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The new year kicked off our peak winter season here, and we have quite a few tours already on the books.  Our citrus is ripening and soon we'll be awash in grapefruit, lemons, oranges, and tangelos.  Our weather too is nearly perfect this time of year, and we can bask in the sunshine while the rest of the country suffers in deep freeze.  Many of our tour groups are from the north, and they are especially appreciative of our winter warmth. Not surprisingly, our various family

As you may know from following these posts, Lost Creek Canyon Ranch is also host to the SoCal Mini Horse Sanctuary. The Sanctuary sits on about 11 acres in our middle ranch area and houses miniature horses and donkeys, plus emus, alpacas, and more. All are rescues. And last month, there were two more arrivals: a pair of miniature cows. They're very friendly and quick to come over for a pat and a treat. This is one of the two new arrivals - a miniature Highland cow. He's

The advent of fall brought with it the finishing touches to our remodel of the Depot, formally a broken-down building used for storage and now a spectacular venue for location photography, meetings, special events, weddings, and more. Among its first events was a special pre-Thanksgiving dinner for our ranch friends, families, and staff.  We enjoyed the sundown views, ate until we were ready to burst, and had a thoroughly wonderful time.  If the upcoming year holds any specia

We have a new tenant at Lost Creek Canyon Ranch, and we're thrilled to break the news.  The Southern California Mini-Horse Sanctuary has relocated from Hemet to our Middle Ranch area and taken over about a dozen acres.  Their critters include miniature horses, donkeys, and cattle, alpacas, emus, guinea fowl, and more.  Jeannie is the on-site owner there and we will be adding a tour of her menagerie to our own in a newly available combined tour.  It's like your own private zoo

So just like every year, September is monsoon season here in the desert foothills. More unusual this year was a flash flood warning that gave us a 10-minute heads-up before a deluge of mud from the San Bernardino mountains rolled down the hill and filled up our two ponds. Both were filled to the brim, flat as two little football fields. And since some of our heavy equipment was down for repair, our ranch hands got to work the old-fashioned way: with shovels and sweat. It was

Look what our trail cameras caught roaming in our west pond: a female mountain lion (or cougar) and her three cubs taking a morning...

Our ranch manager Guilmer had a noteworthy 50th birthday this month, and the whole crew celebrated with thousands, or perhaps even...

This has been a very sad month. Barley, our beloved top dog for more than 10 years, passed away due to a run-in with a service vehicle. ...

Our ranch Rivian has been a great purchase, and we were especially appreciative when a Rivian tech came out to the ranch for a service...

Linda received a belated birthday gift from Don Joaquin in the form of this handmade swing. It's a great way to while away the day as you the watch the birds and the shadows creep across the mountainside. And there's plenty of room for our big white pooches to saddle in for a pat.

The ranch staff surprised Linda with a birthday party complete with cake, flowers and a card. The "Happy Birthday" chorus was a little rough, but it was a kind and thoughtful thing to do.

January is birthing season for our local cattle, this little cutie is going to get very big.  These cows are feral but used to our...

Some might call it junk, but for us it's ranch art. This tractor's work days may be over, but it will spend the rest of its days...

This military surplus Hummer is our new tour bus of choice. It holds up to 10. Our New Hummer Ready for Your Tour A sad story with a...

Here's a new bit of ranch technology: “Birdty” Bird TV, a means of seeing our feathered friends up close and personal as they dine away.

With things starting to cool down, it's time to train Cashew while Olive takes her morning ride. Cashew and Olive on Their Way to Their...

Summer brings with it a lot of wonderful things, along with a few that aren't so wonderful. Our ranch hands have grown to like rattlesnake stew.

It's summer fruit time.  Apricot pies and jams will be coming soon. Basket of Fresh Apricots The ranch is now home to a 25-year old...

The dog days of summer aren't quite here yet, but that's what it looks like.  Our two chocolate labs, Barley and Muesli, are regular...

It's the season for hatchlings, and we have a load of fresh chickens and guineas. Look at the difference between new-born and one-hour...