By Harriet Barber

The South Central Trail Riders Association sponsors an annual ride appropriately named the Frozen Nose Ride because it takes place on New Year's Day regardless of the weather. Every year the hardy riders meet at Pawnee Prairie Park for a day ride.

There were no frozen noses this year because it was a remarkably beautiful and sunny winter day. The pleasant weather brought out lots of trail riders and the parking lot was overflowing with every imaginable kind of horse trailer. There were eighty or more riders present for this year's ride.

For three hours we wandered through the woods meeting many other riders and hikers bringing in the New Year on the trail. Spirits were high because of the beautiful weather and the fact that Y2K problems did not materialize as some had predicted.

Those of us who were familiar with the area were quite surprised to see the extent of the ice and flood damage to the trail. Detours had to be made around the many fallen trees on the trail and the areas along Cowskin creek that had been washed out. New trails will have to be cut through the wood to make safe passages around these washed out sections of the trail. The club is making plans to do some trail maintenance on these problem areas in the near future.

Along with the great day and the weather all enjoyed visiting with old friends and meeting new ones. Some of the younger riders had never ridden in the park. I enjoyed telling them some of the adventures that I have had while riding in the park. Earlier that week while some friends and I were riding the trail we saw at least 18 or so deer. One of the does had a set of twins by her side. Several years ago I spotted a red fox running through the grass and into the trees in this same area and other wildlife such as quail and turkeys are frequently seen on this trail. On this particular day however there was no wildlife to be seen anywhere probably because of the amount of human activity on the trail.

There is one place on this trail that really needs attention. It is located at a spot where a small stream cuts across the trail. It has a rather steep approach from either side. The bottom part of this crossing was so bad that the horses sunk in half way up their legs. The crossing became almost impassable as the result the many horses that had passed through it that day. Thank heaven that everyone made it through without any major problems.

Afterwards everyone shared the same sentiments that it had been a wonderful day and a very enjoyable ride. Whenever the weather permits we will be back on the trail again of course. In the meantime, Happy Trails To You!