Issue #145
October 25, 2003
October 25, 2003
Rimrock Cove Ranch
I was driving along Hwy. 103, headed into Osage Valley to visit my friends Dennis and Toni Albers of Rimrock Cove Ranch. They had invited me out for a three day visit and trail ride and I was looking forward to the visit. As I threaded my way around the hills and into the valley I could see that the fall colors were more advanced than further north. I drove slowly through the valley and took my time, admiring the views and color and then arrived at Rimrock Cove Ranch.
I was staying at the Stonewall Cabin, one of the very nicest cabins you can rent here in the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas. As I drove up the fall colors and flowers surrounding the cabin stood out quite brightly against the sunlit cabin. The cabin has a full, covered walk around porch surrounding it and is built up on a small rise. I brought all my stuff into the cabin and then set down on a rocking chair on the deck. As the sun sets behind the cabin, you get a panoramic view of Osage Valley.
The inside of the Stonewall Cabin is quite spacious, with a gas fireplace and very comfortable furniture. I could actually stretch out on the couch without my head or feet touching the ends. This cabin was hand crafted by Dennis and Toni and showcases their quite considerable talents as builders, furniture makers and iron workers. Their attention to detail and décor make staying here a pleasure. There was both a TV/VCR combo as well as a stereo/CD player in the cabin. I had brought along my mp3 player and some speakers and set them up in the kitchen area. I turned on Van Morrison and started supper.
The inside of the Stonewall Cabin is quite spacious, with a gas fireplace and very comfortable furniture. I could actually stretch out on the couch without my head or feet touching the ends. This cabin was hand crafted by Dennis and Toni and showcases their quite considerable talents as builders, furniture makers and iron workers. Their attention to detail and décor make staying here a pleasure. There was both a TV/VCR combo as well as a stereo/CD player in the cabin. I had brought along my mp3 player and some speakers and set them up in the kitchen area. I turned on Van Morrison and started supper.
Once my supper was done, I decided to eat outside in the rock patio which is off the back of the cabin. As I sat there, I could hear the chirps of the birds and the crickets. The stonework in this area is quite remarkable due to the sheer size of the rocks there. After completing supper and doing the dishes I spent time reading a book and then decided to hit the hay early, so that I could be fresh for what the morning might bring. My plans were to hike on Wednesday and then take a trail ride with Dennis and Toni on Thursday afternoon. The master bedroom was very nice with a queen sized bed which was hand crafted by Toni and Dennis. The bathroom was next to the bedroom and very convenient. There is also a large, loft bedroom with another hand crafted bed and a sitting area. I fell asleep with the window open and sounds of the night floating through my dreams.
Wednesday morning brought another fine day to the Ozarks and I decided I would base myself on the deck for the day. There is a very nice table on the deck as well as several rockers located around. I brought out my backpack, walking stick and began my preparations for a hike around Rimrock Cove Ranch. As I prepared my backpack I could hear more Van Morrison coming from the kitchen window where I had my speakers positioned. After a nice breakfast on the deck I was ready to start my hike.
There are many trails to walk at Rimrock Cove Ranch and I just started down one of them. The gum trees were bright red in color and the other trees had just started turning. As I walked through the woods and the fields I could not help but marvel at the incomprehensible nature of nature. Such beauty, just waiting to be appreciated. I reminded myself how lucky I am to live in such a beautiful area and that I have the opportunity enjoy it every day, rather than just for a week or two once a year like many of those who visit our area.
After a couple of hours of hiking I happened to wander into the fields where Dennis and Toni have their workhorses. These are big horses but quite the hams when a camera is out. They spotted me and quickly ran up, looking for an treat, an apple or carrot or lump of sugar. There was a young horse leading the way, with the more bulky adults following.They insisted on examining my backpack for snacks before losing interest in me.
After a very nice, long day hike around the ranch I returned to the cabin for supper. Dark clouds were on the horizon and I was concerned that our trail ride would get rained out. I retired early on Wednesday somewhat tired from the hike. I slept well. I awoke the next morning to the sounds of rain on the roof. I decided to sleep in a while in hopes that the rain would abate. Once up, I decided to take my breakfast on the deck while watching the storm. It was pretty neat since the weather was still warm. I waited till about noon when it became apparent that we were going to have an all day rain, then decided to leave the ranch a day early, giving Toni extra time to get the cabin ready before the next group arrived on Friday afternoon.
Rimrock Cove Ranch is a wonderful place to spend a few days or a few weeks! The Stonewall Cabin is large, very comfortable and fully equipped with everything you will need to make your Ozark Vacation a pleasure. The large ranch is perfect for kids (both young and old) to explore on their own. Rimrock Cove Ranch is the area's premier trail riding establishment and can take you and your family on a variety of different rides. They even have a chuck wagon available if you want to have a trail ride and dinner. Both Dennis and Toni are long time residents of the area and can give you many tips on various activities. The ranch is located only 9 miles from Ponca and the Buffalo National River Park where canoeing and hiking opportunities abound. Take some time this fall to visit the Ozark Mountains and Rimrock Cove Ranch with your friends or family. Give Dennis and Toni a call and make a reservation, I am sure you will enjoy yourselves as much as I did! If you would like to read my previous article on Rimrock Cove Ranch, click here.
Rimrock Cove Ranch
Toni and Dennis Albers
HC 68 Box 166
Green Forest, AR 72638
870-553-2556
Email Rimrock Cove Ranch
Toni and Dennis Albers
HC 68 Box 166
Green Forest, AR 72638
870-553-2556
Email Rimrock Cove Ranch