drives - Blogs - Tripatini2024-03-29T12:03:22Zhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/feed/tag/drivesCowboy Skills 101: The Best USA Guest Ranches to Earn Your Spurs This Yearhttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/cowboy-skills-101-the-best-places-to-earn-your-spurs-in-20192019-07-03T11:14:28.000Z2019-07-03T11:14:28.000ZBea Villiershttps://tripatini.com/members/BeaVilliers<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009330081,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009330081,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009330081?profile=original" /></a></p><p>If you're looking to step into the boots of a real cowboy on your riding holiday look no further than Ranch Rider, as the tour operator is run by keen equestrians and horse owners, their passion to help you get more out of your time in the saddle.</p><p>Tony Daly, managing director of Ranch Rider, comments, “Even though branding, roping and cattle work are available activities at most working ranches, there are always subtle key differences in the guest experience from one ranch to another. From the benefits of combining yoga with horse riding to learning to rope with rodeo legends, we’ve prepared a selection of ranch holidays where you can get to grips with being in the saddle in a way that feels tailor-made for you.”</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331058,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331058,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009331058?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Yoga isn’t just a health and wellness booster, as it can also help to improve your experience in the saddle - the physical alignment we strive to achieve when riding horses the same as the alignment we practice in the art of yoga. At Wyoming’s <strong>Bitterroot Working Guest Ranch</strong> they offer several classes each week in the yoga yurt, with guests working on the muscles that are engaged when riding horses.</p><p><br /> More intensive yoga weeks are available over the summer months, focusing on Ashtanga Vinyasa Yoga (departing 14-21 July) and Hatha Yoga (departing 25 August to 01 September). Visit the ranch on the week beginning 23 June and you will <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/SAVE234pp-350pp-Wyoming-BitterrootRanch" target="_blank">SAVE £351pp:</a> Seven nights from only £1,989pp (two sharing)</strong> including accommodation, meals, ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes car hire from £340 and return flight from £895pp. Expect an authentic working ranch experience with plenty of opportunity to herd the cattle, the property surrounded by the Shoshone National Forest, where the ranch’s 450 head of Black Angus and Scottish Highland cattle graze (the ranch has a special permit to ride and operate in what is the first federally protected national forest in the United States). English and Western tack is available along with an exciting cross-country course. </p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331490,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331490,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009331490?profile=original" /></a></p><p><span>With instructors who are members of the PRCA (Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association) and the NCHA (National Cutting Horse Association), you can certainly look to expand your Western riding skills at the "adult only" </span><b>Colorado Cattle Company</b><span>.</span><span class="m_1075318874468228617gmail-m_8846502994452826290gmail-m_-3414398589918652231gmail-m_-1964524217202975172gmail-m_937589705126741711gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>There is also a Cowboy School on site, the fun games of team penning, team sorting, cutting, tag, cowboy handball and barrel racing teaching you “must-have” cattle handling skills. Visit the ranch in July and August and you'll <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/SUMMERSAVING-420pp-AdultOnly-ColoradoRanch" target="_blank">SAVE £420pp:</a></strong></span><strong> </strong><b>Six-nights</b><span> </span><b>from only £1,370pp (no single supplement) </b><span>including six night’s accommodation, meals, ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities and taxes. Transfers available from Denver from £100 (per group) and return flight on request. </span></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331893,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009331893,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009331893?profile=original" /></a></p><p><span>Montana’s </span><b>Lonesome Spur Working Guest Ranch</b><span> has been under the same ownership for five generations.</span><span class="m_1075318874468228617gmail-m_8846502994452826290gmail-m_-3414398589918652231gmail-m_-1964524217202975172gmail-m_937589705126741711gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>The wranglers here (including a legendary rodeo star and once champion bull rider) follow the traditional cowboy code and old fashioned values of the west by helping friends and neighbours with branding and doctoring their cattle on request.</span><span class="m_1075318874468228617gmail-m_8846502994452826290gmail-m_-3414398589918652231gmail-m_-1964524217202975172gmail-m_937589705126741711gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>The ideal place to earn your spurs, you will have the opportunity to learn to catch and saddle your own horse (under supervision), ride the range and help gather and move the cattle as the days permit. Travel in June and there might be chance to visit the thrilling Cody Night Rodeo. <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/SAVE400pp-MONTANAWorkingRanch" target="_blank">SAVE £400pp:</a></strong></span><b> Six-nights from only £1,000pp (two sharing)</b><span> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes, transfers and gratuities.</span><span class="m_1075318874468228617gmail-m_8846502994452826290gmail-m_-3414398589918652231gmail-m_-1964524217202975172gmail-m_937589705126741711gmail-Apple-converted-space"> </span><span>Excludes return flight from £895pp. Offer valid on stays between May 19th – June 29th. Book before 31 March. </span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009332292,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009332292,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009332292?profile=original" /></a></p><p>Covering 4,000 acres, South Dakota’s <strong>Crow Creek Working Ranch</strong> overlooks the scenic Black Hills and straddles two states, giving guests the opportunity to ride across the border into Wyoming. May activities include branding, cattle drives and fun games of team penning. You can expect a truly intensive Western workout in the saddle, as rather uniquely, the ranch takes only four to six guests at a time, the owners running about 500 head of Angus cattle on 5000 to 6000 hectares in three leased locations as well as at their 1400-hectare ranch. <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/DEAL-SouthDakota-CrowCreekWorkingRanch" target="_blank">SAVE £230pp: </a>Six nights from £719pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, ranch activities, use of ranch facilities taxes and transfers from Rapid City. Excludes gratuities as left to discretion, and return flight from £889pp. Offer valid on all May, June and July departures. Book by 30 April.</p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009332698,original{{/staticFileLink}}" target="_blank"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009332698,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" width="750" alt="9009332698?profile=original" /></a></p><p>At Wyoming’s <strong>New Haven Working Ranch,</strong> the owners rear horses, cattle and sheep and there is always plenty of cattle work for greenhorns. Alternative pursuits include pedal boating on the lake, fishing and target shooting. <strong><a href="http://bit.ly/DEAL-Wyoming-NewHavenWorkingRanch" target="_blank">SAVE £250pp:</a> Seven nights from only £1,175pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, ranch activities, use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers from Rapid City from £135pp and return flight from £895pp. Offer valid on departures between 18 May to 25 May. Book before 31 March.<br /></p><p>All deals are subject to availability. <strong>Ranch Rider</strong> (01509 618 811; <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/index.php" target="_blank">ranchrider.com</a></strong>) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.</p><p></p><p></p></div>How To Achieve Your Cowboy Dreams On A Budgethttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/guest-dude-ranches-horseback-riding-budget2018-09-04T12:32:32.000Z2018-09-04T12:32:32.000ZBea Villiershttps://tripatini.com/members/BeaVilliers<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009289077,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009289077,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009289077?profile=original" /></a></p><p><span><br /> <br /> Riding holiday specialist Ranch Rider has rounded up three of its best offers - prices starting from only £840 per person (no single supplement) for a week on the range in Wyoming. The tour operator is also holding its 2018 prices for 2019 bookings for the world-famous Medicine Lodge Horse Drive.</span></p><p><span><strong><br /> SAVE £485 pp (36%)</strong> At Wyoming’s <strong>New Haven Working Ranch,</strong> guests have daily opportunities to herd the cattle - living the life of a cowhand central to the stay. Alternative pursuits include pistol and rifle target shooting as well as trap shooting and trout fishing. The ideal time to visit, the local rodeo will be in full swing over the summer. </span></p><p><span><br /> Seven nights from <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/ranch.php?ranch=52" target="_blank">only £840 pp (no single supplement)</a></strong> including accommodation, meals ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers from £135 and return flight from £1,579 pp. Departing 11 August. Price before discount £1,325pp.</span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009289858,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009289858,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009289858?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p><span><strong><br /> Book your 2019 horse drive before 23 December 2018 and pay 2018 prices:</strong> One of Ranch Rider's most popular riding holidays, the <strong>Medicine Lodge Idaho Horse Drive</strong> is a fast-paced, challenging adventure, guests driving over 40 horses across 100,000 acres of mountainous terrain.</span></p><p><span><br /> The journey takes riders through desert canyon country and across lakes and rivers, the Gem state’s backcountry filled with abundant wildlife including moose, elk and bear. The camping is completely off-grid with meals cooked over the open fire, Silver Spur’s famous chuck wagon carrying all the ingredients.</span></p><p><span><br /> Aside from the thrill of bringing the horses home, highlights include sleeping out under the stars and bathing in natural warm springs and refreshing Idahoan creeks.</span></p><p><span><br /> Six nights from <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/specials.php?id=25" target="_blank">only £1,599 pp (no single supplement)</a></strong> including accommodation (ranch and camp), meals, ranch activities (including riding) and tax. Excludes transfers and gratuities. Return flight from £899 pp. Available departures May through September 2019.<br /></span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009290068,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="200" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009290068,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009290068?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p><span><strong><br /> SAVE £335 pp:</strong> Ranch Rider is also offering discounts on six-night stays at <strong>South Africa</strong>'s <strong>Horizon Lodge,</strong> the property located on the Triple B Ranch in the malaria-free <strong>Waterberg</strong> region. Horseback safaris, scenic rides and western games feature on the list of pursuits and cattle mustering is available to book on arrival.</span></p><p><span><br /> From <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/specials.php?id=20" target="_blank">only £945 pp (two sharing)</a></strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities and tax. Excludes transfers from £195 pp, gratuities as left to</span> discretion <span>and return flight from £879 pp. Offer valid on all departures in September 2018 and September 2019. Book before 01 September 2018. Full riding safari price £1,230pp. </span></p><p><span><strong><br /> <em>Ranch Rider</em></strong> <em>(01509 618 811; ranchrider.com) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.</em></span></p><p></p></div>Canada, Where the Landscapes Bring You to Life!https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/canada-where-the-landscapes-bring-you-to-life2018-05-26T12:00:00.000Z2018-05-26T12:00:00.000ZBea Villiershttps://tripatini.com/members/BeaVilliers<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009266252,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009266252,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009266252?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><span>Canada is a country where you’ll find nature at its finest, from Barkley Sound in BC - every day out on the water said to be comparable to an episode of National Geographic - to the towering Cypress Hills, where the skies of Saskatchewan come to life.</span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009266857,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="269" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009266857,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009266857?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span>Spend ten days <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/2018/05/limited-spaces-calgary-stampede-drive-ranch-holiday/" target="_blank">exploring Alberta,</a></strong> from the world-famous Calgary Stampede to its equally lauded national parks: Banff an outdoorsman’s paradise and Lake Louise and Moraine Lake two of the most photographed locations in the world.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009266689,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="267" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009266689,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009266689?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><span>In a compelling journey through Canada’s backcountry, you will have the opportunity to walk on (and drink from) the ancient Athabasca Glacier and take a boat trip to Spirit Island - the location of spiritual significance to the Stoney Nakoda First Nation. Round off your adventure with a six-night stay at the province’s historic Lucasia Working Ranch and herd the cattle across the Porcupine Hills. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009267280,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="266" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009267280,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009267280?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span>10-day <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/self-drive/alberta-option-1/" target="_blank">Alberta Uncovered</a></strong> self-drive from £744pp (two sharing). Departing 12 July.</span></p><p></p><p><span>Six nights at the <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/ranches/lucasia-ranch/" target="_blank">Lucasia Working Ranch</a></strong> from £1,140pp (no single supplement). Departing 22 July.</span></p><p></p><p><span>Known affectionately as “Cowtown,” there’s still every reason to explore Calgary outside of the annual stampede.<span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span> One of our favourite destinations, we would be happy to share our first-hand experience of the city as a guide to making the most of your stay. <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009267897,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009267897,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="270" class="align-center" alt="9009267897?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p><span><strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/2018/05/where-to-see-saskatchewans-living-skies/" target="_blank">Discover Saskatchewan</a></strong> on an eight-day self-drive, from its wide-open prairies in the Grasslands National Park - its free-roaming bison a major highlight - to the towering Cypress Hills where the living skies dominate the surroundings.</span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009267501,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009267501,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="267" class="align-center" alt="9009267501?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p><span>The self-drive will take you back to the Mesozoic Era when dinosaurs roamed the land, and the late 1800’s - Sitting Bull, Major James Walsh and Butch Cassidy (the outlaw caves at the Big Muddy Badlands a must-see) just some of the legendary figures who have made their mark on the province.</span></p><p><span>Start your adventure with a stay at Historic Reesor Ranch - the first ranch in Saskatchewan to be designated as a Provincial Heritage Property. Its history spans over 100 years, but even today little has changed in the way of activities - cattle drives, riding fence lines and checking cattle on horseback all part of the seven-night stay.</span></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009268467,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009268467,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="264" class="align-center" alt="9009268467?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p><span>Eight-day <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/self-drive/saskatchewan-option-2/" target="_blank">Saskatchewan’s Living Skies</a></strong> self-drive from £595pp (two sharing).</span></p><p><span>Seven-nights at <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/ranches/historic-reesor-ranch/" target="_blank">Historic Reesor Working Ranch</a></strong> from £1,126pp (no single supplement).</span></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009268260,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009268260,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="266" class="align-center" alt="9009268260?profile=original" /></a></p><p><span><strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/2018/05/explore-british-columbias-wild-side/" target="_blank">Explore British Columbia’s wild side</a></strong> on an eight-day self-drive through the Pacific Province. From Barkley Sound - whales, harbour porpoises, black bears, sea lion, harbour seals, sea otters, bald eagles, and a variety of seabirds often spotted in a mere few hours on the “all-around wildlife tours” - to the remote Desolation Sound Marine Provincial Park (only accessible by boat) - where you can snorkel with Giant Sunflower Stars, Red Sea Urchins, prickly-looking Sea Cucumbers and spiny Rockfish.</span></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009268292,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009268292,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="268" class="align-center" alt="9009268292?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p><span>Finish in Whistler, “the adventure capital of the world” offering zip trekking, bear watching, quad biking, mountain biking, hiking and more.</span></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009269259,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009269259,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="269" class="align-center" alt="9009269259?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p><span>Start or end your adventure with a stay at BC's Big Creek Lodge - the ranch located in a pristine wilderness on the West Coast of Canada at the foot of the Coast Mountains. Cattle work and country trail riding are on offer, the cowboy way of life unchanged here for over 100 years. Fishing, mountain biking, hiking and gold panning are additional activities, and for the ultimate western adventure, book the overnight camp out where you can commune with the sights and sounds of nature, the ride to the Anvil Mountain Camp taking you through the Big Creek Provincial Park.</span></p><p><span>Eight/ten-day <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/self-drive/british-columbia-option-2/" target="_blank">Wilds of British Columbia</a></strong> self-drive from £595pp (two sharing). <span class="Apple-converted-space"> </span></span></p><p><span>Seven nights at the <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/ranches/big-creek-ranch/" target="_blank">Big Creek Working/Guest Ranch</a></strong> from £1,139pp (no single supplement).</span></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009269497,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="272" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009269497,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009269497?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p><span>Award-winning travel writer, Aaron Millar, who recently released his new book, <strong><a href="https://tinyurl.com/y77euffb" target="_blank">“50 Greatest National Parks Around the World,”</a></strong> has a soft spot for Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve in British Columbia.</span></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009270062,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="223" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009270062,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009270062?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p><span>Aaron says, <em>“Known as the ‘Galapagos of the North’, these little-known islands 62-miles off the northern coast of British Columbia are one of the most ecologically rich places on the planet, home to humpback whales, Orcas, more than one million nesting sea-birds and the rare Haida Gwaii black bear.”</em></span></p><p><span>Visit Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve on your self-drive - all of our itineraries tailor-made - or choose from any of the country’s 13 provinces and territories.</span></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009269687,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="268" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009269687,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009269687?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p><span>Ranch Rider works with sister company “The Independent Traveller.” Also a Canada expert, the tour operator can show you every corner of the Great White North, its <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/location/canada/" target="_blank">authentic ranch stays</a>,</strong> spellbinding scenery, abundant wildlife and friendly people, keeping you coming back to experience more…</span></p><p><span><b>Ranch Rider</b> (01509 618 811; <a href="http://ranchrider.com/">ranchrider.com</a>) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150.</span></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009269687,original{{/staticFileLink}}"></a></span></p><p></p></div>Top 2018 Horse Trail Rides in the USA, Canada & South Africahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/guest-ranches-usa-canada-south-africa2018-02-20T19:46:28.000Z2018-02-20T19:46:28.000ZSam Wardhttps://tripatini.com/members/SamWard<div><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009232663,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="250" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009232663,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009232663?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Family ride at Arizona's White Stallion Guest Ranch</em></span></p><p><span><br /> <br /> With over 80 years combined experience in the saddle, the Ranch Rider team has its hoof to the ground when it comes to the best riding holidays. So, where to hit the trail in 2018? From new cultural cowgirl getaways to award winning horseback safaris, the specialist has rounded up a list of the best equine escapes for the year ahead.</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span>Tony Daly, managing director of Ranch Rider, comments, “2018’s “mane” attraction will be the Gem state. Idaho's Western Pleasure Guest Ranch will celebrate its centenary, and last month, The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) approved the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve - America's first dark sky reserve awarded “Gold Tier”* status."</span><br /> <br /> <br /> <span>“We also have some exciting new horseback adventures on offer, our new nine night escorted photography and riding safari in South Africa, including outrides in the the iSimangaliso Wetland Park - one of the jewels of country's coastline.”<br /> <br /></span></p><p></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009234273,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009234273,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009234273?profile=original" /></a><em> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Stargazing in Idaho (c) Idaho Tourism</span></em><br /> <br /> <br /> <span>Now one of only 12 in the world, The International Dark-Sky Association (IDA) approved America’s first dark sky reserve on 18 December 2017, a total of 900,000 acres in central Idaho, blessed with such pristine skies that intricate interstellar dust clouds are visible in the Milky Way. With thousands already having flocked to Idaho for a glimpse of last year’s solar eclipse, 2018 is on course to be the Gem State’s year for stargazing - and with more than 80% of the world’s population living under light-polluted skies, astro-tourism is being tipped as the next big sustainable travel trend. Combine a starry <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/self-drive/idaho-option-1/" target="_blank">seven night self-drive</a></strong> through central Idaho’s dark sky reserve covering Sun Valley and the Sawtooth National Recreation Area (<strong>from £595pp</strong>, two sharing including accommodation and car hire) with a six night stay at the <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/western-pleasure-guest-ranch/" target="_blank">Western Pleasure Guest Ranch</a></strong>. Located in the state’s scenic Panhandle region, the fourth generation ranch featured in <em>USA Today</em>’s list of top 10 guest ranchs in America, and in 2018 guests can expect an even more memorable holiday, as the ranch will celebrate its centenary. Activities include trail riding, cattle work (from eight years), archery and trap shooting. <strong>Six nights on the ranch from £1,549pp (no single supplement) and from £1,180pp (six to 12 years)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes car hire from £330 and return flight from £889pp. Departures 28 May to 30 September.</span></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009234685,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009234685,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009234685?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Teen team penning at Idaho's Western Pleasure Guest Ranch</em></span></p><p><span><br /> <br /> With more women opting for adventure over pampering, the new Western Women’s Week at <strong>Colorado</strong>'s <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/latigo-ranch/" target="_blank">Latigo Deluxe Guest Ranch</a></strong> is expected to book up quickly. Combining culture with a list of thrilling pursuits, guests will be able to glean insight from real western women - farriers, vets and contemporary cowgirls joining them for the six-night riding holiday. The special week includes, a breakfast ride, sunset ride, horse drawn covered wagon ride, fly-fishing lesson, all-day ride, cattle work, rifle, shotgun and single action revolver shooting, line dancing and live western music, guided hikes and instruction in whip cracking and tomahawk throwing. Departing 03 June. Ideal for the more adventurous, new rock climbing classes will be on offer to guests in throughout the ranch season (departures from June through September). <strong>Six nights from £2,435pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes rock climbing classes, car hire from £330 and return flight from £859pp.</span><br /> <br /> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296634469,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="350" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296634469,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9296634469?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Saddle up at Colorado's Latigo Deluxe Guest Ranch, with Dee, the ranch's farrier (horseshoer) for over three decades, Lindy their large animal vet, and their neighbours, the Taussig women cattle ranchers </em></span></p><p><br /> <span>An authentic cattle ranch, depending on your date of travel, the activities at Kansas’ <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/flying-w-ranch/" target="_blank">Flying W Ranch</a></strong> might include pasture rotation, feeding and doctoring cattle, while scenic rides, fishing, archery, cowboy polo, hiking and shooting are available throughout the season (June to September). In 2018, guests will be able to wish upon a star, as the working ranch is introducing optional stargazing rides in the Flint Hills - a go-to place for many photographers aiming to capture the constellations on camera. New optional two to four hour guided horseback adventures in the 11,000 acre Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve (the only tallgrass prairie within the America’s National Park System) will also be available. Stargazing rides (departing September 14th, September 15th, October 12th and October 13th). Tallgrass Prairie departures to be announced. <strong>Seven nights from £1,734pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities and taxes. Excludes transfers, £185 per group return from Wichita, gratuities, optional stargazing and Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve rides and return flight from £859pp.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009235293,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><br /></a> <a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009235498,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009235498,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009235498?profile=original" /></a><em> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Saddle up across Kansas' Tallgrass Prairie on your stay at the Flying W Working Ranch</span></em><br /> <br /> <br /> <span>Arizona made Lonely Planet’s top ten list of best value destinations for 2018 and with seven nights at Tucson's <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/white-stallion-ranch/" target="_blank">White Stallion</a> </strong>priced <strong>from only £1,135pp (two sharing) and from £925pp (four to 11 years)</strong>, riding holidays at the guest ranch will be a steal for families travelling over the main summer holidays. While temperatures can soar into the late 30s Fahrenheit during July and August, the ranch boasts an outdoor pool complete with spectacular mountain views and plenty of shady spots where you can escape the heat. The Saguaro National Park was highlighted by the guidebook publisher, and families are welcome on the ranch’s guided Petroglyph Hike - guests visiting the park and learning about ancient forms of communication and the Hohokam Indians, who inhabited the area from 250 through 1450 A.D. Year-round departures. Seven night ranch stays include accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes, transfers and gratuities. Excludes return flight from £879pp.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236283,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236283,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009236283?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Magical rides through the flowering cacti at Arizona's White Stallion Guest Ranch</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <br /> <span>Also located in Arizona, Sasabe’s historic <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/rancho-de-la-osa/" target="_blank">Rancho de la Osa</a></strong> is introducing a new herd of purebred Criollo cattle - cattle drives and team penning now additional pursuits at the ranch. Launching this year, the Cowgirl and Cowboy Yoga and Horseback Riding Retreat (departing 09 March, 2018), includes horse riding, meditation, and Vinyasa yoga practice. A chance for guests to explore their creative side - a “pop up” open art studio will be available over the course of the four night stay. Price on request. <strong>Seven night stays from £1,469pp (two sharing)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes transfers and gratuities. Year round departures. Excludes return flight from £879pp.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236472,original{{/staticFileLink}}"></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009235897,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009235897,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009235897?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Cowgirl and Cowboy Yoga and Horseback Riding Retreat at Arizona's Rancho de la Osa</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span>Utah is about to become a bucket list state for set-jetters, as this spring series two of <em>Westworld</em> will return to our screens - the hit HBO show partly filmed in Castle Valley, near the town of Moab. Ranch Rider offers add on white water rafting holidays starting in Moab - the town already a popular destination for Wild West fans because of its proximity to Canyonlands and the Arches National Park. Make a splash on the <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/adventures/all/cataract-canyon-favourite/" target="_blank">Cataract Canyon Favourite</a> </strong>(a popular extension for guests who book ranch stays in Colorado), the four day expedition including some sensational thrills varying from grade three to grade five rapids along the 100-mile spectacular run through Cataract Canyon National Park. <strong>From £1,039pp (two sharing)</strong> including camping accommodation, guided rafting and hiking, all meals, transfers (from Moab), scenic return flight over Canyonlands NP and shuttle to Moab. Departing 09 April to 15 October. Three night stay in Moab from £207pp (two sharing) accommodation only.<br /> <br /></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em> </em></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236472,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236472,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009236472?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Western film territory: Devils Garden, Arches National Park, Utah</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <br /> <span>Colorado’s <strong><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/ranches/zapata-cattle-and-bison-ranch-2/" target="_blank">Zapata Cattle & Bison Ranch</a></strong> will launch a Bison & Wildlife Photography Workshop in July, the five-night holiday hosted by award-winning nature and wildlife photographer Jason Savage. A fantastic opportunity for amateur shutterbugs, Jason’s work has already been featured in <em>National Geographic Traveler, Time, Outside</em> and <em>Outdoor Photographer.</em> Guests will explore the San Luis Valley, the unique landscape home to a 2,500 strong herd of wild bison, elk, coyotes, deer, cattle and many resident migrating birds. Group and one-to-one instruction, early morning sessions in the field, afternoon classroom time, and evening tuition on photographing the golden light in the valley are included in the cost of the holiday. Classroom sessions will cover digital workflow, post processing, and lessons in professional editing. Ranch Rider expect Colorado to be a firm favourite with travellers, as United Airlines will launch a new non-stop route from London Heathrow to Denver in March 2018. <strong>Five nights from £2,649pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities (including riding), photography instruction, use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Departing 22 July. Excludes transfers £65e/w per vehicle from Alamosa Airport (up to seven pax) and return flight from £945pp.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236500,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009236500,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009236500?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>2,500-strong wild bison herd at Colorado's Zapata Cattle & Bison Ranch (c) Stephen Weaver</em></span></p><p></p><p><span>Ranch Rider is also expecting British Columbia to be popular with travellers. Air Canada is increasing its service from Heathrow to Vancouver with an additional non-stop daily flight for summer 2018 - many of the tour operator’s properties including, the Sundance Guest Ranch, Echo Valley Ranch & Spa and the Siwash Lake Luxury Guest Ranch only a three- to five-hour drive from the Vancouver International Airport. Further afield, the award winning <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/three-bars-ranch/" target="_blank">Three Bars Guest Ranch</a></strong> will be even more accessible, with new flights from Calgary to Cranbrook available through budget carrier Westjet from March, 2018. The ranch is also adding three new cabins to the property including two king suites and a family cabin. <strong>Six nights from £1,619pp (two sharing)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes car hire from £336 and return flight from £899pp.</span></p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009237475,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009237475,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009237475?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><em> <span style="font-size:8pt;">Book your holiday at BC's award-winning Three Bars Guest Ranch this summer & stay in their new family cabin</span></em></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span><br /> In September 2017, the <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/historic-reesor-ranch/" target="_blank">Historic Reesor Ranch</a> </strong>became the first ranch in Saskatchewan to be designated as a Provincial Heritage Property - the awards playing an integral role in the conservation and protection of the province’s heritage. </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span>Tony Daly comments, “The riding holidays here reflect the history and heritage of cattle ranching in the Cypress Hills, where five generations have lived and worked. Spanning over 100 years, many of the main buildings, erected between 1906 and 1916, display their original construction and functionality, and even today little has changed in the way of activities, cattle drives, riding fence lines and checking cattle on horseback all part of the seven night stay. A truly authentic ranch experience, even the surrounding landscape is home to living history - ancient Indian legends and noteworthy sites scattered across the terrain.”</span><br /> <span> </span><br /> <span><strong>Seven nights from £1,126pp (no single supplement)</strong> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities and taxes. Excludes car hire from £336, gratuities and return flight from £989pp.</span><br /> <br /> <span> </span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009237679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" style="text-align:center;"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009237679,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009237679?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Herding the cattle at Saskatchewan's Historic Reesor Ranch - now a Provincial Heritage Property</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"><br /> <span>All the more reason to ride in the Rainbow Nation, South Africa made Lonely Planet’s list of best countries to visit in 2018, and <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/triple-b-ranch/" target="_blank">Horizon Horseback Adventures,</a></strong> the outfit offering lodge and tented stays in the malaria free Waterberg region, claimed the title of best riding safari in South Africa at the recent Safari Awards. <strong>Six nights at Horizon from £940pp (two sharing) and from £915pp (five to 16 years)</strong> including accommodation, meals, drinks, ranch activities, game drives, use of ranch facilities and taxes. Excludes return flight from £879pp.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009238082,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009238082,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009238082?profile=original" /></a></p><p style="text-align:center;"><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Let your tweens and teens mingle with the herd at Horizon Horseback Adventures in South Africa</em></span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><span>Also based in South Africa, the five star <strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com/ranches/pakamisa-kwazulu-natal/" target="_blank">Pakamisa Luxury Lodge</a></strong> is introducing a new <strong>nine-night escorted photography & horse riding safari</strong>, the bush and beach adventure including a five night stay the Pakamisa in Pongola, two nights at Thanda Safari (multiple winner of World's Leading Luxury Lodge) in Hluhluwe and two nights at the Maputaland Guesthouse in St Lucia. The itinerary features outrides in the Pakamisa Private Game Reserve and the iSimangaliso Wetland Park, guided Big Five game drives and a photography session with well-known wildlife photographer, Christian Sperka, at Thanda, and a scenic boat cruise on the river estuary at St Lucia. Departing 07 April and 15 September. <strong>From £1,725pp (two sharing)</strong> including accommodation, most meals, all riding and activities. Excludes all beverages, personal expenses, gratuities and return flight from £879pp. Intermediate level riding experience required.</span></p><p style="text-align:left;"></p><p style="text-align:center;"><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009238663,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="450" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009238663,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009238663?profile=original" /></a><span style="font-size:8pt;"><em>Saddle up for the new nine-night escorted photography & horse riding safari </em><em>at Pakamisa Luxury Lodge in South Africa</em></span><br /></p><p style="text-align:center;"></p><p style="text-align:left;"><em><strong><a href="http://ranchrider.com" target="_blank">Ranch Rider</a></strong> (01509 618 811) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150. The tour operator’s complete collection includes handpicked riding holidays in America, Canada, Argentina, South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Tanzania. To order a copy of the 2018 brochure, please email info@ranchrider.com.</em><br /> <br /></p></div>Do You Have What It Takes To Be A Real Cowhand?https://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/do-you-have-what-it-takes-to-be-a-real-cowhand2017-08-26T07:08:14.000Z2017-08-26T07:08:14.000ZSam Wardhttps://tripatini.com/members/SamWard<div><p><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009194683,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009194683,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009194683?profile=original" /></a></p><p></p><p>Tour operator, Ranch Rider is an independent specialist offering authentic western riding holidays. September and October are key months for cattle drives, so the travel company suggests booking an autumn horseback adventure if you want to earn your spurs as a real cowboy!</p><p><span>According to the Weather Channel, Arizona, Colorado and Wyoming are just some of the many states set to experience higher-than-average temperatures in September, the unusual hot weather lasting through November.</span></p><p><span>Tony Daly, Managing Director of Ranch Rider comments, "One of the best times to saddle up, riding holidays are more affordable, especially for solo travellers, many ranches waiving the single supplement."</span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195657,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195657,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009195657?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><b>SAVE £418pp:</b><span> Saddle up at Wyoming's <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/promotion/amazing-20-saving-and-no-single-supplement-new-haven-ranch-wyoming/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0000;">New Haven Working Ranch</span></a></span></strong></span><span> and enjoy a 20% discount. Good news for greenhorns who are going solo, there is no single supplement on the 07 October departure. Insta-worthy territory, Devil’s Tower is visible on many of the rides. </span><b>Seven nights from only £1,120pp (no single supplement)</b><span> including accommodation, meals, ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers from Rapid city at £132pp and return flight from £889pp. Full ranch stay price £1,538pp.</span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195480,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195480,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009195480?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><b>SAVE £170pp</b><span> at the <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/promotion/free-return-transfers-colorado-cattle-company/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Colorado Cattle Company</span></a> </span></strong></span><span>and combine daily cattle work with western games and instruction in roping, cutting and sorting the herd at the Cowboy School. </span><b>Six nights from £1,645pp (no single supplement) </b><span>including accommodation, meals, ranch activities (including riding), taxes and return transfers from Denver. Excludes gratuities as left to discretion and return flight from £865pp. Offer valid on all weekly departures from now through 31 October. Discounted price includes FREE transfers worth £170pp.</span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009196068,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009196068,original{{/staticFileLink}}" width="375" class="align-center" alt="9009196068?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span>Arizona’s <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/2017/06/new-arizona-ranch-visit-our-rancho-de-la-osa-online-gallery/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Rancho de la Osa</span></a></span></strong></span><span> is one of the most historic properties in the west, the colourful guest ranch reopening earlier this year. NEW cattle drives along the Mexico border will begin in October. Dates to be announced. </span><b>Seven nights from £1,569pp</b><span> </span><b>(two sharing) </b><span>including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes, transfers and gratuities. Excludes return flight from £879pp.</span></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195500,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195500,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009195500?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><b>SAVE £250pp </b><span>at Montana’s <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/promotion/great-october-saving-of-250-p-p-lonesome-spur-ranch-montana/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Lonesome Spur Working Guest Ranch</span></a></span></strong></span><span>. Gather the cattle and ride across challenging mountain terrain - the ranch lying in the Clarks Fork Valley, between the Pryor Mountains and the Beartooth Mountains. At the end of the day soak your saddle sores in the Catalina spa hot tub. </span><b>Six nights from £1,215pp (two sharing)</b><span> including accommodation, meals, ranch activities (including riding), use of ranch facilities, taxes, gratuities and transfers. Excludes return flight from £935pp. Offer valid on all October departures. Full ranch stay price £1,465pp.</span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195894,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009195894,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009195894?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span>A favourite with greenhorns who want to live out their Western dreams, Montana’s <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/adventures/all/dryhead-cattle-drives/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Dryhead Working Ranch’s fall cattle drive</span></a></span></strong></span><b> </b><span>is a must for city slickers. Departing 22 October. If you already have experience in the saddle why not up the pace of your adventure and join the wranglers on the Dryhead's <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/adventures/all/dryhead-horse-drives/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0000;">fall horse drive</span></a></span></strong></span><span>, the team taking the herd back to Wyoming for the winter. Departing 29 October. </span><b>Six night cattle drive or horse drive from £1,616pp (no single supplement) </b><span>including ranch accommodation, meals, horses, tack, activities and taxes. Excludes transfers of £100pp from Billings, gratuities as left to discretion and return flight from £889pp.</span></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9296627861,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9296627861,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9296627861?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><p><span>Perfect for wannabe cowgirls, Montana’s <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/ranches/bar-w-ranch/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0000;">Bar W Working Guest Ranch</span></a></span></strong></span><span> runs women only weeks. Cattle work is combined with instruction in horsemanship, team penning, barrel racing, roping, skeet shooting, archery, fly-fishing and line dancing. A two hour massage and private vintners presentation complete the stay. </span><b>Six nights from £1,989pp (two sharing) </b><span>including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities, taxes and gratuities. Excludes transfers of £100 (up to three people) from Glacier Park International Airport and return flight from £889pp. Departing 01 and 15 October.</span></p><p></p><p><span><a href="{{#staticFileLink}}9009197474,original{{/staticFileLink}}"><img width="400" src="{{#staticFileLink}}9009197474,original{{/staticFileLink}}" class="align-center" alt="9009197474?profile=original" /></a></span></p><p></p><p>Once described as “heaven for horse people,” Montana’s <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com/ranches/mcginnis-meadows-ranch/" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0000;">McGinnis Meadows Cattle & Guest Ranch’s</span></a></span></strong><b> </b>Fall Gather runs from mid-September through early October. On the seven night holiday you’ll learn about tracking cattle, and get the low down on “horse whispering” as Buck Brannaman has close ties to the ranch. <b>Six nights from £1,871pp (no single supplement)</b> including accommodation, meals, most ranch activities and taxes. Excludes transfers of £100pp from Glacier Park International Airport, gratuities as left to discretion and return flight from £889pp. Last departure 01 October.</p><p> </p><p><span><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com" target="_blank"></a><span style="color:#000000;">Ranch Rider </span></span></strong>(01509 618 811; <strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"><a href="http://www.ranchrider.com" target="_blank"><span style="color:#ff0000;">ranchrider.com</span></a></span></strong></span><span>) ATOL PROTECTED No 4660 ABTA 96395/V9150. </span></p><p></p></div>A Bitterly Cold Drive to Skagway, Alaskahttps://tripatini.com/profiles/blogs/a-bitterly-cold-drive-to2010-12-20T15:30:00.000Z2010-12-20T15:30:00.000ZMurray Lundberghttps://tripatini.com/members/MurrayLundberg<div><p>December 17th was the perfect day for a drive from my home near Whitehorse, Yukon, to Skagway, Alaska - very cold with high north winds at Skagway but clear all the way.</p><p>This is a shot of the temperature gauge in my car as I was about to turn onto the <a href="http://www.explorenorth.com/library/roads/highways.html">Alaska Highway</a> at 9:24am. It only goes to -30°C (-22°F) - when that's what it reads the temperature could be anything lower than that. It was actually about -34° at Mary Lake but probably got a few degrees colder a few miles south.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8599-minus30.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8599-minus30.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>This is one of my favourite views along the <a href="http://www.murraysguide.com/" target="_blank">South Klondike Highway</a>, though I'm not sure exactly why. Perhaps it's just the first reminder of what an incredibly beautiful drive this is.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8600-gray_ridge.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8600-gray_ridge.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Emerald Lake at 9:49. Whenever we go south (not just "South to Alaska" but waaaay south) it's a shock to have light and dark happen suddenly at sunrise and sunset - here dawn and dusk, sunrises and sunsets go on and on and on....</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8601-emerald_lake.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8601-emerald_lake.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>From the Emerald Lake viewpoint I could see fog hanging over Lake Bennett - a sign that despite the cold there is still a lot of open water.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8602-lake_bennett.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8602-lake_bennett.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Dawn colours are often like this - no filters or other camera tricks were used to get those colours.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8603-emerald_lake.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8603-emerald_lake.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The classic view of Carcross, still at -30° or lower. I stopped for a minute at Carcross to phone Cathy, to tell her that we have to make this drive over the holidays, so that we always keep these views clearly in our minds when we're tempted by <a href="http://www.explorenorthtours.com/nz/north_island.html" target="_blank">warm places</a>. :)</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8605-carcross.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8605-carcross.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Windy Arm was all frozen solid, but the temperature started to rise slowly as I drove along it, and when I went over the low pass that separates Windy Arm from Tutshi Lake, the open-water-fog beside the highway was heavy.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8609-tutshi_lake.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8609-tutshi_lake.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The fog creates some wonderful scenes as it freezes on the trees.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8614-tutshi_lake.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8614-tutshi_lake.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>There was a slight breeze from the north at my usual stop on Tutshi Lake, just enough to keep the fog off the beach.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8616-tutshi_lake.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8616-tutshi_lake.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>At 10:48 the sun started to show above the peaks...</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8619-sunrise.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8619-sunrise.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>... and was lighting up the mountain ahead at Log Cabin. The official sunrise, 4 days from the shortest day of the year, was at 10:07 - the sun will set at 3:47. It will be a strange concept to many of you that the sun provides light here but virtually no warmth - the temperature on a day like this will typically only rise 3-4 degrees.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8620-sun.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8620-sun.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The peaks of the Sawtooth Range above Goat Lake. Just south of Fraser the wind had started to pick up. The further south I went the stronger it was, and the more snow and ice there was in the air.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8623-sawtooth.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8623-sawtooth.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The view to the west from the ferry terminal. It had warmed up to -14°C (+7°F) but the wind chill was bitterly cold, well below zero even in Fahrenheit.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8625-peaks.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8625-peaks.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I drove the length of the Railroad Dock to see the <a href="http://www.explorenorth.com/alaska/skagway-shipsigs.html" target="_blank">ship signatures</a>, and noticed that the <a href="http://www.rssc.com/ships/seven_seas_mariner/Default.aspx" target="_blank">Regent Seven Seas Mariner</a> had been added last year. She's one of the most luxurious of the cruise ships that visit Skagway in the summer.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8628-ship_sign.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8628-ship_sign.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The wall provides quite a history lesson on Skagway shipping. This sign from the Regent Sun is hidden by vegetation in the summer. She visited Skagway until 1994 - the following winter, her owner, Regency Cruises, went bankrupt. The ship never sailed commercially again, and sunk off South Africa in July 2001 while en route to India to be scrapped.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8630-ship_sign.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8630-ship_sign.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>After freezing over at the Railroad Dock for a while I went to Glacier Smoothies for a warm-up sandwich and coffee lunch, then over to the mouth of the Skagway River, where there were lots of seals feeding...</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8658-seal.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8658-seal.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>...and a few ducks. While sitting here I heard on the radio (<a href="http://www.khns.org/" target="_blank">KHNS</a>) that the ferry docked a few miles away at Haines wouldn't be sailing due to gale-force winds.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8661-ducks.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8661-ducks.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>I don't recall seeing this restaurant before, but it's now on the list for next year.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8664-skagway.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8664-skagway.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The Skagway News Depot decorated for Christmas.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8665-skagway_news.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8665-skagway_news.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>This photo was shot from the viewpoint on the Dyea Road at noon (Alaska Time - 1:00pm Yukon Time). There are perhaps 20 homes in Skagway that have the potential to get sunshine even on the shortest day. People living downtown have the sun hidden behind the mountains for a few weeks each winter.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8671-noon.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8671-noon.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Some of the more impressive peaks, seen from Mile 3 as I headed up the hill. In the summer there's too much traffic to stop and get this shot, but on the 2-hour drive south I had only met 3 other vehicles, so felt that I was quite safe stopping to get it. :)</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8673-peaks.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8673-peaks.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Looking back towards Skagway from half-way to the summit. The halo around the sun is caused by the ice and snow in the air.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8676-hwy.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8676-hwy.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The outhouses just north of the summit aren't gettting much use lately - nobody seems to want to "stop for a cold one"!</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8679-outhouse.jpg" width="323" height="429" alt="8679-outhouse.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The view to the north from the outhouses.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8680-hwy.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8680-hwy.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Summit Lake.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8682-summit_lake.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8682-summit_lake.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Approaching the Canada Customs station at <a href="http://www.explorenorth.com/bc/fraser.html" target="_blank">Fraser, British Columbia</a>. As usual, it was a quick and simple crossing.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8683-fraser.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8683-fraser.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>The caretaker at the Venus Mine property has decorated a Christmas tree beside the highway. If I had known that I would have left a present for her beside it :)</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8688-xmas_tree.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8688-xmas_tree.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>Frozen Windy Arm, shot at 2:23pm. I've read in newspapers from 100+ years ago that people used to skate from Carcross to the silver-mining boom town of Conrad but I think this was the first time I've ever seen Windy Arm in a skateable condition. It's usually either covered in snow or has been broken up too much by wind.</p><table width="100%"><tbody><tr><td><img src="http://www.explorenorth.com/blog/8689-ice.jpg" width="430" height="323" alt="8689-ice.jpg" /></td></tr></tbody></table><p>By 3:30, a few minutes before sunset, I was home. Toss a couple of logs on the fire, pour myself a glass of shiraz and settle down on the couch with my dogs - aaahhhhh..... Yes, life is good :)</p></div>