School is in session

Saturday the young boys had a lesson in navigating rocks and narrow trails. We drove to Canyon Creek trailhead and headed into the lake. The trail is a well-used hiking trail and climbs from 2800 elevation to 6500. We knew this in advance and weren't worried about it; however, after we traversed on the trail for about 20 minutes, Lynn stopped and apologized about the narrowness. Although she and Shirley had done this trail about 40 years ago (it's crazy that we could have done anything 40 years ago!), she did not remember how narrow it starts out. We all did fine.

Deeper into the trail we started seeing granite. At one place, we had to cross a flat, sheet of rock that sloped toward a ravine. We dismounted and walked across--admonishing the young ones to stay to our right on the high side. We did that twice going up and twice going down. In addition, there were lots of places where they had to pick their way through the rocks carefully. We only had two real uh-oh moments, first with me: I am not sure what really happened, but he lurched forward and right and I was pitched out of my stirrup and over his neck. No worries, though--he caught me and we calmly kept going. The second time was scarier--Star lost his footing on slab of rock and was furiously attempting to get his back feet under him. Thankfully, he was able to get a grip without going down and although it scared all of us (including him), everything was fine.

We stopped at the creek at a good place to water the horses thinking we were nearing the lake. We were at 5000 feet elevation. After some investigation, we came to the conclusion we would have to cross the creek to get to the trail. The creek was rocky, but not too swift; however, there was a big, rusty pipe sticking out of it and a smooshed rusty pipe a few feet away. I did not like the crossing. So I said I could be done and turn around here. I hate to be the one to admit defeat or that I'm ready to quit, but they both agreed. Honestly, I was worrying about the way back as much as what might lie ahead. The rocks bothered me--I worry about those spindly horse legs under me. I would be devastated if he (or any of them) were to be hurt.

We went back a bit and had lunch. Ziggy decided he liked peanutbutter and crackers. I think he would eat anything Lynn ate--he worships her. They got to eat high mountain grass and we snacked and drank water. Then we headed out.

Surprisingly, the way out was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. Lynn said the young ones had learned a lot going up and were better at navigating going down. Not that they weren't nervous a little, too. They pooped a lot and I could see Ziggy's legs tremble a little every now and then. Shirley was sure if she were in front, Star would have just run out, but I think he would kept an eye on all us and not gotten too far ahead. Jupes was confident and made his own way a few times and I am getting better at listening to him and letting him show me the way. Nobody slipped and we were all safe.

It was a beautiful, warm day. The waterfalls were gorgeous and the scenery as awe-inspiring as they come. I'm glad we went, but even though I know the boys would be even more confident and comfortable, it wouldn't be my first choice to go back anytime soon.