Break up a Long Drive
One of the things that makes California unique is that amongst the 840 mile coastline, the glamor of Hollywood, and the diversely authentic nature of San Francisco, you have the juxtaposition of California's ranch lands just east of the surf line. Believe it or not, California still holds strong to many of the elements of country living (open land, Wrangler Jeans, and rounding up cattle) of the Wild Wild West. So when I discovered the Bar SZ Ranch on a surf trip journey through California, I broached a near-coastal adventure that would forever change my perception of breaking up a long drive!
Dude Ranch'n it!
The Bar SZ Ranch, managed and operated by Tim and Michelle Borland, sits on a 660 acre spread 90 minutes south of Monterey, and approximately 90 minutes north of San Luis Obispo. In classic dude ranch fashion, one can show up a city, or surf-slicker, and within a short time connect with his/her inner cowboy and cowgirl by choosing their Dude Ranch Package. Being a coastal city kid myself, I, personally, was never exposed to horseback riding, skeet shooting, cow-roping, riding quads, and manning a mesquite BBQ. I knew of these things, but never personally experienced them. That is, until I hung out with Tim.
Escapism
Want a starry night? You’re going to see more stars than you can imagine in these mountains away from the hustle and bustle of the city lights and noise. In California-Country, when the sun begins to set, all you hear is the rustling of the trees as the land begins to cool beneath your borrowed boots. The concert of sirens, honking horns, and planes flying by does not exist in the sticks. And later in the night as the fire-pit is crackling, beers are being sipped, and you’re sharing stories of the day’s events, you are certain to hear the howling of coyotes. It is definitely one of those places where you could sit out under the stars marveling until the sun rises and the roosters call.