Prepping the Wagon

Built almost entirely from the ground up, the trailer becomes a wagon, on it way to being a Conestoga.  Being the primary hauler of gear and equipment, and base of operations, engineering reliability into the Wagon is job #1.

As other preparations continue, a few of our participants have had to withdraw from the ride. We will be riding out from Sheep Creek Ranch, near Livermore, Colorado on the morning after Memorial Day, May 30^th.   If you or anyone you know would like to to join us on the ride or wagon, or want more information, feel free to call Dave at (303) 517-39 one two.

In the short video below, we show the final touches to the wagon.  

 

 

 

Planning for a Mustang Ride

When the original Americans first set eyes on a mounted Conquistadore, they originally thought they were seeing a new creature to this Continent.   An animal with the upper body of a human, with the lower body of a Dear, or even and Elk.   Only later in their encounters did they realize these new creatures were in fact actually humans, mounted and riding an animal they had never laid eyes on before, the Horse.

History, both Native and White, record that it wasn’t long for these talented skilled hunters to adapt the animal to their hunting practices, and ensure a more secure food supply for their Peoples. 

Today, in the here and now, as the debate over Public Lands rages, especially with a new administration that is still forming it’s actual position on the subject, the outcome of the debate and the status of the lands the the animals that live on it are in question.  For many of us “Horse People” this is  a big issue, as on those Public Lands live the ancestors of the the horses of Conquistadores and the Native Americans, the Wild Mustang. 

Dave Herring of Colorado is a Master Farrier and Horse Trainer.  I will be accompanying him on a Ride to the Deerwood Ranch Wild Horse EcoSanctuary in Laramie, WY.  He will be driving two of the Mustangs he recently received and trained.  I will be mounted, with my camera to document, record, and video the ride.  I reckon I may do a bit of wrangling as well.

From his last Facebook posting, “" Deer Wood or Bust wagon trip.  I am Taking Duck and Goose The BLM Mustangs home to Deerwood Ranch also Patches and Louie.  I am going To drive them the last 50 miles home Starting at Sheep Creek Ranch around to Woods Landing Wyoming I am going to take 4 days To travel to Deerwood Ranch. will be leaving Sheep Creek Ranch On Tuesday May 30th and getting to Deerwood Ranch on Friday June 2nd. Will be camping Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday night. There are Two wagons Going For sure more welcome if you'd like to go And there are going to be Several horseback Riders if you would like more information on the trip PM me for more details it should be quite an adventure”.

Quite a time indeed.  I will be posting from the trail, connections allowing. 
Wish us good luck. 

If you wish to show your  support, you can here … here.

 

 

 

Tools of the Trade.

Having and using the right tools in the field can be a matter of life and death.  The size and weight of these tools are of concern as well.  A tool that has more than one purpose is also a good-un.  Some tools are basic.  A good hat (BYOS stands for “Bring your own Shade” out here) and a good pair of boots are not optional, but mandatory.

Practice makes perfect out in the field.   In the High Country, experience makes the difference between life and death.   The beauty of the territory, and it’s inhabitants, can be misleading.    Ignorance and carelessness can quickly lead to death in the High Country. 

In upcoming posts, I will be covering my experiences with specific pieces of gear and equipment, and in some cases reviewing products and their performance in the field under the most extreme conditions.  On certain really big items, a video review may be in order.  Be sure to stay tuned in. 
          Show your support for this endeavor at

https://www.gofundme.com/makslivingwageaffordablehousingride.

 

Classic Grand Junction Hospitality … Berkley’s Automotive

Once in a while something comes along that cannot be ignored.  When I heard of the “Free Coffee” in the mornings at a local gas station here in Grand Junction, I was fascinated.  There is always a back story… but the most important thing here is that a continuous act of kindness and hospitality is always offered at Berkley’s Automotive here in Grand Junction.  As well as really great automotive repairs service.    Thanks Guys!!!

In the Field.

Preparation is the key to success in the field. Just as important, is rehearsal.  Actually getting out there and doing it is the only way one learns the hard lessons of life in the field. Of course, there is nothing better than waking up to camp coffee.  Cowboy Coffee.  
Having a warm bag, a warm dog (on a Three Dog Night) and a horse that will go fast in the morning, is kind of a big deal in these parts.
This is nothing.   Once the ride starts, the real views … and photos, start. 

Having a good crew counts too.  Who you ride with can be as important as the quality of the horses you ride.  The skills of the crew, and their experience and toughness will all play in to the success of the ride. 

Watch the video at the bottom of this posting for an explanation of the ride. 

All of this is in preparation of the of the Affordable housing ride.   To support the ride, visit the Go Fund Me page.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Life in the Grand Valley 1.1

Life is short.  Those who ride out … know.   Some do understand when I say my beloved Colorado.  There are few places on earth that inspire me.  Colorado is one of them.
As my efforts continue in trying to get some funding for my Cross Colorado Living Wage ride,  I have discovered a hidden jewel in the Western Slope of Colorado.  Talk about riding territory.  Although now considered a prime Mountain Biking area, the real experience will only happen from the back of a Horse.  

Although the Western Slope is not generally considered the High Country, it sill has the geography and weather of the  …. region within it lies. 

Former home of the Ute Indians, and their famous (among natives) mountain horses, the fore-runners of the now ever present Mustangs of the Grand Valley.     With the Grand Mesa at the eastern approach, and the Monument Mountain acting as the western border, the Valley is home to a variety of groves and orchards.  Intersected by both the Colorado and the Gunnison Rivers, which meet in Grand Junction, which also serves as a massive Railroad Junction and Amtrack stop.

These photos taken from within the National Monument Park are one side of the valley.  Within a few months we will ride to the top of the Grand Mesa, the largest flat top mountain in North America, which lies on the opposite eastern edge of the Grand Valley.   The view from there is pretty good too. 

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. 

 

 

A Ride is Born

Every once and a while there comes an idea that can have more than one good purpose.   For several years now I have wrangled on a seasonal basis, always falling far short on promises and never getting the pay I was expecting at the end.  It never ends well.  In Colorado, there is massive problem with seasonal workers and their welfare.
The entire market is based on the high incomes guests and tourists, getting as much out of them (and not leaving much for the workers) as possible for the least cost.  There is little if no concern to the welfare of the seasonal workers in the off season. With limited housing options, and almost no income, seasonal workers often find themselves homeless, with limited options and exposed to a massive array of unhealthy lifestyles offered to them in all flavors. 

I have already had offers as Head Wrangler and Herd Manager, from Moab,Utah, to Montana.  All of them another seasonal gig with promises that probably won’t pan out. 
Therefore I have decided to take a different rout, and combine some of my old media and political action skills and experience, with my Wrangling and guide skills and experience to bring attention to this situation, and the general genius level Idea I have .. that a Living Wage combined with affordable housing may just result in the reduction of Homelessness of the working poor and us seasonal professionals.   

We plan on hanging signs like or simular to the one above left on our Pack Horses, and ride them through every major city in Colorado.  Hopefully we will get some media attention, and bring attention and awareness to the income Vs. cost of living disparity we workers and creators face today.  An excellent example of this is .. just a few days ago I interviewed for the position of Editor/asst Producer with the local Fox News station.  When training for such a highly skilled trade, the wages were said to be in the $20-$30 hr. range.  This was over 11 years ago.   Station Management now want the position filled, at &9.25 hr.  Outrageous.  As was said by producers on NPR, the powers that be still want the work done for them, they just don’t want to pay for it.  .  This is occurring all over the creative and skilled labor market.  It is especially hitting us in the High Country hard, as the upper echelons on society must take more and more of thier fair share of the pie in order to maintain their very expensive life style We workers are expected to make the sacrifices, and pay for it. 

More will be coming up as we work on the “Go Fund Me” page, and prepare and plan for the ride.

If you wish to help out early, please donate here. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Wild Horses, and Land Management …Something to think About

 

It has been over a year since I posted to any of my blogs. As I have delved into the life of being a Wrangler and working cowboy, I really didn't have time.
I have seen beautiful sites and scenes, and have selfishly kept it all to myself.
I now have a new blog that is orientated to my current lifestyle and how I make my living. It will take some time to get everything set up, but for my first post, I felt this was the #1 issue we are facing now here in the High Country.  The video below, by KNPB DOCUMENTARIES is one of a series that look at some of the many issues faced by todays Ranchers and Livestock Farmers.
As a lover of horses, wild or otherwise, it is a sensitive issue for me and many of my friends.  But as one can see and learn in this video, there are many aspects of the issue to consider.  The obvious is not always the best answer, especially out here in the West.   
 PLEASE!,  Donate Here   .,,, It takes a lot of time and effort as well as wear and tear on expensive video and computer equipment to deliver youindependent news and video. The time I can offer, but the costs of providing corporate influence free isn’t free, or easy … free news takes money, Please, Donate here.