FROM: Pat Hearty
PST
Utah’s Team 3 picked up the mail from the Wyoming riders and headed west under a beautiful moon. Seventeen riders, perfect weather, and every rider in place and on time. Just a few screw-ups in the schedule, which everyone dealt with and adapted. We delivered the mochila at Murray Park pretty close to on time. We had 4 first-time riders under age 16, and we sure hope they had fun and will want to come back. Isabelle Hearty wasn’t sure she was ready, but finished her ride wishing for more. Shaylee Feland made the climb to Little Mountain Summit look like a stroll up an ant hill. Her brother, Gabe, took the punishing down-hill side and made it look fun. Elizabeth Brown rode a wicked stretch through the narrows at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. Elizabeth is just 13, riding with special permission of the National President, and the assurance from her trail captain that she is a top hand. She is the 4th generation of the Brown family to ride Pony Express.
I don’t usually make personal notes in this column, but this time I want to make mention of my family. Linda and I have three sons, a daughter, and a son-in-law who are all deeply involved in the Re-rides. I’m grateful for that, but even more. They have my back, and each others’. No question, no hesitation, no reservation. I know I’m not the only one with great family support, but that is one of the greatest gifts in my life. Thanks.