Issue # 132
May 7, 2002

Rimrock Cove Ranch

It was the middle of March, and I was on my way to Rimrock Cove Ranch. Dennis and Toni had invited me to spend a few days at their cabin, and possibly go horseback riding with them. I had recently injured my knee, and welcomed the chance to get out and work it a bit, and gladly accepted their gracious invitation. I arrived on Friday, and was immediately impressed by the cabin. It was completely hand made by Dennis and Toni. As I walked up, I noticed that the deck wrapped completely around the cabin.
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.
I moved into the master bedroom. Again I was quite impressed. Toni told me she had made the large king-size bed herself and the upstairs bed also. I was stunned! A master furniture maker could not have done better. The bed was simply beautiful, and again, made from rescued wood. The upstairs loft bedroom also had a sleeper sofa and sitting area in addition to the hand made bed. It was quite nice. After moving all my stuff in, and putting the groceries away, I decided to make some supper and relax. The kitchen was all one could ask for. It had plenty of counter space for food preparation, and all the pots, pans, cooking utensils, and appliances you could ask for. I made up a hot batch of soup and some grilled cheese sandwiches along with a glass of milk and sat down to graze.
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 chuck wagon 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 painful, 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 potato, 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.
Picture

Trail Ride Through The Ozark Mountains

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 activities 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.
Rimrock Cove Ranch
Toni and Dennis Albers
HC 68 Box 166
Green Forest, AR 72638
870-553-2556
Email Rimrock Cove Ranch