November
2009
Wyoming Dude Ranches Are Not DisneylandComments Off
Wyoming dude ranches tend to be more genuine than the resort type places which are so frequent in the southwest where heated swimming pools, massages, saunas and fashion statements seem to be more important than horseback riding or fly fishing. Of course there are some exceptions in Wyoming as well since in order to survive businesses sometimes have to pander to the worst habits of our society. I suppose that is why fast food restaurant chains and soft drink manufacturers feel they must knowingly contribute to the growing curse of obesity.
In my opinion what sets old style dude ranches apart from most vacations is that they are active and real as opposed to the make believe of Disneyland. There is nothing wrong with make believe; we all like to watch a good movie or read a good novel from time to time. The trouble is that if you keep getting your thrills vicariously and your experiences second hand, it becomes a very bloodless substitute for real life. Handling your horse effectively and staying on his back when you are chasing stubborn cows at a gallop is an exciting real life accomplishment which builds character and self confidence as well as doing something useful. Playing a computer game is hardly the same unless you are going to go on to use the skills gained there to become a drone pilot and zap terrorists.