South Dakota Days 8 and 9: The trip is winding down

Saturday-Sunday, August 8-9, 2010



Today is the last full day here in South Dakota and tomorrow we head towards home. Two of the riders needed to go home today. Monday was a work day for one of them, and they wanted to travel on Saturday so as to have time to relax on Sunday. They left at 9:30 after breaking camp, packing everything back into their trailer, and cleaning horse lots. Right after they left, it started to rain. We were very lucky all week, with beautiful 80’s and sun. The shower lasted about an hour, and kept the morning cooler than what the rest of the week had been.



It was nice to see a rainbow after the shower.



My other 2 friends took the time to rest, and I spent the morning reading more the Centered Riding 2 book again. We were thinking we should take a short, 1 or 2 hour, ride, just to stretch the horse’s legs out after the harder ride to Harney Peak yesterday. But they both were feeling a little stiff and sore in their backs, and needed some extra rest time in the morning. At noon, we ate lunch, and just relaxed. My 2 friends continued to rest their weary muscles, and I read the Centered Riding 2 book, underlining areas that I wanted to make sure to teach about.



We planned on a 3 pm ride. But we needed to go back to town for last minute souvenirs. We did stop along the way, and pick up these massive pine roots. I just know my husband is going to say, “what is that for?” He isn’t in to “natural decorations”. LOL

When we got back, the day had gone from morning to 5 pm, and the desire to ride one last time was fading fast. We enjoyed some wine and wine coolers around the last campfire.



And we rekindled friendship as well. Maybe it was a good think that I stayed!

Sunday morning, a small doe was in the empty corral. I'm sure she enjoyed whatever grain was left.



we broke camp and packed up. We wanted to leave at 9 and got on the road at 9:30. Not bad, considering my monster of a horse had a loading issue, after I spent 3 weeks, off and on, loading her. I guess she forgot what we worked on at home! She loading within 5 or 10 minutes, but only after evading the entrance a few times and stepping on my one foot one time. She thinks the can walk sideways into me. She had some major training time coming at home. The other trailer needed hitched, and coolers were packed.

After loading, we headed down the road. A small group of buffalo were on the side of the road, immediately before we left the Black Elk Wilderness area,



as if to tell us good bye.



I have mangers and I fed my horse 2 large flakes of hay and some grain in the trailer. An hour down the road we stopped for gas. When I checked on her, she had eaten everything, AND she tore ½ of the stall divider bumper pad off the stall divider. It was the back half. How did she do that? And she had a long scratch down the INSIDE of her front leg closest to the divider that she messed up. Did she get her leg caught down inside the bumper pad? Was she acting up and stepped down onto herself with her other front leg? I really don’t know. I just kept feeding her every time we stopped and tried not to leave her run out of hay. Mares! I usually get along with them, but this one is acting like a bully 4 year old gelding! Once again, I’m thinking she needs some of this impatience and anxiety worked out of her when I get her home!

Our trip home was a little shorter, as we planned on stopping at Halsey National Park in Nebraska to ride for 2 days.



That may be a little hard for me to do as I only have hay for 1 ½ days. I better graze her some to stretch my hay.

Originally, we planned on being at Ft Rob, Nebraska from Sunday to Wed morning, but funds were getting low. We thought it was better to head closer to home.



We arrived at Halsey campground after about a 6 ½ hour trip. We put the horses in the pens, hay and watered them and parked a few feet away in the campsite. Since this is Sunday night, there is no one else here. Camp is so quiet. After a quick supper, we got the horses out on lunge lines and left them graze. And we watered them from the large tank that is powered by a windmill. They should sleep good tonight.

I knew we will. My friends went into their trailer about 9 and I’m heading to bed by 10, which is early for me. I’m ready for an 8 hour night of sleep. Being in the mountains, a few long rides, higher altitudes, and dealing with horses are wearing me out!

Pleasant dreams…

Good bye, South Dakota.

South Dakota Day 7 Trail Riding to Harney Peak

Friday, August 7, 2010



Trail riding to Harney Peak is the ultimate trail ride of the area. The trail is steep, rocky, and sometimes, a little tough in places. Maybe a little treacherous. There was one spot where you stepped up onto stone, had to make a sharp turn to the right through a very tight, maybe 6” path for the horses’ legs, and up onto rock again. For 3 or 4 steps, I held my breath. Then we had to come back down it! The last 30 minutes were the toughest, but well worth it.

Along the way is some fungus growing on trees. The horse thought it was interesting too.



To view Harney Peak is breathtaking. You are on top of the mountain, literally. You see above the tree line and far into the distance. Let’s just say that my viewing lasted less than 5 minutes, as I made the climb with my horse, and I climbed the last area by foot, but as I stood in the middle of the area at the top of the peak, I knew I couldn’t stay there. After a few minutes, I high tailed it down to safe ground. Back to where the horses were tied.



No one understands what I feel, at least not too many people. I can look out, over heights but I can’t look down. And I’m bothered by seeing other people look down over steep edges. And it‘s getting worse with age. I asked my friends not to get near the edge when I was up there, but one ventured too near for my comfort. And I quickly exited the area. I don’t know why. I don’t know when this feeling started. But all I know is that my body doesn’t care for the feeling that someone may go over the edge. So after a few very short moments of viewing the wonderful scenery, I went to the safety of where the horses were. And I called my husband. I was a little upset.

Is it ok to say that I was feeling a little homesick? I had been on the road for 7 days with 4 other women. This day was hard for me. And I was on a horse with very little experience. And I felt that no one truly understood what I felt. My horse was anxious and skittish at times. I don’t enjoy heights. But I knew that my hubby would understand, because he has experienced my uneasiness and what I felt, first hand. And, that time, a few years ago, when he pushed the matter with me, I was so upset that I cried. And then he knew that the experience had upset me. This time, as he talked to me on the phone, I almost started to cry. But I heard my friends coming back down the trail to the horses, so I didn’t talk so I wouldn’t be upset. Mostly with myself. I didn‘t want to be anxious about heights, about my new horse, about her anxieties and goosiness if she was last. I wanted to enjoy the day. I needed to enjoy the moment. So, to my hubby on the phone, I said I miss you and I love you, and then we hung up. I didn’t talk to my friends, as I felt they were upset with me for leaving them. But they knew I may not even make that walk up the staircase, to the top, or stay there very long. I just wanted to be back with the horses. I only needed someone to understand and who cared.



I think everyone was feeling the pressure of the day. The steep, rocky climb. The tight turns, on rock. The anticipation of what was going to happen. Then the relief when the climb to the top was done. Only to realize that the climb had to continue, but this time down. And when the trail leveled off, everyone was thinking of their own ride. I doubt, at that moment, when we were down with the steepest decline, no one took into consideration the thoughts and fears of the other riders, and their horses.

No one realized that my horse was turning into a monster. At one point, when we stopped to take pictures of each other, she was wanting to rear and rush forward. I don’t like it when people think I’m just rushing them to get moving. I know everyone wants time to get their picture taken. My horse needed to go, and go now, to keep her mind on the trail, and not on losing it. She needs patience training, but this wasn‘t the moment to work on that. Why didn’t anyone understand that but me? I tired to explain that, but no one was listening to my doubts. Was it because we were already on the trail for 6 hours and everyone else was beginning to get tired? I felt like my horse was like that kid that was over tired. Being bad because she had just about had enough! I didn’t say anything, just bit my lip, and felt more upset with myself. Geez, I was turning hormonal! And that was the only bad thing that happened on the trip. I brought it on myself. Imagine that!

All of the trail rides and this trip up to Harney Peak was well worth any trouble along the way. I know that now. I would do it again this trip, if we had just a few days to prepare for it again!



And after we had all had a snack when we got back, I think everyone was feeling better and the mood lightened. I know I was tired, so I’m sure everyone was. After feeding horses at chore time, we sat around a campfire, enjoying the cooler night and watching the deer come down to the meadow to graze.

A few riders were leaving the next morning, and I was debating on whether to leave. I ended up staying the last day, as I had already paid for the campsite. I figured we would go on one last short ride and zone out. I needed to end the ride time in SD on a good note with my friends. I needed an easy ride on my horse.

When horses get bad, as they always will, don’t take it out on friends. Just make the most of what you are riding at the moment, and keep everyone safe. There’s time to work on behavior issues and training moments at home. The rides through the forest and up the hill sides were wonderful. That is the most important thing to remember about this vacation.

That, and these beautiful sunsets that we saw!

South Dakota Day 6 Sight Seeing at Crazy Horse

Thursday, August 6, 2010



After our long trail ride to Mt. Rushmore yesterday, today was a day for sightseeing. We decided to go to Hill City to souvenir shop, and on the way, we drove the Needles Highway and saw the Crazy Horse monument.



Oh my goodness, NEVER go on the Needles Hwy with a horse trailer, which we didn‘t. It is tight even with a truck.



We had to go through narrow tunnels of rock. And did I say NARROW? “Pull in the mirrors” narrow! Once we were through the tunnels, there was beautiful scenery. And at one place, as we looked up at the high rocky areas, there were climbers on top of a peak!



Oh my goodness. I could barely take a picture, then had to look away! How did they ever get up there. The only way I could have a picture taken of me was to back up towards the railing, and not look around! I am fine at looking out at heights, but I can not look down.

Arghhh, the symptoms of age, I think. I just can’t look down. And it upsets my system to see other people looking down! What is that all about. I just want everyone to be safe! What if they lean too far over, and fell? My palms start to get clammy thinking about it.



I’ve also seen Cray Horse before, but many years ago. Crazy Horse monument is in the process of being built, and I wonder how long it will take? Fee was $10/person or $27/car. There were 5 of us, so at $5/person, the fee was reasonable. While we were there, there was going to be a blasting, which I have never seen. At one in the afternoon, they gave a warning. There was a loud blast as the dynamite went off,



followed by smoke.



We didn’t see rock sliding. But I felt like I was part of American History.

The museum was wonderful, with details on many of the ancestors of the American Indian. I bought a piece of horse hair pottery. I discovered horse hair pottery when I was researching that idea last fall, after Finny died. I have yet to send some of his hair to be made into a piece of pottery. But now seeing how beautiful and unique each piece is, I am ready. His tail has been laying in an area in my basement, and now I think I’m ready to do something with it. It’s hard to part with it, but I know when I get back the pieces that I’m planning on having made, I’ll be glad. Bitter sweet idea, sad and glad at the same time. But as I know when I ride the horse that I am riding, Finny will always be with me, if I have a braided item hanging on the bridle or breast collar.



There were other pieces that I could have bought. A rug that would have been perfect for my horse trailer. A Tim Cox painting of running horses. But this piece of pottery has a special meaning. A double meaning. To me. And to the memory of Finny.

I told Dianna that night, as we were sitting alone at the campfire, that I felt a peace as we entered each Indian museum or art gallery. I must have some Indian blood in me. My dad’s grandfather had that dark brown black skin, especially by late summer, as well as my dad’s uncles. To see my dad in the middle of summer, with that dark skin, he looked Indian. He has high cheeks and a wide nose. I have always felt drawn to the Indian way of life. I have always wanted to be on the Indian side as I watched a movie.

As I entered these museums and art rooms that had Indian artifacts, I felt a peace that quieted my whole soul. If I ever find that I have no Indian blood in me, then Mother Nature is calling out to me. I understand the Indian way, and maybe that is what is most important. I should have bought a tape of the music. Soothing to the soul.

We also toured Willow Creek campground. I felt that this equestrian campground had areas that would have been hard to park large horse trailers, as well as trying to find the room to get the horse trailers off the side of the road. With steep roads into some of the camping areas, I could not have gotten my 3 horse trailer up and into the area.

We are not seeing as much wildlife as I thought we would see. Today, we did see a group of 3 bucks, with antlers heavy with velvet. We also saw 2 flocks of turkeys, with many young following them.

I’m still hoping for a sighting of some elk. But maybe the highlight will be those buffalo herds, which will stay in my memory forever.

How peaceful is geese on a lake?



When we got back to camp, dark clouds were overhead, and we had a few rain drops.



We had perfect weather all week. Just perfect!

South Dakota Day 5 Trail Riding to Mt Rushmore

Wednesday, August 5, 2010



Wednesday was the day for the ride to Mt. Rushmore. 2 of us were a little apprehensive, as our horses have never been on such steep, rocky paths. Thinking about it was actually worse than riding the trails though.

We left at 9:10. We traveled Centennial 89 from the Iron Creek Campground to the Blackberry path that led to Mt Rushmore.



The paths were very rocky and I would not want to ride the trails without shoes. If you were adamant about staying barefoot, then I would highly suggest Easy Boots, or something to protect the soles.



There was one ledge that I thought was the worse. You had to move between 2 very close rocks and turn and step up on to a stone ledge. For about 3 steps, I held my breath. The rest of the terrain had dirt between the stones, so that even if you stepped onto flat rock, there was an area with dirt a step or 2 away.



The last ½ mile up took about 45 minutes and was the steepest and rockiest. We rode 4.4 miles and arrived in 2 hours. The views were breathtaking.



We could see Mt Rushmore through the trees.



We tied the horses to trees, which were in sight of a viewing of the presidents.



We walked across a small parking lot and the road that led into the Mt Rushmore area.



We walked between the state flags,



and arrived at the base of the viewing. It is amazing that, in the 1927-1941, the President’s heads were able to be carved out of stone.



Many years ago, when the kids were little, we came to Mt Rushmore for the first time. Someone had told us to view the rock monument at night. The area has been changed, as they added more buildings. At that time, I remember walking down a long path, state flags waving on flag posts on each side of the walkway. It was dark and we had to wait in semi-darkness. The lights came on the side of the mountain. The background was pitch black. In the foreground, the monument was like a 3D picture in front of us. White stone against a black sky. That was our first viewing of Mt. Rushmore. It has left a lasting impression on me, seeing that huge mountainside carving, brilliant against the night sky.



We were at Mt. Rushmore, sightseeing, taking pictures, and had lunch for about an hour and a half. We left, traveling back down Blackberry. For some reason, down seemed easier than up. I wouldn’t have thought so. Maybe I was concentrating on each step or 2 in front of me, helping my horse, Savannah, to find the best route. Down was slower, as the horses slowly found their footing between the stones, placing their feet carefully. When we come to a ledge or big step, they stepped slowly down, reaching with their front feet, then just went. I was glad when that part of the ride was over.

Riding back down Blackberry took about ½ hour. I think it took a little longer going up. This is definitely the steepest place of the trail. From there we turned northwest on Centennial 89 to Horsethief Lake, and continued south on Grizzly Bear Creek, back to C 89 to camp.

(The following pictures don't show the steep trails. I had my camera put away for those. I know my friend, Dianna, kept her camera out, and I can't wait to show you some of her pics!)



Our total mileage was 13.4 miles. Travel time was 7 hours, 10 minutes, which included the time spent at Mt Rushmore. Our moving time was 5 hours, 10 minutes. The extra non-moving time was spent on letting the horses eat some grass, picture taking, and just letting the horses rest after a steep climb.



I would trail ride to Mt Rushmore again. I wouldn’t lose and sleep, anticipating the climb. I only had Savannah less than 1½ months, and after the first 2 easy days of trail riding here, which including some climbs with stony areas, I knew she could do the steeper climbs.



Keep your horse slow on the up and down climbs. Help them to be sure footed, by helping them pick their way sometimes, and other times, let them find their own way.

We had a fabulous day. The weather, sunny and low 80’s, couldn’t be any better. Gorgeous views everywhere!

After a hard ride like today, tomorrow is rest day for the horses. And for the riders!

Resting in camp in the evening, the deer came out to graze.

South Dakota Day 4 Shopping in Custer and Buffalo

Tuesday, August 10, 2010



On Tuesday, we wanted the horse with the sore leg continue to heal, hoping that she would be sound to ride later in the week.



We did some sightseeing, visited some shops in Custer, went through the French Creek campground, and toured the Wildlife Loop.



Since last weekend, motorcycles, from all over the US, were in Sturgis. Motorcycles were everywhere!



All shapes and sizes, to both riders and bikes. Lots of Harleys! Everyone was in black leather, and on some, there wasn’t very much!!! Can you imagine shorts just a little bit more that a black leather thong? Geez! I’ll stick to leather chaps and half chaps! Custer, and nearby Hill City, are about an hour away from Sturgis. I can’t imagine how many motorcycles are there! In Hill City, they closed down main street to cars and trucks, because only the bikes can get through!

On the way to Custer, we saw one, lonely buffalo, and decided he was an older male who got kicked out of the herd by the younger, stronger males. Later, along the Wildlife Loop, we were delighted and excited to see a large herd of buffalo. And not only 1 group, but a 2nd group. The first group traveled out of the trees and across an open area.



We drove down the road and into a parking lot. The herd passed within 30’ of us, in an unfenced field.



A park ranger asked us to stay in our trucks as they were moving the buffalo past the parking lot. We felt like we were part of the herding!

We saw a 2nd herd, that stopped to drink water in the creek.



Once again we were lucky enough to park inside a small parking lot before a lot of people got there. We had front seats as the buffalo came to the creek, about 20’ away.



It was breathtaking to see the herd up close, yet inside or near the safety of the truck. When some of the herd crossed the creek to come to our side, we immediately got in the truck.



Being Sturgis weekend, bikes were soon everywhere near the buffalo. Not everyone was respectful of the buffalo and their young, as one cow snorted and half charged at 2 guys when her calf got too close to the guys. Talk about how this is how to get hurt or die! I wouldn’t have parked my bikes so close. One bike, with 2 people on it, were only 10’ from the nearest guy. He did start his bike, which seemed to irritate the closest buffalo, but they did move away and back into a field. The buffalo have to be used to traffic, as they got very close to the road and the motorcycles who were going back and forth.



If I was one of those bikers, I don’t think I would want one of those buffalo 10-20’ from me and my bike as I drove past them.

Some came down to the creek to drink. Some moved along the trail.



Some crossed the creek to graze in the tall grass.



Standing there by the truck, it didn’t even seem that we existed to the buffalo. I had stayed near the truck, moving from in front of the truck when the buffalo came up to the creek to standing on the running board when the buffalo crossed the creek and got closer. I knew what they could do if angered, and I rapidly stepped into the truck when they where within feet of us, even though I was on the opposite side of the truck.

The view of the buffalo among the trees made it seem like something right out of a movie. It gave me goose bumps. The buffalo were spread along the whole hillside, moving in and out of the trees.



I will always remember that hillside viewing of the buffalo herd.

We saw some deer with a young, spotted fawn. We spotted many antelope.



And we saw some young turkeys. And it was fun to see so many different colored donkeys. The mares and babies were so tame. We laughed as the donkeys would stand in the middle of the road, holding up traffic.



We stopped to shop some more. We are going to make dream catchers with items that seem relevant to the trip. At one of the store, they had miniature stone cutouts of animals. We picked a horse that was similar in color to our own horse. We picked a while buffalo, which is held sacred to the Indians. Perfect! Later that week, we found other items, a small pinecone, some flowers to dry, pine needles, small stones. This will be a special piece of history, as well as a symbolic artwork of our South Dakota trip.

We picked up dead tree branches on the way back to the campground. You are not allowed to haul in lumber. We plan on taking a trail ride in the morning, and coming back to enjoy a campfire at night!