Annual Daddy Daughter trip to Brush Creek Ranch
This Father’s Day I decided to start a new tradition by planning an annual “Daddy Daughter” trip. My daughter Bella turned 10 this year…boy time flies! She is our only child and a constant source of inspiration and joy to me. She loves acting, softball, and she is an avid Dodgers fan like her dad (Yes, there is a God!).
I wanted to plan a trip where I could disconnect from the world and spend four days just focused on getting to know my daughter better and hopefully create lasting memories for both of us. Based on my friend’s recommendation, I decided on Brush Creek Ranch in Saratoga, WY for a remote and off the grid but not too “rough” experience.
For me, these are the moments in life that epitomize what life is all about. Money is merely a tool to help facilitate what is meaningful to each of us. Our mission at Surevest is to help our clients achieve more of their dreams faster, whether that be family vacations, college educations, or retirement homes. Shiny objects fade over time, but the memories are what last forever. The idea that we get to play a small part in facilitating that for each of our clients is one of the most fulfilling parts of the work we do.
I wanted to share my experience with you because it truly was amazing for both of us. I also hope this motivates each of you to enjoy more experiences sooner rather than later. We all know tomorrow is not promised and these are the memories that will last beyond our days.
Off to the ranch
Truth be told, this would be the first time Bella and I spent 24 hours away from mom, so I think we were all a bit nervous…especially Mia. Bella and I boarded a plane to Denver where we would land and embark on a three-hour road trip to the ranch. Fresh off chaperoning a field trip aboard an old sailor boat in Dana Point the month before with Bella’s class, we started on our drive with a song we learned “100 Buckets of Chum on the Boat”. Yes, we actually counted down to “no more” buckets of chum. Quite the accomplishment considering we questioned stopping at eighty buckets and again at forty, yet we somehow persevered. On the drive up to the ranch, we experienced some of the most beautiful scenery and wildlife we have ever seen. There were beautiful creeks, mountains, and what started as a couple of antelope in the prairies, that turned into more than 500 by the time we reached Brush Creek.
We have arrived
Pulling up to the ranch, we were greeted by the staff who guided us down a long dirt road to our accommodations. The grounds were simply breathtaking. We were met at the end of the driveway by a concierge team who unloaded our luggage, gave us a tour of the facilities, and showed us to our room. We stayed in the main lodge, which after adjusting to the overwhelming number of taxidermy displays, really felt like a home away from home to us.
Brush Creek is an all-inclusive experience that requires you only to show up. The ranch was rated the #1 resort by Conde Nast with a score of 99.44, which I can attest is well deserved. We enjoyed three delicious meals each day and snacks in between – hunger was never an issue. They offer two guided activities daily, so we stayed busy, which was great for us. There were dozens of activities to choose from for our morning and afternoon sessions. They ranged from ATV riding to zip-lining, shooting, archery, fly-fishing and more.
During our stay, we experienced fly fishing, archery, ATV riding, skeet shooting, an outdoor obstacle course, and a real cattle roundup. The guides were all fantastic and made sure everything we did was safe and enjoyable.
Honestly, being able to do these things together, laughing, and just focusing on the moment for four days was the best part. On this trip, I discovered what a wonderful and caring person my daughter is growing up to be, and realized how lucky I am. By disconnecting, I was able to tell her and show her how important she is to me. We created a memory that I know will stay with her for life. I could not have asked for a better experience.
Wherever your ideal getaway is, I encourage you to plan something today. Experiences are the new currency, I encourage you to collect as many as you can.
Best regards,
Robert Luna, CEO and Chief Investment Officer, Surevest Private Wealth
