How the Ranch was born

Rudolph Estrada, better known as 'Rudy', 'Grandpa Rudy', 'the Old Man' , is the reason there is a Ranch. Rudy was an avid hunter, having been brought up on venison stew and jerky, hunting was just in Rudy's blood. The problem was Rudy always had a difficult time trying to find a place for him and Billy, his son, to go hunting. Now you would think in those times, places to hunt would be plentiful, but in San Luis Obispo County that wasn't the case. Most of the good hunting was on private property, and although Rudy had many relatives and friends in the area, it always seemed to be against his nature having to ask for permission every time he wanted to go out for a hunt. Rudy simply was frustrated with the situation because it was something he loved and he wanted his son to experience some of the pleasure that had always been the joy of his life. Fed up with not having the convenience of being able hunt when he wanted, Rudy decided to look around and find his own place so he could hunt whenever he felt like it without having to deal with anyone else.

Rudy began his quest to find just the right spot, checking out property in the Santa Margarita area where he had his roots and was familiar with the territory. His cousin, Rosamel Estrada, had recently sold some property about 5 miles east of the town of Santa Margarita, inside of the boundaries of the former Santa Margarita Rancho. Rosamel sold the property to move closer to town, but the new owners failed time and time again to make the mortgage payments testing Rosamel's patience. Eventually becoming fed up with his debtors, Rosamel asked Rudy if he would be interested in buying the place. Rudy had been familiar with the property since he was a young boy and had hunted on the property on several occasions. He fell in love with the property years earlier and couldn't wait to make it all his own. It was exactly what he wanted. The front of the property was situated right at the edge of Santa Margarita Ranch pastureland, then backed up against golden rolling hills covered in live and white oaks, and extending into a large open canyon in the back which bordered the Las Padres National Forest. It was an ideal hunting ranch; the deer were plentiful; the cabin was hidden just out of view to the occasional ranch worker; and it was conveniently located within a half hour of his home in San Luis Obispo. Well, it didn't take Rudy long to shake hands and seal the deal. That was in 1938, and was the day the Ranch was born. This was a purchase of a dream come true for Rudy and dream that would bring joy and pleasure to family and friends for many years to come.

Bill Jr. 2003