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| Friday May 09, 2008 |
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TUCSON, ARIZONA, USA - Thunder rumbles and lightning brightens the black sky, silhouetting tall Saguaro cacti, hundreds of years old. I'm sitting comfortably in a cozy adobe bungalow watching the light show over a panoramic desert vista. Such are the accomodations at Tucson, Arizona's Tanque Verde Ranch. I'm reminded of just how long it's been since I have watched thunder storms over the desert. Before long the rumbling fades away to a gentle rainthat lulls me to sleep. Just twelve miles outside Tucson proper, Tanque Verde might just as well be thousands of miles from civilization. Not that you'd miss it, ranch management has thought of everything you could need and then some. You're never too lod to be a cowboy!
The ranch has Arizona's largest stable of riding horses--over 120, and over 390 sprawling acres on which to ride them. Each day there are riding lessons for everyone from absolute beginners to experienced riders. For more experienced equestrians there are horsemanship classes and several rides of varying degrees of difficulty. The best part is, it's all included with the price of the room. Rustic Luxury
Even more re-assuring was that through all the humor and laughter you never lost site of the fact that these men knew horses! I went in a complete beginner and in two days emerged a beginner who felt reasonably comfortable with my horse. I even took "loping" lessons (that's one step below a gallop for those not familiar with riding terms). As you can see we quickly got cocky. It took two such classes (both in the same day) before I passed the test to be allowed on a "loping" trail ride, but pass I did. I never dreamed I'd be on the back of a running horse, but it was so much fun, I can't wait to do it again! Other, Less Equine, Activities If horses aren't your thing, not to worry, the ranch has lots of other activities to keep you busy (although if no one in your group is into horses, there are probably better vacation choices). Tennis, catch and release fishing, nature hikes, two gorgeous swimming pools (one indoor), an exercise room, sauna, hot tub, shuffleboard, croquet, ping pong, volleyball, basketball and nearby golf are just some of the options. On my first evening at the ranch, I took a guided twilight nature hike through the desert, which provided some spectacular views of the sun setting over the mountains. The hike ended at the picnic grounds where a barbecue was already in progress. Standing on the edges of the party, watching the revelers silhouetted against the night sky and listening to strains of Ghost Riders In The Sky gave me a rather timeless feeling. Yes, the year was 1997, but it could have just as easily been a hundred years ago. We were even visited by a javelina (a kind of wild pig native to the area) who came to check out the noise and smell the wonderful food cooking over an open fire. Kiddie Cowboys
All the kids I spoke with during my stay were having the time of their lives. Accommodations are luxurious and most have fireplaces in the room. In the middle of summer heat, I didn't need mine, but I imagine they are a welcome and romantic addition at other times of the year. Food & Lodging While the ranch itself has a colorful history spanning over 125 years, it's obvious that many of the bungalows are much newer, although no less charming. Tanque Verde's colorful past definitely helps to add an air of charm and mystery to the area. Back in 1904 bandits raided what was then called La Cebadilla, demanding money from Tanque Verde's first owner Emilio Carillo. When Carillo refused, he was hung from the beams of what is now the card room. While Carillo did survive this trauma (well, sort of, he died 4 years later from complications related to the ordeal), ranch hands will tell you his ghost has been seen roaming the grounds, as well as in the main building of the ranch, now used a guest lounges. Breakfast consists of an extensive buffet of fruits, cereals, juices and breads and is complimented by assorted hot breakfast foods cooked to order. Some mornings there is also an optional breakfast trail ride which culminates at a "cowboy breakfast" cooked and served outside over an open fire. Lunch is a massive buffet with something for everyone, including lots of great salads, hot and cold entrees and desserts. Dinners are cooked to order and delicious. There is always at least one vegetarian entree to choose from in addition to meat and seafood. The ranch is always ready to accommodate special dietary requests. Just let them know what you need in advance. On many nights there are special dinner events such as the cowboy barbecue, or a Mexican Fiesta. The chefs also try to use local ingredients whenever possible. Cactus jelly anyone? For information or reservations for Tanque Verde Ranch call 800-234-DUDE (US) or 520-296-6275. Or visit the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch website at www.tvgr.com. Recipes from Tanque verde Guest Ranch
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If
you've ever had childhood fantasies of playing cowboy, as most little
boys have, or if you ever wanted to ride horses to your heart's content,
as most little girls have, you can come to Tanque Verde and put those
fantasies to rest (or perhaps re-awaken them, but that's another story).
The
ranch is so lovely and luxurious you might forget you're in the real west,
but wranglers like Herb Kahn and Mark Raquepaw will keep reminding you.
Complete with cowboy boots, hats and spurs, they can teach even the greenest
gringo to ride with style, or at bare minimum, to not fall off the horse.
Their quick smiles and easy senses of humor made everyone feel at ease.
Every
evening brings new activities as well. One night dinner will be a cowboy
barbecue under the stars, complete with live music, the next night there's
likely to be a fascinating lecture on local geology or flora and fauna,
on the following night there might be a country western dance, complete
with lessons. You get the picture, there's always something new.
Don't
be afraid to bring the kids to Tanque Verde. The ranch has an extensive
children's program which groups kids into 4-6 year olds and 7-11 year
olds. Activities include riding (of course), swimming, games, arts and
crafts, nature programs and tennis. There is also a separate children's
dining room (optional).
Vacationers
do not live by history, horses or activities alone. They also need great
food and Tanque Verde doesn't disappoint in this department. Food is also
included with the price of a stay. 
Needless
to say, the ranch has something wonderful to offer just about any visitor.
While there I spoke to people of all ages and backgrounds. Some came from
as close as Tucson, while many came from as far as France, Germany and
Hong Kong. What most of them had in common was that they were return visitors,
many of them making an annual trek to Tanque Verde Ranch. You can't get
any higher recommendation than that! 