In 1996, we purchased a 20 acre parcel of land on a southern slope sitting in Bear Valley, less than a half mile from Bear Valley Eagle Refuge.  On the 20 acre parcel rested a self contained cabin, a workshop, a small wood crib, and an abandoned outhouse.  With that, we started putting together what has become known as Eaglebait Ranch:  sheep, laying hens, a few llamas, and homing pigeons.

Chuck has had sheep in his life since 1975, when living in Sonora, California, and wanted a small flock to take care of.  In the spring of 1997, after fencing off about an acre of land, a Suffolk ewe, with twin lambs, was brought in to “start the flock”.  In the fall of 1998,  we were given 6 pregnant Romney ewes and their ram.  Obviously, we had fenced off more acreage to accommodate the growing flock.

In 1999, because of the curiosity and interest in our flock by a neighbor who has been spinning wool for years, Susan was introduced to wool spinning.  We swapped some of the Romney wool for lessons on spinning.  Life at Eaglebait Ranch  has  never been the same since.

Our flock have been as large as 35 ewes, and up to 6 various rams.  We have decided to keep the flock at (plus/minus) 10 ewes and two rams.  This supplies enough wool for our needs, and for the needs of those we deal with.

We have two guard llamas (who guard the flock of sheep) and two back packing llamas.  The two back packing llamas are new here.  Chuck's pack llama, Cole, died during the winter of 2005.  In the spring of 2006 he got a 10 year old gelded male (who has never packed but is very gentle and has potential as a packer) and a 2 year old gelded male who is in the "learning" phase of pack packing.  He should be ready to carry a pack in the fall of 2007. 

In 2006, Chuck retired from teaching.   Nothing in his life has slowed down.  As a matter of fact, he is busier than ever!