They Made It!

News from Wade Ranch--far, far from GGYR.

Yea God! Our manly men made it back from their grueling 95 miles in three days trip around the perimeter of the ranch safe, sound and oh so sore! We (women folk and children) were so excited to see them coming down that dirt road! We weren't sure when to expect them and just happened to drive down the road to see if we might possibly see them somewhere out in the distance. What luck to see them right as they made it out of the final pasture and on to the road. They later told us they were excited to see us as well. The kids were so cute cheering them on and firing a million questions and comments their way. Garrett decided to walk the rest of the way back with Max instead of hitching a ride in the truck with us.

They were some very tired, very proud men as they made it back to the barn to complete the 95 mile torture/fun ride.

I, for one, am so impressed and proud of them all! Boy did they ever have some stories to tell! Seriously, one almost DIED on the trip. I'll leave that story for another night. It makes me woozy even thinking about it.

And the horses--those poor, terrific animals! The men unsaddled and put them in the pen where they immediately started eating. Not that horses don't usually do that, but they ate with such intensity. I can only imagine how exhausted they had to be. Their sides were all drawn in and a couple had some impressive saddle sores. Amazing animals!! There was no fighting over who got to eat first, or most, or closest or anything. They just hung their little heads and dug in. The men have been talking about this trip for years. Way cool that they completed it on the 69th birthday of my father-in-law. I'd say that is a pretty impressive birthday present he gave himself! Pop, way to be! For an old dude, you're one tough cookie! ;) He told his boys that he expects them to complete the same trip on each of their 69th birthdays. For some reason, that makes me cry. (Crying as I type this.)
We'll see if Roy, Max and Terry have what it takes at that age. If they're anything like they're old man, I'd bet on it!

Congratulations, men! Even if you needed Pop Tarts to get it done, you can be real darn proud of yourselves.

Much more to come.

Manly Men

Friday morning marks the beginning of Max's "Man Ride" with his dad and two of his brothers. They have been planning this out for months. Their goal it to ride the perimeter of our family cattle ranch. They are anticipating it to take three full days of riding and sleeping under the stars.

Yes, they'll be sleeping out under the stars. This is a man vs. wild experience all the way-- Living off the land--

Making doo--

No comforts of home--

Creatively cooking their meals over an open fire.

Should be a rough three days.

OK, in fairness to them I'm sure it will be a challenge. They will ride over 25 miles each day. I can't say I'd ever want to do that. It's just that I have enjoyed teasing them about the grills they are strategically placing along the way so that they might easily cook their STEAKS. (All Jerry's idea, as his boys tell it.) I told Max that was cheating. I can't help it--I've been reading Lonesome Dove where the men didn't have such luxuries.

I'll have to let you know how it goes sometime in the next few days. Please pray for their safe journey--we'd really appreciate it.

Update:

Just talked to Max as he moseys down the trail.  (I insisted he take a cell phone in case someone gets hurt.  Service is spotty at best, but better than nothing.) He got a kick out of this post and the comments on it.  However, he said I was wrong on something.  They aren't riding 25 miles a day--more like 30 or more.  He said today should be 34 miles.  Sorry, honey.  I stand corrected.  I am even more impressed now than before.