Ah, summer at the ranch. Horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, oh my! But how you pack may determine whether you’re prepared for all the kinds of fun stuff you can enjoy on the ranch. A little planning goes a long way.
Going to the mountains? Prepare for every kind of weather, from summer sun to sudden showers and mountain breezes. Out on the plains, its bright sun and hot weather most of the summer. And at a California coastal ranch, you’ll have to dress for the occasional fog bank that drifts in fro the ocean (yep, even in summer). So check with the ranch, and check the forecast before you go. But relax: ranch dressing always means comfy and casual.

The basics
Jeans: Well, duh. But here’s a tip from Gene Kilgore himself: before the trip, wash all the jeans with fabric softener so you can avoid saddle sores from the rubbing of that heavy, stiff denim inseam (ouch!). Most ranches have washing machine/dryers available but if you don’t want to spend vacation time doing laundry, bring extra jeans (at least 3 pairs), socks and tee-shirts for all.

Cowboy hat: You want to fit in, like the cute pair at left, don’t you? Splurge on a good triple X felt hat.

Boots: You gotta have riding boots for horseback riding. Ranchers advise against riding in sneakers or hiking boots—your foot could slip through the stirrup or get stuck in it. But if you don’t have any, check ahead: some ranches have spare pairs of kids and adults’ boots for you to borrow while at the ranch.

Riding helmets: It’s not the wild, wild, West anymore, and most ranches recommend wearing a helmet while riding, especially for kids. Most ranches have a supply of helmets available if you don’t own a riding helmet.

Everything else
Light waterproof jacket with hood
T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
Shorts and bathing suits
Hiking boots, sneakers
Socks (at least 3 pairs)
Fleece pullovers or sweaters
Tevas/water shoes/old shoes that can get wet
Sunglasses and a hat
Sunscreen and bug spray
Gloves for riding (for morning rides)
Backpack or fanny pack

Just as snow is beginning to dust the high country, (check out Wyoming’s Hideout Ranch, shown at right), we’re happy to announce some cool new improvements to the November Ranchweb blog, with the introduction of several new features: NewsFlashes, Tips from the Ranchers, Very Hot Deals, and others which we’ll roll out soon.

It’s a fresh way to get out the news about ranches and information about the latest deals. Newsflashes are: special programs, additions, or recent changes have happened, or are coming up at a ranch.  Very Hot Deals: are great bargains, or package add-ons for this month or coming soon. Tips: are the best advice ranchers can give travelers about coming to/planning ahead for a dude ranch trip. And there are more improvements on the way. That said, here’s the latest:

NEWSFLASHES

In Colorado
Vista Verde Ranch has just changed the way they help out those who recommend the ranch, called their Word of mouth special.  They normally pay a finder’s fee (paid in ‘Vista Bucks’) when guest refer a friend, but this winter they are upping the ante: send a new guest to the ranch for a winter stay and both you and your friends save 25% on your 2010 winter stay.

In South America
Go south of the border to Estancia Los Potreros if you want a dude ranch experience with a little something extra—Argentine culture. Explore the real ‘estancia experience’ at  Estancia Los Potreros. Argentina’s Estancia Los Potreros dates from 1574 and lies in a beautiful reserve in the Cordoba Hills in the center of this lovely South American country. It’s a working farm, organic, breeding Aberdeen-Angus cattle and the lovely Paso Peruano horses. Known for its horses, riding and polo are big deals here, but there’s also trekking, birding, wine tasting, and golf. All sprinkled with a dash of Argentine culture. Keep up with The Estancia by checking out their blog, discussing everything from their latest polo matches to featured wines (last month: wines from the bodega Nieto Senetiner).
Very interesting. Or should we say Muy interesante?

VERY HOT DEALS

In Colorado,
Vista Verde Ranch is running several specials for this winter, but please read the fine print:  Discounts can not be combined. Packages include: Share and Save (January-March). Prices as stated for the first 2 people in a cabin.  Bring along some friends or family and the extra guests are 50% off.  Give winter a try (January-March).  Pay for 3 nights and get the 4th night free.  Pre-Christmas special. Sneak away for a 4-night stay to rest up before the holiday madness! Cost is $1,200/person for the 4 nights. Book quickly as they have only one cabin available for this special rate!

In Montana

Triple Creek Ranch is gearing up for their 2010 Spring Vintner Series & Spring Roundups. First, Vintner Weekends Each spring, Triple Creek offers 3-day weekend packages for wine lovers.  Each event features a winemaker from a different winery and we showcase wines from that vineyard.  The weekend begins with a wine seminar on Friday evening.  Guests enjoy a grand tasting dinner on Saturday night with wine pairings from the featured winery (variously this spring: Flora Springs Winery, Chappellet Winery, Koenig Vineyards, and Fidelitas Vineyards).

Then, Spring Roundup Weekend runs May 2-6, 2010 and May 9-13, 2010. The four-night Spring Roundup combines adventure and romance. By day, you either learn about horses, move and brand cattle, or experience a rodeo. Then you return to the privacy of your cabin to relax by the crackling fire, enjoy a couple’s massage and relax in a hot tub before dining in the candelit dining room of the Lodge at Triple Creek Ranch. The package (for two people), includes all meals, beverages, house wines and spirits and on-ranch activities.  (Taxes and gratuities not included.)

In Wyoming

The Hideout Guest Ranch & Resort is a year round, all inclusive, upscale guest ranch with a variety of winter activities, from cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on over 400 miles of groomed and natural trails, to horseback riding. Yes, you can still ride in winter (Shell Valley boasts generally mild winters) and so, weather permitting, scenic rides are available at lower elevations, including riding with wild mustangs. The Hideout will be running Winter Riding Adventure Packages in November, plus January and February, 2010.
In British Columbia, Canada
Tod Mountain Ranch

“Winter has now arrived up here.  It’s a beautiful sunny crisp day today but we already had our first snowfall last week,”owner Tracey O’Connell tells us, then adds, “Here’s our latest Hot Deal for your blog. Book your 2010 summer vacation before 31st December 2009 and pay the 2009 rates.  This represents a savings of up to CAD$150 per person, including taxes.  Offer is available on all dates from 1st May – 31st October 2010.”
Thanks, Tracey. Now those are great deals!

Sure, you did your homework when you picked your guest ranch and booked your vacation, and a lot of key information is available on the ranch website. But it never hurts to make a quick call to brush up on some ranch facts before you go. Here are some of the details you should ask about.

-Before you go, find out how many kids of your own children’s ages will be there at the same time; the answer may determine whether your child will need to bring that Gameboy or not.

-About check- out and check-in times—they’re different from most hotels. Often, you’re okay to check in at 2 PM and asked to check out by 10 AM (exceptions are made individually).

-What is included in the rate? Usually, rates are all-inclusive, covering meals, horseback riding, all facilities, children’s and teen supervision, special programming. But sometimes extra options—spa treatments, trap shooting or fly fishing school—is extra.

-What activities beside riding, hiking, and fishing will you need special clothes or shoes for? You may want to add a skirt or your dancin’ shoes for that square dancing evening.

-Find out if the ranch has a liquor license and, if not, what their policy is about guests bringing their own bottles. Some ranches will let you bring your own bottles but ask you not to consume it in the public areas, in order to preserve a family atmosphere. Check ahead.

-Medical needs are an issue for some guests. Ask if their staff is Red Cross First Aid certified and where the nearest hospital emergency room is located and how long it takes to reach. If your family members have serious medical issues, you may want to select a ranch that’s fairly handy to a major city.

-If you’re a smoker, be sure to ask about the ranch’s smoking policy. In Colorado, for example, a new law restricts smoking in public places so you’ll be asked to step outside before you light up. Many ranch cabins are non-smoking now, as well.

-Those who need to stay connected should ask about cell phone and internet service; both are possible at more and more ranches now, but be sure to confirm your ranch’s availability.

-Plan to bring a pet? Ask what the ranch policy is first. Many ranches prohibit pets, as their safety may be at risk (among the cattle, herd of horses, and ranch dogs).

We thank our friends at the Lost Valley Ranch for their help in compiling this list. And stay tuned for What to know before you go (part 2): what to wear!

Remember, you’re going to a guest ranch, so casual dress is in style at all times.  Comfortable clothes and casual shoes or boots work best; you’re there for adventure and activity, so several changes of clothes are desirable.  If its an upscale resort ranch, then you’ll want some nicer clothes for evening (cruise casual describes it best). For more details, be sure and check with your selected ranch.

THE LIST
Light waterproof jacket with hood
T-shirts and long sleeve shirts
Softened jeans for riding (up to 3 pairs)
Shorts and bathing suits
Riding boots
Hiking boots, sneakers
Socks  (at least 3 pairs)
Fleece pullovers or sweaters
Tevas/water shoes/old shoes that can get wet
Sunglasses and a hat
Sunscreen and bug spray
Gloves for riding (for morning rides)
Backpack or fanny pack

THE DETAILS
Going to the mountains: The weather can change quickly: temperature can range from the 80’s during the day to the 40’s at night. Bring a light jacket, sweater or sweatshirt to wear in the evenings and for layering; occasional passing showers means you’ll want a waterproof jacket with a hood. To the desert: Protect yourself (and the kids) from over-exposure to the sun, so you don’t “lose” a day to sunburn. Cover that tank top with a light, long-sleeved shirt; wear long, lightweight pants for riding, shorts for hanging out, and carry a sweater for the evening. Oh, and for any climate: a hat with a ‘stampede string’ that knots at the neck, so you won’t lose it on a ride.

Boots: You must have riding boots for horseback riding. It just isn’t safe to ride in sneakers or hiking boots—your foot could slip through the stirrup or get stuck in it. But if you don’t have any, don’t feel that you must buy new ones; some ranches have spare pairs of kids and adults’ boots for you to borrow while at the ranch—be sure to ask ahead.

Riding helmets: most ranches recommend wearing a helmet while riding, especially for kids. If you own a riding helmet fitted for you, you bring it, but most ranches have a supply of helmets available for your use.

Toiletries: Yep, you’re gonna need bug spray, sunblock, toothpaste, etc. Some ranches have little ranch stores with some of those items, but don’t rely on it unless you ask.

Extra activities: for hiking, use a pullover made of synthetic, wicking material (in the mountains, the weather can change quickly and the synthetic fabrics like fleece, and Coolmax will keep you warm and dry better than cotton). For fishing, ask what the ranch loans out; often waders, boots, rods and reels are all there for you.

Nice extras: slippers–it’s kind of nice to have some slippers when you’re cruising around the cabins.

Laundry: Ask about laundry services; some have self-serve facilities, others do it for you (yea!) with a 24-hour turnaround.

Final thoughts:
Pre-trip, wash the jeans with fabric softener so the kids (and you) can avoid saddle sores from the rubbing of a thick, stiff jeans seam. Most ranches have washing machine/dryers available but if you don’t want to spend vacation time doing laundry, bring extra jeans, socks and tee-shirts for all. Bring that great book you’ve been wanting to catch up on because you’ll actually have the time to read while the kids are having fun.

Bring some Advil/ ibuprofen because ‘some guys aren’t able resist trying out everything there is to do and, being a guy, he won’t hold back and will be super sore!’ says Stephanie of Vista Verde.

Our thanks to Stephanie at Colorado’s Vista Verde Ranch, who sent us some great ideas for this list. And she offers one other suggestion: “With airline travel what it is these days, you could well arrive at the ranch before your luggage.  While it invariably arrives within 24 hours, you could nevertheless have an uncomfortable first day.  Accordingly, we suggest you pack some overnight items or a change of apparel in a carry-on.” Good idea, Steph!

Editor’s note: This is part one of a two-park series, since packing for children/toddlers takes a whole different list. Stay tuned for: Packing with kids in mind.

We just heard from Dan Morin of Colorado’s Sundance Trail Ranch, who saw our blog asking ranchers for their thoughts on how dude ranch job seekers can increase their chances of snagging that dream job. Here are some of his suggestions to job seekers: