It’s almost time to welcome our 2012 staff to 4UR Colorado Guest Ranch. This is always an exciting time for those of us who stay in Creede year-round. Many of our staff is returning for another year, and the newbies bring fresh faces and ideas.
Read on for a brief introduction to some of our staff. More to follow in a subsequent blog.
Fishing Guides
Les Vance – Head Guide – Les grew up in the country outside of Raleigh, NC, and moved to Creede to immerse himself in the outdoors after graduating from Appalachian State in 2007. He is returning for his fourth season as a fishing guide here at the 4UR, and is excited to get back on the creek. After spending the last three months fishing in New Zealand, he has a few new tricks up his sleeve for the Goose Creek trout.
Drew Hoffman – Drew grew up in Appleton, WI, and has a degree in Biology from St. Olaf College. He’s returning for his 2nd year as a fly fishing guide at 4UR Ranch. He spent this past winter in New Zealand, testing himself on the most technical trout in the world, and is excited for a new season at the ranch.
A.J. Kemsley – A.J. grew up fishing the lakes and streams of Michigan. His true passion is fly fishing and on any given day, there is a good chance he’ll be on the stream. Whether chasing steelhead or sight fishing for carp in Traverse Bay, the need to wet a line is always strong in A.J.
Ben Sippola – Ben comes to 4UR after spending a season in Major League Soccer. He was born and raised on the water in Southeastern Minnesota, and there is nothing he enjoys more than fly fishing and sharing his passion for flies, rods, and trout with others.
Damon and a few enthusiastic young riders.
Wranglers
Damon Gibbons (Head Wrangler) – Damon has been at 4ur since 2000. He runs the Natural Horsemanship Program and will help all riders–even novices–become comfortable in the saddle.
Katie Davis – Katie born and raised in Columbia, South Carolina, and has been riding since the age of 3. Living out west and working with horses and people has always been a dream of hers. Law school may be in her future, but this summer, she’ll be at 4UR living the dream.
Madison Hester – Madi is from a small town in northern Illinois. She grew up trail riding and competing in barrels and other speed events. Look for her running with her workout partner Dexter, a sweet Rottweiler-Boxer mix.
Shelley Wynn – Shelley is from Charlotte, NC. She recently graduated from the University of South Carolina, where she was a competitive equestrian for all four years. She loves to teach!
Our wranglers and fishing guides look forward to helping your stay at 4UR Family Guest Ranch be both fun and rewarding.
