Dances with Bears (Bucks, Turkeys, & Bees)

Camping at Cuneo Creek is always a highlight of the summer. This year was even better than the years before because we were all together: Alisa & Odie, Lynn & Ziggy, Shirley & Star, Toni & Buckwheat, and me & Jupiter. I absolutely loved our new large tent and I think everyone slept in comfort. The wildlife in camp was an adventure as always, but especially so since the apples and berries were all ripe.

It was a real treat to see bears in the tops of trees--even if they tossed apples on our heads. The turkeys were large and had added to their numbers since we saw them last. Lynn and I were almost impaled by two large bucks that we startled in the dark and Shirley saw a cottontail. Waking up to quail and turkeys in the morning is far more relaxing than waking up in the middle of the night to shoo bears out of our camp! I think our camp was on their path to and from the upper orchard and the two lower ones. I'm sure they were irritated that they had to go around us.

Ziggy obviously liked being highlined over being cooped up in a small pen. He seemed very content with his accomodations all weekend. Jupes and Star hung out and Odie and Buckwheat became fast friends. Although the first night was a little worrisome and we didn't get lots of sleep, the next two were pretty calm and both horses and people were able to relax a little more.

The trails at Cuneo Creek are very diverse; all of us love riding in the cool Redwood grove. It's beautiful and majestic and the temperature is pleasant for horse and rider. On Saturday, we finally finished one of the loops we have started and been unable to complete. Unfortunately, it was really long and eventful, which took some of the luster off. We had been warned that bees were prevalent this year and we definitely experienced it. Going up the Johnson Cabin trail, we hit bees four times. Thankfully no one was hurt. I am happy that we met a couple who told us there was a way through to loop back and that the bees were pretty minimal.

It was fun to reach the top and see the old cabins. It was a nice break for all of us--including good water for the boys. Going back down the bees weren't an issue, which is a good thing, but the steepness of the trail and long road down to the trailhead was. Poor Odie and Buckwheat took it the hardest. Trembly legs and sore muscles for them and blisters for their walking partners ended our first day.

The next day was another one with lots of steep terrain. We decided to go on the short, Indian Orchard trail; but I think all of us forgot how far we had to ride up a hard-packed road to get to the nice little trail full of switchbacks. Although it was a beautiful ride, it was hard on the horses' sore legs.

One of the highnotes of the weekend was Toni's awe over "rolling on command." She's so funny. Anyway, we know the boys love to have a good roll after a long day on the trail (or a short day). We walked them over to the sand pit and immediately Jupes was down and rolling. He rolled at least 4 times. Star especially loves a good roll and even Ziggy flopped down to roll (laying on his back, all four legs straight up in the air, head held up high). Odie wanted to, but he knew his sore legs would make it difficult to get up again.

Thus summer ended. Great food, great friends, great equine partners. I am blessed to be part of it!