Volume 30, Issue 2 Page 1 Gree ngs, Mid Valley members and friends. At the January Mid Valley Unit board of directors mee ng, there I was, one of 14 unit directors, prepared to elect a new unit president for 2018. Feeling quite content a er a nice pre-mee ng dinner, and ready for the tasks at hand, li le did I expect or an cipate that the new president selec on was going to be me! So, me it is and I am once again honored by the trust that has been placed in me. I will do my utmost to meet and fulfill that trust to the board and to the unit's membership. Re ring Unit President, Dennis Serpa, has led Mid Valley Unit for the last two years with the same enthusiasm for Backcountry Horsemen he had when I first met him. He understands the uniqueness of our purpose for being, and has the burning desire to pass on his passion for the backcountry and for Backcountry Horsemen to others. This passion applies especially to engaging and reaching out to the young people who will be the future stewards of our wilderness and backcountry resources. So, thank you, Dennis, for your past and con nued leadership in the Backcountry organiza on. We have grown a lot since the original Backcountry Horsemen idea was conceived. There are many large plans in the works, too, for the future. I know that as long as you can draw a breath, there you will be, helping to lead the way. Thanks again for all you have done and contributed, and thanks to Lore a for loaning you to us. Dennis will con nue to serve as a Mid Valley director, as well as being one of our California na onal directors to our parent organiza on, the Back Country Horsemen of America. By Michael King Now, for a bit of pa ng ourselves on the back. Mid Valley Unit just happens to be the largest unit in California and the largest unit/chapter in the whole United States Back Country Horsemen organiza on. Imagine THAT! Mid Valley has long been, and con nues to be, a strong leader in both our state and na onal organiza on. Many a new and innova ve idea has had its genesis in Mid Valley Unit. That is something to be very proud of. A strong unit is only as strong as its membership, and this is where our membership really shines. We are fortunate to have a large segment of long me ac ve members with a tremendous knowledge base. We are also seeing a smaller, but growing, con ngent of younger people who are increasingly taking the helm of leadership as they get more involved and experienced. Nothing pleases the older members more than to see the same enthusiasm in these younger people. Our unit leaders always encourage individual members to become more involved in unit ac vi es, and we really appreciate any help you can lend. There are smaller oneme projects that would take minimal me, to larger ones where more help is needed, that are quite rewarding, too. You can start out small and work up to whatever level you desire. We would be more than pleased to see you there! One of our core missions is to promote the wise and sustained, minimal impact use of the natural resources through educa on. The other is working with the public land agencies to safeguard and promote the access of public lands to responsible equestrian use. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2
Volume 30, Issue 2 Con nued from page 1 There are many ways in which to get involved to help make a difference. Each year members volunteer to work at backcountry trail clearing and maintenance projects, we help to establish local riding opportuni es through trail construc on, we train new packers on packing skills. We also train members and non-members alike on safe hand crosscut and chainsaw skills. Another feather in our cap is that Backcountry Horsemen is now cer fied to teach sawyer skills to agencies such as the Forest Service, Na onal Park Service, BLM and a mul tude of state and regional parks. Here is a way to check out the many things Backcountry Horsemen is all about. Coming up shortly is our annual statewide get-together called Rendezvous. Although Rendezvous moves its loca on from me to me, this year it will be held at the Event Center in Paso Robles, California, April 13, 14 and 15. This is a short drive from our area and will be very much worth the trip. Plan to a end if you are able. Admission to the general daily events is free. There are all sorts of classes that will introduce you to skills you can use/will need when you make that exci ng pack trip into places of beauty and solitude, that you can now only hardly imagine. On Saturday evening there is a wine and cheese tas ng event in the vendor area and a catered dinner subsequent to that. The wine and cheese and dinner events require the purchase of a cket. A great me to socialize and meet likeminded people will be your reward. There will be VERY COOL live and silent auc on items to bid on and (hopefully) take home. There will also be Dutch oven cooking classes with which to hone your backcountry cooking skills. If I sound enthusias c about Backcountry Horsemen and Mid Valley Unit, it's because I am. I want you to be, too! Come and get more involved. We would love to see you. Sue Flagg, Carol Jo Hargreaves, Vicki Morales and Kathy Zumbrunn
Volume 30, Issue 2 Dutch Oven Report by Vicki Whisler No Dutch oven events since Red Hills which, as noted last month was again a great success! Upcoming we have some events that are always full of fun, food and friends! The Dutch Oven Gathering at Carl and Julie Perry's was the weekend of February 17, so it has passed by the me this newsle er will be published. I hope there were pictures posted on Facebook Live as it was happening! March 22 will be an Ag Day event in Waterford, from 8 a.m. un l 2:30 p.m. at Waterford High School. Mid Valley is doing Dutch oven demos and packing demos. Anyone wan ng to help or who needs more informa on, call either me (Vicki Whisler, 209-480-0566) or Jerrie Thomas at (209) 985-4502. April 6-8 we have the Spring Campout at the Mother Lode Ranch (the Rumsey's), with our potluck/dutch oven dinner, Saturday, April 7th. Then there is the Rendezvous at Paso Robles, April 13-15. I hope to see lots of our members there, as all of us really need to support this annual fundraising event (it was nearly canceled)! If anyone would like to host a Dutch Oven Gathering (D.O.G.) call, text or e-mail me: (209) 480-0566 or vickiwhisler@sbcglobal.net Update on the Dutch oven trailer: We are in the process of ge ng the logos sized and colored. We will have BCHA and BCHC logos on the rear doors and Mid Valley Unit's logo on both sides. Safety first! Vicki W. (209) 480-0566 vickiwhisler@sbcglobal.net Hello, everyone. This past month has been very quiet - only one person needed some sunshine. Stephanie Sto lost her horse. He was fine the night before, running and playing. Then, the next morning he was gone. The vet thinks it was an aneurism. So sorry, Stephanie. If you know anyone who needs some sunshine, please let me know. My phone number is 402-7252 and my email address is boopoopidu@aol.com. PAGE 3
Volume 30, Issue 2 MEDITERRANEAN CORNISH GAME HENS Recipe submi ed by Kathie Danicourt Ingredients: 4 Cornish game hens Bu er, as needed Flour, as needed Salt and Pepper Water 2 cloves garlic 1 large can of tomatoes 2 beef bouillion cubes or equal paste 1 Tbsp. oregano 1 can (15 oz.) green beans Chopped parsley, to taste 1 onion sliced Direc ons: Sauté hens in bu er. Add a li le flour and seasoning. When brown, remove hens and add garlic, tomatoes, and bouillion to the pot. Return hens to pot and add water to cover the hens. Add oregano, parsley and green beans. Cook from bo om only for 15-20 minutes. Add coals on top and con nue cooking for 40 minutes. If hens brown too quickly remove a few or all coals from the top. When the leg joints move freely, the hens are probably done. Serve over rice. PLEASE ATTEND AND HELP SUPPORT RENDEZVOUS PASO ROBLES OR BUST! Please visit the Mid Valley Unit website (bchcmidvalley.org) to view photos from this year s many ac vi es. PAGE 4
Volume 30, Issue 2 BACKCOUNTRY HORSEMEN OF CALIFORNIA 2018 RENDEZVOUS RENDEZVOUS: NO EARLY ARRIVAL By Vicki Morales PASO ROBLES EVENTS CENTER 2198 Riverside Ave. Paso Robles, CA 93446 APRIL 13, 14, 15, 2018 Gates Open at 8 a.m. Classes start at 9 a.m. Registration Booth Open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PLAN TO ATTEND! #2 I recently spoke with Shirley Rasmussen, 2018 BCHC Rendezvous Chairman. I asked her about arriving at the Rendezvous site early (Wednesday, April 12) so I could help set up on Thursday. Shirley had checked with the Event Center and the answer is no because there is another event at that time. Lake San Antonio has camping with facilities for animals and another place on Highway 46 at Airport (the name is something like Vines ) is for RVs. Thought I'd let everyone know so you can plan accordingly. SAVE THE DATE! MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR THE ANNUAL MOTHER LODE SPRING RIDE AND CAMPOUT! DATE: April 6-7-8, 2018 PLACE: Mother Lode Ranch, Sonora, CA Come join us Saturday for some good ol' Dutch oven cooking, the pinata massacre, ice cream social and the featured junior parade. You may ride on the ranch any me Saturday and most of the day Sunday. Reserva ons and i nerary will be in the next newsle er. SAMPLE RENDEZVOUS RAFFLE TICKETS FOR SALE! By Michael King What would Rendezvous be without raffle ckets? This year we have two choices of raffles The first raffle is for a $500 gi card at Bass Pro Shops #3 The second raffle is for a three day and two night campout for two (meals included) at the Miller Ca le Ranch in historic Parkfield, California There will be guided day rides using your own stock (corrals and water available) Tickets $5 each Vicki Morales 209-577-1594 Kathy Zumbrunn 209-765-4923 #4 For ckets please call Michael King 209-606-8323 David Rumsey 209-532-2681 Please help support Rendezvous by purchasing raffle ckets. PAGE 5
Volume 30, Issue 2 Mojave Preserve (Blair Ranch) By Jerrie Thomas Place: Mojave Preserve (Blair Ranch) about 8 10 hour drive. Very remote, roughly 16 miles off paved road (good road). Come prepared, it is an hour s drive to the nearest gas or store. Dates: Saturday, March 24 through Saturday, March 31, 2018 Cost: $25 to reserve place and par cipa on in preparing one dinner. Breakfast will be provided by BCHC Mid Valley. $25 will be returned at ride. If you do not a end your $25 will be given to the group you were assigned to for dinner. Who and How Many: BCHC members (limit of 50 people) or 25 rigs. Meals: First night on your own. We will divide into six groups. Each group will prepare one dinner (I will let everyone know what group you're in and what night you will be in charge of dinner. Breakfast will be provided by Mid Valley and everyone is expected to help our camp cook (Vicki Whisler). Lunches on your own. This is a very beau ful place with lots of historical sites to see. Lots of wide open places and many canyons to explore. It can be windy (very). Let's hope for great weather. Claudia For more informa on or to sign up, call Jerrie Ann Thomas at 209-985-4502 Sign-ups and checks must be received by Saturday, March 10. NO EXCEPTIONS! Dining Area Ranch Ranch Sign Cabin Windmill Mine Flowers PAGE 6
Volume 30, Issue 2 Gree ngs, Trail Users By Chris Gup l and Phil McKay As we develop the mul -use trails in Gateway Park and along the Tuolumne River, we are trying to formalize trail use for both veteran and new trail users. These changes are to help keep the trails safe, help manage trail maintenance, and to expand our trail coverage to prevent illegal or prohibited ac vi es. Trail Safety - We will be pu ng up more signage at both the beginning, end, and throughout the trail system. These signs are meant to help direct trail users, clearly show prohibited or illegal ac vi es, and maintain a safe trail environment including yielding to horses by other tail users. We have been working on crea ng more of a dual-trail system rather than a shared single trail. We have created some new trails dedicated to horseback riders and to decrease the chances of incidences between recreators. We are also trying to keep the trails safe as we have been able to smooth out some of the trails and they have become faster for mountain bikers. There con nues to be motor vehicles accessing the trail illegally and this is a danger to all trail users. So we have fewer areas where the trails commingle and the trails are clearly marked as shared use. We have had no bike/horse/hiker issues so far and we want to keep it that way. In addi on we want to stay ahead of any liability concerns by the city going forward. Trail Maintenance - Maintaining a single trail to accommodate all users has been challenging. By crea ng more of a dual trail system we can be er manage the work it takes to provide the best experience we can for all trail users. The result will be more trail op ons and be er quality trails overall for everyone. Expanding Trail Coverage - Years of work have gone into cleaning up the parks and river the trails run along. We want to prevent any illegal or prohibited ac vi es and reduce the chances of blight returning to this area. The dual trail system covers more area and we can prevent damage to the trail, parks, river and environment by making sure there are fewer places that a ract blighted condi ons. We are working on crea ng a map of the trail system to share. For now there are signs direc ng horses to some trails in Gateway Park but not others. Some of this is due to new trail construc on for an event we have coming up on March 17, called RecFest. It is a free, family-friendly event and we an cipate new trail users as a result. We want new users to recreate safely and want them to return to the area but also to make them aware that there are mountain bikers and horses on the trail as well. As the trail makes its way out of Gateway Park and along the river, the trail splits in many places where horses predominantly ride closer to the river and where fewer mountain bikers and hikers will be found. Sightlines have also been improved where the trail converges and again there is shared use signage to make sure people are yielding properly. We are so happy to have our trail back. At this me last year it was completely destroyed and under water. We appreciate all of our partners and volunteers, especially the Backcountry Horsemen. Thank you for being willing to ride and maintain the trails and help us preserve all the hard-won gains from Opera on 9-2-99 to make this a great place for the community to recreate in and around. We hope 2018 brings us closer to our goal of having the best and most used trail system in Stanislaus County. We can't wait to see you out on the trail to say hello and celebrate our collec ve success. Happy trails! PAGE 7
Volume 30, Issue 2 RIDE DON PEDRO AND SUPPORT THE YOUTH By Vicki Morales Many riders have heard there are trails at Don Pedro but most do not know where they are or where to park. Well, here is their chance! Mid Valley Unit usually seems to have a scheduled ac vity on St. Patrick's Day but not this year so if you don't already have something going on, plan to a end. The Don Pedro Ra lers 4-H Club is having their annual Lucky Clover Trail Ride & Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner. For only $25 you get the ride, prizes and dinner. Ride sign-in is at 11 a.m., ride out @ 11:30. Parking will be at Don Pedro High School - just watch for the signs. The ride will start from the horse park on El Prado Road, across from the school. Riders under 18 must wear a helmet. Dinner will be served from 3:30 to 6 p.m. @ Lake Don Pedro Elementary School. If you don't care to ride but would enjoy a delicious corned beef and cabbage dinner (including baked potato, green salad, roll and dessert), the cost is only $10. If you prefer a hotdog, chips and dessert, you may purchase that for $5. There will be a silent auc on from 3 to 5:30 p.m. (during dinner). Come enjoy the en re day as well as support the 4-H club! Contact Jennifer @ 577-5342 for dinner informa on and ckets. Contact Jamie Bertram @ 852-9706 for ride informa on. Perry's DOG Photos from Jody Rumsey Carl and Julie Perry hosted a Dutch Oven Gathering (DOG) in their beau ful party room, Saturday, February 17. There were plenty of cooks and lots of great salads, main dishes and desserts for all to share. Even the youngsters got in the act and learned some new things! Thanks, Carl and Julie, for being such gracious hosts! PAGE 8
Volume 30, Issue 2 VOLUNTEER SERVICE PROJECTS FOR 2018 By Carl Perry Mid Valley work projects are in the planning stages. We have the following projected dates on the unit website, in the Calendar sec on. Please take a look and plan ahead for a great experience working on trails. Some of the star ng trailheads are subject to the opening of roads. We are in need of some chairpersons and cochairpersons to lead these work projects. Study your personal calendars and make a commitment NOW to help the Mid Valley Unit clear some trails. Listed below are the dates and the par culars of each event. We are taking sign-ups now. Some of these events will be limited in number of workers who can a end. Remember, the Forest Service will pack in supplies and personal gear for us on the pack-in trips. What a great opportunity to explore the wilderness without having to pull a pack animal! When we are working from the trailhead and camping there, we will not have any limit on number of workers. We will also require that you contact the chairperson about your plans as we will try to provide some ameni es. We can't plan for surprises. If there are not enough people to help, we will have to cancel the event. All volunteers are greatly appreciated. MID VALLEY UNIT PROJECTED 2018 WORK PROJECTS DATES PROJECT PROJECT LEADER June 13-17 (Wed-Sun) Clark Fork Karen Lopes June 25-28 (Mon-Fri) Crabtree to Grouse?? June 29-31 (Fri-Sun) Crabtree to Bell Meadow Loop?? July 8-11 (Sun-Wed) Clark Fork Karen Lopes July 13-15 (Fri-Sun) Coyote Meadow Trailhead Carl Perry July 20-22 (Fri-Sun) Gianelli to Whitesides pack-in Dave Moser July 26-30 (Thurs-Mon) Kennedy Meadows General Mee ng Stephanie Sto August 6-9 (Mon-Thurs) Coyote - pack-in to Upper Relief Carl Perry August 10-12 (Fri-Sun) TBD?? August 16-19 (Thurs-Sun) Pine Valley to Grouse?? August 27-31 (Mon-Fri) Pack-out Crabtree; pack-in Grouse Lake Carl Perry #3 #4 HOME DEFENSE TRAINING By Vicki Morales Do you know what to do when you think someone might be breaking into your house? For those of us who live alone, especially if that home is out away from neighbors, a break-in is especially scary. That is precisely why Darla Coelho, Vicki Whisler and I decided to partake of some home defense gun lessons. Four years ago, Andy Thomas of Upward Firearms Training, Dan Prine's nextdoor neighbor, donated a training lesson to the raffle at the poker ride Dan was in charge of. Because of this, we knew about Andy. We are sure there are many qualified instructors around. Andy said the class would be around 2 to 2 ½ hours long. I don't know about Andy's clock watching but we were there from 1 un l 4:30 p.m. We had instruc on me in the classroom and prac ce me outside. We handled quite a few different hand guns as well as a shotgun. We watched each other and heard Andy's direc ons and correc ons. We had many ques ons Andy was able to answer in a way that we could understand. Our me was well spent! PAGE 9
Volume 30, Issue 2 Pacific Crest PAGE 10
Volume 30, Issue 2 Submi ed by Bob Magee 24) Ripon Almond Blossom Parade Contact: Contact: Jody Rumsey jodyrumsey@yahoo.com March 2018 13) Mid Valley Unit Board Mee ng, 6:30 p.m. Perko's, 2120 Pa erson Road, Riverbank Contact: Michael King 209-606-8323 - mickngig@sbcglobal.net 17) Murphy's Parade - Contact: Jody Rumsey - jodyrumsey@yahoo.com 24-31) Claudia Parrish Memorial Ride and Campout Mojave Area Contact: Jerrie Thomas 209-985-4502 - JerrieThomas1234@yahoo.com April 2018 6-8) Spring Ride and Campout, Mother Lode Ranch 15995 Wards Ferry Road, Sonora 10) Mid Valley Unit Board Mee ng, 6:30 p.m. Perko's, 2120 Pa erson Road, Riverbank Contact: Michael King 209-606-8323 - mickngig@sbcglobal.net 13-15) BCHC Rendezvous, Paso Robles Event Center Contact: Lloyd Erlandson 209-761-3942 - lloyd.erlandson0@gmail.com May 2018 8) Mid Valley Unit Board Mee ng, 6:30 p.m. Perko's, 2120 Pa erson Road, Riverbank Contact: Michael King 209-606-8323 - mickngig@sbcglobal.net 12) Mother Lode Roundup Parade Contact: Jody Rumsey jodyrumsey@yahoo.com June 2018 12) Mid Valley Unit Board Mee ng, 6:30 p.m. Perko's, 2120 Pa erson Road, Riverbank Contact: Michael King 209-606-8323 - mickngig@sbcglobal.net 13-17) Clark Fork Work Party - Contact: Karen Lopes - kdlcowgirl66@gmail.com 25-28) Work Party Crabtree to Grouse Contact: Unassigned 29-7/1) Work Party Crabtree to Bell Meadow Contact: Unassigned 2018 OFFICERS AND DIRECTORS President, Michael King**, Educa on Chair, State Board Delegate 209-606-8329 mickngig@sbcglobal.net Vice President, Jim Westmoreland*, Membership Chair, Peoria Flat Project Chair 209-815-3125 jimwestmorelandsem@gmail.com Secretary, Carol Jo Hargreaves, Columbia Christmas Parade, Newsle er 209-823-3538 or 209-988-5831 cjohargreaves@gmail.com Treasurer, Vicki Morales*, Newsle er, Rides 209-577-1594 vickimorales@sbcglobal.net Past President, Dennis Serpa*, Volunteer Service Projects 209-848-4017 or 209-531-5175 dmserpa@velociter.net Mary Beth Baglione**, State Board Delegate 209-838-1566 baglionemb@gmail.com Carlena Kellogg*, Adver sing, Website Advisor 209-505-0122 ladyroughrider1@yahoo.com Bob Magee**, Email-Only Newsle er, Public Lands Liaison, Unit Calendar 209-838-3609 SANBOBS1@live.com John Marshall**, State Board Delegate 209-968-3826 Dave Moser**, Saw Program, Stanislaus Wilderness Volunteers 209-668-8511 davemoser53@hotmail.com Carl Perry**, Spring Campout, Volunteer Service Projects, Winter Round Up 209-632-9100 haylo pigeon@aol.com David Rumsey*, Spring Campout, Winter Round Up 209-532-2681 davidsrumsey@yahoo.com Jody Rumsey*, Parade Chair 209-532-2681 jodyrumsey@yahoo.com Stephanie Sto **, Facebook, General Mee ngs 209-402-4417 HorseBiz66@yahoo.com Vicki Whisler*, Dutch Oven Group 209-480-0566 vickiwhisler@sbcglobal.net 2018 COMMITTEE CHAIRS Columbia Christmas Parade Cathy and Doug Dollarhide 209-838-7630 bootsandspur@a.net Insurance Lloyd Erlandson, BCHC State President 209-761-3942 Lloyd.erlandson0@gmail.com Newsle er Kathy Zumbrunn 209-765-4923 runningzranch@gmail.com Photographers Dan Dunckel, Kathy Zumbrunn Dan: 209-785-4011 dunckel@caltel.com Kathy: 209-765-4923 runningzranch@gmail.com Rides and Sales Jerrie Thomas 209-985-4502 jerriethomas1234@yahoo.com Sunshine Katherine Reeves 209-402-7252 boopoopidu@aol.com Tuolumne River Clean-Up John Marshall 209-968-3826 Youth Horse Camp Karen Lopes 209-756-5534 kdlcowgirl66@gmail.com Webmaster Ted Pack 209-883-4192 Tedpack@fire2wire.com PAGE 11