b"Glendale Equestrian ClubRIDE REPORT By Robert Piekow, Publicistgecriders.comDesert RidingGates RoadJune 2019Watching cactus as I ride, hoping that they won't poke my side. Staying up with the group, sometimes seeing horses poop. This is all part of GEC trail riding with our trusty Lonnie leading, guarding, and making sure we all keep up. Over hill and gully we go, swaying in the saddle to and fro. Up the riseand down the wash, trying not to get too lost. We always get back in time for a snack.Traveling into the vast domain where once the Indians truly reigned. Alas, the white men gave them the shaft, but now they have the last laugh. They take our money at the casino and we don't even have to drive to Reno.Out in the desert, we can truly be free. Free from the hustle of city life, the noise the traffic and the strife. I'll take to the desert to save my sanity and revel in the beauty and reality of an era gone by. There's beauty in the desert that only the rider can see because we trust our mounts to keep us safe. We gaze all around enjoying the view. Many rocks do we see and also snakes, occasionally. Ocotillo, Palo Verde and even the wild burro. There's turtles and rabbits and mule deer too, for it is nature's zoo.Our next ride will be GEC's foray into the wilds of the Prescott National Forest at Groom Creek horse camp. Always a great time riding in the tall pines. There's lookouts, lakes and even apple orchards to explore. Friday night we head to Whiskey Row in Prescott for dinner and fun and Saturday evening's steak spread will keep us well fed and entertained. 46 August 2019"