The Wednesday Morning Ride
One of the highlights of each annual gathering is the day all the members and guests who so desire, mount up and ride together into the beauty surrounding the camp. Wherever it is held, the ride is always a special time.
Good horses are plentiful and ready and the cowboys are always ready and rarin’ to go. This year was no exception. Nearly 30 riders mounted up and headed up the mountain to the northeast of the headquarters. Others would take jeeps and pickups to the spot where all would join up for lunch.
The group rode out through the main entrance and passed the small herd of longhorns that occupy the front gate pasture. The ride took the group up through some scenic mountain terrain to an old group of cabins called the “Dude”, because of its history as a mountain retreat or dude ranch back in the 20’s and 30’s. The catering crew had built the fires and had the lunch well underway when the riders arrived.
The ride after lunch took the group down a different route with equally spectacular scenery, and now with the valley below them the riders could take in the full panorama of the Medicine Bow valley that is home to the Diamond Tail and only a handful of other outfits.
Late in the afternoon, we rode past the buffalo herd. It is important to note that we rode past the herd, not through the herd. Buffalo don’t accommodate intruders too easily and as ranch manager Scott Butcher explained, there are only a few very seasoned mounts on the ranch that have the experience and training necessary to be able to ride in with the buffalo. Never the less, it was a sight to behold.
Back at the headquarters it was time for some rest and refreshments prior to dinner.
|  |
 |
|
|
|
|
The Host with the Most
Host Ray Duncan greets CAA members and guests at the Wednesday evening dinner and tells the story of the 24 liter Nebekanezzar of Silver Oak Cabernet, bottled in 1992. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Autograph Party
Members and guest line up to apply autographs and personal note to the hosts on the celebrated bottle of Silver Oak Cabernet. All at the dinner on Wednesday evening enjoyed the Nebekanezzar, one of three bottled in 1992. CAA members include Herb Mignery, far left, John Moyers and Joe Beeler nearest the bottle, and Fred Fellows just behind Joe. Jody Beeler stands at the far right. |
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
The Young and the “Seasoned”
CAA Director Fred Fellows partners with the youngest roper, 8 year old Kane Butcher, son of ranch manager Scott Butcher, in the team roping. They made a heck of team and made a great run on this steer. Kane later said if Fred keeps on practicing, he might keep him around as a full time partner. |
|
|
|
|
|
Annual Trail Ride / 2004 Ride 
