This
year 57 riders from Colorado, California, Wyoming, Montana, Arkansas,
Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and even Arizona joined us for our 7th
Annual National Trail Ride in the shadows of the Bradshaw Mountains. We
again met at the Bumblebee Ranch where we enjoyed delicious meals,
entertainment by Sue Barr and those beautiful Arizona Trails. This year
we got to see Antelope Falls and Castle Creek Falls gushing with water
from our recent rain storms. What a beautiful site. Our riders braved
the threat of rain on Friday. However, the rain held off until everyone
was back in camp. When the clouds lifted we were thrilled to see snow on
the surrounding mountain tops. Saturday we rode on a two track dirt road
to Portuguese Bend, then stopped to explore the Spanish Fort. We then
followed the Smokey Trail down to the river and lunch stop. On Sunday we
climbed Bland Hill. The views from the top are unbelievable. Our
caterer, Jeff, met us at the old corrals where we were served delicious
barbeque sandwiches with all the trimmings. The trail back to camp
followed some beautiful washes where we were able to do some serious
gaiting. That nite we were treated to a mouth watering prime rib dinner
with blueberry cobbler for desert. Our annual raffle was also a success
that nite with many wonderful gifts for those lucky ticket holders. Gary
from Iowa walked away with a lion’s share of neat items Sue Barr’s
toe tapping music got us all dancing. Monday’s ride was to Castle
Creek Falls Some said this was the best ride of all. We were able to
gait quite a bit on another two track dirt road crossing the river
several times. Back at camp our chicken salad sandwiches and brownies
were waiting for us. What a welcome site to those hungry trail riders.
But it wasn’t over yet! Some of our guests joined us at Sophie’s
Flat near Wickenburg. Wickenburg is a must-see for visitors to our
State. It boasts interesting Western shops, Mexican Food restaurants,
and even a huge Western Museum. Everyone enjoyed the trail down into the
Hassaympa River. We stopped at the Box Canyon for lunch under the
Tamarisk trees. The river was flowing a lot higher than usual. There
wasn’t a dry spot on our jeans when we left the river. We shared
potluck dinners around a warm campfire each nite. There is nothing like
watching the Lunar Eclipse around a blazing campfire with your friends
like we were able to. Then it was time to break camp and head home until
next time!
This
year 57 riders from Colorado, California, Wyoming, Montana, Arkansas,
Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and even Arizona joined us for our 7th
Annual National Trail Ride in the shadows of the Bradshaw Mountains. We
again met at the Bumblebee Ranch where we enjoyed delicious meals,
entertainment by Sue Barr and those beautiful Arizona Trails. This year
we got to see Antelope Falls and Castle Creek Falls gushing with water
from our recent rain storms. What a beautiful site. Our riders braved
the threat of rain on Friday. However, the rain held off until everyone
was back in camp. When the clouds lifted we were thrilled to see snow on
the surrounding mountain tops. Saturday we rode on a two track dirt road
to Portuguese Bend, then stopped to explore the Spanish Fort. We then
followed the Smokey Trail down to the river and lunch stop. On Sunday we
climbed Bland Hill. The views from the top are unbelievable. Our
caterer, Jeff, met us at the old corrals where we were served delicious
barbeque sandwiches with all the trimmings. The trail back to camp
followed some beautiful washes where we were able to do some serious
gaiting. That nite we were treated to a mouth watering prime rib dinner
with blueberry cobbler for desert. Our annual raffle was also a success
that nite with many wonderful gifts for those lucky ticket holders. Gary
from Iowa walked away with a lion’s share of neat items Sue Barr’s
toe tapping music got us all dancing. Monday’s ride was to Castle
Creek Falls Some said this was the best ride of all. We were able to
gait quite a bit on another two track dirt road crossing the river
several times. Back at camp our chicken salad sandwiches and brownies
were waiting for us. What a welcome site to those hungry trail riders.
But it wasn’t over yet! Some of our guests joined us at Sophie’s
Flat near Wickenburg. Wickenburg is a must-see for visitors to our
State. It boasts interesting Western shops, Mexican Food restaurants,
and even a huge Western Museum. Everyone enjoyed the trail down into the
Hassaympa River. We stopped at the Box Canyon for lunch under the
Tamarisk trees. The river was flowing a lot higher than usual. There
wasn’t a dry spot on our jeans when we left the river. We shared
potluck dinners around a warm campfire each nite. There is nothing like
watching the Lunar Eclipse around a blazing campfire with your friends
like we were able to. Then it was time to break camp and head home until
next time!