( Myung J. Chun / Los Angeles Times / August 31, 2012 )

Hunewill Guest Ranch
Sierra Nevada

Distance: 365 miles one-way

The heifers are acting surly, but my horse pushes forward. My young crew of 10 or so cowpunchers encircles about 30 head of cattle on a wide pasture in the shadow of a sawtooth mountain just west of Bridgeport. Our horses slowly lead the cattle toward a gate at the far end of the field.

"Move on," I yell, as I nudge my mount with the heel of my boot. "Heeeaaah!"

For a moment, I think I'm a cow-herding, range-riding, genuine cowboy.

-- Hugo Martín

Read more: Saddling up at Hunewill Guest Ranch