20th Annual National Festival of the West draws crowds from all over North America

....... including Jake Conkin!

You all remember Jake Conkin, guest at Elkin Creek Guest Ranch and our very own true blue buckaroo.  Well, he's spent the last week strutting his ol' west duds in Scottsdale, Arizona for the 20th Annual Festival of the West and I've recieved some reports on the fun.  It was the place to be for any true cowboy/cowgirl and western fan in North America.  With nonstop cowboy entertainment and western music, guests could toe tap their way through the western tradeshow and log home show, all the while stopping to catch cowboys presenting poetry or to collect signitures from some of Hollywood's best known western film stars.  From costume contests to chuck wagon cook-offs, I'm sure it was a 'hay day'.

Jake made his way through the crowds dressed head to toe in his western duds, dining on chuckwagon biscuits and dutch-oven-made peach cobbler. We're hoping he sends a few pictures our way, but for the time being, check out the website for a peek into this grand Festival of the West @ http://www.festivalofthewest.com/

Adios

Who needs a gym when you've got a guest ranch...burn calories while you play!

Did you know that horseback riders can burn up to 650 calories an hour while in the saddle?

Ranch Rider offers up a pretty darn good idea for those fun-loving travelers who are looking to live up to their new years resolutions.  Kill two birds with one stone this summer by opting for a vacation where it's possible to have a blast and keep active at the same time!

Check out the article below posted online in CANADA Magazine:

Saddle Up & Get Back In Shape

With the recession finally relinquishing its grip on those pursestrings, we can all focus on our personal health rather than that ofour bank balance. According to Ranch Rider, fitness holidays are not simply concerned with trekking and hiking into the hinterland(although many guest ranches will offer these pursuits), as riders can burn up to 650 calories an hour while in the saddle.

So if that New Year’s resolution to get back in shape has been shelved along with your gym club membership, grab the reins and head to Canada with Ranch Rider.

 Why not take your girlfriends along for theride and opt for the Cowgirl Boot Camp at the Elkin Creek Guest Ranch in British Columbia. There will be opportunities to hit the trail, rope the livestock and enjoy a few pre-dinner drinks and horsd’oeuvres with your BFFs in the unspoilt Nemaiah Valley.

The complete health and wellness package, yoga, massage and life-skillscoaching round off the 2-night stay. 7-nights from £1,145pp.

Departures: 11 – 13 June. Excludes car hire from £249 per week andgratuities left to guests’ discretion. Return flight from £579pp.

All prices (unless otherwise stated) are based on two sharing andinclude full board accommodation, all ranch based riding, use of allfacilities, gratuities, taxes and transfers. Subject to availability.

Telephone Ranch Rider on 01509 618811, email info@ranchrider.com orvisit www.ranchrider.com for further information.