Rode: 19.2 Caribou Creek Trail, Nabesna Road
Campsite: Deadman Lake, Alaska Highway

I have no choice. A good thing. Forced, finally to reconnect with my horses. This sounds antithetical, but really, it is not. I had to leave home and spend time with them in order to do this. Been travelling with them, feeding, watering, and trailering, riding on trails. This time, we are not highlining. Rather, we are tying them the trailer and staying with them in campgrounds.

The campground we stayed in last night and the night before, the Kendesnii, was so quiet and peaceful. Yesterday, we rode the Lost Creek Trail. Today we retraced our steps on the Nabesna Road and rode the Caribou Creek Tral. It was just three miles to the turnaround point. The trail went another three miles to a hut that you had to register in advance to stay in. Three guys who had just spent the night there commandeered the picnic table at the trail head, so we had to work around not having a flat surface.

Hrimmi at the Kendesnii camp ground

Pete decided to ride Tyra and pony Hrimmi because Raudi was too rambunctious. So I rode Raudi. I wasn’t fearful like I was yesterday, just a tad apprehensive because I wondered if Raudi would take off on me. I have to keep reminding myself that those days are over.

I got on a rock to mount up. This rock got the award as the best mounting block ever. A good height and flat and smooth. By the time Raudi and I set off, Pete, Tyra, and Raudi were already a ways up the trail.

Yes, Raudi was all for moving out. I was by now not overly concerned because she felt so familiar to me. Together, we have many miles under our belt. So I did what I had to do, I got out in front of Pete, Tyra, and Hrimmi and let ‘er rip. She then cantered uphill.

The trail started out as a double track. There was soft footing and it was very rooty. It became like Siggi’s trail except for the fact it was more lengthy. Then, finally, we came to snowpack and opted to turn around.

The trail was uphill going out and downhill going back. The horses trotted going back down. They weren’t as speedy as they were when they went uphill.

Raudi, on the way back, saw a grouse and spooked. I stayed on. My stirrups were too short, Pete lengthened them when we got back.

We returned to the road leading to the trailhead. I walked Raudi, thinking that 18 years ago, I would not have done this.

We put the horses in trailer and drove to Tok where we got more groceries and another water bucket. We also got water. A man and a woman in a car waited impatiently for us to finish up. Pete went and purchased ice. Oh my, right as we left, Mr. Impatience went to get water and smashed the side of his RV into the side of the building.

Some construction on the way here: Deadman Lake Campground. Lots of bumps and dips. Glad to immediately have found this campground. It is located next to Deadman Lake, which is quite beautiful. However, the name leaves something to be desired. Tomorrow, onto Canada and Snag.

Next: 159. 6/11/24: Day # 6, Snag Creek Junction, Snag Creek Trail