When I moved to Colorado, no one told me I’d be moving to a town straight out of a Hallmark movie. As it turns out, Buena Vista continues to surprise me with its quirky traditions. Take for example Gold Rush Days, held in Buena Vista during the second weekend of August. What starts out as a quaint historical celebration quickly takes a turn for the weird…and 4-legged.
This August I witnessed my first pack burro race – and it’s as exciting and original as it sounds! Runners lead (or drag…or coerce) burros over a route varying in mileage and intensity. In recognition of Colorado’s rich mining history (pun 100% intended), each burro must carry a load of “prospector’s paraphernalia and must include a pick, shovel, and gold pan.” Burros are unloaded, vet checks are performed, and then the fun begins.
The third and final leg of the Burro Racing Triple Crown is held right here in Buena Vista. 13 miles of single track, bridges, and Jeep roads lead to the finish line on East Main Street. Who knew you could experience the excitement of a high-stakes “horse” race right here in Colorado?
Small town festival excitement aside, August was a relatively quiet month. I enjoyed having some down time to take road trips and spend long days outside.
A dear friend, Sarah, visited with her roommate, Julee, from Pennsylvania in early August. Sarah and I were teammates on Slippery Rock University’s Western Equestrian Team and we enjoyed catching up and exploring together. Not only were we able to give Julee her first horseback ride, but they were also able to rappel for the first time. There’s nothing like (carefully) tossing your friends off a cliff when they come to visit!
Updates from the Loft and Spring Canyon
At the end of August, I took on more hours and work at Spring Canyon. Our wonderful temp office manager left at the end of the summer to return to Denver, and as such, I took on nearly all of the office management tasks. It’s given me the opportunity to hone my guest services skills, develop our CRM system, and enjoy a more consistent schedule for the fall and winter.
Work at the Loft is flourishing, with brides touring and booking weddings every week. Construction on the mezzanine-level bridal suite and groom’s room is slated to start in September, resulting in an even greater experience for our couples when we host one of the best days of their lives.
Fall is coming soon in the Ark Valley, and I couldn’t be more excited. Can anyone say binge-reading books in sweater weather?
Prayers
- Latigo Ranch and their fire evacuations
- For the upcoming retreat season at Spring Canyon
Praises
- Rain in the Ark Valley!
- For a growing community at the Loft’s biweekly swing dancing events
What I’m listening to
What I’m reading
- Hawaii by James Michener
- Pacific: Silicon Chips and Surfboards, Coral Reefs and Atom Bombs, Brutal Dictators and Fading Empires by Simon Winchester
Rebecca Sheriff - Reflections 
Always a joy to read your updates!
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