Hidden Valley

Hidden Valley is located on Fenikso Isle, West of Portland, Oregon. Settled miles from the base of one of the impressive surrounding mountain ranges the Island boasts, it really does look like a little patch of paradise especially when the sun rises and sets over the ridge. The farm itself holds somewhere over 2,000 acres of land, and makes use of that space for all manner of features including livestock, crops, riding lessons, trail exploration and even offering up a few cabins for a vacation destination. The nights are quiet and for a lot of visitors, it really does feel just like home.

The animals enjoy wide pastures and constant care from the many hands that live both on the ranch and in the nearby city, with Juddson and his husband Jaiyden constantly on site just in case there's a need. Rumor has it that because of Jay, the animals on the ranch live longer than they should, though no one can ever seem to explain why that is.

Aside from the animals, the ranch provides a rich source of fresh produce for the local city, selling fruits and vegetables to the local stores and at the farmers market, as well as eggs, milk and the like. Juddson has always felt that the community deserves the freshest and least expensive options when it comes to eating healthy. During certain months, he even allows people to come to the ranch and pick their own on special days.

The ranch also offers shelter and safe haven to supernaturals who are finding their way. Juddson will contact the local packs, covens and general supernatural gatherings on behalf of anyone in need.

Guests are welcomed by any available hand or even the owners just inside the main gate. From the gate there's a dirt path that vehicles can traverse, leading to a small rest area with benches beneath the shade of a preserved tree with a tire swing hanging from a seemingly strong limb. Guests are welcome to ask any and all questions during this time, and are often given a schedule of events and things to do based on their chosen vacation package. The ranch offers a wide variety of packages, from the casual get away to the intensive roughin' it experience. Several paths branch off from the tree, leading to the barn, the main house, and the vacation cabins.

Located near the start of the property, Juddson and Jaiyden Whitaker's house is a center point for all sorts of interaction. The three bedroom two bathroom rancher styled home invites you in with a shaded front porch featuring a small sitting area and a swing. A can nearby holds sand and discarded cigarette butts. There's no smoking inside of the home. Through the front doors you'll find a comfortable living room with a country vibe, with just a hint of a modern theme. The kitchen is well stocked at all times, ready to feed an army of hungry ranch hands at the drop of a hat. The master bedroom is off limits, as is the second bedroom nearby, but the third acts as both a guest bedroom and a home office. Up the stairs is a game room, featuring a pool table, pinball machine, comfortable seating and various other activities to keep people occupied. Monopoly games have been known to cause rivalries, but the introduction of Mario Party to the setup has nearly caused brawls in the past.

With Hidden Valley Ranch being both home to many hard workers and a vacation destination, it only made sense that Juddson and Jaiyden would drop a pretty penny on some sort of central gathering point. Located between the main house and the vacation cabins, the patio is a total package. In the summer time the grill gets put through the ringer, totally open for use to anyone so long as they clean it when they're done. A wooden canopy helps shade the large wooden table, with benches along each side and two chairs at the end. The table sits atop a beautiful stone patio. At one end of the canopy there's a built in bar top, kept stocked during events. Within sight of the area, there's a small playground equipped with a slide, jungle gym, seesaw, and various other attractions for children, well used by Ericc growing up. Occasionally, there's a slip'n'slide or a bounce house if it's needed. To the left of that is a well maintained pond that guests and residents use to swim, because there's nothing better than a warm night in the water after you've filled your belly. At least, that's what the Whitaker's believe.

There are multiple barns on the property, but they're all clustered to one location. Fencing provides the animals with a little extra security, though most are allowed to free roam the property as a larger fence encircles a good portion of the ranch. One barn houses cows, another horses, and a third the ranch's pride and joy- the caribou! Juddson fell in love with these animals and has dedicated his time to making sure they're well kept and well loved. There's a large coop for various fowl and a rabbit hut, and another small barn for goats, pigs, and alpacas. There are several penned areas to separate the animals when necessary, and a heavily monitored area with a shallow pond that the animals are allowed into from time to time, but only if hands are on sight to make sure no animals drown. The animals are well cared for.

On the supernatural side, these animals are also often sold to covens and magical beings who need them for rituals. Juddson draws up magically binding contracts with strict and vicious repercussions if they are broken, ensuring that the animals are handled fairly and not made to suffer. In addition, Jaiyden's familiar status offers plenty of perks to the animals living on site. Many seem to show more intelligence than average, and their lifespan seems to increase.

As a huge source of income for the ranch, the crops are well cared for and constantly surveyed to make sure they're in tip top shape and thriving. And if the ranch makes sure to employ nature based supernaturals to help... well, they don't consider that bad business, that's for sure. With each changing season you can find plenty in the ground, with open fields of various produce and a wide assortment of fruit trees in the orchards. Fire Valley, the local city, is the biggest supporter of the ranch. You'll find Hidden Valley produce in almost every establishment and home.

Hidden Valley hosts many festivals to draw in revenue revolving around their produce, including the yearly Apple Festival in the Fall and the Strawberry Spectacular in the Summer. There are plenty of opportunities for people to come and pick their own fresh produce, as well, though those days are usually specified; you can't just show up and grab an ear of corn whenever you please unless you've smooth talked one of the ranch owners.

There are various riding trails all over the place, from beginner level rides to expert. Riders are often accompanied by the horse trainers or one of the owners, particularly if they're going into the mountains where anything could go wrong. It's not just horses either- Hidden Valley is very proud of it's resident caribou, who are happy to have a rider on their back and traverse the rougher terrain!

Each employee cabin is a one bedroom, one bathroom with a spacious kitchen, living room, and small dining room. Cabins are given to employees so long as they're working there, with the understanding that part of their pay will go to utilities. There is no rent, though repairs are on a case by case basis. If you turn into a werewolf and break your window, that's on you. The cabins are located near the barns in case of emergency in the middle of the night, and for the nightly scouting to make sure nothing is trying to get in or out of the barns.