Last weekend I had the opportunity to accompany local Boy
Scout Troop 115 on an overnight horseback trip to the top of Blue Creek. The trip was expertly guided by Steve Hyde of the Eagle Ridge Ranch. After matching
the group of twenty to horses that were suited to the riders, we hit the trail.
Winding through groves of quakies, we followed the creek
up the ravine and moved into the pines. The trail steepened as we approached
the top of the mountain. Riding up a rocky embankment, my horse slipped and my
saddle slid to my mount’s side. I executed a sudden, unintentional dismount!
The group marveled at how good I bounced.
After a three hour ride, we arrived at our camp site. It
was a beautiful high-mountain saddle surrounded by mountain peaks. Once the
horses were cared for, we began to make camp. Because we took no pack horses,
only tarps or small backpack tents were brought on the trip. While several of
the scouts were setting up their tents, I put together a small shelter using
three large branches, a little rope and a tarp. I saved pack weight for my
backpacker’s cot. My body no longer enjoys contorting to avoid rocks and roots
while sleeping.
A storm blew through pelting us with hail and rain but
as dark approached, the skies cleared and we were able to have a great
campfire. I slept great in the
high-mountain air and woke up to my traditional yogurt breakfast. The scouts
did a little post-breakfast exploration before breaking camp and saddling the
horses.
The trip down the mountain was a beautiful ride but a little quicker
than the ride up. Arriving at Eagle
Ridge Ranch, we returned our horses to the ranch hands and walked gingerly to
our vehicles and headed home. I want to thank all those who were involved in
the trip. The scouts were all very well behaved and a credit to their families.
The leaders exhibited the best of what scout leaders offer to young men. I
would especially like to thank Steve Hyde and the staff of Eagle Ridge Ranch.
They were very patient, professional and knowledgeable. Anyone interested in
seeing Island Park from the back of a horse should contact them.
And finally, after two days I am happy to report that I
am able to walk and sit normally again!
