The Sierra Nevada Range is getting closer as we are riding through the last of the Cascades. September is a fine time to ride in the mountains. All the crowds have returned to the cities as the children are once again back in school. Occasionally we meet a hunter or day hiker. Many Alpine lakes are empty and we camp in places now that we wouldn't have a month ago.

There are many signs of the changing season. Squirrels are cutting cones and you just about need a helmet while walking under big pines. Some of the Pine cones are very heavy and spiney. It seems as though the squirrels try landing them on your head. Deer are getting restless as rut is approaching. Bears are busy eating berries and grubs, hoping to put on a good layer of fat for their hibernation reserve. The most obvious sign is the shorter days and the lower angle of the sun. The sun barely rises above the high mountain ridges and layover days are spent chasing the sun with the solar panels.

We next find ourselves passing severe blowdown on the Pacific Crest Trail. We have a three day ride on logging roads, Forest Service roads, and a highway. Blown down trees are not only annoying but can be extremely dangerous. September 14th is a day we won't forget. There was a huge tree across the trail in an almost impassable area. We had to unpack the two pack horses and Belknap. We then had to lead the horses up the side of the mountain, around the tree, then back down to the trail. Rocky fell three times. It was hard to scramble ahead of the lunging horse. I was down on all fours going as fast as I could. "The Face", our mule, can not be lead around obstacles. She has to figure out things for herself. She and Belknap were smart enough to climb around by themselves.

We had a pleasant visit with Ted and Nancy Testa in Castella. We stayed at their beautiful log cabin for three days. Their home is at the bottom of Castle Crags, surrounded by the Castle Crags Wilderness. They gave us some much needed gear, including air mattresses and pony horseshoes for Belknap. Nancy cooked up some New York steaks on the grill and Ted made his famous "crisp waffles" in an old fashioned waffle iron. Of course, he had his humorous apron on. Castella was our first supply area in over a month.

The grass still has good protein and the horses are looking great. No major injuries or problems so far. Belknap got her first shoes at 17 months-old. She is the easiest of the five horses to shoe. She is the youngest horse I ever shod. Rocky is a little less scared of rocks but is still a handful. The chickens are molting and have quit laying. We dismantled the swamp cooler on their cage since we do not think there will be many 100 plus degree days left this year.