Flying Xtra Vol 38 August 2011

FLYING
TRA
A Report from Flying X Ranch  Volume 38 d August 2011
August 2011
From the
Ranch House 2
From the Corral 4
From the
Management 5
From the
Great Outdoors 5
Ranch Interest 6
On the Internet 6
Classifieds 6
Trip Planner/
Reservations
Click the links to go directly to the
relevant Web page (you must have an
active Internet connection).
•Calendars
•Price List
Reservations
•Cabins
•Meals
•Guided Rides
•Private Rides
•Personal Horses
•Partner Pens
Note: Many of the links in this newsletter require that you be logged into the
Flying X Ranch website to view the
information. If you need assistance
logging in or setting up a Partner
account on the website, please email
webmaster@myfxr.com.
- Joyce Bradney
Homestead Acts
How The West Was Settled
- Vicki Juhl
Homestead laws helped settle the Western United
States and territories.
Hundreds of thousands of pioneer farmers
poured into the west in the 1800s and early 1900s.
New communities were built and new wealth was created. The following types of homesteads are on the
Flying X.
President Abraham Lincoln signed the Homestead Act on May 20, 1862. This law gave the pioneer
freehold title up to 160 acres or one-fourth section
of undeveloped federal land west of the Mississippi
River. A filing fee was required.
Anyone who had never taken up arms against
the U. S. government and freed slaves could file for a
homestead. The applicant had to be at least 21-years
old or the head of a family.
The homesteader had to live on the land for five
years and show that they had made improvements to
the land and grown crops. A 12-foot by 14-foot dwelling was also required.
A deed could be applied for after the five years if
they had met all the requirements. A title deed could
also be acquired after six months of residency and
some improvements, provided the applicant paid
(continued on page 2)
F LY I N G X R A N C H
2
(continued from page 1)
$1.25 per acre. After the Civil War, Union soldiers could deduct the time they served in the army from the residency
requirement.
The Enlarged Homestead Act of 1909 raised the
amount of land that could be deeded to 320 acres.
In 1869 the Wyoming
Territory was organized and
MANAGING EDITOR
in 1870 the Cheyenne Land
John Parker
Office opened. Congress
editor@myfxr.com
passed the Desert Land
CONTRIBUTORS
Margaret Arp
Act on March 3, 1877 to
Kay Gagnon
encourage economic deDenny Jasper
Vicki Juhl
velopment of the arid and
Gina Marchese
semiarid public land in the
Chuck Panella
Western United States.
John Parker
Ray Parker
The lands surveyed
John Rayne
for the desert land grants
Cindy Schultz
Gail (Heidbrink) Thompson
had to have limited water
Gene Titzel
available for irrigation. An
Len Verrelli
applicant could apply for
PHOTOGRAPHY
up to 640 acres of land. The
Lisa Cummings (except where noted)
applicant had to be a citizen
DESIGN/LAYOUT
Ross Flaven
of the United States or
Flying X Ranch
declare the intention of be799 Halleck Canyon Road
coming a citizen. They also
Wheatland, WY 82201
had to be 21 years of age
Phone: 307-322-9626
Fax: 307-322-1914
or older and be a resident
Email: fxr@myfxr.com
of the state that they were
applying in.
FLYING XTRA is a periodic partner
report highlighting important Ranch
One eighth of the
news, trends, and other items of
land applied for had to
interest.
be irrigated and properly
Copyright © 2011 Guide Rock Ltd. ~
All rights reserved.
cultivated in three years.
For more information about this and
The applicant paid 25 cents
other Flying X Ranch services, please
per acre.
visit us at:
The homesteader could
www.myfxr.com
also
receive title to the land
Guide Rock Ltd. is committed to
anytime
within the three
providing accurate and
authoritative information on all
years upon proof of comresearched subject matter. Every
pliance with the law and
reasonable effort has been made to
payment of an additional
ensure the accuracy of the
information within this document.
dollar per acre. This act was
amended to 320 acres by
Guide Rock Ltd., its employees,
agents, and staff make no
the act of August 30, 1890.
representation, guarantee, or
For access to the online
warranty, expressed or implied that
this newsletter is error-free.
article with a complete set
of references and links to
additional information, click
HERE.
From the Ranch House
July Activities
Summer was in full force in July at the ranch. With
daily temperatures slightly higher than average and rainfall
slightly lower, most days were perfect for ranch activities.
July 4th Holiday
July 4th weekend provided a great opportunity for
partners to socialize and to earn bragging rights at the
horseshoe tournament, trap shooting competition, or
Bingo. The cow pie toss was a great success with partners
of all ages trying their hand at tossing the pies the greatest
distance. Techniques ranged from various Olympic events
like the discus throw or shot put to the classic Frisbee toss,
and might be called a good old cowboy hurl. About 120
people enjoyed the delicious steaks and corn at the BBQ.
The Country Club Band provided wonderful entertainment
with a wide range of classic country and dance music,
crowding the dance floor with all ages.
Bill Herring’s Spaghetti Dinner
As always, Bill’s spaghetti dinner was a great success. How could you go wrong with a delicious sauce over
hot noodles followed by spumoni ice cream? Those who
enjoyed the meal were asked only for a donation to the
firefighting tool fund. We collected $132 in donations.
Thanks to Bill and friends for preparing a delicious dinner
and for those who donated.
Historic Ranch Tour
This year’s ranch tour visited the two Wyoming Century Ranches of Platte County: the Collins and Twiford
Ranches in the Glendo area. The “tourists” were pleased
to get a chance to visit these ranches and hear stories of
how the ranch families homesteaded the area and have
managed to hang on to their historic piece of Wyoming
through the generations. The annual tour visited the
Flying X in its first year (2008) and the booklet of information from that tour is being updated and made available
through the ranch store at $7 per copy. You will want to
get a copy to augment your fond memories of the Flying X.
Green Rock Overnight Trail Ride
The campers in our monthly overnight ride in July
were treated to an evening ride to the Green Rock Pasture.
They enjoyed an evening meal of homemade stew, Dutchoven biscuits, tossed salad, and fruit cobblers. Later in the
evening Smorzs were introduced to the attending crowd.
Weather was hot with no rain. Breakfast the next morning
consisted of pancakes, eggs, sausage, bacon, and juice.
August Activities
Come to the ranch this month for a great time riding
the trails or socializing with old friends. We have plenty to
F LY I N G X T R A ~ AU G U S T 2 01 1
entertain you in August and
there are several events in
the local area as well.
Community Fairs
and Festivals
August is the month for
celebrating outdoors with
food you probably shouldn’t
eat, mechanical rides that scare the wits out of you, and
watching the pros put the athleticism of themselves and
their equine partners to the test. Here is a list of these
events that might interest you. Each event name is a link to
more information about it.
•Platte County Fair – August 1-6
•Wyoming State Fair– August 13-20
•Green Harvest Festival – August 18-21
Pancake Breakfast – August 6
Get the day started with a great pancake breakfast shared
with your fellow Partners. Reservations are due by noon
Thursday, July 28. Cost: Ages 0-5, free; 6-12, $4; 13-up,
$8. For details and to make your reservation, contact the
Ranch Office or online HERE.
Ranch Picnic – August 13
If you think that there is no big holiday in August, then
you haven’t been to the ranch picnic.
Enjoy a picnic style BBQ and casual conversation and
games with your fellow partners. All are welcome! This
year the picnic will be held at Van Velzor Lake and combine the BBQ with the kids’ fishing derby so everyone gets
something to eat and the kids get a chance to win prizes
for their fishing success.
The BBQ runs from 4:00 – 6:00pm and the fishing
derby from 5:00 – 7:00pm. The ranch will provide burgers,
hot dogs, and a picnic meal. For details and to make your
reservation, contact the Ranch Office or online HERE. Reservations are required by noon on Thursday, August 4.
Ice Cream Social – August 13
When you are ready to finish off that picnic meal with
something cold and sweet, or in case you miss the picnic,
head up to the ranch house patio for an ice cream social.
This is a fun and flavorful event for anyone who shows up.
No reservation is required.
Karaoke Night – August 13
We have combined The X Factor and America’s Got
Talent for an evening of The Flying X has Talent.
Several partners proved that to be true last year at
the Karaoke Night and it is certain to be proven again this
year. You’ll want to come to listen, encourage your friends,
and to stretch the vocal cords yourself. Join us on the patio
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from 8:00pm until everyone
starts sounding like Rod
Stewart and Kim Carnes.
Mexican Pot Luck
Supper – August 20
Enjoy a Mexican dinner
with your fellow vaqueros.
The ranch will provide tacos.
All are welcome!
Partners are asked to bring a dish to share. Last names
A-M: dessert; last names N-Z: salad. For details and to
make your reservation, contact the Ranch Office or online
HERE. Reservations are required by Noon on Thursday,
August 18.
Indian Baths Overnight Trail Ride – August 27
If you have itching to go on an overnight ride, this is
your last chance in the 2011 season.
Enjoy a lazy afternoon ride out to Indian Baths, camp
overnight, and ride back to the Ranch House in the morning. Tents will be set up or you may bring your own.
Dinner (5:30/6:00pm) and breakfast (8:00/8:30am)
will be provided at the campsite. The cost is $16 (ages 13
and up) and $8 (ages 6-12). For those who do not wish to
participate in the ride but wish to join in on the evening
meal or breakfast, you will be charged $8 for 13-up and $4
for 6-12 per meal.
All participants are asked to have their gear to the
ranch house by 1:00pm on Saturday. The ride leaves at
3:00 and returns around noon on Sunday. Kids 6-to-17
years of age must have a chaperone.
Note that the ride is currently full (reserve online
early!), but you can register for standby and there is
always room for more Partners who want to just come
out for the meals. For details, contact the Ranch Office or
online HERE for the ride and campout. Non-riders may
make their meal reservations online HERE. Reservations
are required by noon on Thursday, August 18.
Labor Day Weekend – September 3-5
Labor Day weekend is still a month away, but it is not
too early to start planning your weekend. Activities include
the ever-popular arena games and bingo on Saturday, trap
shoot and horse shoes tournaments on Sunday and Monday, and a BBQ meal on Sunday.
Watch for more information as the event approaches.
There are no rides on that Saturday, but if you want to
use a ranch horse or participate in the arena games, you
will want to make that reservation early by contacting the
Ranch Office or online HERE. Reservations for the BBQ
are required by Thursday, August 25 and can be made
online HERE or by contacting the ranch office.
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F LY I N G X R A N C H
From the Corral
good and timely death. He
lived his life on the range
Horse Transport
and died as a good horse
Restrictions Lifted
should – not chased by coyotes, freezing in the winter,
July 1
pushed into a container, etc.
The FXR EHV-1 ManageRoss
Flaven
etc. – he was “home” with
ment Team met again on
caregivers around him, and
July 1. Based upon the decision of the Wyoming Livestock Board (WLSB) to rescind any in the sunshine with the Wyoming sky in his eyes.
special entry requirements for horses coming into WyoCould I be so lucky?
ming, coupled with other states in the region eliminating
I would like you all to know that the staff handled
or reducing any special requirements related to the EHV-1
Mudcat’s passing with the upmost kindness, courtesy and
outbreak, the Flying X Ranch is suspending any special
dignity. There is nothing but praise I have for the staff – estransportation and/or entry requirements for horses compecially Gina. She has treated him so kindly the past couple
ing on to the ranch, effective immediately, and until further
years. She always had his best interests at heart – and I
notice.
think she cried as much as I did.
All standard rules and regulations for the transportaHe was a wonderful steed who had a best life a horse
tion and entry of horses onto the Flying X Ranch remain in
could be given on the Flying X Ranch. We had many adeffect (current Coggins, vaccinations, and so forth). Please
ventures together – climbed many hills – walked many
be sure to be aware of these rules and regulations by refercattle down from the top and shared the trust that only
ring to the Ranch website or by contacting the ranch office.
old friends know. He is probably the only ranch horse that
Thanks to everyone for their cooperation as we conregularly crossed the Bluegrass every weekend when Willie
tinue to work through the EHV-1 situation.
& I had the cabin. What fun we had and what great memories I have tucked in the special area of my heart for the
You can download the Horse Transportation Rules,
short, careful, wily horse with the biggest heart an equine
Horse Boarding Agreements, and Horse Share Program
chest could contain.
Agreement from the Livery Documents page HERE and
read any horse related articles as they are posted on the
I think we all knew that he would not last long after
Livery page HERE.
Harley died. They were like an old couple, bonded for life
and death. The staff was kind enough to bury Mudcat next
A Farewell to Jim “Mudcat” Grant
July 11, 2011 to his buddy so they are together again. Assuming all good
horses go to heaven – they are hiding out somewhere –
When you manage a large herd of horses and most
looking for the sweetest grass of the day.
of them are long-term residents, as on the Flying X, occa– Gail (Heidbrink) Thompson
sionally you will have to part with one for what you know
will be the last time. It is not our practice to mention all of Morrow Lake Pasture
these passings; and, even more rarely, we will have to say
You will probably notice some new fencing at the foot
goodbye to a very special companion.
of Cottonwood road and near the arena.
Saying goodbye to Jim “Mudcat” Grant is just such
Morrow Lake pasture has been added to our grazing
an occasion. Mudcat was the gentle protector for many
options for multiple benefits. It provides additional close-in
Partners’ first ride throughout his career. It was just six
pasture for horses, which has become increasingly impormonths ago that we said goodbye to Harley, his pasture pal tant due to the number of horses kept in for Partner use
and companion in what we can only guess would be pranks during the week. It also helps keep fire danger down by
they played on wranglers searching for them. It was just a
keeping the grass down in that pasture abutting our commonth ago that we celebrated Mudcat’s retirement from
mon area. Finally, that valuable grass will not go to waste.
his many years of ranch service. We guess we all knew, as
The down-side of the pasture is that it impairs vehicle
he did, that the end of his time on the FXR was near.
access to Cottonwood, adding another gate to open and
Although many of us looked on Mudcat as a ranch
close, when horses are in during the week. We will try to
horse—he was a fixture of the Flying X—he was really the
keep horses out of that particular pasture on weekends to
special companion to Gail Thompson. We asked Gail if we
allow clear access to Cottonwood road.
could publish her email, sharing her awful news:
Weekend Trail Rides
26 years is a long time to have a “pet” so to speak.
Trail rides are offered every weekend in August with
But, as a good “companion caregiver”, I know this was a
four guided rides on Saturday and two on Sunday.
F LY I N G X T R A ~ AU G U S T 2 01 1
•AM Guided Trail Rides:
9:00am and 9:30am.
•PM Guided Trail Rides:
1:00pm and 1:30pm (No
PM Guided Trail Rides
on Sunday).
Trail Rides are no cost to
Partners. Guest Fees apply to
all guests: ages 0-5, free; 6-12, $5; 13-up, $10. For details
on the trail rides and to make your reservation, contact
the Ranch Office or online for Guided Rides or for Private
Rides.
From the Management
Staff Update
Please welcome our newest ranch hand wrangler,
Michelle Juschka-Chubb. Michelle loves working with children and has a nine-year old daughter, Shelbee.
Michelle has had vast experience with horses, competing in Cheyenne Frontier Days junior barrels and Platte
County Horseman’s association from peewee lead-line
to adult. Michelle has worked as wrangler for Terry Bison
ranch for six seasons and she is now happy to be here at
the Flying X Ranch. You can read the full bios for all our
ranch hand/wranglers HERE. You can always find the
year-round ranch personnel and their contact information
HERE.
Road Conditions
All FXR roads are open for normal use. As with most of
the front range of the Rockies, there have been significant
storms in July that have impacted the roads on the Flying
X, but our roads have held up reasonably well. Last year
the ranch spent a significant amount of money and effort
in improving Cottonwood Road and that investment is
proving itself to have been wise.
In addressing the need for more close pasture, Cottonwood Road now has a gate near the ranch house. The
gate will remain open most times, but will be closed when
horses are pastured at Morrow Lake during the week. The
gates are currently made of wire, but permanent, double
metal gates are in the future plans. Read the full story
HERE.
Flying X History Booklets
When the Flying X Ranch hosted the Platte County Historical Society ranch tour in 2008, a booklet describing the
Flying X Ranch history was assembled. We have recently
updated the information in that booklet and have made
them available to Partners in the Ranch Store for $7.
The booklet includes information and pictures of the
homesteads that now comprise the Flying X Ranch. You
5
will want to have a copy of
this booklet for your personal library or for your coffee
table when to brag on your
personal stake in this beautiful place we call the Flying X
Ranch.
Reports of Theft,
Vandalism and Littering
Unfortunately, in the month of July management has
had one report of theft, one report of vandalism, and a
couple reports of significant littering.
We encourage you to read the full report HERE and
alert ranch management if you know anything about these
incidents or witness this behavior in the future.
From the Great Outdoors
Youth Fishing Derby
This year the fishing derby will be held as part of the
ranch picnic on August 13 at Van Velzor Lake from 5:00pm
to 7:00pm. The derby is open to kids 15 and under at Van
Velzor Lake. Note: Parent and/or guardian must accompany kids.
Bring your poles and tackle, so you’re ready to catch
those fish. Prizes to be awarded in several age groups,
plus goody bags for the first 24 kids. A signup sheet is
located at the Ranch House check-in desk. Volunteers are
also appreciated to help measure and count all the fish
caught—there will be plenty of fish caught. This event is
sponsored by members of the Wildlife Committee.
Attention Big Game Hunters!
Don’t forget that August 15 is the deadline to let the
ranch know of your intent to hunt on the ranch or to use
the ranch for hunting access in the 2011 seasons. Watch
the website in late August for the 2011 Hunter Orientation
which is required of all hunters using the FXR for a base.
All hunting documentation is available at the bottom
of the Outdoors page or you can access it directly HERE.
The list of 2011 Hunting Draw winners is listed HERE for
your reference.
Turkey Hunting Available in 2012 and 2013
A two-year pilot program for turkey hunting on the
Flying X was approved at the July, 2011 FXR Board meeting. The program will follow the general practices of big
game hunting on the Flying X with a drawing for five turkey
permits in October for the following spring.
The ranch season will coincide with the Wyoming State
season from April 1 to May 20. Specific requirements and
restrictions will be determined by FXR Management in the
coming months.
6
F LY I N G X R A N C H
let us know if they would be
valuable additions for your
enjoyment and use of the
website.
If you are interested in
participating in this program, read the full story
HERE. For your convenience, all Wyoming Game
and Fish regulations are
available HERE.
Wounded Warrior
Hunting Program in 2011
The Wildlife Committee and the Flying X Ranch board of
directors are proud to announce the introduction of a new
program this fall that will allow two wounded military veterans the opportunity to hunt Pronghorn on the Flying X.
The Wounded Warrior program was coordinated with
the Patient Advocate of the Sheridan Veterans Administration and volunteer partners of the Flying X Ranch. The two
vets who are to be our guests have served and were both
wounded while in Iraq. Both have had significant combat
experience and richly deserve our appreciation for their
services to our country.
Anyone interested in volunteering to help ensure a successful visit for our warriors may contact Gene Titzel or the
ranch office. Read the full story HERE.
Ranch Interest
Birding Update – July 2011
Our bird watchers continue to contribute to the local
and national database of bird sightings and activities. The
American Redstart seen near the well-known Teepee Rings
and the Virginia Warbler seen in Tower Canyon are the only
birds of these species reported on eBird to have been seen
in Albany Co. this year. -- Margaret Arp
You can contribute to the Bird Sighting Checklist by
marking your sightings on the copy posted at the sign-in
area or by downloading a copy from the website (located
at the bottom of the Wildlife page) HERE and leaving it at
the office.
If you would like to share a bird photo (or any interesting photo) that you have taken on the ranch, just send it to
galleryeditor@myfxr.com.
On the Internet
Monthly Tip
Much of the world has
entered the Facebook Age. Should the Flying X join them?
We do have a few Facebook pages available to us to provide an open forum for comments and questions about the
Flying X. However, maintaining that online dialog requires
additional and possibly significant effort from the website
team.
Whether you are an avid Facebook user or you think
social networking is just plain silly, we would like to hear
your thoughts on whether effort on this would be a
good investment. Please participate in our online survey,
“Should the Flying X Ranch be Active on Facebook?” to
share your thoughts. Note: Just like Facebook, you must be
logged in to be able to participate in the survey.
While you’re in the voting mood, don’t forget our other
online surveys:
•Would you attend live, online board meetings?
•Would you like to be automatically informed via email
when new documentation is available from the Board?
If you have any difficulty getting a login or with
anything else on the website, please give us a holler at
webmaster@myfxr.com. If you would like us to setup your
account for you, we are happy to do that as well. Just email
us with the request and we’ll get the proper information
loaded for you. You can get answers to your other website
questions in the website FAQ.
Classifieds
Ranch Horses for Sale
The ranch is offering a select few horses for sale that
are available exclusively to the partnership first. These
horses have not turned out to be suitable for the ranch trail
riding program. You can read more about the horses and
see their pictures HERE. If interested please contact the
More Homesteads Recorded in the
office for more information.
Gallery and Points of Interest Map
Partners may post items for sale, wanted, or lost and
If our articles on the homesteaders of the Flying X
found in the General Store section of the website. If you
Ranch property have whetted your appetite to know more
wish to post something on the classifieds, please contact
and to see more of the historic sites on the ranch, then you
the office or email classifieds@myfxr.com with the specifare in luck. We continue to add to our historic sites photo
ics of your listing. Please use the Classifieds Request Form
gallery, which can be viewed HERE, and the GPS locations
(available at the bottom of the General Store page or in the
of those sites HERE.
Forms Library) when making your request. Sorry, this secWe are also working on making short videos of those
tion is only available to other Partners.
sites available so watch the website for these additions and