May has been a busy month on a number of fronts. First, we completed another successful AAYS in Columbus. The weather for the show was very acceptable and the little bit of rain that did show up came at night. Pictures were posted on FaceBook. Hope almost everyone had a chance to view them.
Taking a break at Equine Affaire
As mentioned at our last meeting, we did receive our grant from South Central Power. A load of 304 stone was ordered and delivered on Monday the 20th. A crew made up of our members showed up about an hour later. Mike Kempton brought his tractor and front-end loader to move the stone and 9 others smoothed up the stone under the tie lines with shovels and rakes. All total the job was completed and most headed for home by 11:15. Great job and thanks to all that volunteered their time. I had brought my chain saw and 4-wheeler and went out to clear the purple trail of a couple of trees that had been reported as down. There are other trees down and as soon as I can find a day I will clear those out.
Speaking of clearing trails, Tom and I met up with the Ross County OHC bunch on May 18th and helped them clear trails at Tar Hollow. Tom and I cleared 3 trails of some of the largest trees that I have ever cut on. We started at 9 and around 1:15 called it a day. Chains were dull and Tom and I whipped.
Speaking of Tar Hollow, several in our club camped at Tar Hollow the week of May 14th. Trails were a mess from the wet weather and wind storms in the area. I am pretty sure that most of the trees have now been cleared. Mark the middle of July on your calendar. Tar Hollow has a ton of wild raspberries and that is a prime time to pick them.
Our club held its third organized ride of the year over the Memorial Day weekend. The club was somewhat split between the regular state camp and the special use area. As a whole, the ride was very well attended. I counted 9 trailers at the state camp and although members were coming and going from the group area, it appeared they had a similar number in total for the weekend. Art Crist and Bill Smith hosted the community meal on Saturday evening. I want to brag for a minute. I will put our cooks up against any other OHC group anytime any place. The meal was absolutely fantastic and topped off with some amazing desserts which included homemade ice cream from Barb Beery. Life was good Saturday evening. Most at the state camp rode every day and only got caught once in the rain. I saw a FaceBook post from Becky Sharp with Brylee and Chip riding in the rain. The caption said “ rain or shine we ride” love that attitude. I heard another story this morning that goes way over the top in terms of friendship. Tanna Rhoads and Margaret Hite went for a ride and got stuck in a rain shower. Tanna did not have a poncho, however, Margaret did. Margaret refused to wear her poncho since Tanna did not have one. Both got soaked and laughed it off. Now that's a friend.
As we look forward to later in June and early July, there is no meeting in June due to several of us being out of town. There is a scheduled ride at AEP McConnelsville on the weekend of June 21st. This may or may not happen due to a closed road in the area. Watch your e-mail for updates as we get closer to that time. We do have a ride scheduled at Zaleski State Forest over the 4th of July weekend. The 4th is on a Thursday, which would put us in camp Thursday through Sunday. I will check, but I am guessing the group area will be open on Wednesday. Again, stay tuned and check your e-mail.
I love all of the FaceBook pictures that have been posted. Keep up the good work.
On a final note, one of our best to ever sit on a horse had a birthday this week. Happy Birthday to George Harden. George does not do FaceBook nor E-mail, but if you get a chance to drop him a card. It will be a little after that fact, but I know greatly appreciated. George was a young 90.
Until next month.
Chris
Hocking Memorial Day Ride, Wet but Wonderful
