The Ranch

Welcome to the Rocking 4R Ranch! Nestled in the Ola Valley, between Sweet and Sage Hen Reservoir, the Rocking 4R is home to our herd of Registered Texas Longhorns and the source of rest and relaxation for our family and friends all year long.

Left: This is the view from our future home site, above the lake, facing East, towards High Valley. The 3,000 foot winding road, leading from the entrance of the ranch to this site, was completed in 2006. Although there are many vantage points that have extraordinary views, we chose this spot to incorporate the lake and valley views, allowing for for incredible wildlife watching.

Right: .....some happy Longhorns trekking across the meadows below the future home site.....

The Rocking 4R ranch is just over 160 acres of land, alternately hilly and flat, divided into seven areas by sturdy wire fencing. This eco-friendly fence is especially designed to allow for the effective management of livestock without impeding the natural movement of wildlife. There are 4 main pastures, with available watering areas. The resource management plan allows for "rotation grazing" and keeps livestock away from the lake and the streams that run through the property.

Ranching has long been the way of life for the residents of the Ola Valley. The first cattle operation was begun in the 1930's. The surrounding properties are currently mostly comprised of cattle ranches; however, there are also sheep, mule and horse breeders in the area and recently quite a few new residents have joined the community who have completely different lifestyles-- retired pilots, physicians, authors, and other retirees who have found a haven of peace and tranquility only 50 miles from downtown Boise.

Summer fun in the lake! We take every opportunity to spend time around (and in) water on hot summer days! The lake covers almost an acre-- and is accessible from all sides. The fishing is very good, with an established population of large-mouth bass. Along parts of the shoreline are reeds, cattails and other wetland-plant varieties that are home to flocks of red- and yellow-winged blackbirds, finches, goose and duck nesting sites and the occasional muskrat and otter. The lake is supplied with fresh water year-round by a spring-fed stream which enters the property about a mile from the lake and provides water for the many species of animals and plant life along its course.

Looking West, towards the mountains surrounding the valley. The smoke is rising from a chuck-wagon style fire pit next to our full-size camping trailers, our "home away from home" until we finally build our ranch house.

You can see the stands of willow, sagebrush, wild plums, among others, growing where natural springs allow for their continued proliferation.

The two halves of the ranch are divided by a natural barrier -- a saddle of land that connects a butte with the hill you see above. From high on top you have an unparalleled view of the entire ranch, and surrounding valley.

The photo to the right illustrates the view from the "saddle", looking down on the front side (notice the lake) of the ranch. Fall and Spring are times of beauty, so intensely green, vibrant and alive that we have heard comparisons to the "green hills of Ireland"

(Left) Here are new calves in one of our pastures. We do not grow any crops on the ranch and our Longhorns grow up healthy and large on wild roses, native grasses, and whatever happens to be available, depending on the season!

The Ranch in Winter --- Winter Fun! Talk about a "Winter Wonderland!" You can see the lake is frozen (great for ice skating!).

This photo illustrates why we're so happy hat we built our barn the following year!!

If you didn't know that Longhorns don't mind the snow, here's your proof! The herd goes for water, keeping a watering hole open for all who want a drink.

We chose Longhorns because they are a breed of cattle that also is "wildlife". These animals are not genetically "engineered", they are easy on the environment and allow natural, hormone free, antibiotic-free beef production without leaving a negative impact on the land.

Mama keeps her calf close to her in Winter- or leaves it with another cow for safety. That's how hundreds of years of natural selection make these cattle the longest lived and most equipped for survival!

We will be updating this page with more photos shortly. Until then, we hope to hear from you, and maybe one of these days, you'll be driving through the main gate for a visit....