Our introduction to Cloud 9 Ranch

Our introduction to Cloud 9 Ranch was in the mid to late 70s. My in-laws were members and kept telling us about the place so one weekend we went down and stayed in one of the 17 foot trailers as guests of the ranch. We took the tour which back in those days was an experience in itself. We went in a four wheel blazer and really toured the ranch. Along the way our guide pointed out all the berries, wild flowers and the numerous varieties of trees growing on these 6358 acres. After the tour we enjoyed the amenities a couple more days then went back to work. We finally bought a membership in 1982 and began camping here every chance we could get. We still had two sons left at home and they enjoyed the place as much as we did. My wife, Yvonne, who I refer to as “the worlds greatest fisherwoman”, was down at her favorite fishing hole early every Saturday morning and always caught her five trout. She liked to use minnows but they had to be a certain size so she would put her minnow trap out and stand for hours making sure it was in the exact spot to lure them in. We retired in 1988 and decided we would like to full-time for a couple years. We sold our home and bought a 5th wheel and truck to pull it. We did travel the country for a couple years before settling down in Florida. The summers were always spent back at Cloud 9 Ranch. In 1989 we decided to stay at the ranch all winter. That was one of the coldest winters on record at Cloud 9 Ranch but it did not deter us from having a wonderful winter. We did have to cancel our Christmas Caroling because it was below zero---a little uncomfortable for us seniors. We would drive down to Fogey and observe the bald eagles. We would see dozens of turkeys and deer all over the ranch. There were lots of pot lucks and Holiday parties. On the spur of the moment a group of us would decide to drive to Bull Shoals, Arkansas for breakfast. Then another time someone would say we’re going to Cabool for a Mexican dinner. It was a very relaxing and enjoyable experience. Everyone was so warm and friendly. On Tuesday evenings we would load a bunch of people in cars and go down to Jerry Hoppers dance hall in Mountain Home were they had free line dance classes. That was always a really fun experience. The next 18 years were spent in Florida but we did return to the ranch almost every summer. To be continued…….

Gene & Yvonne Muenks