It is officially spring here at the Lazy E-L Ranch, and we are eagerly anticipating the start of a new guest season. We have calves on the ground (all six of them), baby chicks in the chicken coop, and the grass is starting to pop from the early spring moisture and warmer temperatures. What an amazing time of year, with so much new life and a long awaited break from Old Man Winter!!
With the changing of the season, we are eager to update you about the exciting changes that are taking place at the Ranch. Our longtime Cowboss, Thad Harris, married a beautiful girl named Kristina on an equally beautiful summer day last year right here on the Lazy E-L. We are so excited for them as they embark on their new journey in life together. However, we are saddened to announce that Thad and Kristina have moved to a large spread “somewhere in the middle of Wyoming” to start a new adventure together. Thad will be greatly missed and we are fortunate for the time that he spent here at the Lazy E-L Ranch.
So, in keeping with current Lazy E-L fashion, we have tweaked things a bit and incorporated a cowgirl into the mix. Kim Jacobs, who some of you may have met last year, will be the new Head Cowgirl. She spent her time here last season as head of marketing and sales, as well as wrangling and guest relations. But, that just isn’t how she rolls! So, she will step up as the first female Cowboss in ranch history!!
But, we couldn’t let it all go to the girls! So, we have hired Eric Calson, from Columbus, MT, to be the Head Cowboy, and share the responsibilities of Cowboss with Kim. Eric is a native Montana cowboy, who brings many years of ranching experience to the E-L. Eric has a background in range management, rotational grazing, herd health, and horsemanship. We are very excited to have him with us as we start yet another adventurous summer.
In addition, we have filled a long needed full-time Office Manager/Executive Assistant position. Denise Phares, our bookkeeper, will still be in the office two days a week in just a bookkeeping position. She will also help us out with guest relations and wrangling when the need arises. Stacie Wells, a native of Red Lodge, MT and cowgirl, has assumed the role of Office Manager/Executive assistant. Her primary focus will be sales, marketing and guest relations, but she will get to spend a few days in the saddle as well.
If you read our most recent blog, you already know that we are giving the cookhouse a facelift. Changes will include a larger dining area, a state-of-the-art professional range, a new ceiling and new flooring. And, look out we are getting a new Chef to boot….stay tuned to the website for his formal introduction.
It probably seems as if there are as many changes here at the ranch as there are changes that come with the new season. But, don’t worry….you will see some familiar faces as well. Ceily, Cliff, Luke, Jake and Charlene will all be back for another season. Ceily and Jake will continue as Wranglers under the wonderful leadership of Head Wrangler Cliff, who has spent his winter training and trading horses. Charlene will work along side the new Chef for another wonderful season. Luke will be our Big Guy on the ranch. (Every ranch needs at least one.) We are excited to have them as part of our team!!
We hope that everyone has an amazing summer and we hope to see you either in passing or for a stay at the ranch.
