Imagine living a life filled with music, love, community and pets - especially horses. As this week plays homage to the celebration of love and life in St. Valentine’s Day, I thought it fitting to celebrate another newcomer who embodies this holiday in their daily life. Meet Curt and Laura Steinke, both accomplished in their respective fields and happily living life in Jamestown; a couple, who’s professions only partly defines them.
The couple are avid trail riders and hikers who fell in love immediately with Jamestown during a trip to Bandy Creek taken several years ago. Their ride to Charit Creek Lodge proved spectacular. Upon their return to Tryon, Curt quickly announced to the family, including his in-laws, “We’re moving to Jamestown!” Finding the right property with proper accommodations for the entire family, human and horse proved interesting. The couple finally settled on the White Oak community in Allardt as they found a beautiful set of parcels which facilitated their dreams and goals.
Sadly, as Tryon, NC lost an amazingly charitable couple, Jamestown and Big South Fork, in turn, are blessed. Both, Curt and Laura began exploring the area, its waters, trails, gardens and musical opportunities. Curt felt the Big South Fork allure and immediately joined the Back Country Horsemen, later becoming its Vice President. Laura assumed the Facebook page administrative role. Soon after, they joined the BSF Trail-keepers program and adopted both a horse trail riding loop and hiking trail, Hatfield Ridge Loop and Gentleman’s Swimming Hole Loop respectively.
Curt and Laura immersed themselves in the local outdoor activities as part of their dating life which keeps their marriage filled with love and closeness. They enjoy exploring the local parks, trails and water ways. “This area is an outdoor lovers paradise with the trail riding, hiking and flat water kayaking”, quips Laura. She enjoys the flora and fauna by simply slowing enough to relish its simplicity and beauty.
Not only does this couple volunteer with the BSF Back Country Horsemen group; but, they actively participate with the Jamestown Garden Club. Laura became involved in growing and canning fruits and vegetables. Curt built over a dozen raised beds for vegetables and planted blueberries, gooseberries, elderberries and fruit trees for their farm.
Laura has since joined the Cumberland County Community Band as a French horn player. She played French horn professionally in Jacksonville, FL and Asheville, NC. She once again discovered its joys. Getting involved in the music scene and making new friends in the field inspired her to start learning the piano, her latest endeavor. (The Cumberland County Band hosts their first Spring Concert in March 2022.)
Horses capture the couple’s imagination, Arabians in particular. Without the horses, would they have discovered either Tryon, NC or Jamestown? These areas are the equestrian’s Mecca. Jamestown’s trails hold the same awe factor as finding the Holy Grail. The surefooted, never-tiring Arabians steadfastly carry this couple for miles making their dreams realities and cementing their relationship. This couple, so committed to their horses, carefully breed and care for their small herd. In planning for their horses in retirement, they recently acquired additional acreage for 24/7 turnout and retirement barn.
Thank you Laura and Curt for sharing your newcomer story and giving your time, love, grace and magic, embodied in the St. Valentine’s holiday, with the people of Jamestown.
