Paradise Ranch

I love being a parish priest. It gets you into the lives of so many cool people. Like Clay and Leah Miller, the owner and operators of the Paradise Guest Ranch next to the Big Horn National Forest west of Buffalo. I've known about their operation for a while, and today they invited me out to take a look see. 

Fall is one of the most beautiful times of year in Wyoming. Especially in the Big Horns, where the turning quaking aspen trees are breathtaking. 

Leah has been part of the ownership of the Paradise Ranch since 1984. The ranch itself was homesteaded as a cow camp operation back in 1905. But by 1907, it was already being ran as a dude ranch. Over the years, the 160 acres of deeded land surrounded by national forest service ground, has gone through many different owners and phases. Today, Leah and Clay do their best to preserve the integrity of the ranch that has been placed in their hands for caretaking. 40 years of ownership makes them the longest standing proprietors in the ranch's history.

Nestled among the ponderosa pine trees are all cabins and outbuildings necessary to make the guest ranch run. Including two buildings from the original homestead. 

Horses and pack trips are one of the main ranch attractions. In full swing, they'll have about 150 horses roaming around. 

As part of the week long adventure package is a rodeo that the guests are able to participate in, minus the rough stock. 

Aside from the horses and trail rides, there is much to do on the ranch itself. This pavilion is a popular hang out on the long summer evenings. 

This wagon wheel style cook stove is often grand central station once the sun goes down. 

The Millers are in the process of closing up for the winter months. Here is the dining room where stories are told and laughter is heard. 

It takes a work force to keep an operation of this magnitude on track. There are full time employees, some of which live up here year round. And summer help, many on college break and others who just like the mountain experience. 

Like Michelle, Leah's sister, and her two golden retrievers. Michelle has been a Godsend to the ranch's operation this summer. 

Over the river and through the woods is Clay and Leah's home. 

Recently completed, this little oasis allows the Catholic cowboy couple to retreat from the wildness of guest ranch living, while still being able to enjoy the beauty of the Big Horns. 

The magnificent stone fireplace was made from rock unearthed in the building of the house.

The personal touchstones around the home are many and varied. Like this rug tapestry made by Michelle for Leah. Lovely. 

The view off the front porch is amazing. This rock formation is what they call Fan Rock. 

Up on the hill is one of the hidden gems of the ranch. This chapel was built in memory of a young man who worked on the ranch, but was tragically killed on a visit back home. May his memory be perpetual. 

A beautiful view of Fan Rock out the front. 

And room for many faithful guests in the pews. 

What a gift from God the Paradise Ranch is. Both for Clay and Leah, and the many guests they are able to share it with. Stewardship is a most honorable virtue. It comes from the knowledge that everything we have has been given to us by God, and the responsibility to ensure that those gifts can be enjoyed by God's people for generations to come. Leah and Clay Miller, and all those involved in the Paradise Ranch, embody the virtue of stewardship. Keep up the Good work, y’all. You make America proud.