July 19- Register Cliff

As I start to write about week 5, I realize I did not take any notes
during the week, so this will all be from memory. (and almost 10 days
after the beginning of the week)

I chose not to ride out of Esterbrook, as I need to concentrate on
the upcoming Tevis (July 31st) and taking it easy with Gambler, and
choosing my rides very carefully. The ride out of Esterbrook is a lot
of downhill, which I need to watch with him. Rockhe still has the
saddle sore, and Hank has a slightly tender spot on a front leg that
I am watching.

Now that the camps are back into civilization, we get to eat out
some, and use services in town. Our cooks, Jeff and Alex did great,
but sitting down at a restaurant is a treat. We ate out Monday night,
then prepped for riding a half day out of Register Cliffs.

July 20th – Torrington

Vickie and I rode the first 20 miles, then dropped the horses at
camp, and went back to play tourist at Fort Laramie. It was
interesting to see the ruins that still exist, and the restoration of
some of the buildings and artifacts. Vickie of course spent a lot of
time in the store, buying some wonderful books. We did a little more
shopping, then headed to camp, which was behind a grocery store,
right in town. Ahhh, all the services one would need. Fast food, feed
store, gas stations, and a fairgrounds with showers! We took
advantage of a few of these services, including the showers. Nice to
use a shower where you can let it run on you for a little while,
without worrying about the tank running empty. When we returned to
the camp, Vickies horse Wind Warrior was having a bout of colic. We
think he got a bad bite f hay, from some we just purchased. He was
not looking real good, so Vickie and I loaded him up, and hauled him
a couple hours down to Ft. Collins CO, and the Colorado University
vet hosp. They decided the best thing to do was to just observe him
for the night, and give him some IV fluids. We were lucky, that by
morning he was good to go, and no further treatment was needed. For
being such tough animals, they can be so fragile.

While in Ft. Collins, we found a kitty in front of the hotel, that
was lost and / or dumped. Very sweet, and wanted a home. So, we took
her in, bought all the stuff a kitty needs, and added to our
traveling family. We named her Gypsy.

July 21st – Melbetta

We arrived as the sun set, to the next camp, from the trip to the
vet. That night, we had some rain, which was welcome, after some very
hot days. They only had about 8 riders head out to ride the trail
that AM. The thunder and lightning was still in the area, but not as
strong as it was during the night. We are in Nebraska now. More
farms, less sage brush. On the way to the next camp, we stopped in a
town to do laundry, and grab some breakfast. Nice little café. Our
wait help was a young man who was about 17. All the locals of course
knew him by name. He was very friendly, and exceptional at his job.
We had to chuckle though, as Vickie asked if they had Egg Beaters
(egg substitute) and he said "No, but we have forks". We were not
sure at fist if he was very quick with wit, or unsure what we wanted.
But when he realized what we were requesting, he too, found the humor
in it. I am sure a few of the locals will tease him for awhile about
this.

July 22 – Mud Springs

We camped at the Mud Springs XP station. The owner of it was so kind
to have mowed the field, and even sprayed for mosquitoes. As we said
before, the folks in Nebraska are SO friendly and kind. They really
enjoy having us come through. They go out of their way to make us
feel welcome.

Vickie and I went for a short ride out of camp, and I checked the fit
of the Big Horn saddle on Gambler. Looks like I will have to change
to it, since the other saddle really hurts my hips. Ironic all my
saddle search, and spending money on a good saddle, and I end up
changing to a $300 Bighorn that seems to fit the horse and I.

We decided to ride the second half of tomorrows ride. Might have more
rain…..

July 23rd-

We woke up to rain. 5 weeks on the ride, with hardly any rain, and we
get it on the last day. Oh well, a welcome change. We trailer out to
the ½ way point, to just ride in to the finish from there. Vickie is
riding Thunder, I am on Gambler, and we are riding with Sue Dyke and
her mare "Grape". This half of the ride is all on Rushcreek ranch
trails. I wonder if Gambler was ever ridden on this part of the
ranch. It is a lovely day, even though we are dealing with a steady
rain. We walked most of the way, and just enjoyed the surroundings.
This was a lovely day to finish off our XP experience. Cool weather,
rolling hills, and three willing horses to enjoy the trails on.

We arrived to camp, which was in a field filled with nice green
grass. The horses were so happy to have something to graze on, other
than sage brush. Some of the folks from Rushcreek came by to see
Gambler, as he was the only RC horse on the ride.

That evening was our farewell gathering, and steak dinner. Even the
rain did not dampen the spirits too much, as we all gathered together
for one last "ride meeting", and awards. Because the crews and riders
were from all parts of the nation (and Canada), we all wonder who we
will cross paths with again at another ride. Kind of like a
graduation, and everyone going to different places with it is all
over. Dave did awards, and Anne Sands read one more poem. We joked,
and said our good-byes, as the darkness started to fall on camp, and
yet a little more rain. Many are leaving very early in the AM, to
head home, or like us, off to California for Tevis. For the most
part, after Dave announced the "best performance" was Dave Rabe (who
rode all 1250 miles), it got quiet fairly quickly as we headed to
tend to out horses, and get out of the rain gear.

The next AM, we left just before 6AM. A few had already left, but
some were still not stirring. As we pulled out, the camp seemed very
quiet, with a few more slipping out of their trailers and RV's to
feed, or get ready to head out.

This was a wonderful experience, and we are never sure if it will be
the last of a ride of this kind. The Nicholson's put SO much of
themselves into this, and it is not an easy task to pull off, nor is
it easy on ones own life to have it consumed by such an event. Dave
has such a passion for the Pony Express trail, and of rides like this
to show what horses (and riders) ARE capable of doing. Annie keeps
the business end of it all together, doing mountains of paperwork,
ordering shirts and jackets, some meals, and just keeping
Dave "together". I know each and every rider on this ride thank them
with all their heart to put on such an event, so we can go "have
fun". As we were ending the meeting Friday night, someone asked about
a "North – South " ride. Dave did not say yes or no, but he did say
he would look in to it.

If you are a rider, and have thought about doing a multi-day ride,
really consider doing one of these 5 day rides that are offered. You
might be surprised by what you and your horse can accomplish.

Check out the results etc. on the Xprides web page. You can find
mileage info etc.

I hope that I kept this journal somewhat interesting. I had better
plans for it, including typing out each night about the day, instead
of going on memory, but even the best plans fall apart some. I am now
in "Tevis" mode, and will try to add a couple posts, and some photos
of the Tevis experience, then it will be back home to Texas, which I
am missing. While I was gone, we had to put our little dog Soozee to
sleep (she was very old) and our Cockatiel bird died. The month of
June saw much rain, and now the grass is growing. I have missed much
of the Texas heat, and it seems like forever when I left the
beginning of June, to head out. I thank my hubby, Bill, for letting
me take off like this, to do something that might be a once in a life
time experience. Thank goodness for cell phones…..

Now, off to find internet, and get this sent.

Jonni, from her camper at the Auburn Fairgrounds.