January 13, 2012

Lost Park

On our 3rd day's ride in the San Rafael Desert, we ride past Runt's Knob,
across Lost Park,
and along the edges of Horseshoe Canyon.  Steve and Daisy search for a safe way to descend from the sandstone rim. 
We find a few sketchy wild burro and/or crazy cowboy trails, but no path we consider safe. 
We don't find water, either, but the horses munch snow.  Galloping over the flat areas has made them sweat, even though the air temperature is in the low 40's.  An equine winter coat doesn't shed heat very well.
When our trailer comes into sight, we are struck by the Henry Mountains looming behind it.  Even parking along the road provides spectacular views!
We have enough water in the trailer tank for both horses to enjoy a good drink before the drive home.  Mischief wears a coating of reddish sand from the luxurious roll he took as soon as the saddle was removed.
On the hour's drive back to the nearest paved road, this stark scene of mountains over sand dunes and snow catches our attention.

18 comments:

  1. Looks like a another wonderful ride. These photos are tremendous, thanks Janie.

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  2. beautiful views :) Love the Henry's.

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  3. I enjoy every moment of your rides...from the warmth and comfort of my home, thank you.

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  4. Janie, I just love the composition of that last photo - a near and far view of the landscape you traveled through. I'll send my Granddaughter to brush Mischief - looks like that's going to take some work to get out.

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  5. Another beautiful uninhabited view. That last shot is gorgeous, Janie. Thanks for the ride.
    :)

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  6. I am continually amazed at the beauty you find on your rides. I don't think you've been anywhere where the scenery wasn't grand. The sand dunes and the mountains is a great picture.

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  7. Mischief would blend right in with that last shot.

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  8. Wow--that last picture is fabulous.... Glad you got back to the trailer so that the horses could have a drink of water...

    Great view of the Henry Mountains in the background of that one picture.... Awesome!

    Thanks for taking us on this trip with you two.
    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  9. I always love your adventures. The sight of the desert with the mountains in the back is spectacular.

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  10. Another beautiful adventure! The picture with Steve and Daisy walking on sandstone conveys the vastness of the landscape and the last one is incredibly gorgeous with the contrasts of dry and wet sand and patches of white snow.

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  11. That roll in the dirt makes it obvious that Mischief deserves his name! I might have wanted to blend in with the snow and sand in the last photo. :))

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  12. Stark alright but hauntingly beautiful. Never having riden a horse I can see some real advantages there... :)

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  13. Such gorgeous/magical views Janie...even the dirty horse looks great here!!!

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  14. Oh, my...great landscape, amazing photos...gorgeous blog!
    Here we have a completely diferent landscap...so I love what I see here: breathtaking!

    Thaks for sharing!

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  15. More fabulous scenery! I really like that image of Steve and Daisy scouting a descent route.

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  16. I do too! They both look so small against that magnificent backdrop, yet so intent. As if to say,"I don't know what's over here, but doggone, I'm gonna find out!"

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  17. The last picture is a wonderful composition of contrasts. The skies are so clear and blue and the snow looks out of place.

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  18. You have some fuzzy ponies! Here in we-barely-have-winter central NC, unclipped horses generally won't sweat like that unless it's in the 60's.

    Such spectacular views, truly amazing!

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