Greetings From SuzAnne  
A Line Up of Local Experts
Guardian Angels Fundraiser
New Newsletter Photo Gallery Calendar Critter Corner
Animal Life at Dunrovin

Greetings From SuzAnne

     We are delighted to inaugurate our Dunrovin Newsletter in order to stay in better contact with our many Dunrovin Ranch friends. We have high hopes and big ambitions for this newsletter. We intend to update the newsletter frequently, and you can see what we are up to at anytime by returning to the newsletter web site DunrovinNewsletter.

     All of us at Dunrovin as excited about the changes and plans we have in store for 2010. And we feel we are off to a great start. The year started with our hosting a theatrical event called The Mid-Winter Showcase which raised funds to support cancer patients. Read more about it in this edition. Also in this edition, we showcase a Line Up of Local Experts that will be part of our horseback expeditions this summer. In future newsletter postings we will bring you up to date on changes in our Equestrian Club, showcase the many talents of our incredible staff, explain our new vacation retreat packages, and bring other aspects of how Dunrovin can serve you to your attention.

      Be sure to visit the Critter Corner to see what is happening with all the animals – horses, dogs, wildlife – that call Dunrovin home. Catch the news from the perspective of our opinionated donkey with lots of attitude, Senor Kona, who keeps his eyes on all the comings and goings in the pastures, and our Queen Canine, Jewel, who happily greets and monitors all Dunrovin Ranch activities.       We’d love to hear from you – so please send us an email with your thoughts and suggestions on the newsletter and how we might better serve you.

     We hope to see you soon at our little slice of paradise – Dunrovin Ranch, Warm Regards,

My Favorite Photos from 2009

 

     I generally run and hide anytime someone gets out their camera and points it in my direction; but I have to say that I was delighted that Pam Voth of Tree and Sky Media Arts had her camera ready to capture a special moment on the trail with my constant trail partners, Power and Jewel.

 

     This little series of photos perfectly illustrate the joys I get from traveling in the back country in the company of these two magnificent animals. We came up a ridge in the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area when we encountered a small herd of Rocky Mountain sheep. Power and Jewel were on the alert – ears up, beautiful strong bodies ready for anything. We stopped and watched quietly and carefully.

 

     Convinced that the sheep presented no danger, they both broke the tension – Power by lowering his head to grab a quick snack of grass and Jewel by coming along side, jumping up on Power to play with me, and reassure me that all was well. What wonderful trail companions I have! And how lucky I was that Pam had her camera ready and aimed in my direction. Thank you, Pam!

 

 

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2010 Expeditions
A Line Up of Local Experts

     Dunrovin is very pleased to be partnering with some exceptional local talent who bring very different perspectives and dimensions to our expeditions.  Take a look at some of the talent we had lined up and be sure to also check out our new expeditions YouTube video that was so expertly done by Tree and Sky Media Art

Naturalist Hank Fischer

     Author, environmental activist, and field naturalist Hank Fischer will accompany us to Montana’s Big Hole Valley in search of sage grouse during their spring mating dance in which the male “booms” to attract females to his lek. Hank and Carol (his wife) Fisher’s book Paddling Montana is considered the bible on canoeing in Montana. Hank’s many years of conservation work with the Defenders of Wildlife and the National Wildlife Federation have had a big impact on Montana’s natural resources. His obvious love of wildlife and wild lands and his many personal charms and sense of humor leave an equally big impact on everyone who spends time with him in the field.

Clink for details on our Booming in the Big Hole Expedition expedition. 

 

Photographer Pam Voth

     Professional photographer, cinematographer, and producer Pam Voth of Tree and Sky Media Arts will join us for another photographic journey along Montana’s Rocky Mountain Front. Pam has a real knack for capturing the inner character and beauty of all she photographs - be it a dog, a horse, a bird in flight, a fox on the run, a cityscape, food on the table, or a spectacular sunset. Her keen eye puts it all in focus! Pam loves horseback riding and has developed safe and sure techniques for using horses in her photographic work – she had become the queen of taking photos with a pair of horse ears in the foreground.

Clink for details on our Visions of the West expedition. 

 

Astronomer Diane Friend

     University of Montana astronomy professor Diane Friend , will lead us on a late night tour of Montana's Big Sky from the stunning viewpoint of a historic, mountaintop fire lookout. With a number of observing aids available to explore (sextant, a modern 8" telescope, and powerful sky simulation software), Diane will take you on a tour of constellations and star stories, planets, star clusters, nebulas, and distant galaxies.
     Passionate about sharing the wonders of the night sky, Diane's infectious love of astronomy makes stargazing fun and fascinating for people of all ages. In addition to her astronomy and physics survey courses at the university, Diane has taught a special topics course on the celestial navigation techniques used by Lewis and Clark, and has created astronomy nights and short courses for a variety of organizations and for ages ranging from eight to elders.  

Clink for details on our Big Sky at Night expedition.

 

Geologist David Webb and Drummer Barbara Webb  

     David and Barbara Webb own Mill Creek Lodging surrounded by the Mount Haggin Wildlife Management Area near Anaconda, Montana. Both are retired university professors. Dr. David Webb retired from the University of Florida, where he was distinguished research professor of geology and zoology. He has worked with the Museum of the Rockies as adjunct curator and with the Anaconda Railroad and Mining Museum as founding President and curator in chief. David now enjoys leading geology tours in western Montana.
Dr. Barbara Webb is an accomplished drum maker and follows the traditions of the Lakota Sioux. Barbara’s Native American name is “She whose eyes see” because of her gift of problem solving, of seeing what needs to be done.  She attends sweat lodges on a regular basis and participates in the Sun Dance ceremony at Rosebud, SD.  She whose eyes see has been making drums for 10 years. She makes the drums from the hides of elk, horse, buffalo, and moose. She conducts drumming circles regularly and enjoys teaching others how to experience the power of the drum, the “heartbeat of mother earth”.


Clink to learn about Dunrovin’s Music in the Mile High City expedition that takes us to the Mill Creek Lodge.

 

Wilderness Outfitter Smoke Elser  

smoke.jpg     Smoke Elser’s influence on the Bob Marshall Wilderness Area cannot be under estimated. He testified in congress to designate The Bob to a wilderness area. He was one of the first guide outfitters granted authority to take visitors via horseback into this stunning country. As professional forester,  he has had a big hand in how The Bob has been managed as a wilderness. He literally wrote the book on the art of Packing Horses and Mules Packing Horses and Mules and still teaches a class of the same name at the University of Montana . The Bob is truly home to Smoke Elser. He knows every stream, river, mountain, and valley;  and he is full of wilderness stories from his over 50 years of riding its trails. Dunrovin is truly privileged to have him accompany and guide.

Click here to learn more about our Mountain Magic in the Bob expedition.

Horseman Brandon Carpenter  

     Brandon Carpenter owns and operates a ranch called Hash Knife Horses that specializes in breeding, raising, and training Tennessee Walking Horses. Brandon has deep Montana ranching roots that center on quality horses. He has spent his lifetime perfecting his philosophy and approach to horse training. It is Brandon's opinion that a horse will perform and respond to his training because the training is based on natural horse behavior.  His approach to training is based on bonding and trust between himself and the horse.  He considers training and working closely with a horse as being a herd of two, (herd horsemanship) and that is why his approach to horse training is so successful.
Brandon's training techniques are gentle and quiet.  Most horses want to please their handler, so capitalizing on that natural desire enables the training to become deeply engrained into the mind of the horse.  The results yield a quiet, relaxed horse that is willing to work for the rider and is responsive to a light rein.  We do not follow current fad training, since our techniques were used and proven generations before today's "horse whispering" movement. 
Like the past several years, Brandon will be present a horsemanship clinic this spring at Dunrovin. He will also accompany us on a September expedition focused on developing horsemanship skills.

Click here to learn more about our Leading the Herd expedition.

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Guardian Angels Fundraiser
A Success For Everyone!

     The new Dunrovin Ranch Dance Hall was the site of the Mid-Winter Showcase January 22-24. Two short plays written and produced by Wendy Woollett were performed by local professional actors and musicians as a benefit for the Guardian Angels Foundation. The three performances of  "The Lost Montana Monolog" and "My Ex-Husband's Visit" along with the art auction and final night BBQ dinner for the cast and audience held in conjunction with the event raised $3,382 for the foundation. The Guardian Angels Foundation provides scholarships to people fighting cancer so that they can pay for uninsured expenses involved with their treatment – a common occurrence even with the “best” insurance. Wendy described the production as “a comedy with high and low spots because that’s what life is.” Through comedy, Wendy created a serious rendition of her experience with cancer as well as her coming to terms with her relationship with her ex-husband. The shows were well attended with audiences laughing openly and visibly moved by the Wendy’s honesty portrayal of life, cancer, divorce, children and plowing ahead.


     Wendy was thrilled with the production, describing the cast as a group “of incredible people.” Gretchen Spiess delivered a pitch perfect impersonation of Wendy. Gretchen is the founder of The Chantilly Theater in Stevensville. Don Collins’ dashing looks and personality combined with his beautiful voice gave life to the role of Dr. Scinece, Wendy’s ex. Don is a well known actor and co-founder of the Missoula Children’s Theater.. Greg Webber captured the angst of a young man torn between two talented and complex parents who can’t make their marriage work. Greg was also responsible for the music and played the drums. Paul Kelly provided guitar playing and a strong western voice, concluding the performance with the audience joining in to sing “Lawyers, Guns, and Money". Deborah Goslin and Laura Goslin, a dynamic mother daughter duo, were both in the performance. Deborah was honored to be involved in another of Wendy's performances as she originally performed in the "The Montana Monologs" in 2007 . Deb Trowbridge was the assistant producer and was also integral in the performance. The Blue Kimono Studio presented a short fashion show during intermission; and artists Pam Voth, Patty Kelly, Nancy Greenfield, Michael, Penny Kukuk, and Barbara Behan all donated art auction items.

 


     The production was held in Dunrovin’s new Dance Hall. This facility was conceived and constructed by Daniel Birlut, Dunrovin Ranch Property Manager, and is truly a unique multi-purpose and multi-season facility. Although not intended as a winter theatre the Dance Hall worked wonderfully and has provided inspiration for future winter activities at Dunrovin. During this weekend's performances, audiences stayed toasty warm inside the soft-walled structure thanks to body heat supplemented by external heaters which supplied a steady stream of warmed air through floor vents. Hundreds of tiny twinkling white lights wound round the inside beams gave the Dance Hall a warm, welcoming glow enjoyed by anyone standing around the fire pit during intermission.


     The production was a wonderful success, due in large part from the support of more than a handful of volunteers. Dunrovin wishes in particular to thank Sally Suk and Susie Castle for their help during the performance and Mike & Trish Foster for their delicious cooking at Sunday’s BBQ. Many, many others volunteered via Wendy or the Guardian Angels. Thanks!


Article written by Pam Voth of Pam Voth Photography and Laura Bosak.

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