------The Last Wild Ride------

In days of old where cowboys roam
I must have lived and called it home
Call me nuts and send me West
A horse's smell is what I like best

I've ridden a horse a time or two
But times were short and hours few
Then came that day which was my pride
To set upon a three day ride

I set out alone from old Squaw peak
To relive old memories that I seek
I'd ride again old pony trails
Used long before paved roads or rails

I rode hard and beat the clock
Until I reached the Cougar rock
My horse was slow, each step was true
A slip up here meant death for two

Red Star Ridge left way behind
French Meadows lake next I would find
A quick right turn , downhill delight
Unaware of skeeters that I'd soon fight

Up the hill , don't lose your hat
You finally come to Robinson's Flat
Your first checkpoint, a welcome sight
It's party time, let's spend the night.

Next day, I'm sore in my behind
But Cavanaugh ridge was on my mind
There were dirt roads I had to cross
But only once did I get lost

Down low in valleys I did ride
It was twice that far up the other side
Ride down, walk up had seemed so dumb
But I grew smart near Devil's Thumb

That last uphill climb would never end
I thanked the Lord on the final bend 
My horse and I would huff and puff
And catch our breath in Michigan Bluff.

The town was small and people nice
I 'm glad they had some beer on ice
Water and hay was  for  the horse
Beer and burgers for me of course

The night was spent along the road
Next day I packed the final load
Just this last day and I was done
Could my tail bone take all this great fun

Up the road to Foresthill
And down the trail like Buffalo Bill
The river seemed so far away
Would I have to spend another day

The river found, and I finally crossed
Near swept downstream but nothing lost
The trail was hot, I damn near died
Water so near, yet some have cried

Yes, it was that time of year
When cottonwood was everywhere
Each time I tried to take a drink
I swallowed more cotton than water, I think

At last I made it into Cool
I called my wife, "come get this fool."
Yep,  I had finally made it down
And somehow stumbled into town

I was beat and hot too boot
Looking back, My horn I'd toot
But fun it was my thoughts now sours
For the Tevis* takes less than 24 hours.

* a 105 mile, 24 hour endurance ride from Squaw Valley to Auburn, Ca.