South Pass (Lander) WY weekend July 10-12

As we were doing chores in town on Friday, a handful of riders went
out to do a ride from camp, over towards the mountains, into the
wilderness area. The riders knew the trail had not been pre-ridden,
and the waypoints were done for the GPS from a mapping program. But,
what trail showed on the map, turned out to be hard to find, and the
spirited group of riders found themselves having to blaze trail
through the trees, boulders, and some mud / bogs. It turned into an
adventure that many had not anticipated, but all came in to camp in
fine shape, and were really talking about the adventure they had.
Some saw some wildlife, including a possible Wolf sighting. This was
a day of true trail riding…or maybe trail finding! But no one who
rode that day will forget the days ride.

Saturday Vickie and I trailered over towards the mountains, and
parked and did a 14 mile loop. My topo maps proved that the trails I
picked were still there, and we got to ride back into the wilderness,
and see some of the prettiest country WY has to offer. We climbed up
on to high mountain slopes, with views of the Wind River range of
mountains. Then, we dropped down into a series of lakes and ponds,
that had beautiful water lily type plants floating. We saw one moose,
but could not get my camera out fast enough to get a photo. I rode
Gambler, and ponied Hank. Hank marked right into all the stream
crossings like an experienced trail horse. He has done So well on
this trip! The end of the ride found us at Lake Louis, where we
stopped for a soda and candy bar, before heading back up the road to
where we parked the trailer. A very pretty, relaxing day in the
mountains. Sunday was a trip to town again, for laundry, shopping,
and a shower at the RV park. We did a little bit of car travel and
sight seeing on the way back to camp.

Monday July 12th-

Today we rode the same ride the few riders did on Thursday. It was 50
miles, out and around Oregon Buttes. Much history in this area, from
early settlers crossing through this area on the way from east to
west. I rode Gambler, and he was a bit sluggish. I went slow all day,
and we just chugged along. I was also fighting a sinus infection, so
I was not very enthusiastic either. The views of the buttes and
canyons around that area were very interesting. I also found a
skeleton of deer or small elk, that had an electronic tracking collar
laying near it. (photo on photo page) Not sure if collar had been on
that animal or not. John Parke and his son Will rode the Icelandic
ponies, and I got to ride with them some. Will is a tough young man.
He had not ridden since Dec. , and rode the whole 50 miles. After I
finished, I decided Gambler is fit for Tevis, and now can just take
it easy, with some partial days rides between now and then, to keep
him tuned, but not "wore out". We think the altitude is getting to
some of the horses, and us. We have now been at over 7000' for about
2 weeks, and that is the time frame that some start to feel the
effects of the altitude. Might be why I got the sinus infection, as
my system is run down. (and maybe why Gambler was lack luster
yesterday on the ride)

Well, last trip to Lander, to the libraries internet, and then off to
the next series of remote camps. Riders on the trail today, are
heading down off south pass, towards the 6th crossing of the
Sweetwater River. Coming to town today was a much better choice for
me! Now, off to down load weekend photos, and hit the road again…..

Jonni