October 26, 2009

Twenty Plus One

On a previous ride, we had found enough water sources to try a loop trail connecting the the Avintaquin canyon country with Grayhead Peak, so we were ready to accept the challenge. 
We rode along the east bench of the south fork of Avintaquin Creek to Big Draw Spring, then studied map and mountains for a route up to the high ridgeline leading to Grayhead. 
It was steep going, but we made the top and continued on to ride the ridge.  (Enlarge photo above to see red arrows showing our approximate ascent.)
The crests look relatively smooth, but riding them actually requires a lot of up and down.
When we reached the shoulder of Grayhead Peak (9500 ft 2900 m), we traversed around the side, since we were short on time and we'd already been to the peak on another ride.  The red line in the photo shows our approximate path.  Looks impossible, you say?  I said that, too.  So did Mischief.  But Steve and Boss led the way.  We're back, so it must have been okay. (Actually, the footing in the sand/gravel soil wasn't bad, and there was even an old deer trail -- a crazy deer, perhaps.)
Once again, we wore out the day, returning to the trailer at dusk. 
We went twenty miles, plus almost one mile of elevation gain and loss. Horses, riders and Daisy all demanded at least one day of rest.
For world views from all over the planet, click here.

37 comments:

  1. what a ride! Mischief seems to be enjoying his day off.

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  2. Wow that was quite a trip! Great shots Janie!

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  3. What a great ride! And, yes, Mischief does seem to be making the most of the day! I bet Daisy did, too! Your photos are fabulous as always! Another great look at your world!!

    Relax and enjoy!

    Sylvia

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  4. I bet you all did need a rest...beautiful photos...

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  5. Stunning scenery and beautiful photos. I like them all!

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  6. WOW. I am really impressed with your trail riding.
    The scenery is again, gorgeous!!

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  7. WHat fun in such beautiful surroudings

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  8. Wow!! You are surrounded by beauty -- the sky is so crisp and clear!!

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  9. That is one astounding landscape. The triangular patterns on so many levels are great.

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  10. You folks really do make trail. But that crazy deer trail around Grayhead Peak looks like a red computer line to me. Glad you are all safe and enjoying a day of rest.

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  11. I'm glad the trails were actually better than they look because they look scary to me. The countryside is so lovely I can see why you want to be out in it.

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  12. Looks like a good workout. And the views are unbeatable.

    www.ewok1993.wordpress.com

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  13. Looks scary to me. You have a lot of confidence in your mounts and they in you. I wouldn't have the nerve to do it on foot.

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  14. Janie: The beauty of that mountain is outstanding, thanks for sharing the ride and trasverse line.

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  15. What a fun way to spend the day - and gorgeous views!

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  16. After seeing the track of your ride I've come to the conclusion that Boss and Mischief must be part mountain goat. I'm glad you made it back safely. The scenery is fabulous.

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  17. Another great post! I really enjoy seeing your treks into the widerness. Beautiful!

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  18. Sounds like a long day, but it must feel good to accomplish these rides! Love that last photo of of the "kids" playing. :)

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  19. As always I am in awe of the beauty and how you live! Have a great week Janie! :-)

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  20. Only one day of rest? I'd be taking the next year off! Wonderful adventures you have. Thanks for taking us along!

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  21. Wow! 20 miles, what an amazing ride! I especially like how you showed your actual trails from a distance. thanks for sharing.

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  22. Hi Janie. I am trying to catch up on some blogs. I have read all of yours. Love that "Sick Cow Creek".. Glad Daisy was able to find some water...

    Your ride to Grayhead Peak looked hard and treacherous. I enlarged some of the pictures---so I saw your 'trail'.... Wow!!!!! How gorgeous.

    Glad to be home --after 3 trips back to back!!!
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  23. That is amazing country, and what an ascent! If I'd been riding on the side of that mountain I think I just would have closed my eyes and tried not to think of sliding to the bottom, lol. Mischief looks very spry after his 20 mile adventure!

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  24. I will never tire following your trail. You should us how to love those seemly looking deserted areas. But there's so much beauty to capture there. Your appetite of outdoor would never get sated. And that is very lovely. To me at least!

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  25. Beautiful, but I would need a month of rest if I made it at all.

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  26. Great shots!!Beautiful place!!!!

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    Have a great day,Irina

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  27. Hi Janie; A wonderful landscape; 3ooo m is very high, is it already cold?
    The trail looks steep and wow you made it! I am sure you enjoyed a day of rest as well!!

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  28. Wonderful, dramatic - and oh, those gorgeous blue skies!

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  29. Obviously a deer that didn't suffer from a fear of heights!

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  30. That was an incredible journey for all of you. I love you funny narration of the harrowing ride, Janie. You always put a smile on my face.
    Thanks for letting me ride double, I promise not to be any trouble :)

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  31. At first When looking into the photos, I am wondering if you climb it on foot. And the idea really astounded me. And then I read your notes and understand everything. But I bet you had a wonderful time, I never experience to climb a mountain as open like that that - most of the time, I climb rain forest mountains

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  32. Nice ride! I'm always amazed by where I find mule deer trails--right up in the goat rocks even. I really admire your horses & (even more) your skill with them. So many folks here have horses that end up more or less as moving lawn ornaments.

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  33. well i like your part of the country better on horse back.. I have to say we don't ever remember the high altitude of climbing when we went to Utah before but then we didn't tow a rig before, definitley new we were climbing

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  34. It looks as though Mischief is kicking up his heels at that awesome climb. You sure went UP which I guess means you had to also come DOWN! We are under a winter storm warning here in CO - hope your day has been sunny.

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