Hey Darlin',
Had a good night sleep, and even fell asleep after waking up at 5:30, a rarity! I'm still not 100 percent, still coughing up phlegm and otherwise removing germs from my body, but at least I had some energy today. Finished packing up, had Luis bring down my horses (they must have been easy to catch, it didn't take him long!), and they loaded right up into the trailer. Said my good-byes and headed out by about 10:15, arriving at JCR Campground around 12:45, a bit later than I planned but I did stop for fuel along the way. Not a lot of room behind the trailer for the horses, but I managed to carve out a little spot between the fence and the hitching rails that happened to also have about the only shade tree in the whole place. It got very warm, so I was happy that I had power, albeit only 30 amp, but that was enough to run the AC all day, which I needed. Once I got set up, I discovered there was no cell phone service here, but did manage to get the password for the wifi, so I'm piggybacking off of that. I read for most of the afternoon, then had my usual evening of dinner and a movie, and intend, once again, for an early evening to that I can continue to get the rest I need and stay on the mend! Forecast is looking very hot, even up into PA, so I'm not sure when I'm going to move again, though I have confirmed that the place I want to go in PA is at nearly 2000', so it should be somewhat cooler up there. We'll see. Meanwhile, I'm sleeping in AC! Good night, sweetie! Love you!
Thursday, June 13, 2024 – Packing, Shopping and Hay Day
Hiya Sweetie,
At last I woke up with a little energy. Not a lot, but enough to get some stuff moving along today. I did a little packing up, ran into town to do some shopping, which finally included getting a long overdue compressor. I've given up on those portable tire inflators, so I had to go for a bigger 6 gallon pancake compressor. I didn't really want to carry something that big, but it seems like the only thing that might hold up over time, and will be good for a lot of other purposes, too, I think. Did my grocery shopping at Walmart, had to stop at Publix for grapefruit juice, then came back home and put everything away. An hour later, I went out to pick up some freshly-baled hay, just five bales is all I had room for, but my horses are really not liking the stuff I bought before, though this new stuff looks a lot better. Got back and got that stored, then settled down for dinner and a movie. Felt a bit tired by the end of the day, understandably, but with a good night sleep, I think I'll be fine to move on tomorrow. I only have 20 amps here, so I can't run my AC, so I really need someplace with higher power during the heat wave that's here. I'll be at a much higher altitude and latitude in PA, so hopefully it will be cooler up there. Looking forward to moving northward, even though I don't have any specific plans at the moment. Just go with the flow! Good night, baby! Love you!
Wednesday, June 12, 2024 – Another Rest Day
Hey Babe,
Well, I thought after doing nothing all day yesterday that I would have enough energy to get a bit busier today, but it seems, I did not. I barely managed to get up this morning, just managed to drive over and finally visit with the horses, who came running to me looking for their treats, which, of course, I had brought with me, then back to the trailer. I finished emptying my duffel bag, and that was about all the energy I had. This cold really has me dragged down! I'm hoping today's rest will be enough to have more energy tomorrow, because now I'm running out of time. I've arranged a reservation at Love Valley starting Friday, just because I don't want to overstay my welcome here, and it's time to move on. Read and napped most of the day, watched a movie, and am definitely heading to bed early, in another last ditch effort to regain my strength. Good night, my darlin'! Love you!
Tuesday, June 11, 2024 – Laundry and Rest Day
Hiya Darlin',
Had a sound sleep all night, thank goodness, but got up around 8:30, even though I would have liked to stay in bed longer. Instead, I started on laundry, since I had so much of it, and spent the day reading, resting, and watching TV in an effort to speed my recovery. Still coughing and having some chest congestion, but I think another good night sleep will have me on the mend. I'm hoping tomorrow I'll have a bit more energy, enough to figure out what it is I'm going to do for the next two weeks. Haven't heard back from the folks at Fairhill yet, so I may just have to skip by that one, as I need to make a decision here soon. Anyway, I'm done for the day, off to shower and bed soon! Good night, sweetie! Love you!
Monday, June 10, 2024 – Travel Day Back to Charlotte, Happy 35th Anniversary!
Hey Sweetie!
Glad to have had another good night sleep, so even though I got up early, I felt more refreshed. I'm still a long way from 100 percent, but I'm improving. Had a quick breakfast, ordered a Lyft and got to the airport in plenty of time. The flight was uneventful and on time, watched a movie and even arrived a few minutes early. Lugging that big duffel bag around has been problematic, not sure what I was thinking on that! Truck started up, no problem, for which I'm glad, I was worried it might not, and I forgot to bring my little charge with me, glad it wasn't necessary. Stopped for fuel on my way back so I wouldn't have to worry about it, and arrived well before nightfall. Was very happy to see Lola (and vice versa!), though all her feet seem to be getting more and more odd-shaped, like she's getting serious arthritis in her toes. I made sure she got her antibiotic, and I'll take a closer look tomorrow to see what I can find. I'm so exhausted, my plan is to do nothing but laundry for a couple of days. I was a bit alarmed when I got back to hear a strange noise, and finally figured out it was the water pump, with no water in the tank. Heaven knows how long that's been going on, I'm just grateful it didn't burn out the pump! I filled up with water, since I'll need to shower tonight, then settled down to a bourbon and a cup of Sleepytime tea. I've started a new series on Prime from SyFi called Warehouse 13, so I watched one episode, but I'll be heading to bed soon. I fully expect to sleep late, despite the time change, and I'm sure it will go a long way toward getting caught up. At least, I hope so! Good night, babe! Happy 35th anniversary! Love you!
Sunday, June 9, 2024 – Travel Day Back to Vegas
Hiya Babe!
Had a better night sleep, at last! Woke up feeling a bit better, at least more rested, walked over to the Trail's End Restaurant for breakfast, where I had oatmeal and ordered some bacon, but it was way overcooked to my liking, almost burnt, so I only had a taste of that. Finished packing and was loaded on the bus before 8:00, and we then make the three and a half hour drive (with one pitstop, where I finally managed to get some Dayquil to help alleviate my cold symptoms) back to the Fairfield Inn. Of course, we changed times zones from mountain to Pacific, so there were no rooms ready for two hours, but I spent the time in the lobby loading up pictures and videos and otherwise trying to get caught up. Once I got to my room, I essentially just vegged out the rest of the afternoon, other than a quick stop and Taco and Beer next door for a salad. Only unpacked the bare minimum so it will be easy to pack up in the morning. There's maybe a dozen of us from the ride staying overnight, but I stayed in my room for the rest of the day, trying to get as much rest as I can. Watched movies and read until I was finally ready to turn out the lights. Looking forward to getting home tomorrow, but this trip has certainly been one for the books! Not sure how I'll be able to top this! Good night, my darlin'! Love you!
Saturday, June 8, 2024 – Final Day of the Red Rock Ride-Down Into The Grand Canyon
Hey Darlin'!
Another fantastic day on the Red Rock Ride! I can't believe today is the last day, though my body is sure craving a break! Sorry to say that despite using every trick in the book, I still didn't get a very good night sleep, but I went to bed so early, there were enough fitful hours to at least provide me with a little rest. Because we were going to the Grand Canyon, which is on Pacific Time, while here in Utah we're on Mountain Time, there wasn't quite the need to rush around this morning, and we didn't even have to load up on the bus until 8:30, which seemed luxury enough. We drove about 90 minutes into the Kaibab National Forest, then the Grand Canyon National Park, seeing some wildlife for a change! We say a very well-bodied coyote, then, as we were going through the meadows, an entire bison herd, with dozens of babies, were right along the road, so we got a good long look. Once we got to the lodge, the plan was to kill some time, which I did by walking a short 1/4 hike to Bright Angel point, then having lunch at the bus, then driving up to the mule corrals and getting mounted. Today I was on a black mule named Cassie, and she was a peach! The North Kaibab trail is nowhere near as striking as the Bright Angel Trail from the south side, but if you haven't been to the Grand Canyon, it was still pretty dang impressive. We only went down two miles, had a break, then rode back up again. I managed to luck out again and be in the first group out and back, which was nice. Once we got back, we helped unsaddle the mules, then eventually took a group picture in front of the mule barn. We headed back to Kanab, arriving back at the hotel just after 5:00. I immediately put on my bathing suit and went down to the hot tub, something I've been hoping to do since yesterday, and that did a lot to relax me. I'm hoping that will help with my sleep tonight. Eventually I came back up, showered, and headed over to the restaurant for what was absolutely, undoubtedly, the best prime rib I have every tasted in my life! I finally had a pretty good appetite, first time in days, and I managed to eat at least two thirds of eat, mostly skipping the bread and baked potato in favor of a nice tiramisu dessert. Then there were a few awards, i.e. Most Improved Rider, which went to young Ashley, and a special award to Kelly, for being the only male rider besides the wranglers. He was very patient, but then, all the women here were truly great. I'd never believe that 38 women of such varied backgrounds could get along, in any other venue that with horses and mules in the mix. It was incredible. Then, as a huge surprise to me, every rider received a beautiful denim jacket with Red Rock Ride on the back and a patch on the front. Gorgeous! I honestly don't know how they make money on this ride, with all the goodies they provide. They could charge twice the price and it would still be a bargain, in my mind. Anyway, finally got back to the hotel, did most of my packing, set my alarm, drank a second cup of sleepytime tea, and praying I get a good night sleep! Good night, sweetheart! Love you!
Friday, June 7, 2024 – Fifth Day of the Red Rock Ride-The Slot Canyons of Wilson Creek
Hiya Darlin',
What a day! This morning we were supposed to have breakfast at 5:30 and be on the bus by 6:30 so we could get a jump on the heat of the day. It's been unusually hot this week, and the dryness has made it hard to keep drinking all the extra fluids I need to cope with this stupid cold that I have. It's moved into my chest, at least, so I'm not getting dizzy, but like the last couple of days, I've felt okay in the morning, but by the end of the day, it's been tough going. Well, I had a hard time getting to sleep last night, despite how tired I felt, but eventually I must have fallen asleep, because I ended up sleeping through my alarm, which never happens! I woke up and it was already light, so I knew I was in trouble. It was almost 6:10, so I had to rush around and finish packing (we're moving to a hotel in Kanab at the end of the day, yay!) I was all set to have a nice breakfast, I haven't had much of an appetite, but I ran out of time and managed to grab a banana and lunch just in time to get on the bus. I was glad they didn't have to wait for me, but I was frazzled by the time we started moving. It wasn't too far of a bus ride to the trailhead, which was, in fact, the same trailhead where we ended up on the Snowy River Long ride the other day, though we headed in a different direction. The most interesting thing about this ride was going through the slot canyons, which were narrow, tall and beautiful. It also had water running through them, so it was delightfully cool when we were in there. About ten miles in we stopped for lunch, and wrangler Hank took us on a short hike up to see some ancient petroglyphs. They were impressive, but had been all but destroyed by idiots carving their own initials and dates on the same wall. Hank then took us to another spot where apparently these idiots haven't found yet, and showed us another amazing petroglyph that looked like an elaborate map of some kind. Very stunning. We did a lollipop loop back to the bus, where we had to say good-bye to our mounts, (good-bye Whinnie!) and to strip all our stuff all the saddle, as tomorrow, we're going on new mounts, all mules. We were all grateful to be on an air-conditioned bus, and they even showed most of a movie (Sargeants 3 with the Rat Pack, which was filmed locally) before arriving at the Best Western in Kanab 90 minutes or so later. Once I got my room, I promptly took a long hot shower (the only flaw in this whole week has been that all but Monday, my showers have been barely lukewarm) and crawled between clean sheets. I was so tired, I was sure I'd nod off immediately, but it didn't happen! I may have dozed for a short bit, but that's about it. Finally, I got up when my alarm went off at 6:30 and managed to get dressed and walk the block to Houstons Trails End Restaurant where we had chicken fried steak, mashed potatoes and banana cream pie. I still couldn't eat too much of it, though I the pie was delicious, and I'm hoping the sugar rush will cause a sugar crash later, and I'll finally be able to sleep tonight! I'm at the point where I'm too tired to sleep! I'm sure I would be fine if I were healthy, but this cold has really dragged me down. To add insult to injury, I started getting a cold sore this afternoon. Typically I either get a cold or a cold sore, never both, so I must have really been exposed to a heavy dose of germs somewhere. I'm guessing the airport on the way out here. Should have worn a mask! Anyway, I'm in bed, writing and loading pictures, and I'll soon be on my way to sleepyland with the help of some sleepytime tea and some Tylenol pilfered from Cathy. Sure hope I sleep tonight! Good night, baby! Love you!
Thursday, June 6, 2024 – Fourth Day of the Red Rock Ride-Butch Cassidy Trail
Hey Baby,
Woke up feeling a little bit better, at least I wasn't dizzy nor did I have any chills, so even though I wasn't 100 percent, I felt good enough to tackle the ride today. Today's ride followed the Butch Cassidy trail, which led to a hideout about was about 7 or 8 miles from our starting point. The terrain here was a lot different, lots more trees, many different kinds of evergreens, not so many hoodoos, but some nice red rimrock. The pre-lunch trail was lovely, the post lunch trail was essentially through a draw that had a trickle of water going through it. Apparently, it's a spring that produces water all year, which makes sense, since they had to have water for their horses. Tales were told at lunch, so it was an enjoyable ride. I was getting a bit tired toward the end, but I had added yet another pad on the saddle (I'm up to four now!), so it was a bit more comfortable this time. I had most of a sandwich for lunch, but I still wasn't hungry at dinner, I barely ate one rib and a mouthful of potatoes, and just a little salad. I guess that's a good thing, but I sure hope I get my appetite back soon. Anyway, I'm cutting this short to get to bed, because we're leaving at 6:30 instead of 8:00 tomorrow morning, and we have to pack, as we're moving over to a hotel tomorrow. Good night, Sweetie! Love you!
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 – Third Day of the Red Rock Ride-Tough Ride on Thunder Mountain
Hiya Sweetie,
Went to bed last night with a scratchy throat and a little cough, woke up dizzy with chills. Not what I was hoping for! One of the gals got me some Alka Seltzer Cold Plus and I was able to eat some oatmeal for breakfast. I definitely felt a bit under the weather, but not enough to skip the ride, so we headed out to Thunder Mountain. The first part of that was more of the spectacular hoodoos, plus traversing some narrow crossings with big dropoffs, but nothing we couldn't handle. We stopped for lunch, and at first I sat in the shade, but then I got the chills again, so I sat in the sun and warmed up, but it was pretty hot. I was drinking enough water, so I don't think it was strictly dehydration, I think it's just a cold. One of the other girls had a cold and ended up staying home today, so maybe it's just something going around. As I was getting ready to remount after lunch, I was standing next to my horse on the hitching rail, and the next thing I knew, I was sitting on my butt on the ground! Obviously, I fainted or something, which practically never happens to me. Literally, I've only ever fainted twice before in my life! Anyway, they got some electrolytes, which worked to revive me, at least enough to finish the ride, though I have to be honest, it was tough going! Once of the wranglers, Clay, drove me back to camp while the bus went on a shopping trip, which is not loss for me, and I spent the rest of the day in bed, napping and trying to drink more liquids and electolytes. They were kind enough to bring me another fan, as it was very hot in the cabin and the one fan on the wall wasn't cutting it, but the second one did the trick. I'm pretty sure I have a fever, and I've several dizzy spells this afternoon, but it's coming and going. I wasn't even aware of the time when another organizer, I think it was Tom, brought an EMT to check me out. For some reason, he didn't have a thermometer, but he checked everything else, and I was fine. Tom brought me a little dinner, but I could barely eat a few mouthfuls. I managed to get a quick shower in, and I'll heading to bed early, with high hopes that I'll be recovered enough to go tomorrow, but if not, I'll sit tomorrow out so I can still get in the north rim of the Grand Canyon and Kanab. Nothing worse than getting sick on vacation!! Anyway, heading to bed, taking some Tylenol, keeping my fingers crossed. Good night, darlin'! Love you!