#54 Sheepherder's Wagon

Crystal Creek Ranch in the Missouri Ozarks 

When I stumbled across this ranch on the internet while trip planning, I became intensely giddy! Spending a night in a sheepherder's wagon could possibly be the most unusual of all Notable Night accommodations!  I couldn't relax until I reached someone on the phone and had reservations in place!

Built for Real Sheepherders!

This was not a playhouse on wheels.  This wagon was made (then modified) by an actual shephard.  We were happy that our cozy home for the night had electricity, so we could use the small air conditioner and refrigerator.  But we had to hike up the dirt road for running water and restroom.  No problem, since we are used to that in camp grounds.

Sheep, too!

There were even sheep grazing on the hillside! 

And Real Farm Critters!

We checked in with our gracious host, Bill, who told us we would be the only guests on the ranch that evening.  I'm not sure where he and his wife live, but he gave us a good welcoming before he headed home in his truck.  But we weren't alone. There were 3 precious kitties, at least one llama and one cow. There were horses and a peacock, some guinea hens, chickens and about a million ducks who all went into a quacking and clucking frenzy at about 6:00. (I think Bill came back to feed them)

Land

I felt like I'd died and gone to heaven.  This is one of the prettiest parts of Missouri and we were hitting it on a balmy October afternoon.  Bill told us to feel free to explore since there were no other guests. We went up to enjoy a spectacular view from a hilltop cottage and we sat on the porch of a lakeside cabin.

Fishing

And we fished!  We had heard before starting our 22-day road trip that the ranch had a fishing lake. Don was prepared with a rod and some tackle and he caught few bass and blue gill in a matter of minutes.

I however wanted to fish the way I remembered fishing as a kid, so I used a bamboo stick and bread for bait.  I did manage to catch a couple!

Evening

---

It got dark before we could use the canoe or rowboat that was available.  But we were excited to use the fire pit, even though a light drizzle started up after sundown.  The clouds made the night sky even darker and the nighttime sounds even eerier.

Entertainment!

While a soft rain hit the canvas cover of our wagon, we had a light dinner of cheese, crackers, nuts and vino in paper cups.  Since we had no neighbors to annoy, we brought out the ukuleles, which seemed like a pretty good instrument for a sheepherder.  We played some Yahtzee and then I read some exciting bits from some of the books on the shelf.  I particularly loved the illustrations in Sheepherder Family!  What a hoot!

Morning

We woke to a damp morning and 3 kitties sitting on our wooden step.  I grabbed my toothbrush and soap and followed the kitties back to the welcome/rec center to wash up.

Meandering

The cats were pretty amused by the puddle.  One stopped on the fence post, encouraging me to notice the windmill and a garden with cornstalks and pumpkins.

Playtime

---

 Don joined me after a bit and we played a game of ping pong before packing up.  So many things we didn't have time for, like tether ball and archery and studying the huge collection of work and farm tools. Next time!

Good Bye!

We had a fun chat with Bill and Steve (who works for Bill) on the office porch before heading off.  Bill got quite a chuckle out of the idea of our road trip. Steve made sure to have the kitty wave good-bye since he knew I'd gotten quite attached.

What's Notable

A ranch to ourselves!  I will never forget that feeling... like we owned the whole place.  We had been given a warm welcome and then we were peacefully left alone to enjoy.  I imagine the ranch in July is swarming like a summer camp and that would be a whole different kind of fun. But what a treat to hear nothing but wind and a few birds and rain!  Ahhhhh!