"Join Us for the Adventure of Your Life!!" |
Johnson County, Wyoming Territory ~ June 17 - 22, 2012 ~
Five Star Rating for Adventure Well, first of all a change has been made to this ride... thus the new name, "Rustler's Rendezvous." It now includes a cattle Drive. It seems Butch and the gang hold their annual cattle round-up a week or so prior to our visit. The tall grass is usually green this time of year (as you can see from the photos above and below) and it's time to fatten these mavericks for the fall market. During the last two years, we, newly elected members of the Butch Cassidy's Hole-in-the-Wall Gang, always arrive in time to drive a few head to greener pastures. The excitement of running cattle over 57,000 acres is unsurpassed. Everyone on the ride has made positive comments of what a hoot it is!! One comment (on the 2011 ride) came home to roost - it was from a gentleman I respect, he owns horses, rides all the time and has been on at least four of my rides. I'll paraphrase his comment: "From all the riding I have done, from your rides to my rides at home and across the country, today is the best dang horseback riding day of my riding career." And this was on a Monday, the first day of our five-day ride at Hole-in-the-Wall. He now wants to bring his entire family of four to experience the same. His enthusiasm did not wane during the week... and got me to thinking............ So, for 2012 herding cattle will become a part of this ride. I'm not looking to push beeves for five days ... there is just too much grandeur to see, canyons to ride through, and of course visiting "the hole" for those photo opportunities. Words cannot express this ride. And I want you to experience this ride with a couple of days of herding cattle. You want a taste of the Old West? This is it, pardner!
History of the Area Some called it the "Outlaw Trail." The trail itself ran from Canada to Mexico. It was a lawless time and a lawless era, where any man good enough with a six-gun and fast horse could dodge the law dogs. Located in Johnson County, Wyoming, just west of Kaycee, the "Wall" encloses a fertile valley where desperados fattened stolen herds of cattle and horses, to be rebranded for illegal sale. The "Hole" is a narrow, steep, V-shaped trail - a niche in the massive red sandstone-walled cliffs. This was the only access into the valley from the east - from the cattle ranges of the Powder River country - virtually impossible to detect - a perfect hideaway for an outlaw headquarters. Frank and Jesse James reportedly were among the first to hide here. The violent Harvey "Kid Curry" Logan and his brothers, plus Tom Oday, George "Flat Nose" Curry, and Big Nose George used the area extensively. When Butch Cassidy's Wild Bunch, organized in 1896, joined the Hole-in-the-Wall gang at the turn of the century, the area became one of the foremost strongholds along the trail - efficient and elusive. The famous "super" posse, led by U. S. Marshal Joe Lefors, tracked Cassidy's men here, but couldn't penetrate the hideout (or did he?? Our historian will tell the tale). Contact Steve Shaw at s.m.shaw@msn.com ~or~ call 505-286-4585
~ Summary ~ This historic ride is ideal for all levels of riding ability. Suggest you bring your hoglegs ... there are still desperate men in these parts. You either wear the badge to bring'em in, or take a chance of being found on the wrong side of frontier justice ... you decide! Near here is where the Johnson County War and Dull Knife's fight took place. All-in-all, the area is full of Old West history. Our experience at the Willow Creek Ranch is unmatched by great home-cooked meals and wonderful hospitability. The owners, Kristen and Barry, and their children, are the epitome of the hard-working, Western, God-loving family. This is a 57,000 acre working cattle ranch. Prepare to enter into the 19th Century, yet with 21st Century luxuries. The main bunkhouse was built before Butch was a Wild Bunch member. He reportedly drank coffee in the very bunk house we'll have some of our meals. Please note: Both men and women are invited to ride on all my historic rides (I get that question a lot!) ~ Check out photos from our June 2011 & 2010 Ride ~ click: Past Adventure Tab or click: Butch Cassidy's Ride 2011 ~ or ~ Butch Cassidy's Ride 2010
** This five-day ride allows the flexibility to either camping out ~ or ~ return each evening to the bunkhouse Price includes either camping out or staying in the cozy bunkhouse
~ My attempt with this ride is TOTAL IMMERSION into the Old West ~
Camping out - highly recommended (just for two, maybe three? nights)!!
This is a little outdated You Tube Video, but gives you an idea of where we're going:
Cost
Initial Deposit: $500 per person, non-refundable required to book your reservation Final Payment: 90 Days prior to ride ... March 17th Discount offered if you bring your own horse (I get this question from time to time)
Should you cancel within 90 days prior to ride .... all monies non-refundable Should Great American Adventures cancel this ride due to lack of participants: all monies 100% refundable ** Also See: Travel Insurance - this is strongly recommended. Not only does it protect you against missed flights, forced cancellations, and job loss, it also covers accidents and medical.
Includes
Not Included
|
|
.gif)
-compressed.jpg)
-compressed.jpg)
-compressed.jpg)
