Third Season Trek

Before sunup we gals left
for a very long trek,
with pack strings of mules
after they'd all had a fleck. 

Through the D-ring,
the rope says "slide",
the knot is tied,
and on goes the ride.

With more snow on the ground
than these eyes had seen, 
Just two weeks prior
had been Halloween. 

Sunrise was frigid, blistering cold
on that day. 
Icicles on whiskers;
horses breaking snow all the way. 

Stopped at the top of
the canyon for a break,   
dreaming of Salt Park
where there's a camp we will make. 

Riding into the snow gusts
on Windy Ridge was a breeze.
The ice on our eye lashes
brought giggles to my knees.

It was the warmest sleeping bag
I ever did feel, 
after finishing a superb 
and delicious hot meal.

Through the D-ring
the rope says "slide",
the knot is tied,
and on goes the ride.

Watering horses
at the creek in the morning,  
the grey horse gave his rider
a terrible warning. 

East Pine hunters were surprised
to see us that early.    
They weren't expecting two broads;
but men very burly. 

Back to the lodge,
we arrived mid-afternoon.   
Three feet of snow on the ground,
had me singing a tune. 

It was the best life adventure
I'd had up to that date.   
The woman I rode with
was my best packing mate. 

I think of packing daily
with a very warm heart,   
and am so glad to know
the knot tying art.  

Through the D-ring
the rope says "slide",
the knot is tied,
and on goes the ride.