Located as we are on the southern rim of the San Bernardino National Forest, we get a lot of wildlife visitors. This Peninsular bighorn sheep is an example. We don't see them often but it's always a thrill when we do. One of the unexpected features of this region is the abundance of wild grapes. The bear, birds, and deer eat most of them, but there are usually a few left for us. To protect them for those freeloaders, we wrap them in organza jewelry bags so they can ripen unmolested. They...

Springtime is also the season during which our local rattlesnake population wakes up. There aren't too many but we always have to be watchful. For that reason, we asked Snakeworx to conduct some rattlesnake aversion training for our eight dogs. With periodic refresher courses, the dogs will stay away. Peninsular bighorn sheep that inhabit our foothills make the occasional appearance around the ranch. This one looks to be in robust health. Here at Lost Creek Canyon Ranch, spring is the...

The venerable Eldorado Country Club in Indian Wells (founded 1959) gathered up its members and joined us recently for a hike, stretch class, and two meals. Some of the participants found themselves so relaxed by the setting that they dozed off in between exercises! Among our biggest events of the season was a fundraiser for the Bighorn Institute of Palm Desert. More than 60 people came up to enjoy the ranch, gobble down BBQ from one of our favorite restaurants (Cornerstone), and bid on a...