July 6 - Day 10 - Clark's Fork to Hunting Lodge

Carter Cooking Breakfast

Today we got to sleep in.  Our main program, horseback riding, is scheduled for 1:00.  We cook a warm breakfast then pack up camp.

Scott and Carter

Near the porch, I set out to learn to lasso.  I saw some of the boys giving it a try yesterday and thought I would give it a try.  I got the basics down and even hit my target a couple of time but couldn't seem to improve my accuracy.   I gave up but Scott and Carter kept at it.  While doing this, most of the other boys were playing horseshoes.

Eac and Zvan

Branding

Another activity was branding.  I branded my hat but there was virtually nothing not getting branded that day.  Shoes and wallets and hats were the top candidates.



After lunch we headed over to the stables for horse riding.  I was over the 200lb weight limit but got to watch them get prepared.  I think 35 were ready to ride.

 They gave a brief training session on how to get on and off the horse, and how to handle the horse.

It took a while for each person to be assigned their horse.  You had to remember each horses name and some of the rules for the horse.  For example, some had to be at the end of the line or had to walk with certain horses.  Next it was time to ,mount.  There were 3 instructors who each had about 12 riders so again more delay.

The trick was to properly put the rains around the neck, then grab the main tightly with the left had while the right holds the saddle horn.   Next from the horses left you put your left foot in the stirrup then rotate by hopping so your right hip is touching the horse.  A couple of hops and your on.  The instructors mounted and slowly the herd started walking out of the coral falling in line.  The were gone for about 2 hours but sounds like they had a great time.
 



Late in the day, we quickly hiked to tonight's stop at Hunting Lodge.

After dinner, the boys competed with other crews in animal trivia.  At that the staff prepared some dutch oven biscuits for everyone.  They really weren't that good but it didn't stop me from eating them.

Tomorrow, we have a early program to make.  We gave the boys a pep session emphasizing the need to move quickly in the morning.



Photo Highlights:

Horse

Deer