Beginning May 1, 2007 dog owners will be billed $10/stay/dog. Dogs will need to bring proof of rabies when registering at the ranch.

Dog owners are responsible for keeping their dogs under control at all times. We have many four-legged visitors. As a rule they enjoy and love the ranch as much as their owners do. However, dogs who have not had opportunities to socialize and mingle with other people and dogs; or who may have never seen horses, donkeys, and guinea hens may find the ranch overwhelming. You need to be aware of how comfortable your dog is in this setting, if your dog shows aggression to other animals or people you will be asked to leave the ranch. The safety of everyone and every animal that visits the ranch has to be a priority. Thank you for your attention to this notice.

The crew is always ready to go no matter what is on the docket for the day. They are our helpers around the ranch. It is turning out to be a busy season for us. We are on track to open the Cedar and Maple Cabins by Memorial Day 2007. As many of you are aware, our little project has been anything but little. The cabins were insulated this week; and we will be starting the finishing work as soon as we are out of the deep freeze in the north woods.

Some of you may have seen Skip and I on the Channel 2 news in January. We had a brief two seconds of stardom as the camera panned our booth at the WBAY Camping Show in Green Bay. We were excited to be there; this is a new show for us; hopeful that it will bring us many RV enthusiasts.

This is a new section in our newsletter. The purpose is to explore other businesses and/or activities available in our area to give you and your family and friends a reason to spend more time with us when you visit.

Dave Gryboski runs Lakewood Ski and Sport. He started the store 13 years ago as an outlet for Hart Ski’s. Years later it is now much more than an outlet. He specializes in renting and sales of Cross Country Ski Equipment, Downhill Ski Equipment, Snow Boards, and Snow Shoes in the winter and Bikes, Kayaks, Wake Boards, and Water Ski’s in the summer. His prices are competitive; and he gives customers the ability to explore something new without the cost of buying the equipment associated with it. It also gives families a chance to help their kids develop new outdoor interests economically. If you find something that you feel passionately about and want to invest in the equipment; Dave offers very competitive pricing.

So when you stay at Spur of the Moment Ranch, and you want to try a new way to explore Oconto County, visit Lakewood Ski and Sport.

During the entire year of 2007, we will be running a photo contest here at the ranch. Please email annm@spurofthemomentranch.org one entry per person for the season. Entries must be taken during your visit to the ranch. Photos will be the property of Spur of the Moment Ranch; and may be used for promotional purposes. Photos need to be family friendly to be considered or displayed. Photos will be displayed on our website; and be available for everyone to see at the ranch.

The winners of the photo contest will be revealed in the December Christmas Card. The winner will receive a two night stay in the Maple Cabin in 2008. Second place winner will receive a two night stay in the Oak Cabin in 2008. Third place will receive a set of two Spur of the Moment Ranch mugs. We are looking forward to some great photo shots in 2007.

February at the Ranch

Mike and Connie Babino and friends enjoyed their weekend in the bunkhouse. They were here for the Fisheree at Chute Pond in Mountain. Our temperatures this weekend were bitter with wind chills in the negative double digits. That did not deter these friends from having a good time. They said not many fish were being registered, but the event was well attended. By the time we took a picture of their portable shanty they were all enjoying the warmth of the bunkhouse, so here is my picture standing in front of it. That’s life at the ranch in February.