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SPRING
Spring comes slowly to our mountain valley. April arrives with
snow still on the ground, usually in patches beneath the trees and in
shady spots, and an occasional snowstorm. Late in the month, the
meadows begin to turn green with new grass. The sandhill
cranes return to nest; their warbling call is a sure sign that winter
is over.
By mid-May, we bring our cattle back from winter pasture
in California and our ranching operation hits full stride. There is
plenty of work in the corrals and on horseback as we get the cows and
calves sorted, worked, doctored and out on pasture for the season
ahead.
May 1 – May 20, 2018
Cows return home from California pasture
May 13, 2018 - Mother's Day
Our restaurant serves dinner beginning at 1:00 p.m. Call early for
reservations
May 5
– May 20, 2018
Weaned yearling
calves return home from California pasture
SUMMER
Summer arrives with a profusion of wildflowers and a burst of good
fishing. The resident wildlife population swells to include bald
eagles, deer, elk, and small critters and birds too numerous to
mention; coyotes serenade almost nightly.
Cow work is now the focus of every day. Early in the
season, some of the cattle are pushed to our upper range; the rest
are scattered among the meadows of the ranch. Calving season
(Mid-July to September) is a period of intense cattle work and
horseback riding.
Summer also brings a chance to play. If you come to
visit, keep an eye on the roping arena. It is often the site of an
impromptu team roping or barrel racing practice; maybe you can even
pick up some pointers!
June 1
– June 10, 2018
Turn out cows to Forest Service grazing allotment
July 15, 2018
Calving season begins mid-month and continues through September
FALL
Fall has been referred to as the "secret season" in
central Oregon. Pleasant days and cool nights offer leisurely hours
for hiking, fishing, and relaxing. Fall colors, as the aspen trees
turn, can be spectacular.
September begins with a whirl of activity as the town of
Lakeview hosts the Annual Lake County Fair and Round-up. There is
always some great rodeo action (you might even know some of the
participants) along with lots of small town fun.
Of course, the ranch work goes on. Yearlings are
shipped, calving continues, and cattle are gathered from the forest
range. In mid-October, the final gather begins as we prepare to ship
the entire herd to winter pasture in California.
September 1
– September 15, 2018
Yearling calves are shipped
Labor Day Weekend, 2018
Lake County Fair and Round-up
October, 2018
Cattle are sorted and worked in preparation for move to California
pasture
November 1 – November 15, 2018
Cow herd shipped to California
November 22, 2018 - Thanksgiving Day
Always a special day in our restaurant. We are grateful to those who
have made it a tradition, year after year. Call for dinner
information and reservations.
WINTER
As the winter snow sets in, we are relieved that our cattle are
enjoying green pasture in California. This is the season for family
gatherings, holiday celebrations, snowmobiling and cross country
skiing. Aspen Ridge is a special place to spend the holidays and we
have been flattered to have many guests make it a tradition.
Our restaurant and lodging accommodations are available
for private bookings and parties throughout the holidays.
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