“When there’s an epidemic of loneliness in the tri-state area, the Pine Ridge Dude Ranch might just contribute to its cure.”
Quote by: Zee’s Mom
We are more connected than ever; just look at our use of social media websites and our preoccupation with reading about other people’s lives through platforms like online blogs. Yet many of us struggle with feeling lonely, and the average person has only a few close friends. In our everyday lives, we may be surrounded by other people, but we may be busy and rushed. Inwardly, we may have difficulty relaxing and getting to truly know those around us. If only there was a place that allowed us to relax enough to reach out to other people – through shared activities – and hopefully form friendships! For those naysayers who believe that such a place doesn’t exist, we have news for you!
Let us introduce you to the Pine Ridge Dude Ranch. It’s an all-inclusive resort in the Catskills. Through taking care of some of the nitty-gritty of life like providing all-inclusive meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), the Pine Ridge Dude Ranch strives to help make life feel a little less busy. Its many, shared group activities can bring both family and strangers together. A case in point, the Pine Ridge Dude Ranch provided the perfect environment for our daughters to meet, the grownups to get to know each other, and all of us to become good friends.
The Backstory- It All Started with the Goats and the Petting Zoo
There’s a joke about how it’s hard to carry on a conversation with goats because they’re always “butting in”. Yet, all joking aside, six months ago, our families met at the ranch’s petting zoo. While the goats didn’t prove to be great conversationalists, our two young daughters certainly found something about which to talk. It was an instant connection. Hand in hand, they left the petting zoo and started doing everything together during that trip. When the vacation was over, it was hard to separate them. We promised the girls that they would see each other again in six months. We all signed up for the Home-school Weekend at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch!
In the meantime, the girls became pen pals as they live two hours apart. Abby sent handwritten notes and special cards for the holidays. Her friend then surprised Abby on her birthday by coming up for pizza and a visit to a goat barn. The connection they formed at the ranch was still strong. In fact, they were the only two that followed the princess-themed goat party right down to their outfits!
Six Months Later – Back at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch
The big weekend came at Pine Ridge Dude Ranch. Zee and her family arrived Saturday afternoon. It was no longer Adventures of Abby Girl. It truly became adventures of Abby and Zee.
At dinner, our families condensed to one table and the best part was that we found out that the grown-ups had things in common too. We quickly became great friends over a wonderful home-style buffet meal.
After dinner, the girls went and changed into their matching llama pajamas that Zee’s mom brought up for the girls. We went to the bonfire and had a great time chasing the llamas and making s’ mores.
That night there was a hilarious comedian juggler who was very entertaining. That was followed by a dance party and more chasing of the llamas to get them into bed. However, with so much to do at the ranch, the girls had other late-night plans. Abby got a non-alcoholic Shirley Temple from the Silver Dollar Saloon, and Zee had to have cotton candy ice cream from the Chuck Wagon. Shortly after, Abby decided she needed chocolate ice cream. There the girls sat, enjoyed loads of sugar right before bedtime, and made wonderful memories. (Don’t ask about the subsequent quest to find new stain remover techniques!)
The Next Morning …
We joined our new friends for breakfast. Then we changed for horseback riding. We were early so the girls spent time exploring the goat and chicken pen. They loved finding real eggs in one of the petting zoo’s shelters. Abby wanted to catch a chicken. However, she was unsuccessful. They spent time chatting with each other and the goats.
At the coral, when it was their time to ride ponies, Abby made sure Zee’s helmet was on correctly. They constantly looked out for each other and each other’s needs. It was adorable to watch. They rode ponies. Abby, usually a Junior Wrangler, took a break so that she could ride at the same time as her friend and be able to spend as much time as possible that day with her.
After their ride, they went and completed the coloring competition and roamed the ranch. There wasn’t much down-time as then they were off to paint pinecones. The glitter was the highlight of the activity.
Lunch came next and the food was delicious as usual. It gave everyone nice full bellies so adventures could continue. That afternoon, they jumped on the bounce pillow and played on the playground. Then they went on a tractor ride, explored the ranch a little more, and shared some final giggles before the goodbyes.
We are now planning monthly get-togethers for our families at various locations. It all started with Pine Ridge Dude. It’s such a wonderful place to connect and make life long memories and friendships. We encourage everyone to go see for themselves and perhaps make new friends too.
A co-post by Abby’s Mom and new awesome friend- Zee’s Mom-Eva
Thirsty For More?
We have another blog over at hvparent.com/adventures-of-abby-girl. It’s mainly all things local to the Hudson Valley region. Thanks for stopping by!
