After re-visiting Cowboy Cave, our plan was to continue on in a loop through the Upper Pasture (about 2 square miles in size), over some hills, and back to the trailer. The entire loop was supposed to be about 14 miles.
We made the trek through Upper Pasture (above) okay. Daisy enjoyed a little shade wherever she could find it. After that, we had a few difficulties, however.
Such as, the "hills" turned out to be solid sandstone, too steep for the horses. If we could have found a path with soil, the climb would have been fine, but that slickrock just wasn't do-able.
While hunting for a route, we often came to cliffs we couldn't climb. In the photo above, a cliff provided a pour-off and a pool to water the animals. Even Coco was thirsty enough to brave the deep, wet, sucking sand to get himself a good drink.
Finally, we realized we weren't going to find a route in time to get out of the canyons before dark. Having come within a couple of miles of completing the loop, we had to re-trace our steps, making the ride 24 miles instead of 14. Big diff!
We worried a little that we'd be riding in the dark, partly because Daisy was footsore from scrabbling over sandstone by then and couldn't go very fast, but she showed her mettle and stayed close. (As a last resort, we would have put her on Boss's saddle and let her ride.)
Almost back, we passed this intriguing juniper corral, still in good shape.
We made it to the trailer an hour before sunset.
Almost back, we passed this intriguing juniper corral, still in good shape. 
wow yall are so adventerous...such pretty photos...love Daisy in the horse shadow...glad all worked out for yall..
ReplyDeleteYikes. That sounded a little scary to me. I liked your Plato reference and picture to go with it. Neat!
ReplyDeleteHi Janie, This comment is for both Cowboy Cave and today's post. Cowboy Cave looks like a fabulous place... Loved seeing the Artifacts. Loved the Mother-in-law name also... ha
ReplyDeleteToday's post must have been rough since you had to turn around. George and I have had to do that on the trail... I hate to turn around --but sometimes you just have to!!!!! Poor Daisy... Bet she slept really good that night...
Hugs,
Betsy
Cowboy Cave really did turn into quite an adventure. I'll bet you All were tired and foot/butt sore by the time you got back to the trailer.
ReplyDeleteJanie, that a close call.. I can't imagine having to ride in the dark. A scary thought for sure!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are all safe.. sorry it didn't pan out after the exhausting trail ride.
Poor Miss Daisy needs a cart.
be well, happy and above all be safe.
Pam :)
That's sort of scary (and no doubt disappointing,) but all's well that ends well. That Daisy is smart finding shade out of nowhere! Wow, I'm impressed ... again.
ReplyDeleteYou certainly don't lead a dull life. I'm glad you got back to the trailer safe and sound. I imagine everyone slept well that night.
ReplyDeleteOkay, I thought the shot of Daisy using the horse shade was funny. Maybe you should get Daisy a set of booties for the slickrock like the booties sled dogs wear in the snow.
ReplyDeleteI can't get over how brave you are! So adventurous.... I need to learn how to be half of that!
ReplyDeleteThis is so adventurous of all of you. I just love Daisy lying in the shadow of the horse! And if you ever have her on the saddle with you, I'd love to see a photo. Thanks for this lovely safari (as it would be known here in Kenya!)
ReplyDeleteYou must have headlamps and such in the event that you get stuck like that? Makes a good case for carrying a tent and supplies. I would find that a little bit scary.
ReplyDeleteMust have been a little frustrating not being able to close the loop like you wanted but you had a fine adventure anyway.
ReplyDeleteMy word, that was a long day. I imagine you didn't need any rocking to sleep that night!
ReplyDeleteGayle: Actually, we didn't have headlamps, although we certainly should have. We never carry a tent, but we do have extra clothes, water, and about twice as much snack food as we'd need for a day. If we had to spend the night, we would have done okay.
ReplyDeleteHowever, horses have excellent night vision and will re-trace their steps pretty reliably to home or the trailer, so we weren't too worried. Would have been better if we could count on a full moon instead of a crescent. Note to self: Bring headlamps routinely!
In your comment on the last post, Gayle, you asked about being afraid of snakes in the cave. I never even thought about snakes, but I was a little concerned about bats! Actually, we haven't seen a single snake in the Canyonlands area. Looks like good rattlesnake country, but maybe the scarcity of water keeps them from being widespread.
Sinbad and I: Daisy does have a pair of rubber boots, but since she's never needed them in the 4 years she's been riding with us, we gave up carrying them with us. I guess we'd better have them on board next time we travel over lots of sandstone.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your adventures. Your photos are breathtaking, I adore the one of Daisy enjoying the shade!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh...what a DAY! I am so glad you made it back safely...and Poor Daisy..she must have had a BIG nap at home.
ReplyDeletexo
That is a long day and those trails sound very tough! You must have been glad to see that trailer before the sun set.
ReplyDeleteIt must have been a frustrating decision to have to retrace your steps! Good for Daisy for making it the whole way!
ReplyDeletea long day indeed. My dad used to sling the dogs over the front of the saddle when they couldn't go anymore. Are your horses OK with that?
ReplyDelete