I now understand why Pete was so intent on our getting over Cumberland Pass. The route we’re now following is long and roundabout, and will add at least a week to our travel time. It’s a foregone conclusion—we won’t be riding Wyoming and Montana together—he has to be back in Alaska in late August. We’d expected to be further along than we are now. The detours slowed us down. I don’t know if I’ll continue on alone. I’ve learned that horse trekking is a two-person preposition.

Our day began with one-land bridge crossing. I presumed this wouldn’t be a problem, since there was hardly any traffic. I then saw a non-potable water truck and a road grader ahead of us. We got to the far side of the bridge, and dismounted. The two vehicles passed. We then remounted.

Minutes later, the two trucks came back up behind us. Pete said that they probably grading and watering the road in sections. It looked like a long day of leapfrogging was ahead. We again pulled off the road, and Pete talked briefly with Mr. Road Grader who said that they were only doing that one little section.

The scenery was varied. We rode on the road through a steep, shady canyon, all the while surrounded by vast rock outcroppings. The canyon then opened up, and before us was a long, straight, wide open stretch of road. I ponied Signy, and Raudi, seemingly energized by her companion, broke into a fast trot.

On the road to Taylor Park

Taylor Park Reservoir

Pete again found a decent camping spot, this one well off the road. We had to ride around wetland to get to it, but once there, we were in dry terrain. I kept my eye on the hobbled horses, which were intent on checking out the open space. This morning we saw a herd of elk. Raudi said to me that she’s now seen it all.

Next: Dispatch #38: ATV Oasis