The past few weeks I have been reading quite a bit of  Cowboy poetry. It is a art that has gained quite a bit of popularity over the last decade. There are many Poetry readings throughout the west.

The Poetry to me, gives a connotation to a way of life that is slowly fading. I will occasionally include some poetry on the Rockin’ R Blog to help keep that feeling alive. Please feel free to share your favorite poem as well.

Here is a great poem written by Arthur Chapman

Out Where the West Begins

Out where the handclasp’s a little stronger

Out where the smile dwells a little longer

That’s where the West begins;

Out where the sun is a little brighter,

Where the snows that fall are a trifle whiter,

Where the bonds of home are a wee bit tighter,

That’s where the West begins,

Out where the skies are a trifle bluer,

Out where the friendship’s a little truer,

That’s where the West  begins;

Where there is laughter in every streamlet flowing,

Where there is more of reaping and less of sowing-

That’s where the West begins

Out where the world is in the making

Where fewer hearts with despair are aching-

That’s where the West begin;

Where there’s more of singing a less of sighing,

Where there ‘s more of giving and less of buying,

And a man makes friends without half trying,

That’s where the West begins.

Cowman‘s Prayer

Now, O Lord, please lend me thine ear,
The prayer of a cattleman to hear,
No doubt the prayers may seem strange,
But I want you to bless our cattle range.

Bless the round-ups year by year,
And don’t forget the growing steer;
Water the lands with brooks and rills
For my cattle that roam on a thousand hills.

Prairie fires, won’t you please stop?
Let thunder roll and water drop.
It frightens me to see the smoke;
Unless it’s stopped, I’ll go dead broke.

As you, O Lord, my herd behold,
It represents a sack of gold;
I think at least five cents a pound
Will be the price of beef the year around.

One thing more and then I’m through,—
Instead of one calf, give my cows two.
I may pray different from other men
But I’ve had my say, and now, Amen.

Author: unknown

The Rockin’ R is not only a world class guest ranch, but also a working cattle ranch and during this time of year the cows are usually all snug and cozy in their corrals. However, when Creston (the owner) counted the cattle a few days ago he discovered that we were short about 40 head. We have all taken turns, over the last couple of days, going out into the Mountains to search for these strays. Yesterday, my wife and I put on our long johns, and went out to look for our lost bovines (don’t worry, we also wore pants, sweatshirts and coats).

We saddled the horses and off we went. Our destination was Hidden Springs, a beautiful natural spring , nestled deep in a  rocky canyon.  Because the country is so vast we decided to ride in different directions. I went north and my wife headed west. In the end we only found 9 cows, but it was an awesome experience. The snow was deep and all the water was frozen. It is very different being up in the hills during the winter time. The world is very hushed and tranquil. The only thing one hears is the sound of your horse breathing and his hoofs crunching in the snow. It seemed that even the cattle didn’t  want to break the silence and remained quiet as we pushed them down towards the ranch. I felt  like we had moved back in time.

I am always a little saddened when we finally return to the ranch.  It is hard to return to the business of life after experiencing the hush & tranquility that the winter mountains bring.

Brandon Hanks

Yesterday (Jan 8th) we were invaded by a boy scout troop from the Bloomington Ward out of  St. George UT. They planned a Ice-Fishing trip down at Otter Creek Reservoir and stayed a night here at the Rockin R. They had a fireside(by the fireplace) and played pool, and ping pong. They brought a wonderful spirit and we were sure glad to have them here.

The Rockin R has been providing a wholesome atmosphere for youth for over 30 yrs now. If you look at the photos below you can definitely see how times have changed, but not the spirit. As I look around the Ranch, and ponder about my youth, I realize that the the Rockin R has the ability to create powerful long lasting memories. There just isn’t anyplace like it! I am not talking about beautiful location, or the authentic “old west” 3 story lodge. Those things add to the spirit of what I am talking about, but what I am trying to explain  is that the wholesome spirit of all the memories made here, help create a one of a kind place that cannot be found anywhere in the world.

I wish that everyone could enjoy it!

Brandon Hanks

Rockin R in 1972

Rockin R in 2010

The Rockin R has been around what seems like forever. We are constantly running into, and hearing from old friends and guests.

We received a photo from Micheal that explains it all!!!!!  This is a photo that was taken in 1972 and as you can see the kids are having a great time. I really love the antlers on the horse!!!!

If you are a former guest or have been here with a youth group we would love to hear from you.

Brandon Hanks

Rockin it at the Rockn R'