(EMAILWIRE.COM, May 06, 2009 ) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Jerry Johnson
TEL: 800-480-9635
E-MAIL: info@gohcr.com
WEB: www.gohcr.com
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JASPER, Ark.—What do a Japanese foreign exchange student, campus ministry leader, and visually impaired adult all have in common? Each traveled to Horseshoe Canyon Ranch for a group travel experience. The ranch hosts many groups each bringing its own agenda to the 500 acre wilderness in the NW Arkansas Ozark Mountains.
Four generations of the Johnson family operate the ranch, hosting numerous groups and families since they they opened in 1998. Seven miles from the nearest town, adjacent to the unspoiled Buffalo River, the location is ideal for riding and other traditional Western activities.
Ideal terrain, over 250 bolted routes, and an experienced staff make it a popular site for rock climbers too. The ranch was featured in "Rock and Ice" Magazine as one of the best rock climbing spots east of the Rockies. Many new to the sport can find scaling a vertical cliff a daunting experience, but the staff has a way of making everyone feel comfortable.
For The Louisiana School for the Blind, the ranch is a setting for adult students to have fun and become more self-assured. Despite each student (and the director ) being visually impaired, they embrace the challenge. Each autumn they come to ride, canoe, and yes, climb in the great outdoors. Ranch co-owner Barry Johnson says it’s “just phenomenal to watch them learn and experience new things as part of their confidence and skill building program.”
The ranch was a spiritual journey for ten co-eds from Ohio Wesleyan University’s Wilderness Ministry program who spent spring break at the ranch. Tim Gebhart, from the OWU Chaplain’s office says, “The students focused on rock climbing while pondering how good climbing principles translate to good living.”
Johnson says a favorite group is made up of foreign exchange students on freshman orientation outings. For many itÂ’s their first foray into the American countryside. The kids are amazed by so much undeveloped land. They snap photos non-stop to share with folks back home.
Operatiing on the American, home style meals are included in one rate. Accommodations are fully furnished, cozy yet modern log cabins. Each has modern heat and air, and full bath. Horseshoe Canyon Ranch is open annually from early March through October. Special arrangements can be made to accommodate corporate groups during spring and fall seasons, also.
