After a lengthy stay in Burbank, we started off for the Angeles National Forest. The first stop was Shadow Hills and then Lake View Terrace. This area was so much fun that I had to spend extra time there. This is big horse country of LA and there are bridle trails everywhere. Each night I would ride with new friends I met on the trail. People were very friendly and helpful.

While camping near the Hansen Dam, my riding horse, Gonzo, became very ill. I walked him to a friend's house and called several vets. Since it was the weekend, I had to wait a day before a vet was able to assist me. By that time, Gonzo was too far gone and died that night. The vet thought he may have contracted e-coli from the river or from the pellets I was feeding. This was a tragic loss!

I had no idea what to do. My favorite horse was gone. He was not only my saddle horse but also my good friend. I was crushed, but somehow was able to condense my gear and ride Little Wind and pack with Mighty Belknap. Soon after, the terrorists attacked New York. With all the terrible things that happened, I was too lonesome to ride into the mountains, so we set out through Los Angeles in with no certain direction or goal.

Zigzagging through LA sure was an experience. We'd rest in city parks and the horses would graze on the grass. The horses always hoodwinked treats and lots of warm attention. It was also fun to just cruise through shopping centers and talk with the people. It was exhilarating to ride next to the skyscrapers or cross an eight lane highway.

After visiting a 7-Eleven, I walked out and saw raffiti on the panyards of Mighty Belknap. She was tagged! This is when people write their sign or handle to promote themselves and mark their territory. Supposedly, I was their territory. This may be gang related. I thought it was kind of neat, and it always produces a chuckle from folks who see the graffiti on the panyard.

We traveled through some violent areas in LA. The gang-bangers and city punks all showed me respect. Although, I had to be very careful not to let my guard down in some places. One area had a murder every other day. Sometimes I would ride at night and find a grassy abandoned lot to camp and graze the horses. We actually found it pretty easy to travel in this concrete jungle.

So many people would stop and chat that it took all day to ride 5 miles. Traffic was heavy, but LA drivers are very skilled and the most considerate I have seen yet. The LAPD were also very friendly and would always stop and chat to give us support. Los Angeles was truly an enjoyable experience. It was hard to leave. I will always look back and remember all the fun times I had and great people I met.