July 6 2019
Hillbillie Willie's quest for all 3 days/155 miles at City of Rocks - his first 3-day ride!
Day 3's 50 mile ride was a repeat of Day 2's (minus a little 5 mile loop): a loop in the desert towards Utah and along the Boise Kelton Stage Route, and into City of Rocks National Reserve along the California Trail. Loop 2 was up into the park to a high point of 7500' and heading back down in a big scenic park loop.
Today Willie and Jack were joined by Fancy (and Nance) again, and Belesema Anna and Chris. It was another beautiful cool day and the horses did great. Willie never missed a beat, never flagged, never was uninterested or unenthused. He really loved going down the trails, and it seemed so effortless for him.
When the four of us crossed the finish line together, holding hands, Willie felt just fabulous. He pulsed in, at the end of 3 days and 155 miles, with a pulse of 44. 44!
My final post summed it up: Oh. My. Gawd. I LOVE THIS HORSE!
A few pix from the day:
On the Boise Kelton stage route, Twin Sisters peeking over the horizon.
Headed for Twin Sisters on the California Trail, one of the main roads through the park.
A pair of our heroes, Dave Rabe and Cheys Cocamoe Joe
Lunch time in camp! Willie loves to eat. He's not a voracious eater, but he eats the whole time.
Heading up into the park
One of my favorite trails, Geowatt
Nearing the high point at 7500'
Deb and Jack… yes, it was a wee bit chilly at times up high (but felt great)
Descending one of the prettiest trails, which we refer to lovingly as Rat Poo trail because of all the packrat nests in some of the rock cliff clefts
Cat Cook took this of the eight of us at the finish - Willie was absolutely amazing, it was one of my most favorite rides ever!
More stories and ride photos at:
http://www.endurance.net/international/USA/2019CityOfRocks/
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