It's truly the land where the antelope play!
Soon after that, we can usually ride in the desert near our home:
January 26, 2011
Planning Spring Rides
While the temperatures are well below freezing, Steve spends a lot of time studying maps, figuring out where he wants to ride as soon as weather permits.
The snow melts first at the lowest altitude. The lowest land close to us is at about 4600 feet, near the Green River. In past years, some of our earliest rides were in the Ouray Wildlife Refuge, where there is lots of room for galloping along the river and overlooks.
With luck, and if the snow, or lack of it, cooperates, we'll be riding there in February.
Soon after that, we can usually ride in the desert near our home:
We like to go down to southern Utah in February. A couple of years ago, we rode on BLM land near the Canyonlands Hans Flat Ranger Station:
And also rode along 50 Mile Bench in Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument:
Yes, we're dreaming of hoofbeats every night. Only a little longer, and we'll be in the saddle and on our way.
Soon after that, we can usually ride in the desert near our home:
Sure hope a lack of snow allows for some low elevation rides. I'd really like to explore Escalante more.
ReplyDeleteStunning scenery! I can see why it's hard waiting to get back in the saddle again. All the hours spent studying maps pays off big time.
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your rides also. Great photos.
ReplyDeleteMy kids used to call them pronghorn cantelope. I am not a horse person but in a setting such as these photos show, I think I could get into it.
ReplyDeleteI'm getting excited for Spring too. The rides you'll be able to do soon look like fun!
ReplyDeleteCan't wait until you go to Canyonlands and Escalante, Janie! (Two of my favorite scenic places.) Your snow must be sparse this year if you plan to ride in Feb. My son is skiing UT first weekend in Feb.
ReplyDeleteAnticipation. I can see why! :)
ReplyDeleteThe anticipation just adds to the final pleasure :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery, the air looks so clean. Enjoy your Spring rides!
ReplyDeleteback in the saddle again...can't wait till you are and we can come along on your adventures...
ReplyDeleteYour pictures are always inspiring. The one of the pronghorn in the wide open, and the one of riding a horse with the mountains in the background, both scream "freedom!"
ReplyDeleteYou have some wonderful places to ride, but you're not the only ones looking to the start of your Spring rides. We want to go along with you through your great pictures.
ReplyDeleteWow! I love your new blog layout. The photos really pop off the page. The back tabs are nice too. Very well done! :^)
ReplyDeleteI imagine the horses feel the same way!!!
ReplyDeleteNo wonder for your excitement on the coming rides.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful scenery, and I like the new template. Hard to believe you will be without snow that soon.
ReplyDelete"sitting quietly, doing nothing, spring comes, and the grass grows by itself"
ReplyDeleteit's not to far away :)
Can't wait for you to hit the trails either, because we get to join you!
ReplyDeleteThe scenery is breathtaking. I can only imagine how beautiful it is to be actually surrounded by it. Thanks for this little window into this magnificent area Janie. You guys always look great on your horses, as do the horses and the ever popular Daisy. Thanks for stopping by. We now have our electricity on as you can see with this message. Hope it lasts so that I can catch up like this :)
ReplyDeleteWow!!
ReplyDeleteNice post with great landscapes... :)
I would like to visit the place in some autumn.
I know I've said this many times, but you ride in the most amazing countryside!! A lot of space to gallop sounds like heaven. Do you have to watch for burrow holes?
ReplyDeleteThe Gene Autry song 'Back in the saddle again' is playing in my ole head.
ReplyDeleteYour rides would make a wonderful reality show, Janie. Then the world could ride with you and Steve.. just a little food for though.
be well and happy,
Pam