The trails are lovely. There will be 6 different
loops so unless something happens we will have three different loops each
day. No repeat loops.
This is a mountain ride and there are mountains in the
mountains, so yes, there will be climb. We couldn't get away from
it. (lol)
The footing is excellent, mostly old reclaimed logging
roads with dirt floors. A short section of gravel road, lots of 2 tracks,
and single tracks. Some brush, some small water crossings, no rivers to
forge, no bogs (I hate those!) and a few puddles (since Linda's horse, now
nicknamed "Puddles" drained most of them). There seems to be a
different type of trail on each loop.
The trails are not technical but there may be an
occasional rock hidden here or there in the tall grass, few holes, a couple low
branches, and a few logs you might have to go over but nothing that requires the
'Two Point position'. Lots, and lots of feed along side of the trails for
the ponies. None of the trails are scary at all! No deep sand,
no cliffs, no drop offs, and no "Man from Snowy River" stuff.
There is plenty of horse water in camp with a beautiful,
cold, clear stream running thru the middle of ride camp. (Bring the
fishing poles! The tiny pan-fries are pretty speedy in the creek but there
are a few reservoirs nearby and the Payette River to try your
luck).
The temperatures in Boise have been hanging
around 100°. The temperatures at ride camp around 86°
but with a little more humidity than Boise, which can make it feel
much warmer. The trails are shaded, for the most part, depending upon the
time of day...and this should help keep the horses and riders more
comfortable. (The creek back at camp will cool you down
instantly!!)
It is hard to remember to bring a coat when it is 100° and
you are sweating profusely while packing your rig, but when the sun goes down in
the mountains the temperatures drop quickly (aahhhh...). Bring a coat and
a blanket for your trusty steed, just in case it gets chilly.
Bugs...nobody has asked about bugs. Make
sure you bring fly spray and some 'Off' for yourself. You are in the
mountains and there are some pretty hungry mosquitoes! The deer flies and
mosquitoes haven't been that bad at this ride camp but I have seen a few
buzzing around. (Squash them if you can!!). A fly sheet and fly mask
might keep your pony more comfortable while resting. (I haven't used one
yet while camping/scouting for trail). You know your horse and what he/she
is most comfortable with.
Remember to pack your sense of humor, you might need it
when you see (Purple Passion ride manager) Pam Haynes. Pam is
going for the coveted "Best Dressed Pink Flamingo" award. This should be
very, very interesting!! :-)
There is a restaurant, Cougar Mountain Lodge, on
the corner of Hwy 55 & High Valley Road (2 miles from ride camp). They
have ice, ice cream, buffalo burgers and I think they serve
breakfast! I am not sure what their business hours are but I will find out
(and warn them their might be some hungry endurance riders heading their
way).
Last fuel stops...Horseshoe Bend has a Chevron, if you are
coming North on Hwy 55 from Boise. Coming from the North?
Cascade is the last fuel stop before Smith's Ferry. There is
NO fuel at Smith's Ferry.
The dirt road in to ride camp is a nice logging/recreation
road that was just graded and oiled yesterday. I have heard that 44'
gooseneck and beautiful Monaco motor home can make it in with no
problem. There is a good climb right off of Hwy 55 for about a mile
then levels off to a more gentle grade to camp. 2 miles on High Valley
Road...when you get to the fork in the road, stay right, cross the cattle
guard and camp is your left and right. The way to camp will be
marked with signs and pink ribbon.
Hope you can make it,
Kathy Smith wrote:
Is there someone on this Group that can tell me some about the "Pink
Flamingo" in/near Smith Ferry Id.
What are the trails like? Is it a
technical trail? Is there much elevation gain/loss? How is the footing?
Are there many water crossings? Is the 50 mile end. going to be the same
trail both days?
