Some of the riders get up to feed their horses starting at 4am, others later. Whatever time we get up I pack our saddlebags in the morning with some energy bars, a sandwich and at least 2 quarts of water each. They tell us to drink a gallon of water a day per person to stay hydrated in this dry climate. Before we take off we put on the sun screen and we are ready to go.
We have settled in at being saddled and ready to ride out at 7:30am so we are riding while it is still cool. Normally we ride about 3-4 miles before the water truck is waiting with water for the horses and a welcome break for those who would like a break behind a nearby bush. A good distance for the majority of the riders is about a17 mile day, so that gives us 3 breaks and we can be done riding, without mishap by about 1pm on a good day.
At that time the shuttle drivers will have had time to be at the end of the day's trail to take most of the rider's back to the trailers where the ride started that day. A few of the riders will remain with the horses until the trailers come back for the night's stay. That short 17 mile ride will normally take the shuttle drivers and trailer drivers about 3 hours to complete the circuit. The road around can sometimes be as long as 30 or 40 miles from one end of the trail to the other.
It may sound like a long time to go a few miles but it is like moving a small city every day. Each time we move we must find water for the trailers and for the horses, especially if we will be in a remote location. There have been very few times that there have been electric hookups available for the trailers but that isn't expected anymore it is almost a luxury. Water, however, is a must.
Once you get your trailer to the new camp, pens are set up, the horses are made comfortable, fed and watered. The people can then shower, feed themselves and check their horses again. By that time it is probably getting dark. It gets dark here by 8:30 and by 9pm everyone is going to bed.
We have only had one campfire which was provided by the State Park Rangers at the Leasburg Dam State Park in Radium Springs. Other than that it is so dry I doubt if we would be allowed to have one much less have the energy to get one going by the end of the day.
But, did I say that everyone has alot of fun and enjoys the days very much!
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2 comments:
Hey Cindy - With all the rain in Colorado lately, you will probably be able to have your campfire. Let me know when I can come out and see y'all!
Giddy-Up Jim and Cindy!!
We are following your progress here at the Jackson Fire Department and can only dream about the sights you are seeing and will see in the days to come. Take care of those saddle sores and watch out for those Owl Hoots out there on the trail.
Happy Trails,
Ben Hammond and the JFD
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