Teddy's Uwharrie Ride Review, June 2016

Teddy Royal and the Virg

Has anyone mentioned that it is hot?? We loaded up and headed to Uwharrie on Friday afternoon instead of turning north to the mountains. We found the 4B campground nearly empty, with only a couple trailers and mule riders there. As the evening approached, a few more riders came in and set up camp. We gathered at the 4B store looking at the weather forecast when the bottom fell out and left us stranded, since we didn’t carry any kind of rain gear with us. The rain finally stopped and we made a quick run to our trailers for the evening.

Saturday morning came, but brought with it more warm temperatures. After feeding the mules and ourselves, we got saddled up for the ride. A group of 13 mule riders headed out for the River trail. I always get turned around on this trail, so I encouraged Sherry Bunting to take over and keep me from getting us lost. We rode along the river and hit the Gorge trail to Berner and back to the Morgan trail. As we approached the Megan trail, I started to turn, but was quickly made aware of a mutiny about to take place. Everyone wanted to go back to the campground, while I thought we should ride until dark so we wouldn’t have to unsaddle in the hot sun. Anyway, it was back to camp. After finding a place to get out of the heat and a short rest, we made our way to Alfred’s trailer where he got busy cooking fish and corn sticks, and taters. We ate way too much, and then turned to the many desserts that were brought in. It didn’t take long after that to decide it was time for bed.

While it rained hard during the night, Sunday turned into a clear sky morning. Only 5 riders saddled up for our short ride before going home. This time, Heather Cox showed us a new trail from behind the big rocks to the Lake loop trail. After a break and lunch, we continued back to camp to load up for the trip home. We all said our goodbyes and planned for the next ride and get together.

Thanks to everyone who braved the heat and threat of rain to come ride and to Alfred for the fish dinner. Also thanks to everyone who brought

See ya on the trail,
I’ll be “On the Virg”

Next CMA Ride - Wolf Ford Horse Camp, June 17-19

The next ride will be held in Pisgah national Forest at Wolf Ford Horse Camp. This will be located in the South Mills River area and requires no reservations--first come, first served.  The ride hosts are Ron Freer  (828-817-0502) and Holly Fisher (828-817-0820)--contact them if you need a camping spot saved.  This camp has easy access, flat primitive camping with water available and a pit toilet.  Mules need high lines.  There will be a community potluck dinner on Friday and Saturday nights. 

[Directions: Take I-26 to Exit 40 for St. Rt. 280 west Asheville Airport exit, bear right and pass the airport for 16 miles.  Turn right on Rt. 276 North (just after the Bi-Lo grocery) and drive for 11.8 miles.  At a 1/4 mile past the Pink Bed Picnic Area bear right on Rt. 1206 (gravel) and drive for 3.3 miles. Turn right on Rt. 476 for 25 feet and the campground is on the left.] 

CANCELLED - Chattooga River Ride, May 20-22

No fair! 

Due to the extensive forecast for rain and thunderstorms for this coming weekend, this ride has been cancelled.  Many of those with reservations cancelled them.  If you made reservations, a refund for one night will be made if you cancel them soon.  The park number is 877-444-6777 and reservations can also be cancelled online using you current reservation link.

Next CMA Ride - Chattooga River Ride, May 20-22

Join the members of the CMA group on the next ride, May 20-22 for the Chattooga River Ride at
Mountain Rest, SC (park number: 877-444-6777). This is the Rocky Gap/Willis Knob area.  There is primitive camping, high lines or hitching posts for mules.  Camping spots are $12 a night plus an additional $10 reservation fee.  There will be a community potluck dinner both Friday and Saturday nights.  Hosts are Steve and Sandra Hyder (864-457-4254)

Make campsite reservations here
Campground map here

• [Directions:  From Walhalla, go North 6 miles on State Highway 28.  Turn left onto Whetstone Road. Go straight for about 5 miles and continue straight through the four-way stop, for another 1.5 miles.  The pavement ends and gravel begins.  A sign for the horse camp is about 3/4 of a mile down the gravel road with the camp on the left.]

Next CMA Ride - April 29-30th, Tough Enough Rodeo Grounds

Join the Carolina Mule Association for their next scheduled weekend trail ride at Tough Enough Rodeo Grounds, 3205 Oran Yount Lane, Granite Falls, NC (706-557-3001).  Call the ride hosts, Angie and Rascal Annas at 828-234-2762 if interested in attending as soon as possible.  There is some electric and water camping sites, but it is mostly primitive camping.  Dogs are not allowed on the trails, but are welcome in camp on a leash.  Trail rides are approximately 4 hours.

This is a new ride for the Carolina Mule Association!  Come join the fun!

Next CMA Ride, April 22-23 in Rutledge, GA

April 22-23 Ride - Hard Labor Creek State Park
5 Hard Labor Camp Rd., Rutledge, GA (706-557-3001)

• call park directly for stall reservations, group effort, community potluck suppers
• Make campsite reservations here (Sites are 1-11)
• Rules of equestrian trail use

Hosts:  multiple hosts, call Holly Fisher (828-894-5783)

This is a new ride for the Carolina Mule Association!  Come join the fun!

Diane Stephens and Pearl Leads Palm Sunday Procession

Local Life News for Pearl

For the second year, after the Blessing of the Palms service in the downtown Southern Pines Park, Pearl was asked to lead the Palm Sunday morning procession for Emmanuel Episcopal and First Baptist Churches.  

The procession leads the group from the church, up May Street to the park about 4 blocks away. Pearl's owner, Diane Stephens, stated that "it was very cool and she was great as usual. I was even color coordinated with her this time!"

March 2016 Ride at H. Cooper Black

Marty and Stacey Sims

• Mar. 25-27 Ride - H. Cooper Black Jr.
  Memorial Field Trail and Recreation Area
  279 Sporting Dog Trail, Cheraw, SC  (843-378-1555)
  
  Make reservations here!
  Campground map here!
  
  Wagon and Trail Riding/SC Mule and Donkey Association will join us; barn loop is close to the community building, showers, and covered stalls; corrals are also available for each campsite.
• Hosts:  Marty and Stacey Sims (803-313-5962)

February and March *Events

Two Auctions a Year

*Mar. 18-19 - Dixie Horse Auction, Troutman, NC 
Iredell County Fairgrounds
Mules, Draft Horses, Tack and Carriages
330-893-3541
www.dixiehorseauction.com

First Friday in February

*Feb. 5 - Draft Horse Pull and Coon Jump, Raleigh, NC 
Gov. James B. Hunt Horse Complex
North Carolina State Fairgrounds
www.southernnationaldrafthorsepull.com

Contact Kim Foushee for information: 336-504-1877
Shannon Hoffman will host a Mule Days and Carolina Mule Association booth, contact Shannon if you want to help: 919-754-7568