HORSE DRIVE DAY 3

Camping next to Crowley Lake on the 3rd night was one of the coldest experiences I've ever had camping! The temperature dropped to 34 degrees (F), the wind howled and we were pelted with rain all night. Up early as always, I had the privilege of seeing a magnificent sunrise over the lake.

While waiting to saddle up that morning, Deanna and I walked around visiting with the horses and mules. Several of them were laying down. One gentleman told me that there was an old legend that if you kissed a mule in the morning, you'd guarantee you wouldn't fall off your horse that day. I suspect that was complete B.S., but Deanna wanted the picture and I figured, "What the hell" and gave Rosie a kiss!

Day 3 provided all kinds of riding contrasts. We first rode along Crowley Lake, then through meadow, sagebrush and woods.

Here are a few pictures from our lunch break that day.

Our final campsite was on the property of a huge ranch. Around the campfire that night, we were treated to the cowboy poetry, stories and singing of Larry Maurice, cowboy entertainer. Larry rode with us each day and entertained each evening. The previous evenings, Deanna and I were too beat to stay up and enjoy it, but this last night, we had lots of energy. Not only does this man look the part, but he's spent the last 25 years as a cowboy, horse wrangler and packer in the Eastern Sierra and the high deserts of Nevada. He speaks at schools all over talking to the children about the role the cowboy has played in the development of the west. I often rode next to Larry and thoroughly enjoyed listening to his stories.

Click HERE to continue the tale to the last day of the horse drive.