ArizonaRealCountry.com 37 August 2018 Glendale Equestrian Club RIDE REPORT Groom Creek Horse Camp was the destination for the Club's much-anticipated campout and ride for June. Arrivals began on Thursday as members descended on this ever-popular venue for riding in the Prescott National Forest. The camp's 6500' elevation usually means cool temperatures and a nice change from desert riding. There are lots of trails exiting the camp, so we can ride up to Spruce Mountain Lookout, down to Goldwater Lake, or a multitude of other places. By Friday most of the members had arrived, so a group went on a ride to Goldwater Lake, which is a small but popular recreation spot maintained by the city of Prescott. Tall pines and a soft forest floor make for a very scenic ride from the horse camp to the lake with good water for the horses at the lake. Friday evening found most club members in downtown Prescott for dinner and maybe some adult beverages on historic Whiskey Row after which we returned to camp to await the dawn for Saturday's ride up to Spruce Mountain Lookout. Mother nature had different plans, as much needed rain greeted the campers. The rain was fairly steady throughout the morning so we aborted the Lookout ride and went on a shortened ride to "the cabin" in the early afternoon. The ride was a little damp but it didn't dampen our spirits. By the time we got back to camp the rain had ceased for the weekend. Saturday evening was once again a feast of many sides and munchies from club members. Saturday evening was highlighted by some delicious steaks grilled to perfection by our very own master grill brothers Bill and Carlo. Thanks to everyone for a fabulous meal and a great time. Following the meal, the club had a rousing game of horse bingo. You had to be there to understand it. Sunday morning dawned bright and sunny so the group saddled up for a great ride down to Wolf Creek canyon and falls. No falls this day but when the falls are falling, it is said to be a spectacular sixty-foot drop. From the falls area, we traversed past the Hassayampa Creek and on up to the old abandoned apple orchard. Details are sketchy about the origin of the orchard, but rumor has it that George Aplet, a distant cousin of Johnny Appleseed, started the orchard around 1900. After a few years, he grew discouraged and moved on up to Wenatchee, Washington, married Connie Cotlet and founded the Aplets & Cotlets Company. Upon returning to camp it was time to return to the heat of the valley, fond memories of a good time had by all and anticipation for our return trip in September. By Robert Piekow,… Publicist gecriders.com Present this ad at your tour to be entered to win in our monthly drawing.