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Culinary Excursions: 10 Savory Cooking Retreats
by Carrie Miner
Ranch guests staying at the 160-acre T Cross Ranch relax in one of the property's eight log cabins, some of which were originally built in the 1930s. In the nearby stable, more than 50 horses are available, allowing each guest ample opportunity to find the right companion for the duration of their stay.
And that's a good thing. Guided trail rides range from one to eight hours and traverse the rugged countryside through the Shoshone National Forest and the Washakie Wilderness.
When not out exploring, riders can practice their rodeo skills for the Friday morning gymkhana and in July and August guests have the opportunity to help move cattle to summer grazing pastures.
When you're done riding, you can choose an adventurous alternative such as fly-fishing, wildlife watching, mud volleyball or sagebrush golf. In addition, the ranch offers scheduled daily events including chuck wagon cookouts, cowboy poetry readings, square dancing and in-room massages.
Beyond Borders
Across the northern border, Elkin Creek Guest  Ranch proves that western hospitality isn't only found in the United States. As pilots will soon discover, an hour out of Vancouver, Elkin Creek Guest Ranch is easy to access by landing at the ranch's private airstrip [BL9] in Central British Columbia's Nemaiah Valley—which is nestled between Chilko Lake and the Brittany Triangle.
This 28,000-acre working cattle ranch offers something for everyone—from greenhorns to experienced riders. Daily activities can vary from trail ride into the countryside for a picnic lunch to moving the ranch's cattle from one range to another.
If your excursion takes you within the vicinity of the Brittany Triangle, keep your eyes open for a glimpse of the largest wild horse herd in Canada. These spirited animals are believed to be descendants of the original Spanish mustangs that  migrated north to the Chilcotin region more than 200 years ago.
When you're not in the saddle, you might consider filling up your spare time with one of the ranch's other outdoor activities—evening campfires, river kayaking, canoeing, fly-fishing, mountain biking, hiking, white water rafting and windsurfing.
Best of all, at the end of the day this all-inclusive resort offers such tempting menu selections as Dijon crusted New York steak with roasted peppercorn potatoes, shallots and fresh green beans and West Coast spring salmon with sweet potato puree and a side of roasted fennel and baby carrots—making the perfect ending to a perfect day.
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