Epic Trails Cattle Drives are set on traditional working cattle ranches - not on a dude ranch or some fancy dancy resort. It's the real thing... a 29,000 acre working cattle ranch right smack dab in the middle of the most beautiful big sky country you will ever see.

Folks come from all walks of life to learn what it's like to live the life of a real cowhand. You will learn to ride herd, throw a lasso and round-up strays. You will experience a whole new perspective as you view the panorama and you will actually help round-up and move more than 250 head of cattle across prairie, between coulees and through farmland.

It all begins as you arrive Sunday afternoon. The rest of the day is filled with getting acquainted with your new surroundings and new friends. The most important new friend is, of course, your horse. A ranch horse will be matched to your riding ability and an experienced cowhand will instruct you how to saddle, bridle and take care of your new "buddy". The remaining time will be used to set up your tent and get settled in for the night. A wonderful cowboy dinner and campfire will mark the closing of the day.

Monday morning comes quick, up at the crack of dawn to begin your first day as a cowhand. There's no lounging; a quick cup of coffee, saddle your horse, break camp, relax briefly as you enjoy breakfast, jump on your horse and the round-up begins.

Before you know it, it's time for lunch. With the cattle rounded-up and half a day's work under your belt, it's time to relax. A couple of hours to rest the horses and cattle and it's off again. You'll ride a few more hours 'til it's time to call it a day. But the night has just begun! After a marvelous dinner, stories around the campfire will set the stage for a lively evening. Don't forget, though - early to bed, early to rise.

This same schedule will pretty much be followed throughout the remaining visit.

May 2 through May 8
Hysham, Montana
The big branding will take place on Saturday the 8th. Tents are required. There is a travel trailer for four. The rest of the week will consist of trailing and gathering cows and riding fences.

May 9 through May 15
Whitewater, Montana Mike Hammond Ranch
You'll actively participate driving cattle on a 30,000-acre ranch. We will be trailing 250 cow and calf pairs, which may also include branding and cutting. This is a trip for those who really want to rough it. Tents are required.

May 22 through May 29
Whitewater, Montana - ZN Ranch
This is a real western experience, no electricity or telephones and we'll camp out in one spot all week. You'll actively participate driving cattle on a 29,000-acre ranch. We will be trailing 250 cow and calf pairs, which may also include branding and cutting. As an added event we will ride horseback to view the bucking horses. This is a trip for those who really want to rough it. Tents are required. [Note: People flying will leave May 30 in the afternoon from Billings].

June 13 through June 19
Lodge Grass, Montana
Trailing 500-600 head cattle, branding, barrel racing, roping. Tents are required.

August 15 through August 21
Lodge Grass, Montana
Cattle gathered and trailed. Sorting dry cows, and taking off the bulls. Tents are required Note: Will be attending Crow Fair (Major Indian Gathering & Rodeo) FUN!!!

September 12 through September 18
Lodge Grass, Montana
Trail cattle in from summer pasture, work in corrals, pairing, and sorting. Tents are required.

Pricing:
$900 - Basic Fee
$800 - If you do not require transportation to the ranch
$750 - Bringing your own tent and providing your own transportation
$600 - Bringing your own tent, transportation, and horse

The adventure begins with the first meal Sunday (supper) and ends with the last meal Saturday (breakfast). Please bring your own beer, wine, liquor, etc.

A $150.00 deposit per person is required and due January 1, 2004. Deposit is non-refundable after April 1, 2004. Deposits/Payment (check, money order, wire transfer only)

*Flights : Billings Logan International Airport http://www.flybillings.com/flights.html . Any questions please contact Penny at 425.861.9969 or 425.895-9731 Fax: 425.882-4321.

Deposits Mailed to:
Penny Nicholls 16719 Redmond Way Redmond, WA 98052
E-mail: rawhide001@aol.com Web site: http://serioussports.com/epictrails
Connie Cox MT ph: (406) 342-5713