Ranch History

I knew that before long I would have to move my mobile home off of was then Double 4 corporation property.

I made a trip to the assessors office in Winnemucca to look at possible parcels of land that I could purchase.

On the map at the assessor's office, Mike Norton helped me locate a 7 acre parcel on hwy 140, just 18 miles south of Denio Junction. The property belonged to our good friends Julian and Edith Marqueriaga, former owners of alder creek ranch.

I phoned Julian and asked if he would sell the parcel and if so, how would he price it. Julian gave me no answer but said that he'd drive out the next day and drive me to look at several parcels he owned in the same area. He showed me 68 acres across the street from the 7 acres that I’d seen on the map.

It was beautiful but I felt sure I couldn't afford it. I kept asking about the 7 acres, figuring that I could afford 7 acres but not 68.

Julian and I walked the 68 acre piece of sage covered ground. We found the 2 southern corner markers, but not the Northwest corner. In my mind it still didn't matter, because I was sure I couldn't afford it. After our walk and drive, we returned to Denio and I finally had the nerve to ask for a price on the 68.

I was stunned at the price he gave me. I COULD AFFORD IT!

I agreed to buy it and we shook hands to close the deal. After saying good bye, I nearly ran to the telephone to call my attorney to have him start writing a purchase contract, then I called my investment broker to make arrangements to have the money sent ASAP--I didn't want Julian to change his mind!

I was thrilled! 68 acres! It was a dream come true!