Trail Log: 8-13-2025

Under Garnet Butte. Left is East Pine drainage- right is Clear Creek drainage. 

• Trail: East Pine - Garnet Butte - Clear Creek Trail
• Miles: 13
• Riders: Self - The D
• Horses: Jack - Jewel
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Wow...this ride warrants more of a full blog than a trail log. Maybe later. 

We went in search of the remnants of an old cabin that is supposed to exists somewhere in the general area of Clear Creek and Garnet Butte. The lost cabin is supposed to be associated by a mine that appears to also be lost to time. You climb straight up a ridge littered with boulders, downfall, bogs and hillsides of soft ground that gives way under your horse as he claws his way up the steep mountain side. I took my feet out of the stirrups and closed my eyes half the time.

We didn't find evidence of the cabin site. It would be like looking for a needle in a haystack. However - with more research and a now better understanding of the area - I feel it is possible. We rode in places I doubt many people have ventured on foot - let alone horseback. I was glad to be on Jack for sure. It could be a leg-breaker getting through that dead-fall. I'm sure Drifter could do it some day - but he hasn't carried my weight long enough that I fear he would tip over on some of the side-hilling we did. He's also lighter boned than Jack. I worried enough about Jack snapping a leg. 

 The D's horse, Jewel, is a 21 year old mare. Her age did not slow her down. She's been ridden in this country her entire life and did amazing. Jack is 17 and barefoot for the most part. I started off with his front boots only - then put on his hind boots once we got to a spot level enough to do so. We reached an area that we felt was safer to lead them though. Somewhere in that mess, Jack lost a hind boot. I made a quick search for it but was unable to find it and didn't want to spend a lot of time in that spot. I will order him a replacement. Even replacing one now and then, I'm still ahead money wise by not paying a farrier. Plus - his hooves improving vastly. He's still tender in the soles but is improving since keeping him barefoot. It got super boggy the rest of the way down so I took his boots off to prevent losing another one. I would put them back on if the terrain warranted. He was a little tender, but managed to make it out the last 7 miles barefoot. 

The views are breathtaking. The D knows the area like the back of his hand. He's worked cattle in the area his entire life and spent time tracking wolves for the FS. I'm slowly learning the area and it gets "smaller" each time I get the chance to explore it. 

Back at home - I've talked with the folks from Scoot Boots and they recommended mud straps. I ordered a replacement boot - 2 sets of mud straps and 2 sets of pastern locks. 

I expected Jack to be gimping along for a couple of days but as of this morning - he's trucking round like nothing happened. I was able to better examine his hooves after yesterday's ordeal and they came out of it with barely a chip. I am a happy camper. 

A link to some pictures: 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/WH3uH81MqN7a9y6N9

Trail Log: 8-11-2025

The Butlers filly gets more adorable by the day. The momma is pretty sweet too. 

• Trail: The Loop - HNR
• Miles: 3.5
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Drifter
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Hike and Ride around the loop with the Black Hellion. 

Festus out moving rocks around. I'm keeping the big-ass round one! Actually...I have to keep them all since nobody seems to want free rocks. Lots and lots of free rocks. 

Trail Log: 8-8-2025 and Quad ride: 8-9-2025

Massive chestnut tree atop Steele Hill lost a limb due to wind

1. Trail: The Loop - HNR
2. Miles: 3.5
3. Riders: Self
4. Horses: Jack
5. Dogs: Groot

Notes: Hike N Ride around The Loop. Jack can now make it all the way barefoot. Sweet! Later that morning - I drove up to Olokott Campground to see where My Neighbor (Kort) and buddies were camped for the weekend. I'll head back up in the morning to join them for an ATV ride. 

8-9-2025: The day doesn't really belong on a trail log but what the heck. Met Kort and friends at Olokott campground. I borrowed a quad from them and we rode to Hat Point and back. 120 miles on a quad felt like 1200 miles on a horse! Good grief...it about vibrates the fillings out of your head. It was worth it though. Beautiful views - great people. 

Looking across Hells Canyon to the 7 Devils

Trail Log: 8-6-2025

• Trail: Boulder Flat Rd. - Shoot and Ride
• Miles: 3
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Drifter
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: I can finally work up my arena so got in a little shooting practice. Drifter was a bit of a punk and was humpy the first run but decided it was not in his best interest and mellowed out some. When we were done in the arena, we headed out for a short ride around the corner down Boulder Flat Rd. 

Trail Log: 8-2-2025

• Trail: HNR - The Loop
• Miles: 3.5
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Jack
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Back to the daily hike N ride routine after a week off. I figured I'd fallen far enough behind I'd have a heart attack climbing Steele Hill. I did not and neither did Jack. He went the entire way barefoot. When I first started walking him around the loop on a gravel road - I had to boot him up. I eventually got to where I booted just the fronts...then the fronts half way/barefoot half the way. It bothers him a little going down steep hills. The butcher shoer that crippled him a couple years ago cut into the pedal/coffin bone. Keeping him barefoot and using Scoot Boots seems to be helping him back on the road to recovery....slowly. 

I didn't take any pictures other than this one of the adorable little filly born just up the road at Butlers. 

Trail Log: 7-29-2025

Nearing the top

• Trail: Fisk Creek - Little Eagle Meadow
• Miles: 9.55
• Riders: Self - Darrell - (Blake - Landon - Nick)
• Horses: Drifter - Jewel - Spartacus - saddle-pack - Captain
• Dogs: Groot - Yottee (?)

Back down the Jim Fisk

Notes: Fabulous ride. Blake and his friends packed into Pine Lakes for an overnighter. They went in via the Pack Station. I thought it would be fun to show them how to come out the top of PL and down the Jim Fisk trail so they could make a loop instead of up/back. Coordinating that could have been more difficult than it turned out. Blake and I lucked out and got enough cell service at the right time to meet up at Little Eagle Meadows about the same time. Going up/down the Jim Fisk is a tad gnarly but everyone did pretty well. Landon's saddle and pack horse had the most difficult time as they were not in the greatest shape. It was Drifters most technical trail yet. He did so good and was a trooper climbing up/down a 2k+ elevation gain with little to no switchbacks and a trail littered with granite boulders. 

Met the boys near Little Eagle Meadows

Made it to town - only one rider down. He had all he could do in the saddle and opted to walk down the steep JF. Pretty sure he won't forget a pair of walking shoes next time. 

Trail Log; 7-27-2025

• Trail: Fish Creek - Bucks Crossing - Horse Lake Cabin
• Miles: 7.38
• Riders: Self - Darrell - Lou Ann
• Horses: Jack - Jewel - River
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Much better day of riding. We shamed Darrell (Professor D) into taking us into Horse Lake via a trail I had not been on. It was a much easier way to get into the cabin than the previous ways I'd been. We hauled to the Fish Creek Trail Head by way of Dry Creek. The trail follows Fish Creek - crosses "Bucks Crossing" and drops into Horse Lake Cabin. The lake is more of a meadow as it does not retain water for long for some reason. The Cabin is my favorite of the Cabins I've seen in this area - very remote and has a stable to horses. 

Trail Log: 7-25-2025

• Trail: Fish Lake - Meadow Camp
• Miles: 4
• Riders: Self - Lou Ann
• Horses: Jack - River
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Lou came up for a weekend vacation. We planned to camp at Fish Lake in the meadow but the mosquitos pretty much ran us out. We went on a short ride and pulled camp and headed back to the valley. We will go on a nice day ride tomorrow! 

Trail Log: 7-16-2025

Dry Creek Ranch

• Trail: Dry Creek Ranch
• Miles: 5
• Riders: Self - Darrell
• Horses: Drifter - Jewel

Notes: Well - the cows are back. We hauled up to the DC Ranch and commenced to gather them back up and move them into the forest. For some reason, Darrell's normally solid little mare, Jewel, was a pain in the butt. It appears she fell in love with the ranches grey gelding. We had just gathered them into a group when Darrell took off up the mountain out of site. I didn't know if I was supposed to hold them and wait or keep going. I waited for a while...then kept going. I pushed the group to where you turn up and head toward the forest and the cows split up...some went across the ditch - the others into the brush all over the place. Still no sign of Darrell. I was about to go in search for him in case he got dumped when the ranch owner pulled in. He said not to worry about Darrell...he'd be fine. He saddled his grey gelding and we proceeded to re-gather the cows when Darrell came walking in, leading his mare. She never did calm down much. Darrell was pooped from the day before so we pushed the cattle just through the gate into FS and left them - knowing full well they would be back. Darrell went back later in the week and repaired the guys fence where the cattle were sneaking through. Drifter did great. I think he likes gathering cows and could not care less if we get abandoned to figure it out on our own. 

Trail Log: 7-15-2025

• Trail: HNR - Halfway - The Loop
• Miles: 3.55
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Jack
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Hike and Ride around the loop. Didn't take any pictures other than this beautiful colt born to the neighbors up the road. I managed to NOT get a picture of the half naked hippy that scared the bejesus out of Jack and me. He was lurking across the fence in the thicket. Possibly irrigating? All I could see was upper and lower body as his mid-section was obstructed from view by brush. I assume he was wearing shorts...He was really tall with long, wild white hair and made a weird noise. Jack about jumped out of his skin. I was on foot at the time. Once I realized it was a human (of sorts) I said "GOOD MORNING" to try and get him to speak so Jack would recognize him as human (of sorts). He did not respond other than a weird glutaral sound.  Heck - could have been a hairless abominable snowman for all I know. I didn't tally - Jack and I picked up the pace and made it to the top of Steele Hill in record time. It's never an uneventful trek around that loop. 

Neighborhood newbie

Dry Creek Cattle Drive - Fire-breathing Dragon and The Black Hellion

 

Dry Creek Cattle Drive

Fire-breathing Dragon and The Black Hellion

• Trail: Dry Creek - Densen Ranch - NF

• Miles: 7

• Riders: Self - Darrell Martin

• Horses: Jack - Jewel

• Dogs: None

Notes: Darrell M. asked if I'd help move cows Saturday morning. I explained that I know very little about cattle management but if he was willing to tell me what to do without yelling - I'd love to help. He picked me and Jack up at my place by 6:30AM. The Pine Valley Ranch cattle had come out of the hills and were mixed in with The Densen Ranch cattle on their property.

We were to separate the PV pairs and drive them up into the forest. I don't know how Darrell could tell the difference in whose cows were whose....but he sorted them out and got the PV cattle moving toward the FS.

Jack was a fire-breathing pain in the butt for the most part. He hasn't been wound that tight since he was 6. He seems to want to get right in the middle of them and eat them for lunch. Come to think of it - most times I've helped people  move cattle - it's been whipping,  spurring, hollering and chasing bovine all over the place. I image he expected this experience to be no different. Frankly, neither did I. On the contrary – Darrell grew up on a ranch and takes great exception to being called a “cowboy.” What I've seen take a half dozen or more cowboys/girls to do – Darrell managed to do with one horse and no dogs. I like to think Jack and I were helping...but it was obvious he could have done it without us.

With the PV cattle separated from the Densen cattle and headed into the forest – Jack finally calmed down and got into his groove. He was much happier to be bush-whacking up and down hillsides, crossing creeks and going after stragglers. I'm just happy he feels good enough to be on the muscle and snorting flames again – thank you Scoot Boots.

We got back late morning in time to pick up my sister and head up to Duck Lake to get out of the heat. A great day.

• Trail Log: 7-13-2025

• Trail: Dry Creek – Densen Ranch

• Miles: 7

• Riders: Self – Darrel

• Horses: Drifter – Jewel

• Dogs: None

Notes: Well, that was unexpected – Darrell got a call from the Densen Ranch saying more of the PV cattle were mixed in with theirs. The text read: Hey you wanna go back to Dry Creek and chase cows again. There was no punctuation so I can only assume it was a request and not a statement. Regardless, it was accurate either way. It took little for me to forego Groots Sunday Morning waffles and saddle up Drifter. It was too hot for waffles anyway. I made a smoothie instead. This would be an experience for the Black Hellion I did not want to pass up.

This time we drove all the cattle into a pen and sorted out the Densen cattle and left them on the ranch. Darrell operated the gate while Drifter and I cut out the ones he pointed out. I'm so proud of Drifter – he's never done anything like that. He dove right in the middle of them and we somehow managed to almost look like we knew what we were doing.

We then commenced to push the PV cattle into the forest. We started out with a small handful but picked up 30 pair or so along the way. The only fault I had with Drifter was his refusal to cross water. That boy is a desert pony and DOES NOT like to get his feet wet. That made crossing back and forth across the creek to eek cattle out of the brush a challenge but we made it work. I can get him to cross with another horse – but that wasn't happening when the only other horse and rider are across the draw eeking out their own bunch of stragglers.

We pushed the pairs as far up as Darrell thought necessary before heading back to the trailer. I took the opportunity to cross the creek by following Jewel across. Drifter didn't hesitate but wasn't about to get his hooves wet and leapt across like a black Lipizzaner. For a little dude...he can get some air!

Apparently – we missed a few and will be going back the middle of the week to push up the rest.

Trail Log: 7-13-2025

 

Into the forest we go

• Trail Log: 7-13-2025
• Trail: Dry Creek – Densen Ranch
• Miles: 7
• Riders: Self – Darrel
• Horses: Drifter – Jewel
• Dogs: None

Notes: Well, that was unexpected – Darrell got a call from the Densen Ranch saying more of the PV cattle were mixed in with theirs. The text read: Hey you wanna go back to Dry Creek and chase cows again. There was no punctuation so I can only assume it was a request and not a statement. Regardless, it was accurate either way. It took little for me to forego Groots Sunday Morning waffles and saddle up Drifter. It was too hot for waffles anyway. I made a smoothie instead. This would be an experience for the Black Hellion I did not want to pass up.

This time we drove all the cattle into a pen and sorted out the Densen cattle and left them on the ranch. Darrell operated the gate while Drifter and I cut out the ones he pointed out. I'm so proud of Drifter – he's never done anything like that. He dove right in the middle of them and we somehow managed to almost look like we knew what we were doing.

We then commenced to push the PV cattle into the forest. We started out with a small handful but picked up 30 pair or so along the way. The only fault I had with Drifter was his refusal to cross water. That boy is a desert pony and DOES NOT like to get his feet wet. That made crossing back and forth across the creek to eek cattle out of the brush a challenge but we made it work. I can get him to cross with another horse – but that wasn't happening when the only other horse and rider are across the draw eeking out their own bunch of stragglers.

We pushed the pairs as far up as Darrell thought necessary before heading back to the trailer. I took the opportunity to cross the creek by following Jewel across. Drifter didn't hesitate but wasn't about to get his hooves wet and leapt across like a black Lipizzaner. For a little dude...he can get some air!

We missed a few and will be going back the middle of the week to push up the rest.

Trail Log: 7-12-2025

Densen Ranch Cabin

• Trail: Dry Creek - Densen Ranch - NF
• Miles: 7
• Riders: Self - Darrell Martin
• Horses: Jack - Jewel
• Dogs: None

Notes: Darrell M. asked if I'd help him move cows Saturday morning. I explained that I know very little about cattle management but if he was willing to tell me what to do without yelling - I'd love to help. He picked me and Jack up at my place by 6:30AM. The Pine Valley Ranch cattle had come out of the hills and were mixed in with The Densen Ranch cattle on their property.

We were to separate the PV pairs and drive them up into the forest. I don't know how Darrell could tell the difference in whose cows were whose....but he sorted them out and got the PV cattle moving toward the FS.

Jack was a fire-breathing pain in the butt for the most part. He hasn't been wound that tight since he was 6. He seems to want to get right in the middle of them and eat them for lunch. Come to think of it - most times I've helped people  move cattle - it's been whipping,  spurring, hollering and chasing bovine all over the place. I image he expected this experience to be no different. Frankly, so did I. On the contrary – Darrell grew up on a ranch and takes great exception to being called a “cowboy.” What I've seen take a half dozen or more cowboys/girls to do – Darrell managed to do with one horse and no dogs. I like to think Jack and I were helping...but it was obvious he could have done it without us.

With the PV cattle separated from the Densen cattle and headed into the forest – Jack finally calmed down and got into his groove. He was much happier to be bush-whacking up and down hillsides, crossing creeks and going after stragglers. I'm just happy he feels good enough to be on the muscle and snorting flames again – thank you Scoot Boots.

We got back late morning in time to pick up my sister and head up to Duck Lake to get out of the heat. A great day.

Trail Log: 7-11-2025

Snow Park

• Trail: Halfway - Clear Creek - FS6605 - HNR
• Miles: 5.2
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Drifter
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Great Hike and Ride. I parked/unloaded at the Snow Park and road up toward "Dead End Point." I veered left at a T away from the road that continues on to DEP. Looking at my previous Avenza tracks - I was headed straight toward Holbrook Creek and a trail I've ridden numerous times. After looking at several maps - it doesn't look like the two trails connect - rather each ends near the top of a ridgeline - similar to the old road leading to DEP. There are a lot of smaller roads that jut off FS6605 that are marked but also not on a map anymore. The ones I took have been blocked off to vehicle travel. We rode down one until a big tree prevented us from going any farther. Drifter navigated up/down moguls and picked his way through down-fall like an old pro. 

Trail Log: 7-9-2025

Looking down on Meadow Creek

 

• Trail: Clear Creek - FS 6605 -HNR
• Miles: 6
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Jack
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Hauled to the snow park and rode up an old logging road that is no longer on any of the maps/apps that I have. I rode up this last year and wanted to do it again and see if I can figure out exactly where I was. The road takes off from the snow park up an old logging road that eventually fades out and ends at a rock outcropping. If you could safely get around the rock bluff - you could eventually drop down onto Clear Creek Rd. I wouldn't do it on horseback unless I had to or didn't really like my horse. It's a neat area...it looks down on Meadow Creek - Snyder Meadows and Trail Creek. There are a bunch of little roads that shoot off of 6605 to explore later.  

Parked Jack and walked the rest of the way to the rock bluff

Trail Log: 7-3-2025

• Trail: The Loop - Halfway - HNR
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Jack
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: I should probably consolidate these HNR logs weekly but whatever.  My LQ is hooked up to the truck so I can pull out in the morning to Pendleton for a USMS shoot. So...it's back to HNR around the loop instead of hauling somewhere. Thankfully, it is a pretty ride and maybe by the time we leave for home this fall, my horses will no longer be terrified of llamas. 

Trail Log: 7-2-2025

The ground sucks...but the view is awesome. 

• Trail: Halfway - The Loop HNR
• Miles: 3.7
•  Riders: Self
• Horses: Drifter
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Well, not sure you can call this an official Hike n Ride - I did hike...without a horse....and I did ride...once I got back. I set up my arena for a balloon killing practice. It's pretty rocky so I put Drifters front boots on and he did great. I didn't let him run as fast as he wanted to. I worry about him getting stone bruised. He did fine with the boots on. We shot 30 out of 30. 

At the writing of the blog entry - I discover I have officially filled up my log book I've been keeping since 2016. I think I started logging my trail miles before that and have another filled log book floating around somewhere. This will be the first entry in my new log book. 

Out with the old...in with the new

Trail Log: 6-30-2025

Guard Llama on duty

• Trail: Halfway - The Loop
• Miles: 3.77
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Jack
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Hike and ride around the loop. I walk up Steel Hill and around since it is the steepest. I must be getting back in some semblance of shape as it doesn't feel long enough anymore. The Guard Llama was a little scary for Jack still but we got closer to it. The goat horde came out to greet us. Jack loves goats so was happy about that. 

Three Amigos...aka, The Horde

Trail Log: 6-24-2025

• Trail: Halfway - Cornucopia Highway - Dixie Creek
• Miles: 4
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Jack
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Parked at the wide spot and hiked/road up toward Dixie Creek. When I got back - I found the Garbage guys had left me a sweet new official garbage can. It's the weird little things that make my day. \

Trail Log: 6-23-2025

• Trail: Halfway - Clear Creek - Snow Park
• Miles: 2.78
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Jack and Drifter
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: More of a hike than ride - I did saddle Drifter but ended up hiking in and out for no particular reason. I did try to tie a can of 50:1 fuel mix on him that I found on the road. That didn't go well. He did not appreciate the sloshing around and weird popping noise it made. I left my panniers at home or I would be packing him and getting him more use to it.   

Trail Log: 6-20-2025

 

The snow is coming off the mountain pretty quickly now

• Trail: The Loop
• Miles: 3.75
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Jack
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Hike N ride around the loop. Ran into the baby goat horde again but this time they just came out by the road to meet us but did not chase us. Stopped in at Jimmy Reeds place to say hi and get the run-down on his shop progress. Told him next time to have cookies ready...he said he'd get right on that...

Baby goat horde

Trail Log: 6-19-2025

• Trail: Cornucopia Highway - Dixie Creek area (HNR)
• Miles: 4
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Drifter
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Hauled Drifter to the wide turnout for an early morning hike and Ride. We rode cross country up an old logging road until it turned into a trail and eventually disappeared. On the way back - Groot took after a doe and her little fawn. I chased him down with Drifter and put the fear of all things un-holly in him. I doubt he will do that again. Doe and Fawn escaped unscathed. Groot, on the other hand, got a taste of what it's like to be chased down by an animal that has no qualms about stomping you into the ground. 

Trail Log: 6-18-2025

Buds

• Trail: Halfway - Cornucopia Hwy - Dixie Creek
• Miles: 6.24
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Jack - Drifter (tow)
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: I'm bored with road riding. Since my trailer is back in commission, I hauled up to the wide spot and hike/rode toward Dixie Creek. I normally avoid ponying but decided to take both horses. It wasn't that bad...Drifter was much less of a goof-ball than normal, so that was a win. 

The hiking part of HNR

Trail Log: 6-17-2025

The Clan

 

• Trail: 1/2 Way - Loop
• Miles: 3.55
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Drifter
• Dogs: Groot    

Notes: Drifter's turn for the hike N ride. It is always an adventure riding down the road. I am still amazed and very happy that Drifter handles it all so well. He has a lot of confidence, which I think helps him. There were guys moving water line in the bushes - the usual four-wheeler - sheep - llamas...you name it. He checks it out and moves on. THEN we are rounding the last corner toward Grannies and I hear bleating behind us. Three baby goats run out in the road and commence to chase us. I had no idea how Drifter would react to them and I didn't want them to follow so I tried to trot on up ahead. They over-took us and surround us...chasing Groot around Drifter. Drif bowed his neck at them and snorted a little but was more curious than anything. He is a keeper. I shooed them back to where they came from and we continued on. I wanted to keep them. 

Baby goat horde

Trail Log: 6-16-2025

 

• Trail: Halfway - The Loop
• Miles: 4.20
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Jack
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Back in the hiking/walking mode come hell or high water. Figured if I'm going to do it, I might as well drag a horse along so we can all get some exercise; I call it...hike and ride (HNR) I try to be in the saddle by 7:00AM to try and beat the traffic. People get up fairly early in these parts and I still run into a bit of it. Mostly irrigators. I walk the first couple of miles and ride what's left. There's a lot for a horse to spook at - but it is a pretty loop for a road ride. 

Guard llama on duty

Trail Log: 6-10-2025

Dillon and Jack

 

• Trail: Clear Creek - Halfway Ore
• Miles: 5
• Riders: Self - Dillon
• Horses: Drifter - Jack
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Dillon came up for a few days and wanted to try riding. My bumper pull is back in commission so we hauled to the Snow Park. I think he really enjoyed it. He was nervous until he got in the saddle. He didn't have the best experiences getting on a horse when he was a kid. Seems like he was always put on some half-rank shitter that tried to kill him. Jack took good care of him. 

Trail Log: 6-14-2025

 

• Trail: The Loop and The Cabin
• Miles: 8.65
• Riders: Self
• Horses: Jack and Drifter
• Dogs: Groot

Notes: Killing three birds with one stone. I decided if I'm going to walk in the mornings - I might as well drag a horse along so we both get some exercise. I saddled Jack in the morning and headed around the loop. I walked the first 1.5 miles and rode the rest. 

In the evening - I saddled Drifter and walked/rode to The Cabin and back. I am really not a fan of riding on the road but if I'm going to be walking anyway, I might as well take a horse along. It is irrigation season and every farmer John/Jane is whizzing up and down the roads on side-by-sides and quads with shovels and flapping tarps. Drifter did really well. He got a little sketched out once when a side-by-side was coming at him and a quad behind him at the same time. His go-to action is to basically flatten out and freeze. I'll take that over buck and bolt.  

Majella and Drifter at The Cabin