On The Road Again

It's August!!!! Amazing!!!!

Well my travels lead me to Mammoth Lakes California last week where seven of my most adventurous friends packed into the John Muir Wilderness, nestled in the east side of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

We spent a fun filled week full of laughter and adventure. Dave and Melissa Stamey as well as our strong stoic trail guide Forrest led us into some of the most incredibly beautiful country I have ever witnessed.

Dave Stamey provided nightly entertainment, as we sit around the campfire at 10,000 feet. If you are not familiar with Dave Stamey's music you need to get familiar with it. His song writing is simply the best. We sell his CD's at our Salina store or you can visit his website at www.davestamey.com.

Monday we arrived at the pack station, anticipation filled my cells wondering what type of horse I would be riding for the next 5 days. Turns out to be a chestnut mare with 4 white socks and a blaze. The ride into base camp was a climb, we trailed over some of the steepest most rugged granite mountain passes I had ever been on. Got to camp, picked out our tents and unpacked our wares. 30 lbs of dunage was our limit, carrying it over to my tent I certainly felt I may have extended my allowance.

Tuesday: 10 paid riders and 3 guides head off to search for Virginia Lake, breathtaking rugged granite peaks, paired with water, amazing amounts of water. Glacier packed ridges jet towards elevations of 14,000 feet. Weather to say the least can switch in a moment, unsettled is an understatement. 50 yards before our tie up and have lunch, half way turn back around spot the sky opened up and gifted us with marble size hail. Horses and mules and riders taking on these stinging forces of nature. Forrest yells at us to get off get under a tree and tie up. I took one foot out of my stirrup, horse is very upset, the next thing I know I am wishing I had both stirrups, horse spins, bucks and as Dave's song the Bronc Ballet goes, farts me off! When you hit the ground it's hard to catch your breath. Of course I hit a granite rock, that is what 80% of the Sierra's are made of. Thank God I lit on my most padded body part. Talk amongst my peers reverted to a air rescue, the moment I heard the words helicopter rescue I forcefully declined. I would find a way to mount up and ride out, despite the pain and uncertainty of my injures. The mind is an amazing tool, once you decide you can do something, well, you can! Rain, more hail, lighting and thunder, were our escorts off the mountain. Everyone was incredibly caring and helpful and hours later I was pulled off the back of my horse with a new found appreciation for health and friends.

Wednesday: With the forecast of rain and thunder showers our fearless leaders decide Wednesday will be a stay in camp day. Many went fishing, the rest of us hiked and the weather really was of little threat. New wildflowers were introduced to my visual pallet and appreciation again for the healing that was occurring in my body.

Thursday: Big ride day, my challenge had arrived, the challenge to get back on, smile off the pain and enjoy the ride. Breathtaking and rugged are the two words that come to my mind about Thursday's ride. Cliff hanging rides, crossing a bridge that looked down into a rushing river hundreds of feet below, big step ups and bigger step downs had my derriere talking too me. They say not to mix drugs and alcohol, that was another rule I broke on my Sierra adventure.

Friday: Pack up and ride off those incredible mountains we made lifetime memories on. New friends were made, Dan and Pam from Santa Ynez, Sue from Southern California and Forrest, Dave and Melissa our guides and camp hosts. The Kelly's our cooks were outstanding, both in cooking and their fun personalities. Our group of seven strong independent friends headed off the Sierra Nevadas full of a new memories and a stronger appreciation for the friendship and life.

Saturday: Depart Bishop California where we had stayed and took our first shower is 6 days. There is nothing better than water, especially heat controlled, falling out of a shower head onto a tired, sore body. Destination back to reality! What a wonderful experience a group of girl friends can have going away together for a weeks worth of fun, a big THANK YOU to all of them for making my life more enjoyable.

Sunday: Last day of Arts Festival in Park City. Back to hard work and making clients. Appreciation fills my soul for the ability to live, work and play in this amazing life experience.

The Magnificent Seven, Celia, M'Recia, Jean, Deb, Lana, Leslie, and myself head back to separate lives but for one week we shared the raw beauty and mystery of the Sierra Nevada's.

Thanks again, Ladies. What A Ride!!!

Love,
Danna