Testimonials

~ 2011 Vendetta Riders' Testimonials ~

Anybody who signs up for this ride should understand that it is physically demanding. Thirty-two of us started; 20 finished and -- full disclosure -- I was not among them. I bailed on the last day because of saddle sores and sheer fatigue, but I don't regret a minute of the week. It was an unforgettable and rewarding experience that I am proud to have participated in, if only 4/5ths of the way! This is the coolest thing I've done since a summer of salvage archeology in the Australian Outback, 30 years ago.

The Vendetta Ride was a perfect balance of fantasy-fulfillment and realism. Many of the participants were Baby Boomers who grew up with TV westerns; for us, having an excuse to wear boots and hats we yearned for as children was big fun. As we rode through the streets of Tombstone, we looked so authentic, tourists photographed us, and that was a thrill. The camaraderie, the communal meals, the chance to feel a part of the town, having dinner with Doc -- all those imaginative elements of the experience were grand. But there was no fantasy when it came to back-country riding over mountains, down gullies, through thorny mesquite forests. The rubbly, stony, challenging terrain was as real as real gets. Every bit of cowboy equipment suddenly made sense. The broad-brimmed hats, the leather chaps, the gloves, the canteens, the boots, the bandannas to fight dust that rises like a fog around the horses -- that stuff doesn't just look good in movies. It's all functional.

For me, this ride was primarily research for The Cure For Anger, the follow-on book to my novel Doc. It was staggeringly productive, as such. When you walk down the broad Tombstone streets toward the gunfight site, you can still see what the Earps and Holliday saw: the buildings, the mountains in the distance. You become acutely aware of each of several corners, around which angry men with guns might be concealed. That much I might have imagined without leaving my desk, though I have a far clearer sense of the town and the events now.

What the Vendetta Ride Adventure gave me was an irreplaceable 3-D topographical understanding of the terrain, the landscape, the distances, and the geographic relationship of Tombstone to towns like Charleston, Bisbee, Contention, St. David, and Benson. Some of those places don't really exist anymore. You can ride to where they were and find adobe ruins or stone foundations, but that's all. There's nothing to see, and yet - it was important to me to feel how long it takes to get someplace on horseback. Prior to the ride, I'd already done a year's research on the events of 1880-1882, but a week in Tombstone and the surrounding mountains made words on pages into miles on horseback. The events have a physical reality for me that will make The Cure For Anger a much stronger novel.

As an author, and as an aging woman who never got the cowgirl boots she wanted for her birthday in 1959, I'm deeply grateful to Steve and Marcie Shaw for making this extraordinary adventure possible. To those who are thinking of indulging themselves by signing up for one of the Shaw's rides: don't hesitate. Just say YES. It will be wonderful.

Mary Doria Russell, "Digger," author of Doc

To Read Mary's Daily Blog during the ride, visit:

http://www.marydoriarussell.net/2011/10/

Every guy, since they were little kids, loved to dress up and play "Cowboys." We all had our heroes; Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Lash LaRue, Hopalong Cassidy, etc. and then as we got older, heroes like Wyatt, Virgil & Morgan Earp came along with Doc Holliday and the "bad guys" like Curly Bill, Johnny Ringo & Ike Clanton. The gunfight at the OK Corral became an icon in western history and many movies about it were made. Then in 1993, the movie Tombstone was produced and all of a sudden there was a following like the Star Trek junkies. Then add to that, Steve Shaw's "Vendetta Ride" and it all comes together. Thirty-two people, all "Tombstone Junkies," all have their own DVD of the movie, all have watched it at least 20 to 30 times and know the key lines from the movie by heart came together to ride in Wyatt Earp's Vendetta Ride and it was the most awesome and fun-filled experience that I have ever had.

The 5 days we spent in the saddle was a first class operation as well, and having made my living permitting and dealing with state and federal agencies for the past 32 years, I am aware of the hard work and planning it took to organize such as event. Hats off to Steve and Marcie for an excellent job of "herding us cats" around all week long. Very professional and highly polished. And the outfitters; Troy, Riley & Keeton made us feel right at home and he had a string of horses that fit everyone's needs from beginners to experienced riders.

And what a wonderful group of people in the posse. I came away making a bunch of new friends with a common interest. The ride to and from the staging site each day was just as entertaining and joyful as the horseback ride. We talked the movie, our western heroes, guns, music and our families. A great time was had by bonding and fellowship.

So, did I have a good time and will I return to ride with Wyatt on the Vendetta Ride again? You betch ya! "I done made my B&B reservation before I left Tombstone" and my down payment will be headed to Steve here soon. How do I explain just how much fun I had? I can only quote Turkey Creek Jack Johnson: "I ain't got the words."

Bob Crabb, "Doc," Seguin, TX

It has been a couple of weeks since I returned from my second Vendetta Ride and I still find myself drifting back to the time we spent on the trails. Even though this was my second Vendetta Ride in as many years, I am still amazed how you were able to make it difference enough to keep it exciting and new. Even though we went to some of the same places we went last year, it was anything but a repeat.

The best thing about this years ride was the trip to the recently discovered Drew's Station. The events that happened here played such an important part in the events that led up to the Shootout and Vendetta Ride and the fact that we were some of the first to visit this place in over a hundred years was very exciting.

Once again, our historians and everyone involved did a superb job to separate fact from fiction and to give us the true story of what really happened. It is so much more than a bunch of guys shooting at each other in a vacant lot but until you are actually there, its tough to understand. The private tour of the Courthouse was very informative and it was nice to be able to take the time to examine the exhibits and to hear of the history of this majestic building from the Director who was our own private tour guide.

The wranglers were fantastic once again. They ensured that the horses matched everyone's riding abilities.

Thanks again for another super vacation and I can't wait until we all get to do it again next year.

David Taylor, "Creek," Bullard, TX

This was my second Wyatt Earp's Vendetta Ride. I didn't think that the first one could be topped, but I enjoyed it so much that I returned. The second ride was every bit as good as the first, if not better. Your attention to organization and to detail continues to amaze me. Again, the ride is designed so that everyone can have the experience that they want from it. The items you gave to each of us were unexpected and treasured.

The history and the scenery are both drawing points, but to be able to combine them and see the historical sites from a horse (horseback) is just amazing. Our historians were excellent. Speaking of excellent, our wranglers provided outstanding care for the riders as well as for the horses.

I can't thank you enough for your dedication to bringing history alive. It is a unique way to learn and to have a lot of fun!!

David Curtis, "Doc Curtis," Newburgh, IN

Note: This Testimonial Posted on the SASS Wire:

There are very few venues that promote SASS... other than the actual shootin' clubs. But let me tell a true tale of one of the greatest SASS-promotin' venues that I have ever been a part of. While I was there... don't know how many heard the SASS-callin'... but everybody had a great deal of SASS-interest when the ride was sadly, but finally over.

Let's fact the facts. Everybody that knows me knows I have never been a "group rider"... or shooter. Not well-liked... and have previously been identified as a kinda outlaw. Everybody knows that I do a lot of Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana mountain-huntin' on horseback... but not in "groups." But this ain't about me. It's about being a part of real history... and you can do it, too. Just read the followin'...

Long time ago... a fella named Buffalo Bill successfully promoted great interest in the Old West... with great flare... showmanship... and panache. You may not know it... but there exists this very day... another flamboyant fella... doin' the same thang... verbally... successfully... and demonstrably. It's hard to believe... but I can tell ya... this fella is for real. I met the guy... he is a genuine, modern-day "Buffalo Bill."

The fella's name is Steve... a proud SASS member... and... a first-class historian. In the past all ya'll may of known him as Ellsworth T. Kincaid... and a long time ago he posted Cowboy Chronicle articles with historical accounts of stuff that happened each and every month. Don't rightly know what happened... but with Steve still bein' a proud and self-proclaimin' SASS member... surely the SASS fathers won't fault my young-ass for postin' Steve's history with SASS.

If you ever want to go on a trip... take a look at this. Heck, I was ridin' a pale horse down the streets of Tombstone, ridin' past the OK Corral, ridin' into Mescal Studios, where they filmed the movie Tombstone and The Quick and the Dead, ridin', solemn-like, to the Cochise mountain-fortress... just an absolutely magnificent endeavor (this alone was worth the price of the trip), and, of course, all of us at Johnny Ringo's grave-site.

Our wrangler... a first-class, no-holes-barred, hard-ankle... who, as bad as I hate to say it... purty-much protected the experienced... and novice horse-riders, alike. He minimized trail mishaps. I didn't like him much... but that ain't sayin' nothin'. Nobody likes me neither. But I do admire this fella so.

And finally... our gracious hosts... Steve and Marcie Shaw... just really fine folks. Great show-people. They gotta a bunch of historical rides to participate in.

This ain't my last ride with Steve... gonna ride the Butch Cassidy Ride next year... if the Almighty's willin'...

Thanks! Glad I finally rode it... before my ultimate demise.

Allan Regeon, "Tennessee Stud," "Wildman," Columbia, TN

"Cowboy Up!" After participating in Wyatt Earp's Vendetta Ride, I now understand it is more than a catch phrase. Being a cowboy is not so much a matter of ability and skill as attitude and commitment. That ride is like cowboy basic training. I may not be a "real" cowboy, but I know I can "cowboy up."

Thanks for another great ride. We're making plans for next year (our third) already. It gets better and better each time. I can't wait to see what happens during 2012's ride. I really appreciate all the hard work you and Marcie put into these rides. Please know that you have done an outstanding job in keeping the Old West alive and making dreams come true for so many of us wannbe cowboys.

Ronald Koster, "Lopin' Jake," Gwinn, MI

Wow! What an awesome experience. I can't begin to describe how much Matt and I enjoyed the Vendetta Ride. Anyone who participated has to have gained at least two to three points in their riding ability scale. Also, it was such a pleasure to meet and get to know you and Marcie - you are both such nice and warm people. I feel like we have two more good friends. You make this all the more fun.

The whole experience was most enjoyable and you and Marcie did a great job of organizing and executing - a ton of hard work. Dealing with landowners, governmental agencies (local, state and federal), etc., (in the pipeline business, I really do appreciate the work that goes into pulling this off). Further, dealing with more than 30 individuals each day and keeping everyone happy is a monumental task alone. And YOU both did it so well. You both deserve a huge pat on the back for everything - the riding, the history, the meals, the good humor and fun.

I love everything about the Old West - the history, the people, the firearms, and the horses. Matt was totally enthralled and he has jumped in with both feet (which really pleases me). This event has a way of opening one's eyes to the interesting past we all share and the events that happened. Your dedication to the historical aspects is great - what a great series of history lessons!

And the folks in the "posse" - what great people (Western folks, horse people, and "CAS Shooters") as a general lot are FUN folks. I think you had a real fine group and Matt and I will never forget this wonderful experience. It is truly something he and I will cherish for a lifetime.

I sure hope Great American Adventures continues to do well because it's something very, very special and unique. The wonderful people we met were so much fun and really good folks and the ride itself unforgettable. I applaud your ingenuity and taking the idea and making it work (well!). You and Marcie are the perfect people to pull it off.

Thank you both again so very much. We look forward to seeing you again, friends. We will definitely do this again sometime.

Don May, aka "Chocktaw Sessums," Katy, TX

I wanted to personally tell you how much I enjoyed Wyatt Earp's Vendetta Ride last month. My family is very close but it is rare that my Dad and I get to spend one-on-one time with one another. Ever since we saw "City Slickers" we have been wanting to do something in the neighborhood of a horse ride vacation.

For many years, we have talked about just scheduling something and going and I know our trip last month was exactly what we needed. My Dad, Don May, loves the Old West and I guess some of it has rubbed off on me over the years, especially the fascination with Tombstone.

To say the least, we had an awesome time. From the people we met to the extent you and Marcie planned the week, I was nothing short of impressed the entire time! There is something magical about getting to walk down Allen Street dressed like Wyatt and going heeled! I felt a little like a celebrity the entire time.

Most of all, I will always have the memories of spending that time with my Dad. As a father of 2 with 2 extra in our house, I have realized time is one thing we never get back. The memories of our trip will forever have a place in my mind and heart and I wanted to personally thank you for your hard work.

Matt May, "Junior Sessums," Katy, TX

Great ride, Steve! One of the greatest experiences of my life! Can't wait to head out on another adventure with you and Marcie. Tracey and I could not stop talking about it the whole way home. Met a lot of great people and made some new friends. We know we want to do another ride. We don't know which one though. Probably Hole in the Wall. But I would do the Vendetta Ride again in a heartbeat.

Tom Grant, Gettysburg, PA

Where to go on vacation? Join girlfriends for a spa weekend? Maybe enjoy the lights of Las Vegas? No! I was looking for a truly unique experience and found it on the Vendetta Ride. Thank you Steve and Marcie for the amazing amount of work (and trailblazing) you do to give so many people the opportunity to go where few have gone before. I would recommend your ride to anyone looking for good clean fun on a trail ride with purpose.

By the way, I ordered your book last week, Steve (Beyond the Rio Grande) and look forward to reading it. The great memories of the ride and the warm Tucson sun (along with my new director's cut of the movie Tombstone) will keep me going through the cold Pacific Northwest winter.

Ann Hopkins-Austin, Port Angeles, WA

Great American Adventures created a great real life event. There is no other place that people from all walks of life, who believe in keeping the Western genre alive, can meet, ride and share history. Kudos to Steve and Marcie Shaw for having the insight to capture the Old West as it should be.

Todd Cooper, "Marshal Todd," Cottage Grove, Oregon Territory

What an experience of a lifetime! The ride was very well organized and an exciting adventure for us both. It certainly will be a highpoint in our lives. Steve and Marcie, thanks for all the preparation - not an easy job. My horse Barkley was a perfect match for my experience level - I couldn't ask for better. The wranglers, Troy, Riley, Keaton, and Marly (the pup) were most helpful and pleasant with the chore of dealing with 32 plus riders with various experience levels. We received a great education on the Old West from historian Don Taylor. The evenings were all wonderful and the special dinner at Apache Spirit Ranch was the best! We really enjoyed the camaraderie of the posse. It was great to stay over for Helldorado Days and participate in the parade.

We hope to be on next years ride and maybe some of the other great rides you offer. Thanks for the experience and friendship.

Al Hader & Cheryl Binkley, "Desert Gator" & Windtalker," Scottsdale, AZ

I just returned from Mesa, Arizona, where the baseball team I was on won the Men's Senior Baseball League 60 year old World Championship. While I am very proud of this achievement, I have to tell you the Vendetta Ride with 32 riders was even more unbelievable! For me, I enjoyed the experience of riding, more than the final destination, especially those places where our western history was made: oak trees with shade, tall prairie grass, rivers dry from the season, wild horses, more trail dust than my silk wild rag could hold back, mesquite bushes every where, prickly pear, barrel and cholla cactus.

Where we rode, the sun whistled down on all of us. I was always on the outlook for Mohave rattlesnakes, my voice shriveled up from the sun, and my lips were chapped where I could not whistle. I knew around every corner there would be a new magic, something I'd never seen. When people say, "This is Gods Country," you better believe this is Gods Country. It was unbelievable.

My horse, Belle, handled that ground without any problems. She was a wonderful horse, and you know she knew I had just started riding once a week in middle of June. The 58 plus miles we rode were the most spectacular miles I have ever seen. I was amazed to see cottonwood trees with a circumference of 14 feet, the San Pedro River dry, knowing water rushes down when it's the appropriate time of year, and the leaves like snow dropping from the heavens. You are on a horse and you're riding to a stagecoach trail and foundation that has not been seen in 130 years. God Bless America! I will never forget the arroyos, gulches, loose cobbles, mesquite, cactus, and anything else that will bite you or sting you. Those will always be the undeniable features of how this county was founded and I thank God for my birthright. The Vendetta Ride was Hard ... but it's the Hard that made it Great! Thank you for an inspiring time on a horse!

Gary "Omaha" Cook, San Jose, CA

~ 2010 Vendetta Riders' Testimonials ~

First off, we'd like to thank Steve and Marcie for doing such a great job of getting the Wyatt Earp Vendetta Ride organized. To begin with, the "Meet & Greet" at the Crystal Palace Saloon proved to us that this was going to be a fantastic experience. Meeting all the participants started our ride off on a good note. We made many lasting friendships and met lots of interesting people.

As for the actual ride, the stories and historical information made the surroundings come alive. It helped knowing the history of the land and the people who rode through it. The one trip that was most enjoyable was the Cochise Stronghold in the Dragoon Mountains. I was really amazed at the feeling I got while visiting there. To be able to stand where Cochise had stood was overwhelming. Also, riding down the streets of Tombstone was a dream of a lifetime for this cowboy.

Another highlight was the trip to Johnny Ringo's gravesite. The ceremony that we participated in there was also quite enjoyable. We're sure that Johnny was looking over our shoulders.

Marshall Trimble, Arizona's official historian, was an excellent source of information. Also, Nancy Sosa was outstanding in her presentation of historical facts.

We'd also like to point out that the hospitality of the Livery Stable staff was superb ... and the food was out of this world!

Our wranglers were the best. They were always right there when you needed help or assistance.

A million thanks to everyone involved with this experience. Would I recommend it to others?? You bet!! In fact, we can't wait to go again --- SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!!!

Marv "Arizona Kid" & Barbara "Belle Starr" Patterson, Clinton, Utah

Just returned home from the 2010 Wyatt Earp's Vendetta Ride and wanted to drop a note and again express my heartfelt thanks to you, Steve, and Marcie for putting on such a wonderful ride. This was without a doubt the best vacation ever.

You obviously put a lot of work into organizing this and left no stone unturned to ensure that we had a good time. Everyone from the folks at the Livery that took care of the cooking, to the wranglers working with the horses - they were just super and really went the extra mile to ensure we had a good time.

Then there is the ride itself. WOW, to actually get to be at the exact places where so much western history happened was incredible. The opportunity to hear people like Marshall Trimble (Arizona's Official Historian) and Don Taylor (Tombstone's Official Historian) talk about the events that happened in Tombstone and then to mount up and ride the same trails as Wyatt, Virg, Morg, Doc, Curly Bill, Ringo, Ike and others was simply the thrill of a lifetime for any true Old West history fan. However, as great as that was, the biggest thrill for me was the ride down Allen Street. Countless times as a child I rode my "mop horse" through a pretend Tombstone and you gave me the opportunity to do it for real ... twice. It as just an incredible experience.

I have told all my friends and just about anybody that would listen that if they are looking for a great experience and a truly unique vacation, they need to get on one of your rides. You don't have to be an expert horseman, in fact, we had several people that had never been on a horse in their life and they did great.

Thanks again and I can't wait to do it again next year.

Dave "Creek" Taylor, Bullard, Texas

I'd like to thank Steve and Marcie for founding Great American Adventures and Wyatt Earp’s Vendetta Ride.

The 2010 Vendetta Ride was much more that I ever imagined or expected. My father was a history teacher, and when we vacationed while I was growing up, we always traveled, did something fun, and we always visited historic sites where we could learn something, too. I have always been interested in the Old West. Since the movies Tombstone and Wyatt Earp, I have been fascinated by Wyatt and the events of his life. However, I had never been to Tombstone, Arizona. When I found the Wyatt Earp's Vendetta Ride, I knew that I had to attend.

From our group’s first gathering at the Crystal Palace Saloon to the walk to the Gunfight Site near the OK Corral, to our rides through Mescal Studios, to the site of Curly Bill’s demise, to Pete Spence’s wood cutting camp, to Johnny Ringo’s grave, and other historic sites, the company and camaraderie of our group was fantastic, and the scenery during our rides was spectacular.

History discussions with Marshall Trimble, Nancy Sosa, Don Taylor, and members of our own group were enlightening and brought new perspectives to things I had read, as well as added new knowledge. I thought that Nancy Sosa’s discussion of her work to find (and her finding of) Drew’s Station was fascinating. The books that were provided were great.

Our wranglers were superb. I enjoyed talking to each of them along the trail. Sugar, my good horse for the ride, was perfect for my riding ability (novice, beginner).

Excellent meals and entertainment was also provided.

Of course, the ride would not be possible without your vision. Your organization and itinerary allowed each of us to have the experience we wanted and needed from the ride.

New friends, fun, great scenery, and education all made an experience that I will treasure and always remember.

My dad would be proud of us. This is more than a vacation, though. The Wyatt Earp Vendetta Ride is a Great American Adventure.

David Curtis, M. D., Newburgh, Indiana

As Toby Keith has said many times, "I've should've been a cowboy." This has been going through my mind ever since I returned from Wyatt Earp's Vendetta Ride. For several years my wife has been encouraging me to find a trail ride or cattle drive to get my "cowboy fix." However, nothing I came across had the right combination of realism, history, and riding flexibility that Steve's Vendetta Ride offers. As soon as I saw the full page ad and review in True West Magazine, I knew this was the event for me.

In reality, this ride is a hundred times better than its description. Steve and Marcie Shaw treat this as an event put together for a group of friends. No effort is spared to make sure that everyone (including non-riding spouses) shares in the adventure and that all expectations are exceeded. Steve starts you off with lots of pertinent information about the places you'll go, what you'll see and how the history all fits together. When you get your 1880 "duds" on and lope through the set of "Tombstone" or ride over the hill into Cottonwoods Springs, you really believe you're right next to Wyatt and Doc and are ready to avenge Virgil and Morgan! Every day is an exciting new adventure.

If you want to make this an adventure for a couple, and only one of you rides, not to worry. A number of the locations which we visited were accessible by vehicle and the non-riding spouses were shepherded by Marcie to these spots. Other days included shopping in Tombstone which is a Mecca for Old West clothing and art.

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to have ridden with Wyatt and Doc, you will live out that dream on this ride.

Next year, it's Billy the Kid's Regulator Ride in New Mexico and a whole new adventure for us!!

Bill & Shari Hill, Prescott, AZ

I've been on both of the Vendetta Rides now. I was asked by my wife Colleen which of the two I enjoyed the most. After a moment's thought all I could say was both of them. While in theory the same, they were both different and immensely enjoyable. On this ride I learned new facts about the history of the event and those involved, rode great horses into different and spectacular parts of southern Arizona and again thoroughly enjoyed riding with my fellow Vendetta Riders, especially Steve and Marcie Shaw, the organizers of this event. They both work hard to make their adventures a great experience and it shows. We'll be back next year!

Rob & Colleen Rich, Phoenix, AZ

~ 2009 Vendetta Riders' Testimonials ~

Steve, a special thanks to you and Marcie and all the ladies for making my wife Loretta feel so welcome. I can’t thank you enough for including the non-riding spouses in many of the activities during this ride. She was infected with the enthusiasm and camaraderie instantly and it did not wane through the week. She had a wonderful time. Each night as I returned with my adventure stories of the day, I had to wait until she told me hers first. As with many of us that love our wives and vice versa, it is of utmost importance that our partners have a good time too. I, also, felt the genuineness and integrity of the people on the ride. I felt like a cowboy and knew in my heart we were all, in our own way, riding for the brand. As a result, Loretta and I are interested in joining you on the June 2010 Hole-in-the-Wall Ride again. If I can, I intend to have my son join us and a good friend of mine too. So figure between two and four from my camp.

If you have problems writing about "WHAT I DID ON MY VACATION" you're taking the wrong trips. Great American Adventures makes every day - every hour - a memory worth sharing. It is always a treat to see friend's faces light up when I describe the "Wyatt Earp's Vendetta Ride" or "Butch Cassidy's Hole In The Wall Ride". Even those that don't know one end of a horse from the other get into the spirit. There is no more fascinating period in American history, maybe even world history, than the nearly unbelievable period surrounding the 1880's in America - the old west. Even the town names are too bizarre to be true - but they are. Cripple Creek, Whiskey River and, of course, Tombstone. And who could have made up such names as Curly Bill Brocius, Texas Jack Vermillion, Turkey Creek Johnson, or Wyatt Earp. Yet they are all true, real monickers. Their unbelievable adventures rival and live up to their unique names. Great American Adventures literally puts you on the Outlaw Trail and on the streets of Tombstone where you might meet up with Wyatt or Doc Holiday - or even be one of them. If you're looking for memories, not just a break from your regular world, give GAA a call. You won't regret it.

Larry Palmer, Norco, CA