After 9 months of trail riding, we're ready to go to "the Top"... I think.

Heading out on another Richard ride!!

At this point, we are already having to crash thru overgrown brush to stay on " the trail"...

But do you see a trail ? I didn't.

As the elevation increased, I began to really understand the extent of this adventure.

The weather was great. Not too hot or cold.. for a July in Los Osos. (Yes, the fog is typical summer weather)

This is flat-land, the trail gets back off this road up here..

We had just come up a canyon-- only as wide as a horse, similar to what you see on the left. If I was over weight, I'd have lefted scaped off on the walls and bushes!!

Remember the trees in the distance in the earlier photo... Yep, that's them up close.

In the distance-- Morro Bay. You can't see it?

Journey is a bit stressed... Flaring nostrels-- he's breathing really hard.
The last canyon, he fell... but was held up by the close sides, and my boots on the ridges inside. He cut on one his back ankles w/ a shoe when he tripped.

But he did well, didn't panic, and no limping was found.

Looking out to the east boundry of Montana De Oro.

Both the horses must have lost 6 inches on the way up. What an exercise routine.

A recent and subtle memorial left in 07, just off the trail.

Small horses are ideal, but you will still need to duck, and sway to keep from getting cut. Long pants and sleeves are absolutley necessary.

Daily the message is changed by a hiker that lives nearby.
Today, "Life Is"

This is a complete surprise to me, and quite beautiful.

Mother nature sheered this off, and it's visable from beyond Morro Bay.

I would love to spend a day there... seeing the wildlife from a safe distance of course.

Many trails converge here. It was a well known "party" place in the previous century....

You have returned to the beginning, and may now give thanks for surviving another ride.