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Issue #132 |
Even though it was spring, the weather was a bit on the cool side that Friday evening, so the first thing I did was to start a fire. As I moved around the cabin, I became aware of the high quality of the craftsmanship of this cabin. Dennis told me that much of the wood used in the cabin were rescued from a burn pile that the state had made when they improved Hwy 103. When Dennis found this out, he asked if he could take the logs, and the state said yes. So he hitched up his working horse team, and brought them to his ranch, and then used the wood. I commended him for his efforts, since it was such a waste to just burn up a nice oak tree that took maybe 40 or 50 years to grow.
Saturday morning found me awake at sunrise, and on the huge, covered deck for morning coffee and cigarette. Most of the cabins I stay in have a no smoking policy, and the Rimrock Cove Cabin, with it's wrap around deck allows smokers to have a place to sit and relax no matter what the weather or wind conditions. As I sat there, I mentally made some plans for the day. I wanted to get out and walk a bit, and test how my knee was recovering. Toni and Dennis had invited me to join a trail ride they had scheduled for 1 pm. Rimrock Cove Ranch is probably the premier riding establishment in the Ozarks. They offer several different types of rides, including one with a chuckwagon meal at the end. As they prepared their horses for the ride, I declined the invitation but asked where they would be going, in case I was near so I could take a picture of them. They showed me which trail they would be using. They also had a horse that would smile for you if asked! He was so cute when doing it, I had to laugh.
Late morning found me with my backpack on, slowly working my way along one of the trails at the ranch. I stopped quite often to rest my knee, and just absorb the beautiful surroundings. I saw a horse with a new born baby. Once she noticed me, she instintively moved between her baby and myself. She was very protective! I moved on through the woods for awhile then could hear the clopping of horses. I got out my camera and snapped a picture of the trail riders heading into the woods and up the mountain of Rimrock Cove Ranch.
After wandering around until mid-afternoon I decided to return to the cabin. My knee was not painfull, but a bit sore, so I decided to sit on the porch and watch the afternoon slip by. As the sun dipped below the mountain top, the sky turned a deep red. The sunset was beautiful! As the night sounds made their way onto the deck, I decided it was time for supper. That evening I had a great meal consisting of a steak, baked potatoe, and a salad. After reading a book for a while, I went to bed totally relaxed. Sunday morning found me well rested, but again, my knee was a bit sore. After a good breakfast, I packed up my stuff, cleaned the cabin, and headed back to Harrison.
Rimrock Cove Ranch was one of the very best trips I have taken. The cabin is simply grand, the attention to detail and comfort for the guests makes this an A1 establishment. All activites are very close by, plus you can hike or ride without ever getting into your car. Toni and Dennis have been long time residents of the area, and can offer many tips on where to hike, or where to float the river. They are only 9 miles from the Ponca access and also well located for a day trip to Eureka Springs. If you are looking for a place to take the family or to meet friends, I highly recommend Rimrock Cove Ranch. Give them a call, I can guarantee you will have a great visit.
