A Bar A



The first entrance



The second entrance



July 25 - A Bar A – Our drive to A Bar A took longer than anticipated, but then again that is the story of this trip.  We left Tucker in the capable hands of Happy Tails Boarding Kennel.  Thankfully the kennel was very clean, and only two other dogs were there.  Both were in pens on either side of Tucker.  Once Pam opened the outer door, and Tucker went outside, we became the forgotten parents.  After another hour drive, we left the asphalt, and encountered no less than 8 miles of dirt roads before reaching the ranch.  This included crossing a private airstrip, several sharp curves along the North Platte River, and more gophers then we could count.  When arriving to the Howdy House, 4 miles into the drive, the woman who greeted us looked like we had flown in on a 747.  She radioed up to the ranch warning them of our arrival.  Another 4 miles and we officially entered the ranch grounds. 

Our stop sign for the the airstrip



 Unknown to us who was who, our first encounter with a ranch hand happened to be one of Justin’s roommates.  Chris, who is an Alexandria native, and attends VaTech, wasted no time making us feel right at home.  Matt, another friend of Justin’s, showed up to officially welcome us, and led the way as we traversed the narrow ranch roads to our RVs resting spot.  He showed us our cabin, which was nestled under the trees, next to a small roaring creek that emptied into the North Platte River.  The rest of the afternoon, evening, and following morning was spent exploring the ranch, spending time with Justin, and realizing our vacation was drawing to an end.  Sadly there wasn’t time to take in much activities....like a horseback ride!  But Kelsey, Mark, and Jeremy were able to get in a skeet shooting lesson while Mom and Son caught up.  A - A is like nothing we've ever experienced.  For the short time we were there we got the sense that this little oasis in the mountains of Wyoming has more to it in the way of history, and visitors then meets the eye.  Justin alluded to this, when he mentioned that later this summer a group of high profile "conquerers of the sky" will be visiting A Bar A.   Justin also introduced us to a man who frequents A Bar A several times a summer, and this visit he was banding birds.  He has a non-profit company that teaches children all about nature, and is working on a program called No Child Left Inside.   All in all, it was a wonderful day, and as far as parents are concerned....seeing Justin was priceless, as was hearing all he's been doing while enjoying working at A Bar A.