As we admired these red rock cliffs from camp we had no idea that we would be riding to them and across the mountain top behind them. Steve Bradley, photographer, said we reached 12,000 feet at that time.
We set out for a ride on Thursday and joked this was the
first time we had ever encountered ride ribbons attached to snow poles. After
crossing a creek and getting into a large thicket of brush amid the Aspens we
saw what looked and sounded like a Sandhill Crane. I’ve only seen grey ones but
we learned they come in more than one color and that the brown ones are common
to this area.
And when we returned towards camp and preparing to cross
the creek we were met with a grouping of magnificent butterflies along the edge,
dancing over the muddy bank.
Thunder and I on day 2, photo by Steve Bradley
I had heard the area was gorgeous and offered some of the
most beautiful trails to be found anywhere and we were not disappointed. Tons
of wildflowers, many creek crossings, a few bogs, and even a couple snow
fields. The trails were plenty tough, definitely not for the faint of heart.
But again, oh do beautiful with rich mountain views and the Strawberry
Reservoir below us.
Colleen Martin and Blue on day 3, photo by Steve Bradley
Thunder and I were lucky enough to complete all three days
of this Pioneer ride. Colleen and Blue met her goal of finishing days 1 and 3,
taking day 2 off just to have a good time. We were truly blessed to be able to
have this adventure. And now we wonder “What the heck are we going to do in
2017?”
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