Costumes, Brackets, and Bonfires: Day 9 at the Ranch

Swan Valley, ID

Some of the best days with The Grand Western Tour are the ones where we get to slow down, settle in, and just enjoy being together. Today at the ranch was exactly that.

We eased into the morning with a more relaxed pace, hanging out and putting the finishing touches on our costumes for the big tournament. There was some serious bedazzling happening, plus a fair amount of hair painting, because if you are going to compete, you might as well look the part.

Then it was game on. We started with a round robin before moving into a full tournament bracket, with four teams going head to head: the Glitter Gladiators, Untamed, the USA of Rednecks, and the 2016ers. After a hard-fought final between the USA and the 2016ers, it was the 2016ers who took home the title. Their reward? Cowboy rubber ducks and candy, which might just be the best prize package we have seen all summer.

The rest of the day was all about soaking it in. We played games, stretched out in the sun, and a good few of us snuck in some well-earned naps. As evening rolled around, we gathered for another bonfire, complete with s’mores, hotdogs, and music under the open sky.

No big landmarks today, just good people, a little friendly competition, and a whole lot of laughter. These are the days we will remember. Until tomorrow!