As the days grow warmer, the countdown for summer camp at Camp Lincoln and Camp Lake Hubert grow shorter. Tanque Verde Ranch (TVR) is known to have many of their horses travel up to camp each summer, but this summer is different. The Ranch’s very own “Golden Eye” has finally decided he’s going to make the trek north to Nisswa, Minnesota. “After hearing my friends talk about camp activities and memories all year-long, it made me realize that I’ve really been missing out on all the fun,” Golden Eye told Jonathon, one of TVR’s Wranglers.
Golden Eye just turned 12 years old, but has never left his home in Tucson. He admitted he is very shy, and just a little nervous to journey so far from home. He had never traveled to another state – as he grew up on Bellota Ranch herding cattle, leading trail rides and taking pack trips. Jonathon reminded him that not only were some of his best friends going to camp, but more importantly he would have the opportunity to make so many fun memories and new friends – with kids and horses, alike!
Golden Eye admitted that he was in fact very excited to try new activities and make new friends. “I’ve made so many working in the Kid’s Program at TVR, I cannot wait for new friends this summer – I’m hoping to try archery, play tetherball and take a pontoon ride!”
And so over the course of the last couple of days, Golden Eye made this list of all his important items needed for his journey to and at camp – you know, those things he just can’t live without!
Golden Eyes Camp Pack List:
· Golf Clubs · Hay · 12 pairs of “shoes” · Sunglasses · Teddy Bear · Sunscreen · Pillow & Blankie · Lots of apples (just in case) · Football · Tennis RacketFollow Golden Eye’s journey by checking back every week – he’ll be sending us updates from the road trailer on his journey all the way to his new summer home this year at the boys and girls summer camps in central Minnesota! Golden Eye was wondering what those items YOU are packing for camp this summer that you just can’t live without – leave him a comment below (and make sure to remind him if he forgot anything!)
Desert in Bloom
March 25, 2013
Standing on the banks of Jojoba Wash at Tanque Verde Ranch is always a breathtaking sight when looking over the Saguaro Desert this time of year. While the cacti are riddled across the base of the Rincon Mountains—spring is coming and the desert is entering bloom.
Visiting Tucson in the spring is a sight to the true beauty of the desert while flowers begin their annual appearance. Hiking adjacent of the ranch’s property, Fairy Dusters will showcase their pink and white powder puffs, while the Daela and Indigo Bush try to hide their small blue flowers by a nearby Brittle Bush, that will soon also burst open with a burning yellow. Even the hummingbirds will begin their pass through on their ambitious migration to the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and Alaska stopping through the Ranch to feed on Blue Dicks and Tackstem.
Cacti, true to their schedules, wait for the right moment to produce their flowers. You will see Hedgehog Cactus start the parade in late March with their magenta blossoms. Mountain biking excursion during late April will showcase the Saguaro’s first blossoms, but will soon peak in late May to early June. Members of the Opuntia, the Prickly Pear and the Cholla, add their flowers to the show just before the Saguaro in April and May. While the petit Pincushion will be the last to make its fashionably, late appearance in June.
While words cannot describe the true beauty of the desert in bloom, it’s a perfect time to visit the Ranch and experience it for yourself. In celebration of another beautiful spring, we will be offering a special package just for just for you outdoor enthusiasts March 1-19 and April 8-17 — Desert in Bloom. The package will start at $329 per two people and includes two nights lodging, breakfast and dinner daily, private hike-planning session with our experienced hiking staff, along with scheduled guided hiking excursions in the Saguaro National Park. In addition, guests will have access to all other schedule hiking and nature activities, along with one sunset horseback ride per person and a special discounted rate on the schedule mountain biking activities.
Spring is the time to discover the joy and beauty of the Sonoran Desert. For more information on other packages available this spring, please call 1-800- 234 -3833 or visit our website. Click here to view the exciting activities offered this spring.
Hiking the Saguaro National Park
March 25, 2013
One of the biggest draws for outdoor enthusiasts to Tucson is the incredible challenges and marvels of the Saguaro National Park. An overnight trip into the Saguaro’s terrain can take you from a 3,000’ elevation to over 8,000’ in only a short 15 miles.
Saguaro National Park is composed of two districts; the Rincon Mountain District located to the East of Tucson and the Tucson Mountain District located to the West. The Saguaro National Monument was created in 1933, but it wasn’t until 1976 that the Saguaro Wilderness Area, an additional 71,400 acres, was added. Saguaro National Park was then created from these two areas in 1994 and currently encompasses 91,327 acres.
Hikes can be started from five trailheads, including the easy-to-access Douglas Spring Trailhead that is located next to the entrance at Tanque Verde Ranch. You can take auto or bike to explore around the Cactus Forest Loop Drive offering incredible views of the Rincon Mountains, or head over to the Signal Hill Picnic Area, which offers visitors the chance to view hundreds of ancient petroglyphs or rock engravings. Click here to access the official National Park Service trail maps to start planning your future journey through the Saguaro National Park!
Besides the unique animals you may see in this part of the desert, Tucson is home to the largest cacti in North America, the giant saguaro. A universal symbol to the American west, these majestic plants can only be found in a small portion of the United States. Learn more about the plant life in the Saguaro National park by clicking here.
Whether you’re planning a day hike, or overnight camping trip, make sure to read the The Saguaro Wilderness Area Booklet about animals, safety and restrictions. At the back of the booklet you will find an application for the permit that is required for your overnight stay. Otherwise, if you’re planning on making your base camp at Tanque Verde Ranch, make sure to join our naturalists on a guided tour through our property adjacent to the Saguaro National Forest to see the plant and animal in detail from the eyes of our local experts.
Lisa Bedient – The Modern Day Horse Whisperer
March 25, 2013
Tanque Verde’s Lisa Bedient may be the Kid’s Program Supervisor and Head Harmony with Horses Program Coordinator, but her impact on ranch, it’s guests and the horses is more than just a horses tale.
Lisa discovered her love for horses at the young age 6, when her family moved from Corning, New York to Tucson, Arizona. Her childhood consisted of sneaking over to the neighbors to ride bare back when they were away. In her Jr. High years, she worked out a deal with a local farm where she would board her first horse in exchange for milking goats, feeding chickens and tending to other ranch animals.
She continued her horsemanship education into her 20’s, where she eventually assumed an education role, upon the passing of her dressage instructor. She also attended Pima Community College, receiving her LPN license, then worked as a nurse at Santa Catalina Nursing Home in Tucson. Once she started a family of her own, she decided to work as a barn manager and horse trainer, “I wanted to have the best of both worlds,” Lisa said, “spend time with my family and pursue my passion.”
And so Lisa did! In 1998, she joined the team at Tanque Verde Ranch and began her journey with both guests and horses, alike! “I love teaching the old west with new insights,” said Lisa, “by keeping it fresh and keeping it real,” she hopes both the novice and experienced riders will instill a greater passion for horsemanship through her guidance and instruction.
As Lisa’s days are full of surprises, she always starts her day with a round of prayers, a positive mindset, and looks forward to another day of working with the kids at the ranch, “their wonder and energetic nature inspire me.” Her favorite horse is Yoder, or also known as her “partner in crime,” and after a six year partnership, she still claims he chose her and not the other way around.
In the future, Lisa hopes to develop a teen program at the ranch, which will accommodate the 13 to 18 year olds, as well as continue to enhance the kids program with new and exciting activities. For more information on the Kids Program or Harmony with Horses, call (800)-234-3833, or email lbedient@tvgr.com.
Vanilla-Citrus Brined Roast Chicken With Mole Coloradito
March 25, 2013
The Chicken With Mole Coloradito is a house favorite in the dining room.
Looking for a challenging spring recipe? Bring a taste of Tanque Verde’s southwestern flavor to your table with this mouth watering Vanilla-Citrus Brined Chicken Roast and Mole Coloradito. (For a printable version of these recipes for your recipe box, click here, print and cut.)
Harmony with Horses
March 25, 2013
Tanque Verde Ranch offers a unique opportunity for those interested in advancing their knowledge and experience with horses. Families (12 years & up), friends and individuals, alike, can now learn teambuilding exercises between rider and horse!
Harmony with Horses provides riders with extensive horsemanship skills, improved riding ability, better self-understanding, and one of the most unique vacation experiences in the southwestern United States. Harmony with Horse Program Coordinator, Lisa Bedient, encourages that everyone can benefit from this program regardless of age or skill level. “Adults tend to be more anxious about riding,” she said, “which is why I like to teach the biomechanics of riding and break down everything step-by-step.”
While Harmony with Horses has been claimed to be “very therapeutic” by many of the program’s repeat riders, Lisa indicates that the program also carries a number of additional benefits. “The nuggets of knowledge,” otherwise known as the muscle memory, is taught and tested throughout the program, and is a tool that can be used back at home with rider’s personal horses, said Lisa. “You simply don’t have to think or worry anymore.” A prime example of how this program benefits riders comes from one of Lisa’s students who recently had a serious accident and was fearful to lope again. After program completion, she regained her confidence and was now able to go on a number of rides during the same visit.
Lisa welcomes all interested candidates in the program regardless of it being one individual or a large group of friends. Many of her students in the past have included couples, newlyweds, girlfriends, families and individuals. While many of her students do come in at different skill levels, they all “leave with a wealth of improved horsemanship knowledge, better self and horse respect and an unforgettable vacation,” said Lisa.
Advance reservations are required. For specific dates, times, rates, or to register, please call Tanque Verde Ranch 1-800- 234-3833 or email lbedient@tvgr.com. Also you can watch the video about the program by clicking here.
Rock My World: The Tucson Gem Show (Feb. 1-17)
December 18, 2012
Every February in Tucson, the city transforms as visitors, buyers and sellers unite at the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase. Also known as the “Gem Show,” thousands of people flock to the more than 40 sites located throughout town. The Gem Show has grown so much in the last few years that it is now the largest gem and mineral show in the United States.
These open-to-the-public exhibits grant individuals opportunities to see rare gems, artifacts and even specimens of dinosaur fossils. Whether you come as a viewer or a buyer, it is an incredible way to spend an afternoon and see what the beauty the earth has created in only a short million years.
The main event of this two-week showcase is the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show™ which packs downtown’s Tucson Convention Center over the final weekend. This show attracts thousands of treasure hunters from every corner of the globe and is open to the public. There are displays from renowned museums and private collections along with over 250 mineral, gemstone, jewelry and fossil retail dealers. It also features free lectures and seminars, and a Junior Education Area. If you plan on visiting the Ranch during this time, here are a couple tips.
1) Make sure you rent a car. Since many of the show areas are scattered throughout the city, having your own transportation may better dictate your own schedule and provide more freedom.
2) Bring water. As many of you know, the warmth of the Arizona sun can take a pounding on your body if you’re not hydrated.
3) We have a special Gem Show package with lodging in our Sales or Casitas for only $99/night. This way you can still stay at your favorite Arizona ranch, but since most of your time will be consumed treasure hunting, you won’t have to pay for amenities you’re not using. But remember, you can always add a meal, a ride or enjoy a Rita Margarita when you get back if you so choose. Now that’s a true gem!
Kids Love Camp at the Ranch!
December 18, 2012
For over 15 years, Tanque Verde Ranch has been offering a Summer Overnight Camp, in addition to an array of other seasonal kids programs and activities. But just this last year emerged a very new and exciting program – a Kids Day Camp offered year-round.
“The Kids Day Camp evolved as a result of more local residents and school classes visiting the ranch more frequently,” according to Lisa Bedient, Tanque Verde Ranch Kids Program Supervisor. “The demand was there, so we created a fun and exciting year-round Kids Day Camp for ages 4 through 15 to accommodate our visitors,” said Bedient.
A variety of activities will be available during Kids Day Camp such as horseback riding lessons, swimming, tennis, arts and crafts, fishing and so much more! The Kids Day Camp summer hours are 7:00am to 3:00pm, while winter hours are 8:00am to 3:30pm. Cost is $75.00 per person, per day, (not including tax). Click here for more details.
The Summer Overnight Camp for 2013 is an in-depth, summer horse camp, available in both 7-day and 14-day sessions for ages 9 through 16 and will be available June 29 thru August 3rd, 2013. Campers will learn how to become independent riders as they enhance their skills and form a deeper relationship with their horse. They will also take part in many fun-filled on and off-site field trips. Cost is $1500.00 per person, per week (not including tax) and includes meals and lodging. Click here for more details.
If interested in the Day Kids Camp or Summer Overnight Camp, please contact Lisa Bedient at 1-520-296-6275 ext. 3267 or at 1-800-234-3833 for more information and availability of specific dates. Or click here to view the registration form!
The Culinary Cowboy
December 18, 2012
While Tanque Verde Ranch is known to be the best Dude Ranch in Arizona, they also are known for their excellent culinary team and exquisite culinary adventures.
Executive Chef Benjamin Drury, has been creating his signature hearty, ranch-styled food since 2011 and says the best is yet to come. He attributes his southwestern, comfort-style cooking to his grandmother, who was also known to utilize all ingredients available when creating a dish.
Chef Drury grew up in St. Louis, Missouri and after relocating several times during his adolescence, graduated high school in San Antonio Texas before attending Le Cordon Bleu in Austin, Texas.
Drury’s culinary team aims to make their guests’ experience at the ranch unforgettable not only in the food, but also equally important, in the relationships formed among employees and guests during meals. “Each new day and atmosphere provides an opportunity to create something new and better for our guests,” said Drury.
The collaborative efforts between Drury’s culinary team and the Ranch’s Food and Beverage Manager, Brenna Cote, have resulted in a re-vamp movement for both the food and overall dining experience to become more “guest-focused.” An ever-changing daily menu, specialty items based on what’s in season or bloom, family style seating and being known on a first name basis are all standards at the ranch.
With a cowboy hat on his head, bacon tattoo on his arm and a passion for creating authentic ranch styled food, Chef Drury is sure to rope in your taste buds and keep you coming back for more.
Savor the Flavor of Tanque Verde
December 18, 2012
Experience a taste of the Ranch this holiday season. This Tanque Verde Ranch specialty features a true southwestern flavor with plenty of color and flare that will wow guests and mouths alike. Enjoy! (For a printable version of these recipes for your recipe box, click here, print and cut.)
TVR Staff
