We arrived after dark (10 pm) July 16th, and finding the ranch was a bit daunting. Fortunately, we made it and there was someone in the office to guide us to our cabin. (We had been told on the phone previously that Sunday is the staff's day off, and that our cabin would be left unlocked for us.) Moral: Try to arrive while it is still light, or arrange for a member of the ranch to pick you up at the airport if your party is flying. However, be assured, this ranch is worth finding!
The cabins are basic, clean and airconditioned. (There are no dressers or closets in which to store items.) It was also equipped with a small refrigerator where we stored water for the rock climbing excursions. (In addition to water or a refillable thermos,, remember to bring bug spray and good flashlights for caving and nighttime walks. You can always refill a thermos with bottled water in the lodge.)

The staff was incredibly accommodating. We had a small crowd the week we were there, and most opted for rock climbing in the morning. I was the only member of my family who went horseback riding each day. My 11 year old is so enthused with rock climbing he has been bugging us since we've arrived back in NJ to find a place to climb! The afternoons were so hot (once it hit 110 degrees) that we asked to go to the Buffalo River or the local swimming hole three times. My 8 year old loved swinging on the rope swing and catching crawfish!

The boys and my husband also enjoyed caving, and slithered through these tight spaces in the cavern. I waited for them with a few other people in the wider area of the cave, and enjoyed the respite from the heat. (It's about 60 degrees in the cave.)

In addition, we all got to try shooting a 22 clbr gun and a pistol. The boys learned how to throw tomahawks. We all went ziplining; the kids and adults could go 20 feet off the ground, and the adults could go on one 60 feet off the the ground. Everyone working at the ranch was very patient with the children, and took time to explain procedures and to encourage each child according to his or her ability.

The food was good. The prime rib and roasted pork were among the best my husband and I have ever had. On nights where the selections were not as inspiring for members of my family, there were always hot dogs or chicken tenders available. The lodge was always open, with fruit, cookies, pb&j, water, lemonade and tea or coffee available. Despite the constant movement, none of us went home with our clothing looser!

Another convenience offered at the ranch was the use of two washers and two dryers. Because of the excessive heat it was impossible to recycle clothing, and being able to easily clean our clothes was truly appreciated.

Our family had a wonderful time on this trip. The accomodations are basic, but more than enough. We could be as busy or as lazy as we chose to be. It was an opportunity to try several activities we don't normally have the ability to try. It was a gem in a part of the country where I was skeptical about the authenticity of a dude ranch experience. However, I shouldn't have worried, they truly lived up to their claim of the "west meeting southern hospitality!" My two sons want to return when they're older (16) so that they can go on the bigger zip line! And that is without TV or radio!