Greetings!
Spring is springing! Up here atop the Edwards Plateau we're warm and dry and are in desperate need of rain. The good news is we're one day closer to that next rain than we were yesterday. I guess that mentality has helped generations of farmers and ranchers get through dry times. The other good news is that even though the grass isn't greening up yet (lack of rain), signs of spring are everywhere.
The buzzards have been back for a while now. A friend stopped by the office a few days ago and reported he saw a Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. And the mesquite trees (they seem to do fine with or without rain) are putting on their green summer cover.
Whatever your spring plans, get outside and enjoy!
|
|
Improvements all around
Recently, we completed energy efficiency upgrades to the Round House as part of a program through the Natural Resources Conservation Service. In all, an outdated heating and a/c unit and electric water heater were replaced, spray foam insulation and a new ceiling were added and new drapes were hung in the big windows. The new drapes are double thickness providing a better insulating factor as well as darkening the house for those who want to try to sleep in a bit. This is particularly good news for our astronomer friends who may not get to bed until the wee hours and need some extra rest.
My favorite part of this upgrade is the smell! You may think that is strange, but the new ceiling that was installed is made of rough cedar planks which match all of the other interior wood work. What that has done is brought back the cedar smell that I so fondly remember that house always smelling like as a kid when the house was new.
In addition to that project, we are in the process of replacing all exterior siding and adding sitting areas around all cabins at the Live Oak Lodge. Interior improvements in the cabins include: additional shelf space and bigger mirrors in the bathrooms, new beds and/or mattresses in a couple of cabins as well as other small upgrades through out.
|
|
In the News...
We are so excited and grateful for the recent run of articles that have either featured the X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat or has included us as a major portion of a broader story. In the last newsletter we mentioned two stories that ran in 2010- a feature in the May Texas Wildlife magazine, and then another feature in the October Texas Highways. A Ranchland Retreat is in the March issue of The Cattleman. And see us in the current (April) issue of Texas Parks & Wildlife, in Natural Attraction. We are grateful to all of these publications, the wonderful authors of each story and for the honor of being included.
|
Rent-the-Ranch
There is no better place to call your own. Gather the family and friends and book your exclusive use get away to the X Bar Ranch. Whether you arrive on motorcycles or in cars, with mountain bikes or telescopes in tow it doesn't matter. You can "own" it as long as the fun lasts, then simply leave when the hard work (clean up) begins.
So far this year we are hosting the following types of groups: birding, family reunions, weddings, hunting, astronomers, church, scrapbookers, birthday & retirement celebrations and engagement parties. It is never too early to book your preferred dates. Let us help you make memories that will last a lifetime! More Info
|
|
| | Scissor-tailed Flycatcher |
This & That
Here is a quick run down of recent or upcoming events, activities or things to simply keep in mind:
- March 22-24 - Stan delivers key note address to the Governor's Agri/Eco-Tourism Conference in Kearney, Nebraska
- Except for a few weeks in April, the trails are open for hiking and mountain biking. As always, advance notice or reservations are required.
- Spring Turkey Hunts - April 13-17; April 27 - May 1;Open date for small group: May 5-11
- May 4 - X Bar hosts Natural Resource Conservation field day for 5th graders.
- May 6 - X Bar hosts Austin birding group.
- New moon weekends are available for astronomers and imagers. Eldorado Star Party dates set for October 24-30, 2011.
- The pool will open in mid to late May.
|
|
|
"Science has never drummed up quite as effective a tranquilizing agent as a sunny spring day." ~W. Earl Hall
The next time you need some calm from a hectic life, go outside, and better yet, take a kid with you. You'll both be rewarded.
Sincerely, Stan Meador
X Bar Ranch Nature Retreat |
|
|
|
