Rancheros Vistadores Ride

Nearly 1000 riders paraded down the HWY in the California Santa Ynezz Valley herding many longhorns and cattle. The Rancheros Vistadores are in the 78th year (began in 1930)of their historic ride which begins with the traditional blessing at Mission Santa Ines and takes the cowboys (real ones and wanabees like my Dad), politicians, civic leaders and many riding clubs northward 60 miles for a week of camping behind Lake Cachuma. This is not a typical camping trip, in fact it is not your typical club. It is said to be the largest riding group of its kind in the world. During the week there are elaborate ceremonies and games. Their meals are elaborate and nobody goes hungry.
Participants are supposed to and encouraged to wear 'authentic' cowboy fashion. Members are broken up into camps, such as Los Amigos, Los Tontos, Los Vigilantes, Los Flojos and Los Borrachos. Former United States President Ronald Reagan and former California Supreme Court Justice William P. Clark belonged to Campo Adolfo. Los Gringos, Los Borrachos, and Los Chingadores are camps with many participants that are also members in the Bohemian Club. Camp Maverick is for newcomers, and as imagined, there is relentless hazing. The newcomers of Camp Maverick are encouraged to fight back.
My Dad is a Maverick with the 4Q Camp of Los Chingadores and yes he did his hazing a few years back. He didn't seem to to get his but kicked like many other men do, but remember he's 55 years old and many newbes are younger so I think he had age on his side. He did get his brand new Maverick vest torn to pieces but he made it through and has such a good time with all these guys acting like a "man". I personally think it is funny to hear about the silly pranks they pull on eachother, its like being at girlscout camp when your 13.
All I can say is my dad is home safe, dirty, and sore today along with his beautiful horse Chopper. And they are both looking forward to next year. Here are some pictures my Mom took of my Dad as he rode through the mission. He is in on Chopper a red/brown horse with a white nose and has a cowboy hat on with a black vest.