If anyone ever tells you that you pack like a girl, just know that it’s a compliment.
When we spend time in the backcountry with the Wild Horse Outreach & Advocacy Ambassador Mustangs, we take all the time in the world to stop and enjoy the sights, sounds and smells out there.
Frost on the grass before the morning sun touches it, even in July. The sound of nothing but leaves in the wind and horses grazing. The smell of fresh coffee wafting through camp in the early morning.
Our small, simple camp has everything we need. Tents to hide and read and keep ourselves, the dogs and our clothes dry in. Solar lamps to read under at night.
A water filter station, bear bag tree (away from camp), cooking area, highlines for the horses and a tack and gear spot where a tarp covers saddles, pads, brushes, nose bags, saws, axe, camp chairs and more.
Snacks and books, hot tea and milk for coffee and hot chocolate. Fruit flavored electrolyte packets and lots of hand and toe warmers. We like to be comfortable, happy, healthy and organized out there.
Besides riding and exploring there’s lots of play time with the dogs, watching the Mustangs graze and making sure they all get their feed and supplements so they can stay strong and healthy too. Do they get spoiled a little extra out there? Probably. They deserve it.
This year was Tay Martin ‘s second packing season and my 8th I think. I caught the bug all those years back. Come to find out it’s chronic and contagious.
Before you get started, you should know that it’s addicting, not cheap and you’ll get sucked in deeper every year. At some point on each trip, Taylor proclaims “That’s it, I’m staying, just leave me here.”
Yeah, it’ll do that to you too. And then you’re homesick for the mountains 350 days a year.
Packing is dangerous, uncomfortable, cold, wet, and every little thing out there is hard work.
It’s also freedom, peace, beauty, vulnerability, growth, connection, wonder, laughter, rest, being where your feet are and feeling acutely alive.
It’s my favorite thing in the world, and I’m so grateful to get to experience and share it with good friends, good horses and good dogs.
