Hey Darlin',
Had a little lazier start to the day, didn't get out on the trail until around noon. Flash was giving me a hard time, really fussing about his boots, and when I tried to ride him, he seriously limped for a few steps. I seemed to remember the Red trail, which is our assignment today, didn't have that much rock and gravel, so I ended up taking the boots off and putting them in my saddle bags. Since there was supposedly only a very slight chance of rain today, I took out my slicker to make room for them. That was a mistake. I also decided not to wear my rain suit again today. That was another mistake. Of course, halfway through the ride it started raining, and fortunately I did have an old holey poncho in my saddle back, which helped somewhat, both in keeping me dry and also warmer. I thought it would warm up in the afternoon, but it really didn't. With Flash limping off and on like he was, I began to think that leaving Apollo in TN was another mistake. He didn't seem as bad once the boots were off, but he was a terrible slug again today, barely topping 2.5 mph on average. It was 3:45 when we got back, which, for a ten mile ride was ridiculous! Sometime he seemed to be limping, but most of the time not, so I'm not sure if he was just playing silly buggers with me or if he was truly having a problem. Anyway, the markers were in good shape, but there was one small blockage with a bunch of vines across the trail, dragged there by a small dead tree, but I didn't have my leather gloves with me, and it looked like brambles, so I just reported it. There was another much larger tree down later, probably close to three feet in diameter across the trail, I reported that, too. Once we dragged ourselves back to camp, I gave Flash an apple spiked with bute, so hopefully he'll feel better after that. Spent a little time cleaning my tack, there was so much accumulated mud on it, it was long overdue. Around supper time, at last, a couple of other trailers started coming in. I was surprised it took so long, I seem to remember it was a lot more crowded here by this time in the spring ride, but I may be wrong. Steve and Cam arrived, they were here last time, and another couple who are just camping, though their kids will be riding this weekend. We all sat around chatting until nearly 9:00, so I'm just getting my tea and cookies now. Just about back on schedule! I'll give Flash another dose of bute in the morning, hopefully that will make it easier for him on the ride. I'm doing Lime and Purple tomorrow, together they're only about nine miles, so that should be easier, and he'll get a longer rest afterward. I hope he recovers okay, Friday's ride is about 14.5 miles, and I might even be able to get over to the west side on Saturday, that will be the longest ride yet, but I really want to do it because it's highly restricted over there and it's my only chance. Of course, I won't if he's not fit, but I'll do everything I can to get him right! Anyway, time for shower and bed. Good night, sweetie! Love you!
Speak Your Mind