By Sheila Gaspers

Tuscon AZ - Dude Ranches became trendy with the 90's comedy hit, City Slickers, starring Billy Crystal. Now, nearly ten years later, another "Western Experience" has gained notoriety ---"Cowgirl Camp". When I signed up for the 4 day adventure camp in early March, I really didn't know what to expect.

My goals were humble. I did not hope to be the next Annie Oakley or even a trained rider. I just wanted to experience the great outdoors and stay on a horse long enough to pose for a photo.

A self-proclaimed city gal, my only western experiences were barely surviving a ride on a mechanical bull in a theme bar and fighting off savage women when Nordstrom's had boot-cut jeans on sale. If that didn't prepare me for "roughing it" then nothing would. I was excited but a little nervous too. Could this city girl really handle life on the open range? I was about to find out.

I got my first clue when Sharon, the head wrangler for the Lazy K Bar Ranch in Tucson, sent me a detailed itinerary and a list of cowgirl necessities I needed for my stay. As I read the daily scheduled activities…I could only laugh. Barrel Racing and Team Cattle penning were not possibilities for someone like me. This could not be real! I was still struggling to get my boots on.

Since my Jimmy Choo shoes would not do me much good at the ranch I turned to EBay to bid on a pair of authentic (o.k. gently- used) broken-in cowboy boots. I even found some very cool suede chaps - a "must have" to avoid pain of a full day of riding. I may not be the best rider…but I would be the best dressed! Unfortunately, I had no luck in finding an authentic cowgirl hat that fit my oversized 7 ¼” head, so I packed my straw beach hat instead. The rest I left to fate.

I arrived on a Friday late evening. A plane delay got me into Tucson later than expected -- so I missed the formal cowgirl and horse introductions, Mexican-theme dinner, and the much-anticipated Margarita party.

When the ranch van finally entered the gates, my blood pressure inched upwards. What was I doing? Who was I kidding? The sky was dark and I could barely make out the desert landscape. As we approached the main building, my nerves calmed. The front entrance was illuminated and inviting. I was quickly greeted by Evelyn, the front desk hostess, a retired schoolteacher and native of Michigan. She loved the ranch and it showed in her enthusiasm.


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