Looks tropical, doesn't it? But it's the saline pool at the Pillar and Post Spa in Ontario, near Niagra on the Lake. The Dudettes sacrificed their fingers for research and and submitted to manicures and hand massages while listening to the soothing sounds of sheets of water coursing down glass sculptures on the wall. Canadians seem to have the spa gene, both in loving to go to them and being gifted in running them.

One wardrobe tip I learned on this trip was always take a black insulated waffle-weave winter underwear top. I'd never even owned one, but when my clothes disappeared-- my big suitcase never made it to the ranch in the shuttle van-- I borrowed the ski underwear top from my handy husband, and wore it as a chic top with black pants at cocktail hour, as sleepwear, and during the day as a layering item under a jacket. It also dried quickly when washed in between!


The other piece of advice gleaned from our trip to cowgirl country: if you are planning a trip with rough/country/outback segments and another day or two segment of luxury, leave the luxury part for last. You'll appreciate it so much more. In fact it will feel ultra- luxurious, even if it's only a hot shower with good water pressure.

The Dudettes ride out at Cimarroncita