As I wrote last month it was time for my annual Western trip and I had wonderful plans of being gone for a month and a half doing at least two rides. Had all my bills lined up on automatic pay and all my pills filled so I would be "healthy" as possible.

Turned out bills and pills were the easiest part of the trip.

We knew our gas bill would be outrageous . . . naturally prices have come down a bit now that we are back. They were high but that was in the budget so we just kept rolling down the road. A good friend, Becky, who had always wanted to take her horse out West, traveled with us and seeing everything through her "new" eyes really made the trip more enjoyable.

First ride was the Ft. Stanton Pioneer ride that showcases the wonderful partnership between the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) and AERC. There was to be a three-day ride, one day off and another three-day ride.

I figured there would be more riders the first three days so Roger Taylor, the ride manager, would need the most help then. I would help with timing or PRs and ride the second three days. More best laid plans. . . . There were a lot of riders and help was appreciated.

Then it was my turn to hit the trail, and thatŐs what I did--hit the trail. We were on the first 20-mile section and met bike riders. My horse Dru looked and seemed fine so I turned to the riders behind me and said, "Bike riders ahead," turned back around and the next thing I knew, I was on the side of the road. Other riders said it looked like a hard fall but in a minute I didnŐt feel too bad and remounted after sending them on since I was going to take it easy for a bit. Dru didn't like that "bounce-bounce" and I wasn't feeling so good anymore. Then I was having trouble remembering exactly what had happened so knew it was time to turn around and head back to the last spotter and call it a day.

When I got in a car to finish my return to camp, I took my helmet off and guess what? A big hunk fell off the back of it. I must be psychic, since I just wrote about helmets last month. Think I will save this one for "show and tell."

So that was the end of my riding. I didn't even attempt to go to the other ride. Enjoyed the company of everyone which is the main reason I love this sport anyway and will live to ride another day.

BLM brought a big tent for workers to get out of the sun. They made and gave out maps of all the dedicated trails at Ft. Stanton that have come out of their partnership with AERC, and took panoramic pictures of the camp for all of us. This is working together.

A reminder to get your nominations for Hall of Fame and Pard'ners in to the office by September 15, please.