Dude ranch adventures
The writer’s niece, Esme Charles, 8, enjoys a hearty breakfast in the great outdoors. (Bill Fink / Chicago Tribune)
Chicago Tribune
There’s no shortage of horsing around at the family-friendly Tanque Verde Ranch in Tucson, Ariz.
Guests saddle up to head back to the ranch after a satisfying breakfast of flapjacks, eggs and bacon. (Bill Fink / Chicago Tribune)
A bird hangs out on a saguaro cactus, which are in abundant supply in this part of Arizona. (Bill Fink / Chicago Tribune)
The writer’s dad, George Fink, leads the pack on a family trail ride through the desert. (Bill Fink / Chicago Tribune)
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Equine activities abound at Tanque Verde Ranch, where horse-riding classes are available for all levels. (Bill Fink / Chicago Tribune)
Wrangler Joe Valdez has been a fixture at Tanque Verde Ranch for 45 years. (Bill Fink / Chicago Tribune)
Some of Tanque Verde’s younger guests get to know the horses at the dude ranch. (Bill Fink / Chicago Tribune)
The writer’s niece, Esme Charles, 8, gets comfortable in the saddle, much as her mother did as a child when the Fink family visited Tanque Verde years ago. (Bill Fink / Chicago Tribune)