North to Limon, CO

Pictures are of Roy Mitchell and me on the open range and of Shania and Jerra Atwater.

On Wednesday June 17th we left Ordway, CO on a ranch road and then rode an irrigation levee a short distance. We were then guided by a local rancher across open ranch land. The Rocky Mountains became visible to us as we could see the Spanish Peaks and Pike's Peak. What a sight! We rode to the Glen Lewis Longhorn Ranch where we set up camp for the night. The Lewis' treated us to hamburgers made of longhorn beef. It was very good. Mr. Lewis told us of the history of the area and the beef industry, particularly the Longhorn beef industry.

On Thursday June 18th we rode out across Mr Lewis' ranch and alongside of a herd of longhorn cows and calves. Again we rode the open range with grass as far as we could see. Mark Hollenbaugh, the Manager of the Smith Cattle Company Ranch rode out and met us and guided us into our new campsite at their ranch. They light a campfire and Del Shields sang cowboy songs and recited some cowboy poetry. We had cake and ice cream to celebrate Mike Shaw's birthday.

On Friday we again were guided by Mark as we rode across the prairie. We found a baby antelope that held tight to his hiding place for a very long time. We thought it may have been sick as it set tight so long, however, it finally took flight and was it ever fast. Later this day we stopped for a lunch break along a creek under a large cottonwood tree. We then had to ford the stream. Ali and I led the way across. Who said Arabian horses don't like water? We set up camp at the Atwater Hay and Livestock Company's cattle pens. We rode 17 miles this day.

Saturday June 20th, we awoke to threatening skies and the day's ride was cancelled. We used the day and Sunday as rest days. I did my laundry and shopping in Limon, CO.

On Monday, June 22nd we awoke to bright skies and headed up the dirt and gravel ranch roads for Todd Wilson's place 20 miles away. Todd is a team roper and his arena and surrounding area is a great place to set up camp.

Tuesday June 23rd began with partly cloudy skies and warm temperatures. Shania and Jerra Atwater, the daughters of Laura and Jerry Atwater, rode with us across the Prairie Ridge Buffalo Ranch. We got to see buffalo, on the open range, up close and personal. The two girls had a great time riding with us and the Mexico to Canada trail riders enjoyed them a great deal. We rode 8 miles into Limon, CO and set camp one more time at the grounds next to Bucko's Feed Store. We have traveled over 850 miles of our adventure thus far.