Ridecamp: [RC] My Tevis Ride

I had the perfect ride last Saturday.  My big goal was to have a decent start and make it through the canyons.  Decided to try the front as a starting point.  After the "hot-shots" left we had a nice walk/trot up Squaw.  Going into Granite Chief there was no one in front of us and only one horse behind us, this was Liz Henry and we actually finished the ride together.  We were able to walk and "pick" our way through all the rocks and when Blue thought it was safe, we trotted.  We pretty much kept this pace all the way past Lyons Ride.  We did go over Cougar Rock and I'm not sure I will ever do this on this horse again.  He got part of the way up and then decided he wanted to with his ride buddy (who went around), we made it but I'm sure I have a few more gray hairs to prove it.  Not a pretty picture to say the least.  We came into Robinson at 10 o'clock and he was starving. &
nbsp;Mike Witt said he was the best looking horse he had seen all day.  We left alone and didn't catch up with Liz or anyone else until almost Dust Corners.  After that he knew where he was going and took off.  I walked/ran down the canyons and rode up, yes Sylvia it was HOT in there, but he made it out.  He didn't want to leave Michigan.  I think he anted to eat more and seemed depressed-I was worried.  He looked better as we got closer to Forresthill.  We left Forresthill at eight and tried to make as much time as possible before it got dark. We led our little twosome all the way and what a lesson in trust.  You see I had no contacts in and left my glasses at home.  I couldn't see ANYTHING!  Liz's horse doesn't lead so Blue had to.  Once it got dark we didn't make very good time.  All of the accidents happened be hind us and we had two riders pass us and we passed two, other than that, we never saw another horse until we were leaving Francisco's.  After the river cr
ossing he pretty much took off and got me to Auburn rather quickly.  This was my 3rd attempt and in all my dreams, the finish was never to special.  I cried all the way across the finish and most of the way around the arena.  I had told my Mom I would finish this ride for her and she never got to see it.  As I crossed the finish line I looked up and told her this one was for her.  All in all, this was the best ride I've ever ridden.  Everything clicked, good company, incredible crew and awesome horse.  Best part was Blue looked great at the end.  The next day when we got home he rolled and started playing with his friend.  Didn't look as if he had done much at all.  Will I be back-wouldn't miss it for the world.  My husband wants to do this ride a lot.  He hopes to do it in 2 years.  We'll see.  
See you on the trail, Dannan and Blue