Autumn Snow
A big change occurred in the weather Monday night. Rain began sometime after midnight, and, as riders gathered for breakfast Tuesday morning, the rain began to change to a mixture of sleet and snow. There was significant snow and ice on Kenosha Pass, and the conditions weren't safe for the planned ride into the Mount Evans Wilderness.
The riders decided to postpone the high-country ride - and the Empty Saddle and Maverick Ceremonies - until Thursday. Some of the older riders remarked this was the first time they could remember a ride being canceled.
As the day wore on, it continued to snow, sometimes heavily. Seven riders decided to brave the elements and go for a ride after lunch. The group did in fact put on their slickers and go out. Most of the ride was on ranch property and never far from the corrals. They returned in about two hours, a little wet and cold.
Wednesday, the weather turned for the better. After a day off from riding, everyone was ready for some fun and games. Games-day chairman Hal Johnston was well-organized and kept things moving at a brisk pace. The overall quality of the mules used on these rides has really improved in the last several years, and the competition was fast and intense. It was a day full of fun and friendly competition. When the dust settled, or rather the mud, Scott DeWalt of Peyton, Colorado, earned the high score in a close race.
Riding on Ceremony
Thursday morning, mules and riders were loaded in trucks and trailers for a trip to the top of Kenosha Pass. It soon became evident that Tuesday's snow was much more intense at the higher altitude. Things went smoothly, and after about 20 minutes, the trailers arrived at the top of the pass (10,001 feet in elevation), the starting point for the day's ride.
The trail led north and east, gaining altitude on a series of switchbacks. After a mile or so, all tracks disappeared, and everything was covered in new snow. As the ride neared its destination, the trail became extremely steep.
The site chosen for the ceremonies (about 11,760 feet in elevation) offered a terrific view of the Twin Cone Peaks and Mount Blaine. The wind was strong and steady with a definite bite as riders gathered at the base of a small rock outcrop.
Dave Potts of Poncha Springs, Colorado, conducted the Empty Saddle Ceremony, reading the names of the mule riders who've passed before us. Then Owen McEwen of Wichita, Kansas, conducted the Maverick Ceremony for six first-time riders. Owen has conducted this ceremony for 13 consecutive years.
Mavericks and veterans alike will tell you the Maverick Ceremony defines the spirit of the Colorado Mule Riders. A time capsule containing the names of all past and present riders, as is the custom, was buried beneath a pile of rocks. A group photo was taken, with the Mavericks holding the mule riders banner and Old Glory snapping sharply in the wind.
The riders worked their way down from the Twin Peaks area to a lower, sheltered spot for lunch. The lunch break also offered an opportunity to take pictures with Mount Blaine in the background.
The return trip to the trailhead was down via the same route. The biggest difference going down was seeing the trail created in the new snow by all the mules. The decent was faster on the downhill, and the mules knew they were headed back to the trailers. The return trip to the ranch was smooth, and the tack was stowed and mules fed in short order.
Wrapping Up
Thursday night, after the traditional dinner of steak and trimmings, the riders assembled for the awards ceremony. The May family and staff were presented a plaque in appreciation of their superb hosting job. President Sheard recognized the board members and thanked the committee chairmen and assistants for all their good work. Each rider was presented with a plaque commemorating the ride.
Friday-morning breakfast marked the end of another successful mule ride. It's always with a little sadness that we all say goodbye. For most, our chance to spend time in the company of our Colorado Mule Rider family comes but once a year. It is, however, a special time, thanks to all those past and present Colorado Mule Riders who've unselfishly contributed to this unique bond we share.
