The Long Dusty Trail

Yours truly riding the range as part of the Great Western Trail Drive.

The Old West is alive and well and living in Vici, Okla. This past week, I had the opportunity to particiapte in the Great Western Trail Drive, along with about 125 other riders, moving 100 longhorns over 30 miles in three days. It was about as much as you can legally have on horseback! The weather was great, the bugs weren't even too bad and the scenery was spectacular.

I met up with my hosts, Randy and Dana Thompson, on Wednesday afternoon. Randy operates Randy's Leather Shop (http://www.randysleathershop.com) among other pursuits near Vici. For those of you uninitiatied, the name of the city is pronounced VIE-SIGH and yes, it is the last part of the phrase Veni Vidi Vici, is a famous Latin phrase coined by Roman general Julius Caesar in 47 BC. "I came, I saw, I conquered."

Vici is located up in the panhandle not too far from the Kansas border, right in the heart of farming and ranching land. Just as some communities have carnivals or fun days to raise money for various needs, Vici hosts the trail drive. Nearly all of the 700 residents get involved as volunteers in one form or fashion. Proceeds are divided up between deserving organizations, such as the school and the rodeo club.

Gas prices apparently dampened this year's numbers but not the enthusiasm. Riders came from as far away as Tennessee and California and yes, even Minnesota. Over the next few installments of this blog, I will share with you some of my insights after spending time reliving the Cowboy tradition.

You just plan to trail along, okay!

Longhorns have very long horns.