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 I
would say the adventure began on a movie set. I met Michael Haynes because
part of his duties as the stunt coordinator on the film was to train me
to drive a wagon pulled by two mules. We had a lot if time between training
and takes to sit around and talk story. He spoke of this western adventure
travel club he formed, the Outriders. After an afternoon lesson by Michael
on how to sit tall in the saddle, I was now ready for some western adventure.
Three of us drove together from California to Colorado, the site of The Fall Mountain Colors Ride. Never turning back was the motto. Crag G, a bartender and fellow Outrider, commented as we snaked through a picturesque gorge that he just saw God with a fishing pole. He has never been outside southern California and was slowly being swept away in a Rocky Mountain high. We arrived at the silver Creek Lodge with daylight to spare. Accommodations were excellent and the staff was friendly. While "stewing" in the one of the two outside Jacuzzis, I met Kenneth. He is one of a kind. He lives in Louisiana and joyfully gives it away every time he talks. He had been riding trails for over 50 years and proved it. I never saw his hat move the entire time we rode the trails. He has the wonderful gift for telling a good story. He later said that this was one if the finest rides he has ever been on. We arrived at the airport on time to pick up some flying Outriders. Teena, our competent coordinator, had successfully gathered the troops which included Craig V, a hunting guide, Chel, a music executive, Michelle, a wild airline attendant, Jeanne, a farmgirl who sold a cow to be here, and Gwen, an experienced trail guide. Everyone was in good spirits and hopping to get on the trail. More Outriders (Judy, a bar owner, Fred and Helen, a former sheriff and his executive wife) were awaiting our return. Everyone got to know each other over a lovely dinner and drinks. Not a one could even begin to know what true adventure lie ahead. I would be amiss to proceed without some words about our chef on the ride. Michael brought in a 4 star chef, Richard Mead. He is the pleasant and hardworking owner/chef of the Sage Restaurant in Newport Beach, California. All our menus were true epicurean delights. We had main courses ranging from Herb Roasted Chicken Breast and Roasted Angus Sirloin to a special secret recipe of Ben Johnson's Outrider Braised Beef Shortribs and Trailside beans. All this and more and I still managed to lose 5 pounds! Here's just a sample of the fabulous grub we ate.
The rides were equally as delicious. Trailhead was at Aspen Canyon Ranch. God provided us the spectacular views. The Arapaho National Forest is a must see ride. Every which way you looked was eye candy. Chel, a self proclaimed tenderfoot, later declared it to be the most exhilarating vacation she ever had. The first morning ride was across meadows and steams while the afternoon ride was up into higher elevations. The weather was a pleasantly crisp autumn day. Forecast of an approaching snowstorm dampened our plans to camp out on the mountaintop. An alternate plan to return to the lodge was happily made. We woke the next morning to
a blanket of white snow everywhere. The two rides that day were among
the hills and mountains. Amongst the aspens one could make out an occasional
sighting of elk and deer. I learned the hard way that you best cover your
saddle when you tie off your horse to a tree covered in snow. The vistas
were breathtaking. Helen noted that she couldn't ask for any more. We
ate well and returned to the lodge for a well-deserved rest. The new day brought summer conditions. We rode completely different terrain in the morning and then headed uphill again. We even rode safely down a hill I would think twice about walking down. Several points along the trails, we'd all go into a full gallop. My imagination soared as I played with feelings of being the posse or the pursued. Michelle told me it was the best horseback experience she's had in her 40 years. She felt like Calamity Jane riding the Wild West with the Outriders Gang. Add to that, we now rode in three different seasons all in three days! Now I've ridden a motorcycle for years. I know there is a difference between driving a car and riding a bike. It is simply magical to see the world go by slowly on horseback. Being able to share the world go by slowly on horseback. Being able to share that sense of adventure with some nice folks is even more rewarding. With a sparkle in her eye, Jeanne said she didn't regret for one minute selling her pet cow. Craig V said this ride was definitely top of the line. From the outset, Michael Haynes mentioned that his goal for the Outriders was to gather a group of like-minded people who yearn for adventure in the outdoors while on horseback. Add to the some gourmet grub and I'd say he is achieving that goal in spades. |
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