Reports from the Trail
2016
Pony Re-Ride Departure Ceremony in Old Sacramento
FROM: Larry Carpenter, California NPEA
PDT
The 2016 Pony Express Ride Departure Ceremony in Pony Express Plaza, 2nd and J Streets, Old Sacramento, began On-Time at 9:30 AM. California Division President Elizabeth Davis introduced a series of Speakers who told a group of 50 plus of the National Pony Express Association, the Pony Express, and the role the State Parks Department, and the National Park Service play in preserving Pony Express History and sites and the Trail. The event took place in the shadow of Holland’s Pony Rider Monument across the street from the B.F. Hastings, Continue Reading
FROM: Annette Nylander, California NPEA
SENT: June 15th, 2016 | 3:06pm PDT
STATUS: We are at the White Meadows Road parking waiting for forest service so that we can get the Rope across the river at Brockliss Crossing. Ride due to come to me tonight at 10:23 pm, but need to get the ropes and cable ready early.
FROM: Melba Leal, California NPEA
SENT: June 15th, 2016 | 1:28pm PDT
STATUS: Just left Hazel.
FROM: Lyle Ladner, President NPEA
SENT: June 15th, 2016 | 1:20pm PDT
STATUS: Fish Hatchery Exchange - 30 min early.
Detours on the Trail
FROM: Lori Babbage, California NPEA
PDT
Ride #2: Jeff Babbage and daughter Allison Babbage arrived early to the exchange point in Sacramento at Discovery Park. Unfortunately, dad woke up with the stomach flu and felt it a wise idea to pass on this portion of the ride. Allison, as a lone rider received the mail on time and the exchange was picture perfect (thank you Sara Miller). The trail only brought one challenge to Allison at just over three miles in. The trail is beautiful as it follows the curves of American River. As Allison and, Continue Reading
FROM: Melba Leal, California NPEA
SENT: June 15th, 2016 | 12:51pm PDT
STATUS: Big coverage in Old Sac. About twenty minutes of talks. About four TV stations. Just arrived at Sunrise 27 minutes ahead of schedule.
FROM: Lyle Ladner, President NPEA
SENT: June 15th, 2016 | 11:22am PDT
STATUS: On time departure from Old Sac.
My 8th year Re-Riding of The Pony
FROM: Carol Hunt, Schellbourne Re-riders
PDT
In White Pine County, there are 142 miles of 99% original trail. Remnants of several of the old “stations” which housed the horses and riders still exist. The Schellbourne Station on highway 93, about 35 miles north of McGill has a great exhibit and information at the rest stop. A huge silhouette of a Pony rider also marks the spot. The group that carries the mail is named after the old Fort Schellbourne. There are usually about 22 riders to carry the mail across the 142 miles, the longest section, Continue Reading
2015
Schellbourne Re-Riders 2015
FROM: Wendy Anderson
PDT
Jim Hannah and Tony Zamora. It was dark, pitch black. The horses moved out carefully, watching all the shadows from vehicles in the front and in back of them. Their ride went well, then the next two riders headed out, and things went drastically wrong quickly. One rider came off and the horse disappeared into the dark morning. Luckily, the rider seemed to be okay, and the mail had been on the other rider’s horse, so the mail must go on. A big thank you to Lyle Ladner and Dean, Continue Reading
Schellbourne Re-Riders
FROM: Wendy Anderson, Schellbourne Re-riders
PDT
Jim Hannah and Tony Zamora. It was dark, pitch black. The horses moved out carefully, watching all the shadows from vehicles in the front and in back of them. Their ride went well, then the next two riders headed out, and things went drastically wrong quickly. One rider came off and the horse disappeared into the dark morning. Luckily, the rider seemed to be okay, and the mail had been on the other rider’s horse, so the mail must go on. A big thank you to Lyle Ladner and Dean, Continue Reading