Gracie Girl Blog

Wyoming. That is where my heart is. No matter what I do, where we go, or how much time passes, my thoughts drift back to Wyoming.

My family and I began going to a ranch in Jackson Hole, WY 2 years ago. Its a week filled with riding (I ride every day, twice a day when I’m there), amazing views, nice people, and perfect weather. I instantly loved it and vividly remember  our very first night there, eating dinner that was easily the best meal I have ever had, and playing tether ball until the sun went down.

I honestly can’t explain it in words. The Grand Tetons are these huge gorgeous mountains that you can almost always see from the ranch. The trail rides go through the most beautiful places, with the best views. The wranglers are all super nice and basically “my people”(this is the only vacation where there are actually other horse people).

I can’t talk about my favorite place without mentioning my favorite person, Ginny. She is the best wrangler (and the craziest). She plays jokes on people (especially if they know nothing about horses). I remember her trying to pull one on my dad, his horse was snorting and she told him that meant he was gonna buck. I was behind her in the line and was giving her the weirdest look because I knew it wasn’t true. She has a lot of things up her sleeve. She’s a free spirit, living her dreams, and I now honestly can’t imagine life not knowing her. We became fast friends and even now keep in touch. Usually I get her emails when I’ve had a rough day or week, and it always makes it better.

I can’t say much about all the crazy things that have gone on on the trails because what happens on the trail stays on the trail 😉 But I can say there is pine cone throwing, obstacles, and riding really fast.

It’s safe to say I’m in love with Wyoming. The cool nights (No humidity!), warm days, and wonderful rides. You can see the stars out there. The horses are special, and I love having the same one for the week. The people are awesome. That place is so special.

Leaving. If there’s one day of the year I cry the most, it’s when we leave. I write down as many memories as I can. Take as many pictures as I can. And take it all back home with me. Then I go into post-ranch depression for about a  week.  I don’t think I’ve gone a day without thinking about it since we first went.

The ranch is in the middle of God’s creation. There’s a forest that I call the Enchanted Forest because it looks like it’s under a spell. Some places look like they are right out of Narnia. It’s all so gorgeous and unique and wonderful. Life just seems to make sense there. Dreams seem to be so possible there.

July 19, 2016 marks exactly a year since our plane touched down in Wyoming. At that moment, for a second time in my life, I was home. I miss it oh so much. But I know I will be back. And I know it’s what heaven must look like.

The heavens declare the glory of God;

skies proclaim the work of his hands.

Psalm 19:1