It's May 1st, the Pass is open, and spring flowers are blooming across the hillsides in the beautiful Methow Valley.  The water surging down Beaver Creek on the east side of Rockchuck Ranch has that tea color that lets you know it is passing through growing roots.  Lat...

Yesterday we took the final steps in returning the Orchard to its 1996 "Willie Nelson Concert" glory.  As would be expected in an orchard that went several years without receiving any love (or water), many trees had passed on, leaving gaps and even entire rows missing....

This winter, we let the pond ice over.  Part of the reason for this was that last year we kept the pond open and although this was appreciated by over-wintering ducks, the pond also became a favorite snack bar for bald eagles.  Our joy at the sight of our majestic nati...

Made with cherries from our Rockchuck Ranch orchard! 

We launched the new website yesterday and are now taking reservations.  Thanks to all of those who have commented already--keep them coming so we can work out the kinks!

Our barn cat Phoenix is jealous of whatever anyone else has.  He does not see the inappropriateness of a tough barn cat gnawing on an old hot dog bun.  And do not feel sorry for him!  He gets plenty of wet and dry cat food and there is no way he is hungry!

Ned is a cat.  He walks where he wants, when he wants.  Today he happens to be walking with us. 

Jake thinks this is funny:

Finally, and on a temporary hanger, our sign is up!  Look for us at 20556 Highway 20, on your way to or from Loup Loup, three miles outside Twisp.

In an earlier post, I lamented that our barn cats were spending their time snuggling and were not chasing down mice trying to get into the grain.  One mouse even lives within inches of the cats' bed!

Well, we have turned over Mouse Patrol duties to our older chickens....

The iconic Tice Ranch highway sign, with its Miami Vice (80s Edition) color scheme, had to come down to make way for our new Twisp Terrace Lodge sign (on a temporary sign hanger). 

We wanted to save the Tice Ranch sign and stash it in the woods to be discovered on walks...