Horseshtuff: DAY 2, UTAH'S CANYON EXPLORER

For Day 1 story, click here

Not too many photos of the morning breakfast routine. Maybe it's because everyone is too busy working out the riding logistics and getting gear ready for the day. This explorer trip is not for the novice rider and not for the faint of heart. So if you're an avid equestrian and can handle 6 to 9 hours in the saddle, you have a leg up on the game. Otherwise, you better be a tough cookie.

That said, prepare for large swings in temperature and varied weather. Climate can change rapidly as you weave amongst the mountain ranges. Different directional facing slopes and varied altitudes can account for some unexpected surprises.

Day two's morning trek was made up of some cathedral lighting through towering pines. Oxygen thick as water filled our lungs. Air like this is not experienced often when living in Southern California.

Hint; don't follow too close behind each other. Poor Joe was chatting away when my Roanie decided that stopping and relieving herself was the thing to do. And her thing to do was done all over Joe's knee when his horse butted up against mine. Joe had a bit of a wake up call on this one. Not a common occurrence for a financial planner, and not one he cares to experience again, I'm sure.

Aaahhhh, beautiful!

Don here. . .our token comedian. Nothing like the silence of the woods, the hoof beats of horses and the laughter brought on by delirious comedy.

The trek up the mountain brought us to more spectacular views. The access to these parts of Bryce, Zion and the Grand Canyons are not available unless you go through a private tour like this. I highly recommend it. And I don't imagine they will be available forever.

Here's Shel on his trusty steed, Mesquite. Mesquite was a runner and Shel did a great job of stepping up to the challenge. You're a cowboy Shel!
And by the way, I took your lead and bought a Barbour waterproof jacket. I love it. Scott swears by his Filson gear with the waxed cotton. Personally, I think the Filson is more bombproof, but I like the softer and insulated fabric of the Barbour. It's pricier, probably less resistant to abrasions, but more comfy against my skin. And remember, these are both RIDING jackets, made for the saddle and rigors of ranch work.

This was one of our break spots. I don't suggest you sit here if you experience any kind of altitude sickness. But the silence you'll experience here is soul piercing. The sound of a bird soaring overhead cuts through the silence like a whip. The warm thermal air rising sends a chill to the back of your neck. I can see why it has been such a spiritual area for Indian tribes. Have you ever watched a raven circle a thermal from below you, white light shimmering off the tops of it's wings?

Onward, after a lunch break.

Scott running up the road. Giving it his best Captain Call!

A trail head? Really? Not something we've been running across.

Joe and Bob, college buddies reunite. Bob has prepared his buds for this ride a year ago. Some took the warning and rode some horses, others just played golf next to the riding stables and thought they were good by proximity. I'm thinkin' Joe was wishing he had a lllliiiittle more saddle time right about now.

Sitting on the edge of the world, we took a Kodak moment.

Another Kodak moment. . .just make sure you don't have vertigo before you step out to the edge.

One rock pushed from the bottom of your shoe travels a Loooooong way down! No thump to be heard.

Hmmm, how did our picture taker, hu hum. . .Jason. . . .manage to take a blurry picture with an auto focus camera? Must be the vertigo.

Something tells me we missed a bunch of photos of the day's adventures. . I believe this is a homeward stretch photo. This is one of the pastures that host the fall cattle drives, definitely a trip I'd like to take sometime.

Giving the horses a grass break, except for Shel on Mesquite who is still ready for a sprint to the evening pasture.

See the deer?

A full day in the saddle, up and down hills, around trees and plenty of adrenaline surges. This all makes for a thankful stroll down a solid and flat road!