An aerial view of our 9.5 mile (round trip) trail. November 17, 2016
The parking lot. I was the only person there, which gave me room to circle the truck and trailer around so I didn't have to back into the spot....which is always a bonus. I chose New Fork on this day because the weather was wonderful, and I hadn't been on this trail for over a year. I was hoping to get farther into the Winds than I had before. We did, by about 100 yards. Too many belly-high fallen trees over the trail to get any farther.
And the now 3.5 year old Cruize. He is now 15.1 hands and filling out--starting to really look like a horse. He is also becoming quite the trail horse, with his looong legs he can cover quite a bit of distance --and obstacles are getting better and better.
Such a lovely trail, and even prettier when the leaves are still on the trees.
The trail winds it's way down the face of the ridge, and can be a bit hair-raising at times. Cruize handled it well, I was way more concerned about the drop-off than he.
The willows were so colorful! The only real "fall color" left...
Stopped for a quick bite to eat, letting Cruize learn how to stand quietly and patiently. He has come a LONG way. And yes, he got a bite to eat, too. In fact, he knows the sound of wrappers means I am eating a granola bar. I let him try one once, thinking he wouldn't like it and would stop asking for one. Nope. Granola bars are like "horse-crack".
The deadfall in the river.
A well used hunting camp. It even had a spring running through it.
A fun tunnel of trees...
Back at the trail head, a pretty little pond.
After loading up and driving out of the trail head, this buck was hanging out in the middle of the road. I had to stop and wait for him to move away, but got some good pictures in the process.
A part of the Gros Ventre Range in the distance...
Gros Ventre...
Part of the Winds. So wild. So remote. So wonderful. Sometimes I still pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming this all up...that I really do live here. :)



































