I am writing to you as Beth Bingham's granddaughter and the daughter of the late Lawrence Bingham Richins.
I am reaching out simply to express my deepest gratitude. I have cherished every moment I've been able to spend on the property. My family so deeply appreciates the incredible generosity in allowing us to spend time there; it means more to us than words can say.
Recently, someone asked me what my favorite memory of my dad was. Without hesitation, I answered: camping with him on the property. Just days before he passed away, he shared some of his own favorite life memories with me, and beautifully, they were also formed right there on that land- one of them fishing with fish line on the end of a stick and catching fish after fish while his friends with fishing rods caught none.
It has been an absolute treasure to create and hold onto these moments.
I am hoping to get back up there with my camera this summer to take many more photos.
I have to share an incredible experience we had up there a couple of days ago on Mother’s Day. While traveling chalk creek road, I whispered to the wind that if my dad could hear me, his sign would be to send all the wildlife across our path.
We headed up the property and saw a large herd of deer off to the left and another off to the right, and scattered the whole way up. Near Bluebell, we saw a huge moose on the hillside and an elk down in the meadow, both in the same line of sight. We were completely in awe! As we continued, we passed about 10 wild turkeys and of course, grouse. A little further two large sandhill cranes were perched on a small hill, bathed in sunbeams and staring right at us. One after another, all these encounters were there just along that main road. We only ventured off the main road enough to snuggle some tiny frogs and wave to a salamander in fish lake (also known as the mosquito pond).
Our trip was cut short when our ’96 Land Cruiser broke a belt at circus flats. We lost our fan and coolant, but miraculously made it off the mountain with the temperature gauge somehow moving away from the red line—though it finally redlined within the first mile we were back on chalk creek road. (Luckily we had driven two vehicles and were able to pile into the other one while the land cruiser got towed.) :(
Even during our rush back down before sunset, the wildlife sightings continued, with the grand finale- a beautiful herd of elk running gracefully through the aspens along the ridgeline (my dad’s favorite animal). It was a surreal and awe-inspiring day. And it was made apparent that my dad continues to visit.
Thank you again. We hope to create many more cherished memories there in the years to come.
With heartfelt appreciation,
Lindsay Richins Brandt, Joseph Brandt & family
