The experimental Camp.

There is the rule of “P”’s.   There is the saying, “train like you fight, train hard, fight easy”. We used to say ya’ll don’t know the swamp until you meet the mosquito.   Basically, to adequately prepare for an excursion, one must live and subsist in the exact way they plan to in the field. It never really works out, but with enough prep and practice the “Adapt and Overcome” thing becomes much easier.
At this time of year the weather in the Mesa Valley area is comparable to the weather conditions I will face in the high country as late as June.  If I am able to stay on the schedule I am hoping for, by late April I will already be or at near the Blue Mesa, and be getting ready to begin the first phase of the 1st Continental Divide crossing.  The nights will be as cold up there at that time of year as they are here now. 
Most equipment fails quickly.  Weeding out the few essential items that actually function in the conditions one faces in the High Country is a big issue for me, as I don’t like to carry a lot.  I don’t like to carry dead weight.  I am often surprised that the few items that do make the cut, often are antiques themselves.  The old saying “they don’t make’m like they used to” comes to mind.  Once I get to tack and equine care, the day to day routine of survival and self care will be second nature.  Train like you Fight. 
So help out at https://www.gofundme.com/makslivingwageaffordablehousingride.  You can also help me personally here.

Working on the first stage, Departure Route

The first stage of the ride will set the tone, and act as a moving “staging area” to fine tune horses, tack, gear, and  us.  It will be base most likely in this general area. Most Camping will be done on BLM land.   I contacted the Gunnison Valley Blm, and they were interested in a supportive way in the ride, and offered and help and advice I may need. 

The Ride will depart on the Trailhead of the Old Spanish Trail at Grand Junction, Colorado. 
It will bounce between the trail, and the Gunnison River as we complete our first phase, arriving in Gunnison after passing the Blue Mesa Reservoir.  There we will stage for a short week, and prepare for our first crossing of the Continental Divide. 

The “Go Fund Me” Page is Launched

As the official start of the “Maverick MAK’s Living Wage + Affordable Housing Cross Colorado Horseback Ride”, I have launched a “Go Fund Me” page, as well as a Facebook Page for messaging and news. 
From Horses to tack, a canvas tent, and the various support gear one will need for this endeavor, I need help paying for all this.  Help me make a splash and get this angle on this issue recognized. 
Click on the photo to become part it. Let’s make America the Country we teach our kids it is.