Have you ever seen the movie City Slickers with Bill Crystal? If you haven't, the movie is about a bunch of friends that decide to get away from the everyday perils of life, work and family and head out west to go work on a cattle ranch.
During this “vacation” the herd cattle over rough terrain all the while being tormented by their guide/cowboy Curly, played by Jack Palance. If you haven't seen the movie, you should go and rent it. It is absolutely hilarious and in my opinion one of Crystal's best performances in a comedy.
My friend talked me into going one of these types of vacations. Prior to the trip I was never on a horse, so you could imagine what a culture shock it was for me. Out west we headed to Lozier's Box “R” ranch. I was sized up for my horse and over the course of the next 7 days I learned how to ride a horse and round up cattle.
I can honestly say it was one of the most fun and entertaining vacations I have ever been on. I keep telling my wife when my son gets old enough I am taking him out there. It was the vacation of a lifetime.
Beyond the rounding up cattle you really get to know the family that runs the ranch as well as the other guests staying there. Since the number of guests staying there is held to be under 20, you get that close family type of bond with everybody.
If you are looking to do something different for your next vacation, a working cattle ranch vacation may be a good way to go. Not only do you really enjoy yourself, but the money you pay to go on this vacation goes to the ranches themselves and from what I learned they really need our support.
