This is Karens second summer at Credenda Ranch in the Rocky Mountains. Last year she was a guest for two weeks; this year shes there all summer as a hired hand. She met Craig, the young ranch hand last year, too. Karen thinks she is somewhat prepared for the work there, having studied topics that Hank, the Boss suggested. Shes an advocate of ecology, nature and animals. She soon learns theres a lot more to heavy ranch work, complicated by her encounters with prankster Jeff, another new hand, and Allyson, a guest of the ranch. The weather, loose horses, camp-outs and illnesses add to the mix.