A Very Special Place
We don't normally visit anywhere twice, but Flying A is
an exception. In July 2008 we had such a wonderful time and
made some great new friends who persuaded us to break our
rule and we weren't disappointed. The ranch boasts fine accommodation,
great food, friendly staff with fantastic horses, rides and
scenery. We met up again with many other repeat guests. It's
not often you travel half way across the world and check
in for a week's vacation and are greeted with so many friendly
faces. We cannot rate this ranch highly enough. We have trouble
finding small intimate adult-only ranches and this fits the
bill as there is usually only around 16 guests at any one
time. Fly-fishing, hiking, yoga, pilates, bicycles and clay
pigeon shooting are also available. And yes, the horses really
do walk back and fro along the river bank in the evening
as per Joanne Panizzera's fantastic "Reflections" photo that
won 1st prize in USA Today's photo competition. Our thanks
once again to Debbie, Keith & all the staff for an unforgettable
week.
Amazing Horseback Riding, Gourmet Food & Attentive Staff Plus Stunning Scenery
My family has been coming to the Flying A since 1996...in
all, we've spent at least 14 weeks with Deb and Keith (more
than once we've visited two weeks in one year!) They have
a fantastic herd of horses and they always pick the perfect
horse for each guest. The remote location is part of the
charm as we like to get away from the world and enjoy the
fresh air and camaraderie that develops as a result of the
small number of guests. The wranglers, led by Marcus, are
very knowledgeable and safety-conscious and will take you
on trails during the week that will take your breath away.
You won't see the same trail twice (unless, like us, you
have favorite trails and request a repeat visit!) Moose,
elk, mule deer, sand hill cranes, antelope, bald eagles and
more await you and your camera. Sunsets, rainbows and more
stars than you can imagine await you! The weather is perfect
for riding...cool at night and pleasant during the day. If
you go in June, you'll see the babies as they are born and
in September, the changing colors of the leaves on the aspens
are amazing. The terrain varies and you can see open vistas,
mountains, lakes with the reflection of the clouds and the
grazing horses and wooded areas...it just depends on where
you go. There are all-day rides with a picnic lunch or half-day
rides with amazing luncheons in the lodge. If you don't ride,
then the hiking and fly fishing should keep you busy. After
dinner, there are activities like horseshoes, poker, darts,
movies, games or...since you've had a busy day and tomorrow
brings more of the same...a comfortable bed and a good book.
Or, you could spend a few minutes and download the photos
that you took during the day and share them with your friends
and family!! Overall, this is the most relaxing vacation
and we can't recommend it more highly...adventure during
the day and luxury in the evening...a perfect combination.
Great Stay, at this Earthly Piece of Heaven that is the Flying A
Our visit in August 2008 was our 14th yearly trip to the Flying A, and some years we have visited twice. Why do we keep going back? It's simple. The Flying A is a first class operation from start to finish. The cabins are clean, comfortable and extremely attractive. The food is excellent. This is not a beef, beans and biscuits place. The horses are well trained, and there are horses for every level of rider. Rides are geared to the level and desires of the riders, and the scenery is gorgeous. The staff is friendly, professional and very guest oriented. In our fourteen years of visiting the ranch, we have encountered maybe 4 or 5 staff members who were not up to our high expectations. On four of our visits we have been joined by anywhere from six to eight family members or friends. They have all enjoyed their stay at the ranch and some have been repeat guests.
We have had the “questionable honor” of night visitors in our cabin. Bats, to be exact! We turned on lights, chased the little visitor into another room, shut the door, and went back to bed. The next morning staff members went on a bat hunt and all was well. In fact we were guests at the ranch the same week as another reviewer who related bat woes. Ranch management responded and did all possible to correct the situation. Some things in nature just come with the territory.
We have always been favorably impressed with the careful attention to detail by the ranch managers, Keith and Debbie. Each year we have noted changes and improvements to enhance the guest experience. Oh, did I mention that we and friends are returning again in 2009?
