Nature Connection: Horses, Cold Creeks and Summer Sun

This summer our horses got rented for a trip into the back country. It was a different experience to our usual trips as we would be only responsible for guiding the rides and taking care of the horses. We did not have to cook for anybody, not even for ourselves. We also did not have to follow a set itinerary, meaning there was more time for us guides to connect to nature. And within the usual business of guiding season this trip and the ability to connect with nature ourselves was a more than welcomed opportunity.

We stayed at a little camping area that had been used by the Gang Ranch. An old cabin and horse corral were left from the history of ranching and cattle drives in this area. We arrived at this little spot just after lunch time. It was the middle of summer, the sun was shining down on us. It almost was too hot to move in this afternoon heat. But the sunlight was also warm and energizing. We unpacked and unsaddled the horses. There would be no more riding today, so we were looking for a good spot for staking the horses. We would be staying here for two nights. We decided to leave the spot close to camp for the second night and rode further. We crossed a big creek with turquoise and ice cold glacier water running past. On the other side there were big spots for staking the horses with lots of grass. We staked the horses, appreciative of what they have been doing for us. They deserved this break and eagerly started eating the lush grass.

We were ready to return to our camp site. Now we had to cross the ice cold creek. We took our shoes and socks off and pulled our pants up as far as possible. We walked through it, trying to keep our balance with all the rocks at the bottom of the creek. One of the other guides dropped his glove in the creek. As I was close to shore I started running trying to beat the current of the creek. I saw my opportunity and ran into creek catching the glove, but getting my pants all wet. We all had a big laugh, almost like little kids we were excited about the simple pleasure of this cold creek on this hot day. We had a drink, this water was the best and healthiest refreshment you could imagine.

On our way back to camp we explored the area a bit. It was Moose habitat, swampy grass meadows. And we found antlers that had been sheded. Two antlers right next to each other. We imagined how the Moose must have stood there and dropped them at the same time. We collected our treasures to bring back to camp to share with the rest of the group.

Back at camp, we got our sleeping spot set up. We had packed light, a sleeping bag was all we brought. But we had so much more with us. The tarps, string and blankets from our pack horses was all we needed. We found a few trees close together, hung up the tarp and put the saddle blankets underneath and putting our sleeping bags on top. Our bed for the next two nights was made.

We had done our responsibilities for the day. But since we had staked the horses early, we went back to make sure they were alright before we would go to sleep. Still hot and sweaty we decided to combine checking on the horses with a swim in the creek. It was refreshing and energizing. After that refreshment we thought about our options for the next morning. Though summer days are hot, the nights can still be freezing in the mountains. So the creek would be even colder to cross in the morning. We walked around and found fallen trees that we carried to a spot to build a bridge across the river.

Happy with our success, we went back to camp. We crawled into our sleeping bags, hiding from the mosquitoes. It was quite around camp and we could hear the horse’s bells in the distance assuring us they were still there.

This day we fell asleep deeply connected to the nature around us. We were appreciative for our horses and happy knowing they had a good grazing spot. We were energized by the warm light of the sun and refreshed by the cold water of the creek. We were conscious and aware of the environment around us, learning about the Moose habitat as well as enjoying the quietness of the night.

Lea D., Germany