Sword Lake ride...... - Pictures - Pictures - Horse Community, Horse Pictures, Horse Forum and Information

Posted : 9/14/2009 5:49:55 PM

Hi Yall!

Well got busy when summer hit, husband is working away from home and only home 1 day a week, Sundays. That left me to irrigating, and every ranch thing you can think of on a cattle ranch. Cody started Kindergarten, so left me with one day ride, did get a few campouts in, but on my birthday campout, Josie got her foot caught between a granite step and pulled her knee pretty good. Left her off with no riding for 2 months to play it safe. I've been riding her on the ranch when Cody is in school and working her back up, and glad to say she is back and doing well. I just wanted to give her some time to rest. She is 13, but she is an old 13 yrs. with all the miles I've put on her since she was 5yrs.

So...........................

Took myself, Josie and Miss Du up the hill for a day ride to Sword Lake. Glad I got up there and the cool breath of the sierras was moving in and and the Aspen were a quaking. It was nice to dawn on a hooded sweatshirt and a flannel over that. I'm getting tired of the heat here in Angels Camp.

We headed on up to Spicers Res. a favorite little spot of mine, and access to many trails I've found by researching out the old trails not used anymore. We headed on out for a 7 hour round trip to Sword Lake. Josie did just fine and was sure happy to get back up to the mountains.

A little lakelet along the way. This hasn't been this full this late in the season for a long time.

This is the view you get as you crest the ridge going into the back canyon behind Spicers Res. You climb a granite staircase and pop up looking at the Dardanelles.

Along the trail you wind through forest which doesn't leave you views like the ones along the ridges I ride that I'm used to. But ending up at a lake like this........................it's worth it!

Sword Lk.

I haven't rode to Sword in several years. It got so overran by hikers camping that it wasn't as peaceful as it used to be. Well to my surprise, USFS has "NO CAMPING SITE RESTORATION" post all around the lake. This made me happy as it will be my peaceful spot once again.

The peak you see in the background it looking East towards Pacific Valley. That is Bull Run Peak.

Posting more hang tight!
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cowpony01

Posted : 9/14/2009 5:51:39 PM

Here's a self taken shot of myself, Josie and if you look under Josie in the back on a granite rock is Miss Du. I had treats in my pocket! the reason she is looking back.

A view of Sword Lake with the Dardanelles in the background.....

Josie looking off into the wilderness.

On the way back we stopped at Wheats Meadow, an old cow camp, for a break, this is the half- way stop. My old cow camp cabin is slowly coming to an end. I always take pictures of this as I won't know if it will be standing the next year I return.

My cabin in the woods....

I remember about 10 years or so back riding into here with a group of gals, and there were two cabins standing. The other one is off the the left hand side in rubble on the ground. This is what the last cabin looks like now................

I have several rides to post, so when time lets in for me to sit and type my travels I will share them here with yall soon!!!!

Hope you enjoyed the trail dust!

Cowpony

danastark

Posted : 9/17/2009 8:05:27 PM

Wow, absolutely beautiful scenery ':)'

Thanks for sharing. In southern Cal we have occasional streams but no beautiful lakes like that on our trail rides. Wish I could take my dogs with me but I know they'd be after the first bunny and never seen again! Your horse and dog look very happy to hang out with you.

ladyluck

Posted : 9/17/2009 9:54:27 PM

WOW! Really enjoyed your pix. Never made it to ride in your state, but sure would love to someday. Waiting for more pix!!! Thanks for posting and sharing!!

BuckskinsRock

Posted : 9/18/2009 3:43:14 AM

omg thats soooo beautiful if only i had that to go trailing riding in wow thats beautiful great pictures........im going trail riding this weekend at cypress trails.......... its a wonderful place they have trailes on the river beds in the woods its pretty i will try to get pictures

cowpony01

Posted : 9/18/2009 3:37:20 PM

Yes, please do! Let's get the trail riding board going again! Let's show everyone place we ride, camp, pack or hike also! as I do alot of that when I"m horseless camping, but that's very rare! LOL!!!!!!!

I'm heading up over the pass over hwy 108 into the eastern sierra nevadas, to meet up with a friend I met online a few years back. We stay in touch often but our lives just keep getting in the way of our trail riding plans. We are finally meeting up again after 2 years! We are both so exicited and she's bringing her neighbors along, will be a total of 5 of us. Not used to riding in groups as i"m solo most the time, but this will be fun, pretty mellow group she told me, so it'll be nice!

brandybesthorsever

Posted : 10/12/2009 10:17:15 PM

Wow that was some great pictures! Now just if I could come there too! Wish I were there.

hunterseat

Posted : 10/17/2009 1:43:53 AM

LOVE the scenery but the pic of you and the fur-kids is my favorite! I have to say your pup is absolutely precious!

Remali

Posted : 10/18/2009 3:26:58 PM

It's always been a dream of mine to visit that area...... but heck, I wanna LIVE out there!!

Gorgeous photos! Your horse and your dog are so beautiful! What a place to ride, pure Heaven!