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!

Tajique Loop at Fourth of July Canyon Autumn Ride

Ok. So we left off where we rode the Fourth of July Canyon Spur Trail, and rode back towards to where our horse trailers were parked, followed by our horses deciding that they weren't done hauling us around so we could all enjoy the beautiful Autumn colors. 

We gave our horses the option to choose where they wanted to go next, and they chose.....

the Tajique Loop Forest Service Road!

Apache was especially eager to explore and continue taking me for a ride. Apache literally boogied on down the road, leaving my friend Renee and her mare, Stella in our dust. haha!

I had no idea what amount of Fall colors we would encounter on the Forest Service road, but suffice it to say, we were far from being disappointed!

Forest Service Road Selfie!

I made Apache stand and wait for Renee and Stella to catch up with us a few times, but for the most part we both rode our own rides, just enjoying the beauty of nature and the Fall colors all around us.

The colors were truly spectacular!

I was also amazed that the Forest Service road was not crowded with sight-seeing cars because of the Fall leaf colors, but surprisingly enough, we encountered only 3 cars during our out-and-back Forest Service Road ride.

The gravel road was easy to travel on and the late afternoon sunlight filtering through the leaves above us, provided the most magical glow.

Both Renee and I could not stop smiling! How lucky and blessed we were to have such a truly awesome day and spectacular locale to ride our horses!

The unique way that the reds, oranges and yellows peeked out from among the trees and shrubs reminded me of going on an Easter Egg hunt!

We were in absolutely no hurry and just took our sweet time enjoying the splendor all around us.

We rode about 2-3 miles up the Forest Service Road and then we stopped and turned around and headed back the way we had ridden.

The fun thing about riding a trail in reverse is that the trail looks different on the way back. So it's like riding a brand new trail!

Renee and Stella posing beside the "Burning Bush"  

Apache and I posing beside this gorgeous blazing tree!

By the time we rode back to our horse trailers, the sun was low in the sky and it was close to 5pm. We had ridden 8-9 miles and experienced the most intense and spectacular Fall colors that I have seen for year....especially while horseback riding!

Apache gave me her all the entire day and brought me many smiles and much joy.

I am so lucky to have such a fantastic mare. She truly is my best friend and equine soul mate.

Apache mare enjoying a well-deserved cool drink of water at my trailer after our ride.

Life is SO good!