Elk Creek Ranch™ offers teenagers a unique summer camp experience in the western wilderness through a traditional ranch setting combined with a wilderness backpacking program. It is a summer of enjoyment, with groups sharing the camaraderie of youth and the recreational opportunities of the West. It is a summer of challenge, confronting each individual with rugged wilderness surroundings and a rustic life style. It is also a summer of involvement, with each teenager participating in a small camp community.
Remembering Gunner, a Noble Gent
Gunner, Andrew and Kyle’s yellow lab, was an Elk Creeker for a short time but he was a large presence. We lost him to cancer recently, but we have been comforted by a number of memories.
A Human Wannabe
Gunner had very little time for his four-legged kin. He was much more comfortable with his two-legged friends, and he was known to wear a hat comfortably or even to don a bikini for some pond-side time.
Not Exactly a Water Dog
Yellow lab he was, but Gunner was not an enthusiastic swimmer. Kyle managed to wrangle him into the pond for a brief lap, but she had the scratches to show for it.
Not Exactly a Horse or Stock Dog
Gunner was highly skeptical of the “big dogs” on the ranch. He saw nothing good coming from them, even after a “get-to-know-you” session with an impartial mediator.
Not Exactly a Hunter
The buck was smaller than the horses. (We had to repeat this picture!) Gunner thought briefly about him, but the antlers were a concern.
What Gunner Really Wanted
Gunner’s first backpack… a good day on the trail through beautiful country topped off with a hug and some human time (although his idea of sharing space in a tent made for a challenging sleep)… What could be better. Travel well, Gunner.
