Within moments, I was escorted to the dining area for a hearty hot meal. A huge plate of burritos and beans suddenly appeared. "Cowgirls need to eat" Evelyn pronounced. Unfortunately, there was no margarita to help wash down the eats. My fellow cowgirls had already finished every last drop. They were, indeed, a wild bunch! I gladly accepted a cold, refreshing glass of homemade lemonade.
Relaxed and content, I only contemplated on what the morning would bring as I headed to my casita. A much-needed restful sleep eased me into the morning. "Rise and Shine"…beckoned the sweet melodic verses of the desert birds. The sun was just coming up over the distant Tucson Mountains. What an inspiring picture postcard! Large Saguaro Cacti, cholloa, prickly pear and barrel cacti covered the land as far as my eyes could see.
My morning schedule began early -7:30am- with a hearty breakfast of eggs, sausage, oatmeal…and the best homemade pancakes in the West! The dining area was bustling with activity. Big smiles and big hats! The cowgirls, some sleepy-eyed, were exchanging hellos and sipping fresh morning coffee. We were 18 women in all -professionals, moms, and even grandmothers from all over the US.
At 8am, the group headed to the barn…to brush and saddle up the horses. I instantly became a ranch hand, groomer, rider and guest all rolled into one!
There was the expected learning curve, fear and stumbling. But, with a little encouragement and team work, each gal managed to get on her horse and begin the cowgirl adventure. We headed to the riding arena for our first lesson on the day -"understanding your horse". This would be a lesson that would linger with us over the next few days -as we walked, trotted, "loped" and competed with our horses. In the evenings, we enjoyed open air cookouts, starlight hayrides, cowboy sing-a-longs and line-dancing.
Only on "graduation day" at the Awards Rodeo Ceremony did the dust finally settle and I begin to see my life differently. I no longer just looked the part; I was now a real "Cowgirl" with the sore muscles and unforgettable memories to prove it.
The camp experience left no one untouched. We were all enchanted by the beauty and passion of the western way of life. I was awe-inspired by the challenges I not only met but mastered. My heart and mind were now as wide open as the open range to new possibilities and all that life could hand me. Emotions were high and the tears flowing, as we said our goodbyes and made promises to return next year.
