregon for viewing the changing colors. You can also call the Fall Foliage Hotline at 800.547.5445. If you really want to get your fill of fall you need to come to the Ranch. As you drive in along Hawks Beard you'll pass through a grove of Aspens that is absolutely stunning. There is one section of Hawks Beard where you are completely engulfed by aspens on both sides of the road and if you're there during the afternoon you will experience the "glow" from the fluttering, golden leaves. If you're riding along the bike paths at the Ranch you'll most likely go through an area I like to call the "enchanted forest" where the pathway cuts through an aspen grove that is awe-inspiring. The Ranch is surrounded by fall foliage and there are many vistas of the surrounding mountains rife with color.

Autumn is also a great time to get in some hiking. Near the Ranch is the short but steep trail up Black Butte(see blog post dated August 27, 2009), or you can follow the Proxy Falls Loop Trail just off Highway 242 where patches of red and orange vine maple decorate the lava fields along the trail. Also, while staying at the Ranch, another "must do" hike that is particularly great for families, is along the Metolius river (Camp Sherman - Wizard Falls Hike). This is quite special during autumn. Check out our "What's Happening at the Ranch" guide for a complete listing of guided hikes that take off from the Ranch, including the Wizard Falls hike.

Black Butte Trail Open!

Hurray! The trail up to the summit of Black Butte is finally open. It is one of my favorite early morning hikes and I really missed it this summer. If you have never hiked it you're missing a spectacular hike. It's listed as moderate to difficult mostly because you achieve an elevation gain of 1,600 feet in approximately 1.9 miles (that's the trail one way). It is well worth the effort. As you wind your way up the trail you will go through some of the area burned recently by the Black Butte II Fire. At the top you can see two of the Three Sisters, Mt. Washington, Mt. Jefferson and on a incredibly clear day you can even see Mt. Hood! There was a great article in the Bend Bulletin this morning, written by David Jasper called "Keeping a positive altitude". It's a fun read and gives a pretty accurate portrayal of what the hike is like. So If you're looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend, book a room at Black Butte Ranch, have a hearty breakfast and hike up Black Butte.

See ya around the Ranch!
Katie

Pigeon Seeks Black Butte Ranch Lodging

Boy, I tell you, everybody and their pigeon wants to come to Black Butte Ranch. Here's a story that will amaze you. About a week or so ago, Jack Rosicky (Country House Condos) noticed a pigeon wandering around. When he gets a closer look he realizes it has a band around its leg. He is prompted to call Bob Davis of Ranch maintenance and Bob (who experienced a similar event several years ago with a Red Tailed hawk- see picture at right) suggested it may be a "racing" pigeon. He then advised Jack to go to a website for racing pigeons and input the coding from the band to locate the owner (unfortunately we don't have pictures of Jack chasing the bird so he can read the coding on the band).

Before doing that Jack could tell the wayward bird was exhausted and he provided water and then went into town and got wild bird feed to make his guest as comfortable as possible while he searched for the owner. Thanks to Jack's diligence he was able to locate the owner and contact them. Unfortunately the owner wasn't able to come right away because he had some health issues he was dealing with. So, Jack built a makeshift cage for his boarder while they waited for his owner to come. Well, I guess Jack did a heck of a job making this little bird comfy because he stuck around for six days, until Jack was finally able to get him to another "birder" who offered to care for the bird while his owner was recuperating. Thanks Jack for providing an excellent Black Butte Ranch experience for our feathered friend!

Cheers!
Katie