We received some bittersweet news from Heather Barklow the other day. She and Garrett tied the knot in December, and with marraige comes changes for them. They are planning a move to Sedona, where she will learn acupuncture. After finishing, they plan to live abroad and travel, as this is the time in their lives for those adventures: no mortgage or children. I am sure she will tell you more about it with a few more entries before she leaves. We don't have a final date yet, although it will be sometime between now and July. 

Heather has been such a wonderful fit for the ranch, and we will miss her tremendously. We have the beautiful opportunity here to watch some remarkable young people "grow up" and move out into the world. Some start for us in high school, many in their college years, like Heather. We are able to share that time of discovery with them, when they explore the world beyond childhood, but before settling into their own time and space where they will spend the bulk of their adulthood. Even so, as beautiful as that experience is, we go through the pangs of separation as they fly the nest and head out for greater adventures.

I know that a part of Heather will always be here, echos imbedded in the collective memories of Rock Springs Guest Ranch. And, too, that her experiences here have become a part of her. To provide a place that can influence the direction of so many truely outstanding people is a huge part of the magic here for John and me.

So, as she leaves, we know that the magic of this place will bring us a new head wrangler. Someone with their own qualities and strengths to add to the experience of all of us here, staff and guests alike. Because turnover is so unusual here, we all face change with both hope and angst. Before the departure of Heather and Hud over this year, our average department head had been here for over eight years. After we replace Heather, it will drop to only six and a half years. Not often enough to really become accustomed to it, but with enough frequency to trust that with change comes new ideas and fresh insight.

And, with all my heart, I wish all the best opportunities and most amazing adventures to Heather and Garrett.