FROM: Patrick Hearty, Utah NPEA
PST
“How was the Ride?” Well, it was confusion and chaos, liberally mixed with pandemonium. We had a printed schedule and a BLM map, and only one rider who couldn’t make it. But it seemed that, for some reason, or likely a variety of reasons, no one was where they were expected all night long. We were constantly rushing horses out of trailers, throwing saddles at them and pulling on the bridle as the mail arrived. When we reached the end of the printed schedule, we were still 10 miles west of Simpson. Worst mess I was ever involved in.
Still and all, we made good time and arrived at Simpson Springs without mishap and well ahead of schedule, thanks to everyone’s efforts. Schellbourne Riders delivered the mochila at the border 4 hours early (4 hours, bless their hearts). By the time we learned that, it was too late to get our people to Deep Creek that early, but we were able to start about 8:15 MDT and ride a couple of hours in the daylight. Temperature was about perfect for the horses, no wind, and a big moon through hazy clouds. Lyle, the National Prez, was with us much of the way, but we never managed to get him on a horse. Sorry, Lyle.
Hope everyone on to the east has a spectacular ride.