http://rockyknollranch.com/homeTRIP TO SISTER CREEK RANCH

NOVEMBER 24-28, 2009

Mike and Trina and Jill and I traveled from our homes in Kansas and Oklahoma to Sister Creek Ranch (SCR) [30^o 3’ 43.27”N; 98^o 44’ 31.83”W] about 17 miles north of Boerne, TX on RR 1376 in the central Texas hill country.  The village of Sisterdale, TX is about 5 miles south of SCR on the way to Boerne. 

Mike and Trina brought two of their Arabians, Rainey and Spirit.  Jill brought her mule, Pete, and I brought Captain Morgan, our Morgan horse.

Jill and I had been to this region several times back when we lived in Houston and were eagerly anticipating a return trip.  Although I had seen the area several times, I was completely surprised at the beauty of the fall colors.  Most of the time all of the trees are green, live oaks and mountain cedar stay green all year.  However, a species of red oak was showing a bright red mixed in with the green this time.  The area had recently recovered from a severe drought leaving the ponds full and the rivers and creeks were flowing clear water over their rocky beds.  The weather was ideal for horseback riding.  The sky was clear and blue and the temperature topped out in the mid-sixties and got down to the low forties at night.

Mike and Trina had visited the ranch in April of this year during the drought.  Conditions were much better on this trip.  They had enjoyed the amenities of SCR on their previous visit.  You can see these amenities by visiting their website sistercreekranch.com.  Jill and I also enjoyed these amenities.

The ranch is relatively small for trail riding, containing only 700 acres and being completely surrounded by a 8-foot-high exotic game fence.  The layout of the ranch is long and narrow.  (One advantage of this is you can’t wander off and get lost, just follow the fence.)  The hills and trees give different views from different angles at every turns.  For example, we rode a wide trail and then turned around and rode a narrow trail not fifty yards away and parallel.  The effect was totally different, except for occasionally seeing the previous trail through the trees, we may as well have been in a different county.  The trails range from easy riding roads suitable for pickups to narrow winding paths through the Cedar Breaks.  The first day out, we rode to the outlook high above the ranch.  What a view!  This outlook is completely equipped for picnics or barbecues.

This trip included Thanksgiving Day.  Jill and Trina were not to be denied cooking their turkey.  So on Thursday, we had a magnificent spread with turkey & dressing, potatoes & gravy, cranberry cocktail, salad, and pumpkin pie.  Great work girls!  See the related photo.

Personally, I really like this country for riding.  Compared to previous rides in the Ozarks in Missouri and the Kiamichis in Oklahoma, this country is much more open.  I am more relaxed and enjoy this type country more than the heavily wooded Ozarks and Kiamichis.