Dispatch From the Ranch: Ribbit + Ride (+More)
Hello Friends,
The Spring Peepers are out at the Ranch—they are the first frogs you hear on our little creek, and they are amazing. These frogs use the sugars in their body to create a type of antifreeze, allowing them to hibernate all winter under logs, in mud, and in the holes of trees. Mic drop — frog style. You know Spring is coming when you hear them rustling up through the blanket of leaves that Fall left behind. Soon, the Peepers will be joined by a cacophony of other frogs and toads and it will get noisy—a frog and toad jamboree all season long. I lived in cities most of my adult life, and I dreamt of being back in the country, and close to nature again. I couldn’t put my finger on why. I knew I missed the smell of wood smoke, the wafting verdancy of so much green blowing in the wind, a summer afternoon rain, and the smell of hay. But when this dream came true 15 years ago, I realized what it was that I’d missed—tuning into an ecosystem also tunes you into an ease within yourself.
When you are in the country, it seems so, so quiet, but the more you quiet yourself, the more you begin to notice the layers of life all around. You are part of this ecosystem, and it contains a multitude. Like the Peepers. And the birds—the plants—the water—the trees. We belong to nature, nature doesn’t belong to us.
One of my favorite ways to appreciate the beautiful nature in the Driftless is biking. The pace of biking allows you to deeply notice the world around you while also challenging you physically. Because of the Driftless region’s idiosyncratic topography, there are more roads in the area than anywhere else in Wisconsin.
This week’s Dispatch from the Ranch podcast is with Lauren Wiscomb and Thomas Kherer, seasoned ride leaders and mechanics for our all inclusive Biking Weekend June 12-15th. In this conversation, we talk about biking, the complexity of the things you love, and of course, the Driftless. Please give the conversation a listen (and rate us if you like it). If you are a cyclist, you should seriously consider grabbing one of the last few spots available for our weekend. We will take you on specially curated routes, including a tour of Las Mujeres Farm and Winery, and feed you fabulous food to keep you pedaling. While the rides will be exhilarating and challenging, there are plenty of recovery and rest times at the Ranch. All skill levels welcome. More info here and reach out with any questions.
To top this newsletter off, keep reading for a new retreat announcement. If you like to engage your body and soul, join us for Chris and Kyleen Flores’s Soul Summit August 21-24th. I hope you visit this season and get a dose of nature’s magic.
Here’s to the frogs!
Annie Coleman
Head Wrangler
The Soul Summit: A Wellness Retreat
with Chris and Kyleen Flores
8/21 - 8/24
This August, join Chris and Kyleen Flores of The Summit Health & Fitness to move, to rest, to listen, and to awaken. To let go of what no longer serves you and embrace the fullness of the present moment. To leave feeling lighter, clearer, and deeply connected—to your body, your soul, and the world around you. This retreat is designed for renewal, movement, and deep connection —where mind, body, and soul come together in harmony. This retreat will include:
• Movement & Wellness
• Meditation & Yoga – Center yourself with mindful breath and movement.
• Strength & HIIT – Train outdoors with The Summit Health & Fitness Mobile Unit.
• Sauna Sessions – Detox, unwind, and release tension.
• Nature & Exploration – Reconnect with nature and yourself through guided hikes
• Stillness & Reflection – Find peace in quiet moments.
• Farm-to-Table Meals – Locally sourced, chef-prepared meals to fuel your body.
• Soulful Connection – Meaningful conversations and shared experiences.