Archive for August, 2009

My grand daughter Amber and I visited the BarLazyJ ranch for a week. Amber told me on Friday night after five days that “we have so gotta come back here”. The night before the owner Jerry asked Amber “was it my imagination or are you really having fun” to which she said very emphatically “I am having more than fun”. The owner was at a loss for words after that point. The program for the children is outstanding, the people are very friendly, the food was superb, and the horse rides were wonderful, much more than nose-to-tail–even for a novice like me. The ribs were the best I have ever had, and we got great BBQ in Alabama. The NY strip was tender and tasty as was the grilled shrimp. You get all you can eat. Amber thought that the blueberry panckakes on Thursday were the best ever–first time I didn’t have to add butter and syrup. I enjoyed the real sausage links, not cheap frozen patties. My decision to return happened after the all day ride to the high country when we went above the timbe line and saw mountain goats across the way. Yes, we are so gonna go back next year and Amber hopes to get the same horse–which she talks about frequently. Cheri can ride all day and still teach line dancing at night, to which I got lost quickly. I see why they have over 70% repeat visitors. Being an engineer, I greatly appreciated the organization and well run, updated facilities, and especially the friendliness by all yes all, of the staff. AND I expecially enjoyed the hot tub every night waiting for dinner.

We have stayed at least 5 times at the ranch, each time we were treated like Kings. They take care of your every need and then some. We had a special birthday, the cook at the ranch baked a cake and the whole ranch celebrated with us way into the night! They are wonderful people and really care about their customers. It was fabulous.

We are repeat guests to the Bar Lazy J, as are many guests the week we spend there. That alone tells you something - it’s just that much fun that you can’t wait to get back year after year. We are a family with 4 kids, and the 6 of us (6,9,11,13, 41, 42) count down the days every year till we go!

The week at Bar Lazy J is just so much fun - you feel busy, but relaxed; active yet not over-scheduled; calm but energized. If you’r reading this you have probably investigated about the ranch and the activities, so you know there is plenty to do (or not do, that’s your choice). It’s the perfect amount of time on horseback if you want to do that (twice a day, choices of rides), or you can choose your own adventure, and go hiking, jeep riding, fishing, etc etc etc. The kids , well, you won’t see them. They’ll make friends, be off checking on animals or swinging on the swings. The experience they will come away with is second to none.

The staff - where to begin. They are just the best. Friendly with everyone from the moment you pull up, ready to do/help with anything you need, and just sooooo great with the riders. The wranglers make the rides fun while making sure everyone is comfortable and secure in the saddle. Every ride we went on we came back saying “Man, that was the best time!”.

You have to like fresh mountain air, good food, horses, good people, and fun if you go to Bar Lazy J. You’ll come home wanting to wear your cowboy hat daily and be looking for sheds (antlers) in your backyard! We can’t wait to go back!!