This morning we checked out a trail that paralleled the trail that we rode out on yesterday. Once again, over the berm we went. A wide canyon was on our left. And on our right, a beautiful view of distant mountains. There were some rocky, steep sections that reminded me of going over the Rockies.

I rode Hrimmi and Pete ponied Tyra. The two mares did not seem to mind reversing roles, although Tyra repeatedly badgered Pete for treats, and every so often Hrimmi would move in the direction of what she perceived to be good grass. Good grass, today just a few sprigs here and there.

Alys and Hrimmi

It was a good thing we had Josh put shoes on the horses. The trail wasn’t muddy, but it was rocky, and this would have been hard on their soles. I checked their feet this evening, and yes, the metal on all four hooves was worn down.

We trail we were on joined up with the trail we were on yesterday. We rode about a mile on it, then rode back in the direction of camp on yesterday’s trail. I was hoping we’d see a side trail at the distance, one with trees, so that we might, tomorrow, string up a highline and spend the night farther off road.

We have not, in the past, done much gravel pit camping. When on the road we have sought out and usually found corrals. But now we know tying to the trailer is yet another option should we not find a corral, which in BC and the Yukon, are becoming fewer and fewer as fairgrounds are closing

Once we returned to camp, we decided, after weighing what seemed like innumerable options, to move base camp. My reasoning was that if we left today, that we’d be able to get in an early ride tomorrow. Pete, thankfully, agreed.

We packed up our gear, and headed down the Denali Highway, to Mile 100. We needed to find a quiet place to camp, off road, near a trail. One hour and twenty minutes after exiting Gravel Pit Campsite #1, we came to Gravel Pit Campsite #2.

This gravel pit was even more gravel pit-like than the first one. But it was quiet and we didn’t have to leave our site in order to do a review of the RVs/ATVs. They were a relatively quiet bunch, but not people that I’d go out of my way to associate with.

This evening I went and checked out tomorrow’s ride. I used to do this when we went on longer trips. I then did this because I wanted some assurance that the following day’s ride would not be death defying. Interesting, I no longer am fearful about riding our horses on unfamiliar terrain. I trust our horses. They don’t intentionally do stupid things.

However, my perambulation revealed that ahead, the trail is boggy and rocky. A heated discussion with Pete as to whether or not we should do this particular ride will undoubtedly ensue. He’s far less fearful than I am about such things.

Next: 187. 7/8/23: Photo from Denali Hwy