What can you say about perfect weather, beautiful pines, great friends and horses?  Oh, I forgot full moon also!  That all adds up to a beautiful weekend.  We had new members and a few visitors riding with us to share this magical weekend.  Saturday we rode off with 13 riders with Randy leading us to who knows where?  Or who cares as long as its in the cool pines?  As we began our ride, we met up with Chris Fischer who owns the Mahan ranch and has Foxtrotters and Walkers.  She brought us a truck load of firewood and invited us to visit her at her ranch about a mile from our camp.  We all enjoyed a nice Saturday afternoon ride and even got in some gaiting to feel the wind in our face and the sun on our back.  You just never get tired of that thrill!  Back at camp we were getting ready for our Cinco de Mayo potluck dinner, AFTA style.  I don’t think you’d eat better at any Mexican Buffet in town.  There was so much food that we were tempted to put out a “All you can eat Buffet-$5.95” sign and see if we’d get any takers!  Then there was the famous “story telling” around the campfire.  I don’t know if you can believe all you hear at those campfires, but they sure are entertaining!  There were even a few shared jokes and laughs.

Sunday we were down to 5 riders as some had to leave early.  We had a nice leisure ride stopping for lunch while we watched our horses chomp on some delicious grass.  These desert horses sure appreciate and enjoy grass when they get the chance!  Then we rode over to the Mahan Ranch and got the grand tour!  What a beautiful place.  They have remodeled the ranch and its simply wonderful.  Chris and her husband were very gracious hosts and we enjoyed our visit very much.

Please bear with me here, there is one negative issue we need to address.  When camping in the National Forest, Blm or State land, we all need to be self contained.  This means porta potties, etc.  Jodi and I had to clean up (sorry about this) soiled toilet paper, tampons, etc left by OUR campers.  Plus we scattered the horse manure.  We need to make sure our club doesn’t get a reputation for leaving an ugly mess for future campers.

Also to avoid attracting wild animals (eg-bears, etc) garbage is to be secured in an area not accessible to undesirable animals or other camp dogs.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in these matters.

Happy Trails!

Judy Kipen