Eric took Friday off, which was my birthday. I spent the morning with family packing and hoping the rain would stop. I drove out to Silver Creek Park in the afternoon with a packed truck. The location of the ride was about 2.5 hours from me, straight west across Michigan, just south of Grand Rapids. I stopped for gas and food but otherwise drove straight through. After getting off the highway I was driving through grid farmland until I hit the park area where there were more trees. I also lost all of my signal for my phone, so I was truly off grid. It was a nice way to spend the weekend completely unplugged, though it did make for a slightly anxious husband... oops.
New camping set up since my camping trends in Michigan so far are April and October.... The pickup bed tent worked out PERECTLY. Seriously. I nailed the cushioning and warmth needed for sleeping and didn't wake up cold at all. However I did forget firewood, which was my one regret.
Vet Mary warms up by the fire we had running all weekend at vet check and ride management central.
Endurance 50s coming back in for their first hold. It was too dark to get good pictures of them leaving.
CTR hold area. There were two different areas to keep the riders for each separated. I thought it was smart for a dual sanctioned ride!
30s getting ready to leave.
And they're off!
Mary doing a check. She was at Brighton in April so there were several people I knew already. I immediately felt welcomed back. This endurance/ctr crowd is like one big family more than happy to add to their numbers. Feels good, yo
Sunday Distance Derby riders Carrie (L) and Heather (R). Heather is the DD organizer and founder. They are both awesome and fun. We spent hours chatting Saturday night around a campfire. Heather camped next to me and we made a glowstick path back to my camp that was free of trees, rocks and roots.
They went on a trail ride Sunday that wasn't part of the organized ride.
Well marked signage!
A line of trees marked where pulses were taken!
All in all it was a great weekend. I acted as timer both days and was thanked copiously. I understand all too well the struggle to find volunteers and I'm glad I was still able to participate in the weekend event even if I couldn't ride myself. I did have to deliver the news to Lisa, who organizes Brighton, that I would not be able to attend next year due to that being my due date/month! I think she forgives me ;)
The drive back Sunday was quick with lots of sunshine and no crowds on the highways. I'm looking forward to returning next year!
