Escaping to the Cooler Temperatures in the Mountains: Labor Day Weekend with Far & Jack

Pine Labor Day Weekend 07

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As the temperatures in Phoenix hung in the 110 degree zone, Rusty and I decided it was high time to get out of the heat and enjoy some mountain trails. Kim Abbott was kind enough to lend us her ten acre ranch nestled in between four mountains north of Payson. We left Saturday and pulled into High Heaven Ranch just a couple of hours later. We were in shock: it is the most spectacular, quiet place at the end of a dirt road with nothing but trees and mountains all around.

An afternoon thunderstorm and general lack of interest prevented us from any riding on Saturday, but we enjoyed watching the clouds roll in and the temperatures in the low 80s. High Heaven indeed! After some delicious curry, it was early to bed and early to rise the next morning.

On Sunday, we started the day with organic eggs and salsa with some fresh coffee, then we set out and up and up and up to the top of the mountains behind the ranch. The views were stunning and the trail was technical. We saw other people only once, and they were on foot.

The so-called young horses performed perfectly: Jack was as bold as always, and Far was willing and gentle and eager to please. He just might be the finest horse I have ever owned!

We had so much fun on Sunday morning that we took the boys out again on Sunday evening and trotted them up the steep dirt mountain road that connects the ranch to civilization. Then back to the house for grilled chicken on the barbecue before an early night.

It rained for much of the night, with thunder and lightning. It was *very* cool! On Monday morning we cleaned house and trailered out the four miles to the Pine Trailhead and spent three wonderful hours climbing the Highline Trailand beneath the Mongolian Rim. The boys were eager and the footing was faster, and the views even more incredible!

We will return!