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First I would like to thank Ron and Ruth for another wonderful ride! It
is one of my favorites in N. California and from the turn out a lot of
other riders share my sentiments.
Lake Sonoma is our social ride of the year and this year our group
included the wife, Laura, riding Khutrina on her first endurance ride,
Kathy Campbell [I promised Kathy I would never mention her name in an
internet post again so forget you saw it :)] riding Meraffa Bey, Karen
Bottiani on Rhythm, Helen Heathcock, a junior rider on Laura's other
horse, Whiz Kid, Scott and Beth Wachenheim, Teresa Cross and her friend
Tamara.
At the pre-ride meeting we were taught how to call coyotes by making a
sound like "oow ooow ooooow". It must have worked because we didn't
see a single wild pig in camp all weekend. There was a lot of squeaking
coming from the springs of the camper next to us that night but we found
out the next day it wasn't caused by wild animals.
I arrived at the starting line about 5 minutes before the 7:15 starting
time to find the ride had already started about 5 minutes before I got
there. It turned out OK since it tended to string the riders out and
the start was less hectic. When we approached the lake we were greeted
by what looked like Trilby and her twin sister! It turned out to be
purple, trick or treat spotters with candy and carrots.
At the first vet check I realized I had blown it. Ruth warned us what
happens when too many riders come into the vet check at the same time.
Over crowding. It seemed like the water, hay, p&r check, and vet lines
were all in the same place. Fortunately there were plenty of vets and
we were out of there in no time. I decided to stay at the vet check for
an extra half hour to wait and ride with Kathy. Cinnabar didn't seem
happy riding by herself. Nothing I could put my finger on, just no
sproing in her gait. Once she was with her pasture mate she was her
normal self again. Kathy agreed to let me ride with her if I let her go
first on the single track. She also promised me a beer if she didn't
have to yell at me.
The trail after the first vet check is great. Mostly single track
through enough trees to be in the shade but open enough for beautiful
views of the lake. There are a few ups and downs but no long climbs or
descents. A few rocks here and there but not enough to require slowing
to a walk.
Teresa and Tamara caught up with us soon after lunch. They looked like
they were in a hurry so we let them pass. Little did we know that
Teresa just wanted to mess with us by getting in front and then slowing
to a walk. I pulled out my water bottle and gave her a few squirts but
realized she was enjoying it way too much so I had to switch to
gatorade.
We made it to the finish where trailers were waiting to return us to
camp. Scott and Beth were already there but unfortunatly so was Laura.
Khutrina had aggravated a previous injury in her leg and was pulled at
the first vet check. Every one else in the group finished and a splendid
time was had by all.
Ron and Ruth, thanks again for the great ride!
Gary and Cinnabar (Looking forward to Quicksilver.)
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