Thursday, September 30, 2010 - Got It All Done! Drive Day to Prescott NF

After the free breakfast at Hampton, we headed out to the dealer, Chapman's arriving just after nine, leaving the dogs at the hotel to keep them in the A/C. We finished up the paperwork, but once again things dragged on. We finally got out of there with the new truck after 11:00, having had to transfer an entire bed of hay (with much appreciated help from one of the sales guys, Matt), so we had to rush back to the hotel so that Hubby could change over the hitches for the matching trailers. He quickly discovered that they would have to be completely reconfigured, with different shanks and drops, so I had to get online and find an Equal-i-zer dealer and hope they had the right fittings. Most of the hitch places order what they need, but we found one, Quality Bumper in downtown Phoenix, that had everything we needed. A bit more than an hour later, we were back on the road, heading out to the stables where we picked up the horse trailer, which looked just fine behind the van, and the horses, whose eyes looked better. Then we headed out to the repair place, paid our enormous but worthwhile bill there, and hooked up the RV. The owner, Mike, pointed out a feature on the new truck I didn't know I had, mirrors that extend out at the push of a button so they reach far enough out to see around the load of hay to the RV. Cool! I can't wait to start reading the owners manual to see what other treasures are waiting! Finally, we were on the road! A quick stop at the gas station (the dealer had said they were going to fill the tank, but only put about a quarter tank in), and up the freeway we went. And I do mean UP! It was a climb for practically the entire trip to Prescott, just under two hours, but the truck never skipped a beat! Not only did I hardly break 200 degrees on the engine, I ran the a/c the entire way, and even passed a few slow trucks on the grade! Very impressive! Arrived at the Groom Creek Horse Camp in the Prescott National Forest just after the sun went down, but a camp host helped to find us a spot in the dark, and we were set up by about 8:00. A corral for the horses made it an easy set up, and the site was level, so we just opened up, thankful for the cooler temperatures, and looking forward to crashing, now that everything we had set out to do in Phoenix was accomplished, and then some!

Wednesday, September 29, 2010 - Tough, But The End is Near!

After a pretty crummy night's sleep, and a big comfort breakfast at the Denny's next door, we headed out to the towing office to get an update on the work that needed to be done. Since I stopped so quickly, we managed to avoid some really major damage, to it looks like just replacing the bearing and some other parts will do the job. We told them to change out all of the bearings, just to be safe. Then we headed out to a nearby used car dealer that had an ad on craigslist, only to learn the truck we were interested in had been sold two nights before. Then we arranged to meet the seller of another truck out at a fairgrounds venue known as West World. It was priced relatively inexpensively because there was some damage, which the seller claimed was only cosmetic. We took it for a test drive, and it rode rather hard, actually worse than the Ford, which surprised me. When we got back, we started looking more closely at the damage. Most of it was around the wheel well, which was fiberglass, and likely caused by a tire blowout, but the tailgate was off, and the seller had said that it had been damaged when the owner's mother had jackknifed a fifth wheel. I thought the tailgate would have a dent, but it didn't, so I started investigating, trying to get the tailgate back on, and discovered that the damage was much more extensive, that one side of the bed had been bent outwards, and the bumper was badly bent as well. He insisted the frame wasn't bent, and it may not have been, but it certainly would have explained why the ride was so rough. We decided to go have a cup of coffee and discuss our options. This had been our first choice from craigslist, and our other options seemed only to be Dodge, which really wasn't my first choice, but we had to solve the problem. So we found a McDonalds nearby, ordered an iced coffee, pulled out the laptop and checked out craigslist again to look at the latest list. Lo and behold, a 2003 GMC Sierra 3500 had been listed since I had checked it this morning. It was well within our price range, and the pix made it appear to be very clean. We called, then headed out immediately, to a dealer down in Tempe about 30 minutes away. They had only just listed it about 30 minutes before, and the pix had actually been provided by the previous owner, who was the only owner of this truck, and he had traded it in the night before. With only 92K miles, it was in fantastic shape. It was pewter in color, not the white which was our preference, but it actually matched the accent points on the RV perfectly. We took it for a test drive, and at once, Hubby commented on the smoothness of the ride, which was the first time he finally understood what I meant about the difference between a GM truck and a Ford (when I drove wreckers in my college years, I always preferred the ride of the GMC, and it hasn't changed). If I'm going to be in a truck for 8 hours a day, I want it to be a comfortable ride! The dual wheels made it very stable, the diesel 6.6 would provide all the power we would ever need to easily tow the RV up any mountain, all while being able to run the A/C. It was EXACTLY what we needed, so we quickly started the paperwork. Things dragged on and on, though, the recon and detailing, so just before 4:00, we left, saying we would be back first thing in the morning with cash in hand. We had to get some hay out to the horses, and to check on the progress of the RV repairs, which we did. The horses, particularly mine, seemed to have swollen eyes from the day before, probably from too much dust flying in from the desert, so we had picked up a couple of fly masks and a bottle of antibiotic spray this morning, so we treated them before heading out to the RV. I climbed in to get our cash and a few items for the night, before heading out to the Hampton Inn, where I had reserved a much better room for the night. After dinner at Olive Garden and a quick trip to Walmart, we had an early night, climbing into a much more comfortable bed in a very clean room, which I expect (and always get) from Hampton. Too exhausted to be as excited as we should be about our new truck, looking forward to a better day tomorrow!

Tuesday, September 28, 2010 - Travel Day to Phoenix

Having made the decision to look for a new-to-us truck in Phoenix, we got up early, as we had more things than usual to do. Still managed to get out before 9:30, having said goodbye to our very accommodating hostess Judy and her husband. After getting gas, we headed east on I-10, happy to finally be getting out of California (they have so many inane rules here!), stopping once for breakfast, again at the AZ border for gas, and finally in to Phoenix, stopping at the Flying J to dump, and at a Chevy dealer just to see if they had anything in their inventory (one, ridiculously priced, but I expect little else from a dealer.) Though the road was mostly flat, there were a few climbs, and it was so hot in the desert, I ended up having to put the heater on to keep the engine from overheating, but I still spent a lot of time in or near the red. I'm sure hoping we can solve this problem with a new truck! After a relatively uneventful day, things suddenly got very challenging. While on the phone trying to find a place to spend the night, Hubby called out to me that I was getting a flat tire, so I quickly pulled over and got off the phone. Turned out not be a flat, but something much worse. A bearing had gone on one of the RV trailer tires, and when I touched it after we put it on the Jiffy jack, the wheel fell off. Not good! I then spent the next hour trying to find roadside service (which I never did), eventually calling the police for their assistance (of which they offered precious little). Finally, they managed to call a wrecker service to tow it, probably to an RV place. Meanwhile, the sun was setting, and we were still on the side of the 101 freeway with the horses. We decided that I should head out to a stable (not the one we had planned on, but one that was somewhat closer in Glendale) and get the horses settled, then come back and find a hotel and do whatever needed to be done. I headed out, getting to the stable at late dusk, dropped off the horses and trailer, then headed out again. Hubby had decided the best option was to let the wrecker company take the RV back to their place, as the owner offered to repair it for us, inferring that the RV dealer would drag their feet, probably replace the whole axle as opposed to replace the bearings, and take a week to do it. Turns out they needed to bring out the big truck (the one they use for tractor-trailers), disconnected the van and got it up on the trailer (I would have liked to have seen that!). Hubby said it was quite an operation. Anyway, we met up at the towing office, then, based on their recommendation, went to the nearest hotel, a Day's Inn on Deer Valley Rd. (a big mistake, the place was a dump and there was a spring sticking up out of the mattress. I had to put a washcloth down to keep from getting poked all night.) A $20/night motel we had to pay $50 for. But at least everyone is safe, and we've met the challenge again, though it took great doses of adrenaline to keep us going. We both had the shakes from exhaustion by the time we got into bed. Tomorrow promises to be a tough day, too.

Monday, September 27, 2010 - Hay Day, and Change of Plans

Having spent some time over the weekend looking for hay and for potential trucks to buy on craiglist, today we ran down to Perris Lake to pickup a load of hay (for $9/bale for grass hay with a bit of alfalfa mixed in), sweated to death getting it, but fortunately there were two guys helping us load, so it wasn't too bad. We let them load it their own way (we usually do it, or supervise others doing), and as a result we ended up getting a few less bales than usual, but that was fine, we felt the hay was a bit stalky, though nice and green so I'm sure the horses will love it. Afterward, we took a drive to a used car dealer who had an ad for a truck on craigslist, and test drove a Dodge Ram (that was pretty nice, except it had no power windows, locks or seats, the most basic package), and a Ford 350, which had just as rough a ride as I feared it might, from past experience. They had one Chevy 3500HD, but it was too new and over budget, so I didn't even bother to test drive it. Have spent several hours there, we left in the heat of the day and headed back to the ranch. I got back onto craigslist to see what else was available in Las Vegas, which was supposed to be our next stop. Things had changed with our client, however, and wasn't going to be able to meet us there any more, but we still were planning on heading out that way. Out of curiosity, though, I decided to check out what there was in Phoenix, since we could just as easily go to the South Rim of the Grand Canyon as the north rim. The list of possibilities suddenly expanded exponentially. There were several Chevys and lots of Dodges listed compared to Las Vegas, so we made a few phone calls, and decided that Phoenix was a better idea. Hubby particularly liked it because we wouldn't need to do much climbing, as we would have done going to Vegas. With 100+ temps, and heading across the desert, we didn't need to stress out the van any more than necessary. Hopefully, it will be the last time!

Sunday, September 26, 2010 - Need Rest, but Stuff To Do!

Though we're both still tired, we have so much to do to get ready to leave tomorrow, though we're now considering waiting until Tuesday, just because we have so much to do. Spent the better part of the 100+ degree day putting together the new hitch we got from the manufacturer, after having discovered some cracks, and the fact there's a lifetime warranty. They sent us a new one last week, so we had to reinstall it, which essentially meant rebuilding it. We were thoroughly exhausted and drained by the time we were finished, but we were enormously grateful for the manufacturer. We have always loved this hitch (and Equal-i-zer) because it all but stops any sway, whether it's a 60 mph crosswind or a passing tractor trailer, and were delighted to discover the warranty covered it. Having only deepened our exhaustion, we definitely decided to wait until Tuesday to leave.

Saturday, September 25, 2010 - Work/Pickup Day

Once again, I spent the day working and sweating (temps VERY hot here, many records being broken in the Southland this week), before picking Hubby up at the Ontario airport. He had managed to get an earlier flight for the first leg of his journey, but missed the early connection at DFW, so he ended up coming in at his 6:00 scheduled flight anyway, enjoying a nice meal of his favorite fish and chips at the Irish pub where we usually dine when we're there. Glad to get him back safely! Had a pleasant evening, both of us still feeling exhausted from the busy week.

Friday, September 24, 2010 - Work/Phone Day

Spent the working on the computer and on the phone with Hubby as he made it through his day of separation. Glad to hear things at home were fine, other than the expected dead bugs and mouse droppings. He watered all the remaining surviving plants and missed me appropriately all day, as I did him.

Thursday, September 23, 2010 - Rare Day of Separation

Hubby had to fly to Nashville today for a doctor's appointment tomorrow, and to check in on the house and pick up mail, etc. His flight left just before 1:00, so we got him to the airport by 10:00. He arrived in DFW with just 15 minutes to catch his next flight, which was kind enough to wait for him. Arrived just a few minutes late in Nashville, but told me it was a flight from hell, surrounded by kids on the first leg, and then on the second leg, he opted to sit in the last row because some woman was traveling with her kids, but for some reason the kids were up front and she was in back, and since Hubby was so late, she took over his seat. He didn't want to be next to screaming kids anyway, so it was just as well. Then, after they pulled away from the gate, the pilot came on the PA and said they were returning to another gate, no explanation. Afterward, in flight, Hubby asked what had happened, and the flight attendant explained that they had removed that mother and her kids because she couldn't keep them under control! Too bad Hubby didn't know that earlier, he could've had the whole row! Anyway, he was just glad to be amongst adults, albeit in the last row. I called the hotel and had the shuttle sent, and off he went. He found a hotel next door with a restaurant for dinner (but they had no brandy!) so he went to bed without his usual nightcap. Meanwhile, I spent the afternoon doing laundry (at last a laundry that takes quarters and was clean!), grocery shopping (we've fallen in love with the "Fresh and Easy" chain), before coming home for the evening, all the while talking with Hubby on the phone on a regular basis. Miss him already!

Wednesday, September 22, 2010 - Back to the Ranch

Left the hotel about 10:00, went to Coco's across the street for breakfast, then headed back toward the ranch. Stopped at a Dodge dealer to test drive a Ram 3500, which the Midas guy had recommended we do before making a decision on a truck. Top of the line new truck was a nice ride, but $60K is a bit over-budget at the moment. Pretty nice ride, though, I'll have to check it against some others. The dogs were thrilled to see us and to get out of jail, and even the horses nickered a greeting when they saw us. Exhaustion swept over us as it always does after one of our intense workshops, and we were in bed just after sunset, as soon as Hubby was packed for his trip tomorrow.

Sunday, September 19, 2010 - Pool Day

Sat by the pool for a few hours and got some sun, then checked out the room where we would be conducting the workshop, rearranged some furniture and got everything ready. To bed early, as the workshop starts early tomorrow and Tuesday. Nothing horse related, so that's it until we get back!

Saturday, September 18, 2010 - Move over to Hotel Day

Got the dogs settled into the stall they will be occupying while we're away, then headed out for the Midas where we are getting some work done on the van. From there we took a cab to the Hyatt-Orange County, where we relaxed the rest of the day.

Friday, September 17, 2010 - Preparation Day

Spent the day getting ready for our the workshop we came here to facilitate.

Thursday, September 16, 2010 - Drive Day to Cherry Valley

Got up early and headed out. The trip was actually easier than we expected, mostly freeway driving, and the stable that we had booked (the JayGee) was only a few miles from I-10, so we actually arrived fairly early, by about 2:30. We got the horses settled in to two nice big corrals with a small cover in each corner for shade, then got the RV parked and opened up. There's a nice breeze here that Judy, the owner, says is perpetual, which will be a relief on hot days. Settled down for the rest of the (thankfully) uneventful day.

Wednesday, September 15, 2010 - Relaxation Day

We decided we had seen enough of the trails here, and that our fabulous horses deserved a much needed day off after a tough week and in anticipation of a long day of driving tomorrow. I need the day to get caught up on work, so we spent the day at the ranch.

Tuesday, September 14, 2010 - Ride Day at Sequoia National Forest

Up early, packed the horses into the trailer and headed out by 9:30. We headed up to Shake Camp, where there are public corrals and a trailhead just past the concessionaire pack station. We first stopped at the entrance to the grove, where there were several huge trees, including one that had been carved out by a man as a hunting cabin back in the 1800's. Took a few pix then headed on to the pack station and spoke to Tim (from Johnson City, TN, but who moved out here 31 years ago), getting some direction about the trails, which turned out not to be too terribly helpful. Trail maps were almost non-existent, despite a stop at the Ranger Station yesterday. The only thing we could get our hands was an old Mountain Home State Park map, which turned out to be extremely inaccurate. To make matters worse, the trails signs were few and far between, the trailheads weren't very well marked, there were many trails with no signs whatsoever. In the end, we spent the day almost entirely lost. We wanted to take the 2-mile loop to the Adam tree, which is the 17th largest living tree in the world, but we headed out the wrong trail and ended up going miles out of our way on some very tough trails, looping all the way around to Hidden Falls. We followed the road for a bit, then found a trail (unmarked) that looked like it headed back to Shake Camp, and fortunately it did. We had planned on taking a short ride at this spot, then perhaps loading up the horses to go to other hot spots, but by the time we got back to Shake Camp it had been over four hours of rough riding, and we were tired. I was still determined, though, to find this Adam tree, so we headed up to the pack station and happen to run into Tim again because there were several trailheads from that area, and asked again about the trail to the Adam tree. He gave us some general directions, up the trail, stay right, then up the hill. Well, we followed those instructions as best we could, and ended up nearly back to the trailer, so we turned again and climbed up a steep hill, and somehow missed it again. Ended up on a road that led us back to another road the led to the pack station. By this time we were so frustrated we were beside ourselves, and gave up. We packed up the horses and headed out, missed the road we came in on (no sign) and ended up on a long tedious windy narrow route in the wrong direction, that eventually worked it's way around back to the road we wanted, adding another 5-6 miles to an already long trip. The road down seemed to go on forever (about 22 miles of 15 mph windy roads), and arrived back at the ranch at just after sunset. A tough day, the trails not worth the effort to get there, unfortunately. A big disappointment that, if the forest service wanted, could be a gem of a recreational area with just a little effort.

Monday, September 13, 2010 - Drive Day to Springville, CA

The goal is the Sequoia National Forest, or the Mountain Home State Forest, but I've had so much conflicting information about the facilities, we made the decision to find a stable in the town of Springville at the base of the forest area (elevation 1000') and trailer in for day rides. While there are apparently a couple of campgrounds in the forest, the reports on the roads in seemed to indicate they are all very twisty, hard on a trailer, and the camps are at over 6000' and most don't have facilities for a rig as big as ours. We made arrangements with a very nice woman (horse people all seem to be pretty nice, fortunately) named Judy Brey, proprietor of Shady Oaks Ranch right in Springville, to corral our horses and park our RV while we're here. After stops at a rest area to dump and a Walmart, we arrived at the ranch just after 3:00. We found a great shady spot for the RV, and put the horses away in the corrals nearby. Got the satellite up and running, and got settled in. The only problem is, despite the fact we're actually in a town, there is no Verizon signal here (can you hear me now?), so I had to run back about 10 miles to get a signal and make a few calls and check my email. On the way back, I drove slowly through town looking for a wifi signal, and found one near a place called Wild Places, so now I know where to go to check email a very short distance away. It doesn't solve the problem of a cell phone signal, but that will have to wait. Meanwhile, we noticed a curl of smoke coming out of the mountains, and we were worried that the park might be closed due to wildfires, but we learned that fire was started by lightning back in July, and had been smoldering in the wilderness since then. Apparently the conditions were just right for a flare up, nothing to worry about. We could see it glowing after dark, it was quite a sight!

Sunday, September 12, 2010 - And Yet Again!

Since we still had a few more trails we wanted to ride before we left here on Monday, we made the rare decision to ride two days in a row, heading out on Spikes Peak trail back to the South Boundary Loop. While the maps the park provides at the kiosk are very good, there are a few signposts that need repair (though for the most part, it was very well-marked throughout, with posts at every intersection), and there was on post on the ground we almost missed because of the high grass and hard to see trail, but being that it mostly ran along the perimeter fence, it was easy to get back on track. As Ranger Lee had mentioned our first day, if we get lost, just head north and eventually we'll bet back to the camp. Mostly the same kind of terrain we've had all along, but in one spot, the trees suddenly disappeared and the area was full of low bushes and brush, giving it a completely different look for about a half mile. This is definitely one of our favorite stops! While several other horse trailers came in for the day today, there were no other overnight campers the entire week we've been here, which really surprises us considering the close proximity it has to so many major roads and cities. They certainly could stand to do more publicity, but I guess that's not in their budget. Meanwhile, this is one of the best kept secrets of Central California!

Saturday, September 11, 2010 - Another Fabulous Ride

 Hubby woke up feeling almost 100 percent this morning, confirming our decision to wait to ride was the right one. After a big breakfast, we saddled up and headed east to take the Dinosaur Lake Trail, which started east of the park entrance and wound around near the Windmill Farm, which our horses found a bit curious at first, but after a few good long looks, they carried on, taking them all in stride. It was another fabulous ride! The Spikes Peak trail, which we connected to from the Canyon Loop, starts at the highest peak of the property and then runs along the ridge line all the way back to camp, providing a long series of spectacular views that never got boring. If you want great views, the feel of wide open spaces while at the same time having an everchanging hilly view rather than the tedium of the plains, this is the place! Definitely high on our list of best places!

Friday, September 10, 2010 - More Recovery

Hubby was better than yesterday, but still felt a bit weak and sore, we again, we decided to wait, as his health and recovery is more important than another ride. I took the opportunity to get caught up on some work and emails and research, as we have a halfway decent cell phone signal here.

Thursday, September 9, 2010 - Trailer Repair and Recovery Day

Hubby woke up not feeling too well this morning (which always seems to happen after we come in contact with a lot of people, especially sneezing and coughing kids at Wal-Mart), so we decided to forgo our planned ride. We had a leisurely breakfast, then after a while, he felt well enough to try to tackle the trailer repair job. We managed to replace the panel in about an hour, and it looked great when we were done. Afterward, I made us a banana smoothie and sent him off to bed for a nap. He slept soundly for several more hours, which went a long way to making him feel better. Hopefully tomorrow we'll get another ride in.

Wednesday, September 8, 2010 - Incredible Ride Day

 Woke up to another marine layer of fog, but the wind didn't seem quite so bad, and the temps were a bit better, so we decided to give it a go today. We headed out late, nearly 1:00, as I was still finishing off some work in the morning. With map in hand, we headed out the Pig's Pond trail, then turned onto the Tunnel Monument Trail. The hills were fairly steep in spots, but the trails seemed easy, maybe because none of them perched on the edge with a huge dropoff, or were so narrow as to be heart-stopping. These were more like a dirt road in most places, and a regular trail in others. The hill-and-dale feeling was very different from most places we've been, and you could quickly get used to being able to see where you are actually going before you get there, although it always seemed another hill was just ahead, and you wanted to see what was over THAT hill, and the next, and the next. The top of the trail at Tunnel Monument is by far one of the greatest vistas we've seen since we left home. A full 360 degrees of view! To the south and west, more hilly grasslands and scattered trees, with a range of higher mountains profiled in blue shade. To the northeast, an incredible view of the San Luis Reservoir, a huge lake that feeds this entire valley, which, in turn, practically feeds the world. To the southeast, a wind farm with a score or more of giant windmills, gracefully whirring in the distance. We learned later that the wind farm brings in enough revenue to support the entire park, though not quite enough for capital expenditures. Utterly stunning views all around. At the peaks, however, the wind was quite blustery, (Hubby kept losing his hat, bad cowboy!) so we headed downhill to Whiskey Flats trail, where it quieted down to almost a breeze. We were only out about 2 ½ hours, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable ride. We're looking forward to seeing what the rest of the trails bring! When we got back, we headed in to Los Banos to pick up some groceries and a piece of plywood at Lowes so we could fix a rotten panel in the horse trailer. It had come loose inside it's frame because it was rotten at the bottom, and somewhere along the line had popped out and scratched my gelding's front leg a bit. Just a few scratches, but definitely an overdue project. Got back late, but had a nice steak and went to bed satisfied at the day's productivity.

Tuesday, September 7, 2010 - Work Day

Woke up to a cold, strong wind and a thick marine layer (known everywhere else in the country as fog, sort of), quite a change from yesterday's heat. I spent the day working on the computer, making arrangements for Hubby traveling back home for a doctor's appointment and picking up some things from home that we've discovered over the last few months we need on the road. It stayed cold and windy all day, though the fog burned off by about noon, so a ride wasn't an option today. (Yes, I admit it, we are fair weather riders!) The forecast seems to be better for tomorrow, so we'll keep our fingers crossed.

Monday, September 6, 2010 - Travel Day to Pacheco State Park near Los Banos, CA

Another hot day. Got up with the alarm at 7:00, out by 8:45 even though we had a few more chores than usual, headed out cross country toward Elk Grove where we picked up a load of nice grass hay, 110+ lbs. bales for $6 at a place right next to a gorgeous Equestrian Center, fully equipped with show arenas and everything that goes along with it. Next stop the Flying J at Lodi to dump the RV and fill up. Glad to have prices back under $3/gallon, for the moment at least. Though are original plan had been to go to the Los Banos Reservoir Horse Camp, apparently that hadn't been maintained and was overgrown, so the Ranger there suggested we go to Pacheco State Park, which is in the same area but had an actual horse facility. Ordinarily, we find state parks to be too commercial and too expensive, but this one was only $10 for the first vehicle and $5 for the second, minus a $2 senior discount, so we decided to check it out. Getting there was easy, the highway off I-5 was a main highway between San Jose and Fresno, and the horse facility was just off that. Of course, that means some highway noise, but the grade up to it was pretty gradual and not at all strenuous on the vehicles (which is important at the moment, as we've discovered the exhaust manual on the van is cracked, and we've scheduled a repair stop when we're in Anaheim in a few weeks). The facility is actually an old working farm that the state took over when the owner died in 1992, so the corrals are more like large pens, into which they placed quite a few pipe corrals. Because we were the only ones here, they said we could let the horses out into the larger pen, where (naturally) the first thing they did was roll. Though there's no potable water, there are spigots all through the camp area as well as the pen area, so it's very comfortable. We had picked up water at a gas station before climbing up from the valley. The camp area has a number of picnic table, fire rings and structures around, and there are trash cans everywhere. It's quite well organized, and the rangers pass by here all the time. We're at a loss as to why there are no other campers here, though a number of day riders were here when we arrived, all leaving by nightfall. The trail maps (readily supplied at the staging kiosk) indicate about 26 miles of trails that loop and loop and loop, so it seems we could ride for many days and seldom see the same trail twice. The terrain seems to be mostly hilly grassland with large labyrinth-like trees dotting the landscape everywhere. Can't wait to see what the trails are like! By the time we got set up we were sweating up a storm, so a quick meal, a quicker shower and a relaxing evening was all the energy we had.

Sunday, September 5, 2010 - Great Ride Day

 Woke up to temps more than 5 degrees less than yesterday, so we saddled up after a leisurely Sunday brunch and headed out on the trail just before 11:30. Fortunately, it was cooler in the shade of the forest, so we never got overheated the whole ride. The rest of the trail was excellent, mostly dirt and a just a few sections of stones, and other than one steep area shortly after coming out of the campground, the climbs were all on gentle switchbacks, and there were several great places to trot. Contrary to what we had previously thought, the trail we took, out to the Silver Creek Loop, was a horse/hiker trail only, all non-motorized, for which we were very grateful, though we did have to cross several paved roads along the way. Despite the fact it was Labor Day Weekend, there wasn't a lot of traffic. We stopped for lunch by the bridge at Silver Creek, and then had a relaxing ride back, with a number of great views of the neighboring mountains and forest. All told, about four hours and 11-12 miles, a fabulous and memorable ride.

Saturday, September 4, 2010 - Too Hot to Ride

Much as we wanted to ride today, it was already 75 by the time we got up, with a promise of another mid-90's day. Forecast says it's only supposed to get up into the high 80's tomorrow, so again, we put off riding. Spent the day researching more horse camps and doing more mail, knowing we'll be heading east again before we know it!

Friday, September 3, 2010 - Mail Call

Went through all the mail, picking out all the things that needed immediate attention, sent Hubby back down to Georgetown to mail a few things back out, and again spent the day working. Really getting hot now, mid-90's in the afternoons. It's supposed to get cooler in a few days, hopefully enough to go riding again.

Thursday, September 2, 2010 - Ride Day in Dru Barner

Hubby felt better today, especially after sleeping a little late this morning, so we decided to try taking a short ride. One of the rangers had told us about a loop known as the Enchanted Forest, but it seems they had been doing some clear-cutting there, so the name was probably a misnomer now. Anyway, Hubby thought he understood we could get to that loop without riding on the gravel road, but after several false starts, we realized that wasn't exactly true. We opted to try the Dru Barner Trail out of the campground, which was a true trail. The trail was mostly dirt, some stone, and quite dusty. It was level for a bit, then we had some hills and dales, nothing very long, but some were a bit steep. We only went out for about an hour, just to keep the horses in shape, before turning around. It's been getting quite hot here during the days, in the 90's, the hottest weather we've seen since Colorado, so none of us really wanted to be out during the heat of the day. Hoping for a cooler day before we leave, would like to go a bit further on the trails, though, unfortunately, beyond the trail we were on it becomes multi-use trails, so we may not be too keen on them anyway. Got back within two hours, then I got back on the computer to do some more research. Hubby drove down to Auburn to get our mail, which I had had a friend forward to us, so now I have a stack of mail to go through tomorrow!

Wednesday, September 1, 2010 - Sick Day

Woke up early with some diarrhea, then Hubby came down with the same affliction. Don't know what caused it, we've been eating all the same stuff, but he decided to stay in bed most of the day. I dosed him up with the pink stuff and spent the day solving more challenges that are upcoming in the next month, like trying to find a stable to board the horses near Anaheim while we're facilitating a seminar, and getting quotes on airfare for another potential new client that called early this morning. Hopefully, Hubby will be feeling better and we'll be able to ride tomorrow.