BCHM Manzano Mountains Trail Clearing

I signed up for another Back Country Horsemen work project in the Manzano Mountains clearing trails in Fourth of July Canyon.

Sandy and her partner Bob were along for the ride too. Bob led Cisco the donkey as one of our pack animals.

Apache was in fine form and happy to be out on the trails. She was very attentive to my leg on her blind side when we rode along narrow sections of trail. 

There was still some beautiful Fall color lining the trail.

BCHM Trail Selfie!

The trail is often rocky and rugged and steep in sections.

We tied up our equines when we discovered a large log across the trail.

Apache and Cisco.

The log blocking the trail.

Everyone tying up and digging out the saws and tools from the pack saddles.

Getting to work!

Using a cross-cut saw.

This log was large, old and dry, so it took over and hour and required extra tools and different techniques. 

And a lot of hard work!

But we got 'er done!

Some hikers passed us while we were working and thanked us for our hard work. This is why we do it. So, the trails can be accessed and enjoyed by everyone.

Apache waiting patiently back at the tree on the trail. She's such a good girl and knows her job well.

We mounted up and enjoyed the rest of our ride on gorgeous trails.

Bob's legs were tired, so he climbed on Sandy's horse and rode with Abby.

While Sandy and Cisco brought up the rear.

What a great day!

Life is Good!!

Fourth of July Canyon BCHM Pack-Out

I signed up to be an outrider with my local Back Country Horsemen group, assisting the Rocky Mountain Youth Corps in packing themselves out of the Manzano Mountains where they had spent a week camping and clearing trails.

My friend Sandy was kind enough to offer Apache and I a ride.

The trailhead parking area.

Our group took several pack animals, both horse and mule, to haul down all of the RMYC supplies.

I was looking forward to seeing some colorful leaves since this was a Fall ride.

We even had a water crossing.

Just a little stream.

Trail Selfie wearing my BCHM patch on my helmet.

There was some beautiful color, but the leaves had not truly peaked yet.

It was still incredibly beautiful.

Full-on selfie!

Apache and I always enjoy riding in the mountains.

The sky peeking through the trees was brilliantly blue!

We were continually climbing up the mountain, passing impressive boulders.

Gorgeous views towards the southeast.

We eventually stopped and tied up our horses to gather a water container cache. After we emptied the water, we loaded up the containers on the pack animals and continued to the RMYC campsite....where we tied up our horses again. Apache knows the drill. She ties like a dream and always relaxes and takes advantage of her time to rest.

The RMYC crew finishing up some last minute packing for their hike back down the mountain.

I took a moment to gather all the RMYC crew together for a group photo. What a great group of young adults, volunteering to keep the trails clear and usable for all.

After we loaded up all their camping gear onto our pack animals' backs, we mounted back up and headed down the trail to make a fun loop ride.

Pretty Fall Color Selfie

The forest felt like we were riding through a tunnel of beautiful color and light.

Gorgeous!!

Apache and I were thoroughly enjoying ourselves!

We finally reached the Manzano Crest. What spectacular vistas!

One the way down the mountain, we rode through several bursts of Fall color. I took this photo of Sandy.

Our group stopping to talk with one of the RMYC members that had lost the rest of his crew.

He eventually caught up with the rest of his crew by the time we reached the parking area. After unloading all the camping gear, we unsaddled and watered our horses and headed back home.

Life is Good!

Cerrillos Hills State Park Ride

Back in March, my local BCHM Chapter hosted a Training Trail Ride at Cerrillos Hills State Park.

I hauled my mare to the trailhead, saddled up and prepared to head on down the trail.

We had a great turn-out, too!

In reality, we actually headed uphill on the trail! Apache was eager to go, so we started off farther up in the group.

But it didn't take too long for Apache to find her place towards the back of the group as usual.

There are many hills in Cerrillos Hills State Park, so it's a great place to get your horse legged up after having most of the winter off.

Trail Selfie!

Just moseying downhill.

We had a couple of young tykes on our ride, too.

The trails switchback a lot as they ascend and descend.

At the top of hills, you are rewarded with amazing views in most directions.

I love my Apache mare! She and I love to take in the vistas!

At the top of one hill, we all stopped to rest and enjoy the views, and I took the opportunity to take some photos.

There are many old mines in Cerrillos State Park. Each one has a placard with information on what was actually mined from that location. You can also get a birds eye view from above, if you don't mind walking over a bridge or viewing platform.

The views of the terrain, with the round junipers dotting the hillsides, are beautiful and uniquely New Mexican.

My friend and her Arab mare were bringing up the rear.

We even stopped for lunch during our ride. I joined my friends on a log.

One of the awesome benefits of riding far behind a group and not nose-to-tail, is being able to have a unique and vast perspective of the entire scenery to photograph.

 

Due to the undulating terrain, I was even able to capture everyone, except myself and my friend Gin who was bringing up the rear, in one photo.

We rode for about 2 1/2 hours and had a great time.

Apache tied up to my truck at the end of the ride.

Life is Good!