Sheepranch a Success, Yet Again!!

In the town of Sheepranch is the “Pioneer Hotel”, which is over a hundred years old.  There is an historical plaque on the hotel grounds. It is funky but nostalgic and loaded with nicknacks and miner paraphernalia from the gold rush days.  This is where we spent another wonderful weekend of fun and food for all. Friday night was the annual serving of sheep stew.  It was delicious and devoured by all those that showed up for it. Saturday was a glorious day to be outdoors, sightseeing in Murphy or enjoying the many wineries, and even going ‘underground’ in the local caverns.  Dinner was a good old western barbeque with chicken and ribs, Bar-B-Q'ed by myself and Barry Caffee, with a lot of help by the rest of the dinner crew.  Afterwards, we had a real ‘Murder Mystery’ with everyone playing a part, even two parts.  Steve Coll was our sheriff and ‘dead’ gambler and the brilliant scriptwriter for the live play.  While most folks dressed in cowboy/girl attire for the show some were salon girls, we also had a judge, and cattle ranchers, and of course, sheep ranchers, etc.etc.  

When the performances were over we had a huge chocolate cake for Jim Driver who turned 75!,  Then we cleared the floor for dancing to the ole boom box.  The next morning we were treated to Spike Anderson’s famous “Beer Batter” Pancakes, in the true miner’s tradition. (Spike and Barry cooked breakfast both Saturday and Sunday mornings!)  Everyone had a great time, and we all thanked Cheryl Lawson for doing a wonderful job in planning and executing the event, again! (Unfortunately, it might be the last time there, according to the owners of the Hotel…. But the event may yet live on!)