 It's one thing to talk about high adventure on the trail. And it's great to watch those old westerns on Turner's Classic Movie channel and imagine the thrill of the open range and the smell of bacon frying in the early morning. If you're old enough to remember John Wayne, James Stewart, Richard Widmark, Richard Boone and Jack Palance, then you probably have a deep-rooted affection for America's historical cattle drives.
Speaking of Palance, most of us, at least, remember Billy Crystal, Daniel Stern and the late Bruno Kirby's pair of City Slicker movies in the 90's. Imagine the wind in your face, a good horse between your legs, the soft rolling thunder of longhorn hooves before you, and the creak and crack and jingle and jangle of the chuckwagon as it rolls across the plains, and Curly's treasure map tucked safely in your pocket.
Well, forget about the lost gold mine. But if you're brave enough to live your dreams instead of watching them on the tube, your chance is coming in October when the 3rd Annual Y.O. Ranch Fall Longhorn Cattle Drive kicks off across the open ranges of the authentic Hill Country ranch. But be warned -- this isn't recommended for real city slickers!
It's a bring-your-own-horse affair if you got 'em. Otherwise, you can secure the use of a trusty steed if you register early - and for an additional fee. But either way, when you sign on for this real cattle drive, you best come wearing your best cowboy or cowgirl persona. You're going to need it.
Before you get all worked up or worried about the rigors of this authentic cattle drive, you should know that, actually, anyone with a little riding experience qualifies for this gentle trail adventure. True, you need to appreciate the outdoors and wide open spaces. You need to realize that those hidden muscles inside your thighs are going to get a work out. You should know before hand that you're subject to the environment, that you'll spend a night under the stars.
But the benefits are remarkable: high adventure, big blue skies, fresh Hill Country air, prime cut mesquite grilled steaks over an open fire, spirits and even live music and dancing before, during and after the longhorn drive -- just to name a few.
 The truth is, participants in this twice a year annual event (the Spring longhorn drive is held each May and the Fall drive each October) come from differnet walks of life and for just as many reasons, preserving a rich ranch tradition started by Y.O. founder Captain Charles Schriener, who amassed his fortune by driving vast herds of longhorns across the Western Trail to market at Dodge City, Kansas, in the mid to late 1800's. The good Captain is credited with developing the cattle industry in West and Southwest Texas and founding one of the most prominent ranches in Central Texas.
This year's fall event kicks off Friday, October 20, with a special dinner and live entertainment. The following morning, you'll saddle up after a robust breakfast and hit the open trail, driving those doggies across unspoiled reaches of famous ranch country.
After a hard half-day ride, you'll sip margaritas by the pool, dance and sleep under the stars, and wake to another grand breakfast to start the day. The event ends around noon back at the ranch house where an all out Texas beef fest will be staged as the "best cowboy" and "best cowgirl" are announced amd closing ceremonies will send everyone on their way back to the modern world.
Admittedly the event is not for everyone. But consider this, as we gain in years, the day is eventaully coming when getting outside to enjoy the wide open spaces may well relate to a step out into the backyard. So why not cast off those inhibitions and overcome that shyness and let the real coboy/cowgirl inside get loose. After all, it is a real adventure!
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