Payson UT to Challis ID

7 years ago I adopted 2 PMU babies from Canyon Creek Ranch in Acton, CA. One was for me (Wildflower) and one became my daughter’s Christmas present (Tiara). When Tiara was 4 it was determined that she should not be ridden any longer which broke our hearts. Eventually after trying to be backyard caretakers to her, we shipped her to Challis Creek Ranch, a retirement ranch recommended to us by Heather Nelson, a riding club acquaintance who has since become a very close friend of mine. Heather had a horse retired there too. I am now at that ranch with Wildflower (and Dreamy and the whole gang). In our backyard days she knew Tucker as a puppy. Here they are getting re-aquainted. Tiara is still the sweet girl she was, and sniffed Tucker all over. It was very touching.

flashback: After Pine Creek, I overnighted in Payson UT at a small ranch. The owner, Byron, told me a big storm was coming in with snow down to 7,000′. Jack Challis concurred and recommended I haul straight to his place since the passes with snow on them would be not a good idea for me to travel on. SNOW??? Are you kidding me…I packed up fast and drove 8 hours the next morning to Challis. I hit some rain but thank God, no snow. It came after I arrived safe and sound. The surrounding mountains are 14,000′ and are white now.

I have been here as Jack’s guest in his amazing log home. My mares are being housed in nearby corrals and pasture. I don’t know if they know each other are here, but I hope so. Jack has been so helpful getting me fully prepared to complete my venture safely. He happens to know a lot about almost everything I don’t know much about with regards to trailer workings, trucks, state laws and firearms. He also likes to cook which I find amazingly wonderful and refreshing. Here is Jack aboard my Dreamy today.

I ponied the girls yesterday up just about the most treacherous loose sharp rock footing hill I have had them on. I am so proud of their bare feet! The sharp rocks here are sharp enough to cut thru my truck’s tire (which I am now in the process of upgrading! Thank you dad!).