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Tilden WildcatHorsemen'sAssociationNewsletterOctober-November 2010
Top: Hikers Bob Seigel and Nancy Bennett
meet riders Marcie Humphrey, Marie Grisham
and Jay Fowler on the trail. Below: tents and
trailers as Tilden Camp assembles at the start
of the event. Photos by Gary Cook
2010 East Bay Hills
Inside:EBH Snapshots ............. page 3
Ride Memories .............. page 7
Hiking Challenge .......... page 9
Food Page ................... page 11
Volunteers ................... page 12
Donors ........................ page 15
Tilden Tie Posts .......... page 16
Wildcat Parking ........... page 17
Anza/Cardinet Exhibit . page 18
Saving the Mountain .. page 18
REI Service Day .......... page 19
Tevis ........................... page 20
Continued on page 2
by Morris Older
The third year of the combined East
Bay Hills Tails Benefit Hike and Ride truly
was a charm. Riders, hikers, and volun-
teers combined for a week in the hills with
both a practiced flair and a number of new
elements. Pretty much everyone had a
great time on the trails and in camp, and
we raised over $20,000 for the trails, bring-
ing out total to over $140,000 since we
had our first ride 9 years ago.
The previous two combined events
also went smoothly but were rather un-
balanced. The first year we had twice as
many riders as hikers, proportions that
were reversed last year as the number of
riders fell so low, to about 12-15 daily, that
TWHA had to think hard before spon-
soring another year. This time we had
Page 2 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010
about 35 hikers per day and about 30 riders on most days, a
balanced turnout that seemed optimal.
This special edition of the TWHA Newsletter contains
numerous East Bay Hills photos, and articles and comments
by the hikers and riders. Enough so that I need only mention
what those participants somehow inadvertently skipped.
The event this year of course included spectacular trails,
described by Marie Grisham and Gary Cook in their ride and
hike memories. The food once again was spectacular, starting
with dinner the first night donated by the East Bay Regional
Park District and served by Trails Development Program Man-
ager Jim Townsend and EBRPD Board Member Beverly Lane.
And we were blessed to have Page Schorer, Judi Bank, Lila
Abdul-Rahim and Victoria Shoemaker return as chefs the fol-
lowing nights; the food was so good there is talk of an East
Bay Hills Recipe Book! And once again Bob Cooper provided
kitchen, dishes, utensils, lunches, breakfasts and his calm de-
meanor, keeping everyone satiated with the help of dozens of
volunteers, 92 of whom are listed in this issue.
New elements this year included the Human Powered
Blender, powered by a bicycle base, and capable of pretty
mean smoothies and other drinks. And hiker Jay Ballinson
spent 3 hours each afternoon after hiking soothing the tired
muscles of hikers and riders, donating his massage services in
return for contributions to the trails. Reviews were uniformly
positive. And for the second year, we had the shower tents on
loan from Volunteers for Outdoor California, with 12 new do-
nated solar showers that got used over and over.
Our evening programs included 3 nights that were similar
to past years—a talk by EBRPD Naturalist Michael Moran,
described by Gary in his article, the drill team performance in
Sequoia Arena (see the pictures), followed by a trip to Chabot
Space and Science for a look at Jupiter’s moons, nebulae and
more, and a slide show presented by Garrett Christensen on
the High Sierra Route and his through-hiking adventures on
other long-distance trails.
Two of the nights, though were new for us. The Ridge Trail
Council’s Dena Justice led us the first night in ice-breaker games
that Gary has written about, and the final night we proudly
presented, for the first time in the East Bay in over 40 years, the
DVD reissue of Don and June Mulford’s 16mm film, shot on
the Pacific Crest Trail in 1959 while they rode their horses from
Mexico to Canada—the first people ever to do that.
Our raffle this year was exciting, and silent auction prizes
enticing, with donations of sleeping bags, backpacks, a tent
and sleeping pads from REI, The North Face and Mountain
Hardware, an endurance saddle donated by Bubs Schaaf, beau-
tiful photography donated by rider Jo Dannehy, and numer-
ous other prizes bought by hikers, riders, tack shops and oth-
ers—a list of the major donations is inside. Everybody won at
least one prize.
Volunteers really did make the whole thing go like clock-
work, and these included TWHA, MHA and Ridge Trail vol-
unteers, as well as hikers and riders pitching in as needed. The
Chico Chix, a group of six riders, brought with them Sharon
Blau, a friend who came without a horse just to volunteer, and
hiker David Ruport brought his wife, Irma, who did the same
for the third year. And of course Judy Etheridge and Ken
Snetsinger came for the duration, filling in wherever needed,
as usual. The EBRPD generously donated 20 copies of the
new history of their 75 years, Living Landscape, which we
used as thank yous for many of our key volunteers.
For the first time ever we had a few families come with small
children, who camped with us, went on shorter hikes, and had
a great time, adding a new flavor of wonder to the event. We
encountered a rattlesnake on the trail in Anthony Chabot Park,
even if our newsletter somehow lacks the pictures to prove it.
For everyone who participated, this issue is meant to bring
back good memories, and for all of you who somehow missed
it, to give you a taste of a truly extraordinary week…
The hike started at Fernandez Ranch in Martinez, above, as hikers
gathered at the bridge, below-Photos by Daniel Kucera and Gary Cook
East Bay Hills Recap
Continued from page 1
October-November 2010 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 3
Fernandez Ranch On Wednes-
day morning, September 1, we hikers col-
lected at the staging area at one of the
East Bay’s newest parks, Fernandez Ranch
in Martinez. It was a beautiful clear morn-
ing, and our group of over thirty hikers
arrived from all over…some shuttled from
BART, and others dropped off by friends,
joining those who had camped at Es
Anderson camp in Tilden Park Berkeley,
which was our hiking destination for the
day.
The staging area was pleasant, the
park’s new bridge was wide and beauti-
ful, and the new trails were cool and shady
as we began our hike up to the ridges
above Contra Costa County. The last time
we hiked at Fernandez Ranch on the East
Bay Hills Hike and Ride was in 2008, when
we got an early chance to hike this area.
That hike through Fernandez was at the
end of a long hot day, the trails were still
rough, and we picked our way through
the creek bed to end our hike. This was a
more pleasant experience, hiking the new
Snapshots from the 2010East Bay Hills Hike and Ride
By Gary Cook
Views from the Ridge Trail--West (above) and East (below. Photos by Liza Brown
trails that had opened in June. We were
all delighted to see the changes, and ex-
cited to get started on our five-day ad-
venture!
Pinole Watershed and Kennedy
Grove Park Our morning hike was
tough – there are lots of hills between
Martinez and Berkeley! But it was a beau-
tiful morning for a hike. As we walked
and talked, we renewed friendships with
people we’d met on previous East Bay
Hills hikes and made friends who were
new to the event this year. Intrepid vol-
unteers kept us watered and fed (horses
aren’t the only ones who need this trail-
side help!), and made sure all of us were
safe and happy.
Wildcat Canyon Park and Es
Anderson Camp at Tilden Park The
afternoon hike led us up to the Nimitz Trail
above Wildcat Canyon, and our first
views of Berkeley and the Golden Gate.
Great afternoon sights! We hiked on into
Tilden Park and as we came along the
ridge south of Inspiration Point, we saw
our own inspiration – Es Anderson Camp.
It had everything we looked forward to -
Horse Camp with trailers gathered ‘round,
Bob at his chuck wagon handing out
frosty smoothies, refreshing sun show-
ers, and Tent City setting up. It felt like
we were home!
Ice Breaker Games After dinner
on the first evening of the East Bay HillsContinued on page 4
Page 4 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010May-June 2008 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 4
Hikers make their way through Sibley Park on Thursday. Photo by Jan Neufeld
Hike and Ride, Dena Justice of the Ridge Trail Council got us
to join in some “ice breaker games.” Although many were
skeptical at first, we had a great time – and she had candy
prizes! Her games of “I like to”…(you fill in the blank) and
“Who else has”…(sky dived, ridden your horse at Tevis, rafted
the Grand Canyon…) turned out great. And we found out we
had connections with lots of people there, even new connec-
tions with people we’ve known a long time! Thanks, Dena!
Tilden to Sequoia Arena Thursday morning dawned
bright and clear, and after a hot breakfast courtesy of Bob
Cooper and his volunteers, we hiked back up to the ridge.
Turning around, we saw a glorious view of San Francisco and
the Golden Gate, spread out beyond Horse Camp. It was a
photo opportunity for many of us! We ate lunch with a view at
Sibley Volcanic Preserve. In the afternoon, we hiked through
the redwoods to our second camp, Sequoia Arena in Joaquin
Miller Park in Oakland. After ten miles of hiking, we were
looking forward to those sun showers!
Vulture Fun at Sequoia Arena – Naturalist Mike
Moran is always a great entertainer on these hikes. This year,
he talked about turkey vultures. We gained a new respect for
those ugly critters, and members of the audience were encour-
aged to ask questions. One woman had more questions than
anyone (she’s from Chico, I think…it was pretty dark by then).
Her questions started with: “What’s a vulture doing when
they spread their wings?” She then moved on to: “Why do
they roost in groups in trees?” When she asked: “How do you
get rid of fifty of them roosting in your yard?” we knew she
had a problem!
Ultimately, Mike had us all take the Vulture Pledge: “I (state
your name) do solemnly swear to honor and respect turkey
vultures, and like all good turkey vultures, I swear to:
¡ Shave my head
¡ Paint it red
¡ Eat the dead!
Continued from page 3
East Bay Hills Snapshots
Continued on page 5
October-November 2010 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 5
East Bay Hills Snapshots
Sequoia Arena Entertainments
Sequoia Arena is a great location for
camping, riding, and hiking. The event
arranged separate but nearby areas for
hiker camping (Tent City), horse camp-
ing (Trailer Town?), and the arena where
we took our meals and evening entertain-
ments. I wandered from area to area, and
found entertainment everywhere…
In Tent City in the late afternoon, the
hikers convened for Happy Hour and to
compare their chairs. This has gotten to
be quite competitive. People bring novel
and entertaining chairs to the party.
Doug W and Karen C brought camp
chairs with foot-rests. Charlie brought
her Thermarest chair. Bob brought his
tiny yellow square chair. Karen P even
brought a two-legged “Butterfly Chair”
– you had to use your own two legs to
complete the chair! In another highlight,
we all took turns reading one of a group
of New Yorker cartoons that the event
provided. It was hilarious…but after hik-
ing all day, you’re easily entertained.
In Trailer Town, people were enter-
taining themselves in late afternoon by
feeding their horses, watering them, hos-
ing them off, brushing their horses, pick-
ing their hooves…you get the picture! It
was a bucolic sight, and everybody had
a smile on their face. Don’t laugh…my
granddaughter would kill to do this. Does
anybody need a groom volunteer at
Trailer Town next year?
At the arena in the evening, we had
dinner with the people of the Diablo La-
dies Rodeo Team, and they performed a
drill team program with their horses in the
arena. It’s a lot of fun to meet these
people, see their excitement and their
horsemanship, and be inspired by their
love of riding and performance. If my
granddaughter sees their performance,
she’ll go crazy and have to join them her-
self!
After dark, the Arena and Tent City
are quiet. That’s when the Trailer Town
party gets started! We visited several of
the groups there. They have a nice time
there, wandering from trailer to trailer talk-
ing with the folks who have come from all
over – from the East Bay, from Folsom
and Marin County, and a big group from
Chico. The East Bay Hills Ride draws
people from a wide area. The most popu-
lar party was the group with the battery-
powered margarita blender!Continued from page 4
Gary Cook reads hiker cartoons to an amused group of hikers, including Charlie Bowen and
Bob Siegel, above. The Diablo Ladies Rodeo Team performed in Seuoia Arena Friday night-
below. Photos by Liza Brown.
Continued on page 6
Page 6 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010Page 6 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter May-June 2008
Heading south to Bort Meadow
Our fourth day on the trail dawned a de-
lightful mixture of fog and sun. We hiked
south in the fog towards our third camp,
at Bort Meadow in Anthony Chabot Re-
gional Park. Some of us got lost in the
fog, but hey – it was a short day’s hike
anyway! As we came up over the final
ridge into Chabot, the sun came out and
we had our first long view to the south.
The forested valley at the head of Chabot
Park was a sight! We looked down at our
camp at Bort Meadow, on to Lake Chabot,
and over it to Castro Valley, Hayward, and
beyond. The view was so good, we de-
cided to stop for lunch right at the top!
As we ate, who should come along
but three of our riding compatriots. We
cheered them on, shouting: “It’s our
people! These are our people! We are
one!” And we took our picture together
to celebrate it.
Bort Meadow Entertainments
At Bort Meadow, we didn’t have sepa-
rate Tent City and Trailer Town…we all
camped together, many of us near the din-
ing and entertainment area. It felt very
comfortable to be bedding down near a
horse corral, and meeting the horses and
riders in their camping area. Again, it felt
like home, and we all enjoyed it.
The entertainment that evening was
a slide presentation by Garret
Christensen, who has hiked all the major
though hikes in the US. He talked about
hiking the top of the Sierra Mountains
from one end to the other – off-trail! He
showed us slides of the beauty of the
High Sierras, the exhausting work that it
takes to hike it, and the pitifully minimal
equipment he takes when he goes there.
I think we all came away from that talk
admiring his persistence and resourceful-
ness and thinking: “Thank God I’m not
THAT crazy!”
The evening entertainment included
a silent auction and raffle, which raised
money for East Bay Trails. There were
great auction items and a big selection of
raffle prizes. And boy, did I hit the jack-
pot. I was the first raffle winner, and I
picked this really cool camp chair! Now
I’m ready for the East Bay Hills Hike and
Ride 2011!
East Bay Hills Snapshots
Continued from page 5
Saturday began as hikers gathered in the fog at JoaquinMiller Park (above) and ended with a
slide show on through-hiking the Sierras by Garret Christensen at Bort Meadow (below)
Photos by Sandy Venning and Jan Neufeld
The event seemed to be organized
well with a light touch. Things got
done thanks to volunteers and a co-
operative spirit of the group. The
structure of the event allowed flexibil-
ity and independence to participants.
Well Done!!
October-November 2010 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 7
The first week of September my son
Jay, our friend Marcie, and I attended the
East Bay Hills 6 Day Ride.
This is a benefit ride sponsored by
Tilden Wildcat Horsemen’s Association
that raises money for the Ridge Trail and
other trail uses.
This year we started in Tilden Re-
gional Park and headed south through
the various parks that are linked by the
Bay Area Ridge Trail.
We arrived at Es Anderson Equestrian
Camp in Tilden Park on Tuesday evening
and rode through Wildcat Canyon and
Tilden on Wednesday.
On Thursday we moved the trailers
to Sequoia Arena in Joaquin Miller Park
where Metropolitan Horsemen were our
hosts. We were shuttled back to Tilden
and from Tilden rode through EBMUD Watershed above the
Caldecott Tunnel, through Sibley Volcanic Preserve, Huckle-
East Bay Hills Ride Memories
By Marie Grisham
Right (top): Jay Fowler, Marcie Humphrey, and Marie Grisham on
the trail at the East Bay Hills ride. Middle: Horses resting after a nice
ride. Photos courtesy of Marie Grisham. Bpttom right: Duffy and Ron
Hirwin's horses survey Es Anderson Equestrian Camp shortly after
arrival. Photo by Liza Brown. Below: HIkers meet rider on the trail-
photo by Jan Neufeld
Continued on page 8
Page 8 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010Page 8 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter May-June 2008
berry Botanical Preserve, and Redwood Park to arrive at the
arena.
Friday’s rides included a loop in Joaquin Miller and riding
on the French Trail in Redwood Park.
On Saturday we moved the trailers again to Bort Meadow in
Anthony Chabot Park and rode over from the Arena through
Redwood Park and Chabot Park.
Sunday included rides throughout Chabot, including trails
East Bay Hills Ride Recap
Continued from page 7
near Lake Chabot
I recorded all our rides on my GPS and
we rode a total of 28.75 hours! Our aver-
age speed was 3.3 mph so that means we
traveled 94.88 miles! Thank goodness for
Monkey Butt Powder!
We had a great time and I highly rec-
ommend the ride to anyone!
--Reprinted from the September
Newsletter of CSHA's Trail Riders Award
Program.
_Above: Horses enjoy their well-earned meal after arriving at Bort
Meadow on Saturday. Lower left: Riders getting ready to ride at Sequoia
Arena in Joaquin Miller Park. Lower right: After a couple of hot days,
Trailer Town awoke to the fog on Saturday at Joaquin Miller Park.
Photos by Jan Neufeld
I had the best time. Enjoyed the
food, amazing volunteers. I made sev-
eral new friends I will keep in touch
with and through them learned of
trips and things to do with my horse.
Also really enjoyed mingling with the
hikers. This trip further increased my
appreciation for the wonderful
EBRPD system. Thank you, Thank
you, Thank you!
---Mia Holz
October-November 2010 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 9
The Ridge Trail hike 1-5 Sept., which
was my first, was an unqualified success.
And it provided a challenge or two to this
hiker. I had said from the beginning that I
was “not in this to suffer” so when the
first day was as hot as forecast, I won-
dered how I’d do. The answer is that ‘fully
supported’ was perfect. I called it a day at
the first water stop and instead of suffer-
ing, I read and napped and felt far from
my day to day routine!
The Ridge Trail staff and volunteers
do a magnificent job of coordinating the
hike. A hearty hot breakfast is provided,
lunch sandwich makings are ample & ex-
cellent, and dinners were varied and very
other hiker with whom to chat. And when
I wanted to ‘just walk’, that, too, was easy
to manage.
Evenings all included programs that
were entertaining. My favorite was the
naturalist who had us all appreciating
TurkeyVultures within moments of his
presentation beginning. Great slides and
excellent presentation complete with a
stuffed vulture and hawk for ‘show and
tell’!
The big challenge for me was the
weather. Being acclimated to SF weather,
it’s easy to over-heat. Next year I may
sign-up but decide which days to hike
based on the weather report. It was a real
treat hiking East Bay territory that is so
near my home yet I’ve never explored.
The views are consistently lovely to stel-
lar and it’s easy to fall in love with the
Bay Area for more reasons with every
step.
Oh, and the first night the sounds in-
cluded owls, coyotes (?) wild dogs and I
Hiking Challenge
tasty. The camraderie of the entire group
made for interesting conversation in
groups or with individuals. Wherever I
was in a hike there was likely to be an-
Having the horses and hikers to-
gether is a great way to increase
understanding for each and aids
in developing respect and more
knowledge about multiple use of
trails as well as trail sustainability
--Jay Ballinson
by Jan Neufeld
Hiking Friday on the Sausal Creek Trail on Friday. Photos by Jan Neufeld
Continued on page 10
Page 10 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010
Hiking
Challenge
Continued from page 9
was awakened several times by loud purr-
ing! It had me wondering if mountain li-
ons, bobcats and/or feral cats are attracted
to the smell of humans in tents! A young
woman in the tent next to mine also heard
the purring so I do not think it a figment
of my dream life or rich imagination. In-
teresting!!!
Editor's Note: Jan Neufeld not only
met her challenge, and wrote this article,
but revved it up when Dena Justice
handed her the Ridge Trail camera,
resulitng in many of this issue's photos.
Page 10 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Asociation Newsletter October-November 2010
Above: After lunch on Sunday, hikers descend Huck's Trail to Lake Chabot. Below: Hikers in
Redwood Park as the fog lifts on Saturday morning. Photos by Jan Neufeld
October-November 2010 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 11
Volunteers Serve Up a Storm
Served by Lila Abdul-Rahim
16 ounces carrots, peeled and chopped
into large pieces
1 clove garlic, peeled and left whole
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 pinch cayenne pepper
sea salt, to taste
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
3 tablespoons virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons seeded green olives (left
whole or chopped, your preference)
2 tablespoons fresh cilantro leaves
4-6 rounds flat bread or pita pocket
bread
Cook the chopped carrot and garlic in
simmering, salted water, for about 20 min-
utes or until soft. Drain well, then return
them to the hot, dry pan for a minute or
two, over medium heat, to dry them out
further.
Tip the carrots and garlic into the food
processor bowl, and process until
smooth. Add the cumin, paprika, ginger,
cinnamon, cayenne, sea salt, honey and
lemon juice and process again. With the
machine still running, add the olive oil
gradually. Allow to cool.
Spoon into a serving bowl, drizzle with
a little extra olive oil, scatter with olives
and cilantro leaves (if using), and serve
Saturday's appetizers, including Moroccan Carrot Dip, served with pita bread, and Manaeesh
Bil Za’atar (Flat Bread With Za’atar) were followed by Moroccan Chicken with Preserved
Lemons and Olives. Photo by Jan Neufeld
Moroccan Carrot Dip
with lightly warmed flat bread or chips
for dipping.
Yield: 4 – 6 servings
Recipe from RecipeZaar, Recipe
#112229
Super-volunteer coordinator Judy
Etheridge (below left) and the food line
at Sequoia Arena on Friday evening.
Photos by Jan Neufeld
Page 12 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010
Happy hikers- Upper left: .Karen Piini wiht Bill and Karla Munkacsy. Upper right: Liza Brown with Mabel Plesse and Virginia Villasenor.
Lower left: Arvind Chettiar was the youngest East Bay Hills Hiker yet, going a full 4 miles on Sunday. Lower right: Super volunteer Irma Ruport
joined her husband on the Friday hike to Dimond Park. Photos courtesy of BIll Munkacsy, Gary Cook, Jan Neufeld and Sandy Venning.
Volunteers Made It HappenThe East Bay Hills Trails Benefit Ride and Hike could not
have happened without the efforts of over 90 volunteers. A
planning committee, which included TWHA members
Morris Older, Judy Etheridge, Kirsten Whitsett, Page Schorer,
and Jane Binder, Metropolitan Horsemen’s Association mem-
bers Judi Bank and Amelia Marshall, as well as Bob Cooper,
began meeting in March to plan the equestrian ride. A separate
committee of Bay Area Ridge Trail Council members Morris
Older, Gary Cook, Bob Siegel and Charlie Bowen, as well as
BARTC Staff members Joel Gartland and Dena Justice started
meeting shortly thereafter to plan the hike. Our camp man-
agers each day included Jane Binder, Judy Etheridge, and Judi
Bank, with help from Peter Bank. Morris Older served as overall
ride and hike manager with able assistance from the co-plan-
ners and camp managers.
Our evening chefs were Page Schorer, Judi Bank, Lila
Abdul-Rahim, and Victoria Shoemaker, with Jim Townsend of
the Regional Trails Department of the East Bay Regional Park
District providing dinner, which EBRPD Board Member Beverly
Lane helped serve, for the group one evening. Our evening
chefs were ably assisted by Kim Cardin, Sara Shumer, Lisa
McLaughlin, Katia Hazen, Walter Motchell, Irma Rupert, Alison
Martin, Kirsten Whitsett, Eric Shroeder, Jenni Smith, Eileen andContinued on page 13
I love the opportunity to ride for 6 days on lovely, varied
trails. And knowing we are contributing to raising funds
for the trails makes it even better!
Thanks so much to you and your wonderful, cheerful, pa-
tient, good humored volunteers.
--Karen Schwartz, Happy Rider/Camper
October-November 2010 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 13
Volunteers Made It Happen
Gold Blum, Richard Friedman, Inez Fort, Melanie Diamond,
Joan Van Horne, Randy Hassell, Barbara Weitz, Irma Ruport,
Osa and Greg Wolff, Amelia Marshall, Bob Cooper, Judy
Etheridge, and Ken Snetsinger, as well as the large number of
riders and hikers who chipped in as needed.
Bob Cooper, Judy Etheridge, and Ken Snetsinger were our
main breakfast chefs, with the enthusiastic assistance of
Mary Wunderlich, Karl Saarni, Carolyn von Tuyll, Lisa Culin,
Janice Frazier, Nicole Vernon, Irma Ruport, and numerous other
hikers and riders. Bob Cooper provided the kitchen equipment
and dishes at our campsites. MHA provided dinner tables and
chairs used at 2 of the campsites and Kim Abbott helped move
them. Bob Cooper, Judi Bank, Joan Van Horn, Lila Abdul Rahim,
Page Schorer, Jim Townsend, Alison Martin, and Victoria Shoe-
maker all helped with the shopping.
Bort Meadow requires someone to watch the gate at all
times when it is open, and Page Schorer, Rachel Royce, Ken
Snetsinger, Judy Etheridge, Ute Frey, Morris Older, and others
The Human Powered Blender, with Jay Ballinson driving above, and the V-O-Cal Shower Tents added character and cleanliness to the East
Bay Hills Event this year. Photos by Bob Cooper and Jan Neufeld
Continued from page 12 all took turns.
Volunteers were needed to pick up the hikers at BART
and then drop them off at the end of the hike. Bill Long, Bobbie
Landers, Irma Rupert, Bern Smith, Dena Justice, Cheryl Ann
Fulton, super-volunteers Sharon Blau and Irma Ruport, Morris
Older and Ute Frey stepped up to get the job done. Kathy
Campbell, Michele Gillette, Doug Ross, Bobbi Landers and
Sharon Blau volunteered to shuttle riders back from Se-
quoia Arena to their horses at Tilden, while Alice Philipson,
Walter Mitchell, Bill Long and Irma Ruport did the same from
Bort Meadow back to Sequoia Arena 2 days later. Judi Bank,
Hike Ride Organization: Really impressive. I was
amazed how well it all went. I LOVED having the hikers
there. What a great combo. There was always enough
food for us and hay for the horses. The massage therapist
was a nice plus. Having the showers there was fabulous.
--Michele Rosen
Continued on page 14
Page 14 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010
Inez Fort and Amelia Marshall helped
people find parking places at Sequoia
Arena, while Jane Binder directed the
parking at Tilden Park. Our hay purchases
and delivery were arranged by Judy
Etheridge. Water troughs were sup-
plied, placed in strategic locations and
filled by Judy Etheridge and Ken
Snetsinger as well as by Tilden, Redwood
and Anthony Chabot Park staff. The won-
derful horse and hiker crossing signs,
borrowed from Redwood Park, were set
up and attended at Fish Ranch Road by
Kathy Campbell and Michele Gillette.
On the first and longest day of the
hike, Bern Smith of BARTC and Sharon
Blau provided food and water halfway
and the offer of a ride to camp for anyone
who needed it
Sections of trail were pre-ridden
or walked by Rachel Royce, Jan Willis,
Gary Fitts, Charlie Bowen, Judi Bank,
Amelia Marsahll, and Morris Older. Mor-
ris Older wrote up the trail directions
and takes full responsibility for any er-
rors therein. Morris made up the masters
of the equestrian trail maps, and Gary
cook made up the mastes of the hiking
maps, which were printed locally. Gary
Cook, Bob Siegel, Bill Warburton, and
Sandy Venning served as our lead and
sweep hikers. Morris Older made all ar-
rangements with the regional
parks, while Judi Bank did the same with
the City of Oakland and Joaquin Miller
Park. Martha Benioff and Kim Abbott
arranged for our insurance.
The hikers and riders were especially
pleased this year by the shower tents
with solar showers that were borrowed
from Volunteers for Outdoor California.
The Human-Powered-Blender was
on loan from Chino Yip, and transported
down from Napa by Jay Ballinson. And
we are especially grateful to Jay Ballinson,
who after hiking, provided massage for
3 hours daily to hikers and riders who
donated to the event.
We were extremely fortunate to have
evening presentations by EBRPD
Naturalist Michael Moran, who talked
about Turkey Vultures, Garrett
Christensen, who presented a slide show
about the High Sierra Route and other
long distance hikes, , by Margaret Obrien,
and the Diablo Ladies Drill Team, Chabot
Space and Science volunteer Don Saito,
who talked about the stars, and to the
Pacific Crest Trail Association, who pro-
vided the DVD shown Sunday night of
Don and June Mulford’s 1959 historic
horseback adventure from Mexico to
Canada on the PCT.
We were blessed to have the art-
work and design skills of Debby
Young for our ride flyers and shirts. The
ride sales table at our camps was set
up and tended by Morris Older, with help
from Judy Etheridge and hiker Liza
Brown. Irma Ruport sodl a lot of raffle
tickets, and helped pick the winners..
Our emergency trailer on call was
provided by Inez Fort. The manure trailer
was transported by Peter Bank and
Amelia Marshall. And thanks to veteri-
narians Alana Alpern, Dana Conly,
Carole Ormond and Carrie Pierce for be-
ing on call during the event, even though
we're glad no one needed your services.
TWHA web guru Gary Fitts posted
our ride info on the website, and many
riders, and family members pitched in
whenever they were needed. When some-
thing unexpectedly needed to be done,
there were last minute volunteers who
rose to the occasion. TWHA, MHA and
BARTC extend our deep and sincere
thanks to all of the 92 volunteers who
assisted. If we have inadvertently ne-
glected to mention your name, please
know that we have valued your assis-
tance. Without all of you this ride would
not have been possible.
A number of organizations and
Great time--You and your crew were
awesome! TWHA volunteers,
Judy, Bob and others are amazing.
Thanks for your dedication.
LOVED THE SHOWERS!!!!
--Linda Post, VMP
Volunteers!
Jay Ballinson brought his massage table down from Napa, and geve 3 hours of 15-minute
massages each night in exchange for contributios to the trail. Phot by Jan Neufeld
Continued from page 13
Continued on page 15
October-November 2010 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 15
groups helped with the 5-Day Ride. In
addition to TWHA and MHA the assis-
tance of the Bay Area Ridge Trail Coun-
cil, the Muir Heritage Land Trust. and Bay
Area Barns and Trails was essential. Pub-
licity from horse club newsletters, and
several hiking clubs helped riders and
hikers throughout the Bay Area and be-
yond to find out about the ride. See the
separate listing of our donors and spon-
sors, who helped the ride go smoothly
and enabled us to raise more money for
the trails than ever before.
Finally, the ride and hike would not
have been possible without the coopera-
tion and aid of the East Bay Regional
Park District’s Reservations Manager
Tiffany Margulici, Dee Rosario in Red-
wood, Sergio Huerta, in Tilden, Alison
Rein in Wildcat, Jefff Manley in Sibley,
Janet Gomes in Chabot, Jeff Crowle in
Roberts, Joe Britton at Lake Chabot, and
Jerry Richardson in Kennedy Grove and
Volunteers
Continued from page 14
Hikers on the Brandon Trail in Anthony Chabot Park, headed towards the Lake Cahbot on
Sunday. Photo by Jan Neufeld
other park staff. EBRPD was exemplary in
fixing trail, setting up water, and helping
to ensure that the ride worked for every-
one. EBRPD’s Public Affairs Department
generously donated 20 copies of Living
Landscape, the History of the EBRPD to
our key volunteers. The City of Oak-
land was also very helpful in facilitating
our ability to camp , hike and ride at
Joaquin Miller Park.
This year’s East Bay Hills Trail Ben-
efit Ride and Hike was greatly assisted
by the generous contributions we re-
ceived both for the ride and for our silent
auction and raffle. We deeply appreciate
the following donations:
REI
Hiking poles, tent, camp chair,
2 sleeping pads, Soft-shell cooler
Camp cook and utensil sets
Mountain Hardware
Backpack and a sleeping bag
The North Face
Two backpacks and a sleeping bag
East Bay Regional Park District
Dinner for 65 at a key moment
20 copies of Living Landscape
Clif Bar
Fuel for our hikers and riders
Pop Chips
Snacks for ourhikers and riders
Orinda Village Horse Shop
Tipperary riding helmet
Bubs Schaaf
Orthoflex Endurance Cutback Saddle
Judy Etheridge
Syrian Charioteer Bas Relief
Jo Dannehy
Signed equestrian photo artwork
Osa Wolff
Desert for 80
Victoria Shoemaker
Dinner for 35
Peet’s Coffee
Coffee and Tea
Barbara Weitz
Chamnpagne
Save Mt. Diablo
Trail map, bag and blanket
Reactor Panel Saddlery
Brushes, lotions and more
Orinda Safeway
$50 Gift Card
Vista Madera Tack
Leather halter-bridle and reins,
Hoofpicks, riding gloves, brushes and
more
Western Saddlery
Hay bag, muck bucket, and horse cook-
ies
Wilderness Press
Trail Guidebooks and maps
Grizzly Peak Stables
Greeting Cards by Debbie Young
Thanks to Our Generous Donors
Continued on page 16
Page 16 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010
Donations
Joan Andrews
Boot pull, bridles and bits
Riders and Hikers who cancelled
And donated part of all of their fees
Riders and Hikers
Who donated numerous raffle prizes
Amelia Marshall
Signed copy of Oakland’s Equestrian
Heritage and wine
Bay Nature Magazine
Gift Subscription
Janice Frazier
Reins, Dog Basket, mouse and Photoshop
Cheryl Smith
Various horse products Tent city at Joaquin Miller Park-photo by Gary Cook
Continued from page 15
TWHA Replaces and RepairsEs Anderson Horse Camp Tie Posts
On August 26, TWHA members as-
sisted by Tilden Park Staff, replaced 11 of
the tie posts at the Es Anderson Eques-
trian Camp in Tilden Park. The old posts
had been installed there over 30 years ago
for the original CSHA Seven-Day Rides
by Debbie Young and others, and a few
years ago TWHA had moved a few of
them and removed some rotten posts. But
over the years, many more had deterio-
rated, and many of the tie rings had pulled
out. So this year, using money raised the
East Bay Hills Trails Benefit Hike and
Ride, we arranged to purchase new posts
and hardware and to install it.
TWHA members Kirsten Whitsett,
Gary Fitts, Susan Palo, Morris Older,
Alison Martin, Kim Abbott, Jane Binder,
Page Schorer, Lila Abdul-Rahim, Eric
Schroeder and others were ably assisted
by Tilden Park Ranger Joe Hughes and
his tractor’s awesome augur attachment.
And as we ran out of energy towards the
end, Tilden Supervising Ranger Sergio
Huerta arrived to help us finish the job.
That job entailed pulling the old postsTilden Ranger Joe Huges with the tractor,
drilling one of the holes for the new posts.
Photo courtesy of Tilden ParkContinued on page 17
October-November 2010 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 17
out of the ground, drilling and/or digging
the holes to 3 feet deep, putting cleats on
the posts, dropping some gravel in the
holes, standing the posts in the holes,
leveling the posts, and filling and tamp-
ing the holes with gravel and dirt. Then
we drilled the posts and attached new tie
KIrsten Whitsett and Kim Abbott place a new post in the ground, left, and then fill in the
hole and tamp down the dirt, right. Photos courtesy of Tilden Park.
Continued from page 16
rings to the new posts and also to old
posts that needed them.
The new posts are sturdier, taller and
safer than the ones they replaced, and
were used by this years's East Bay Hills
Riders throughout their stay there. In fact
every post was in use while trailers were
moved to Sequoia Arena for the second
part of the event.
So how did the riders like the new
posts? Every year we get evaluation
forms that rate Bort Meadow as the best
camp, and Tilden the worst, due to crowd-
ing, availability of water and so on. But
this year one rider evaluated our three
campsites like this:
Bort Meadow: [Fair]-Too spread out-
need tie posts
Sequoia ArenA: [Good]-tie posts
would help
Tilden: [Excellent] Nice Area with tie
posts.
New TildenTie Posts
On September 22nd the East Ray Re-
gional Park District invited community
members to a presentation/public com-
ment meeting on proposed improvements
to Wildcat Canyon and Alvarado Parks.
About half the audience of 25-30 people
wore cowboy hats – a vivid demonstra-
tion of local equestrian interest in improv-
ing access to Wildcat Canyon.
Members of Tri-City Horsemens’ As-
sociation along with TWHA members
let park district planning officials know
that the current lack of trailer parking is
negatively affecting equestrian access to
this public resource. The proposed plan
– increasing car parking capacity by open-
ing/improving the paved road beyond the
current Wildcat Canyon staging area,
along with improving access from the lot
to Alvarado Park picnic areas – did not
adequately address the need for level,
safe trailer parking.
Thanks to TWHA members Page
Schorer, Susan Palo, Eric Schroeder, Carl
Sarni, Becky Mertens, Morris Older, and
Lisa McLaughlin for turning out for the
meeting, and thanks to Tri-Cities
Horsemen’s Association for spreading
the word about this meeting. The pres-
ence and comments of so many equestri-
ans clearly got the attention of the plan-
ning officials, who are going back to the
drawing boards to come up with a new
plan that addresses our concerns. This
was an important step in our advocacy
mission for ’W’ park.
Alvarado-Wildcat Parking ReconsideredBy Lisa McLaughlin
In early February 2011, TWHA will
host a movie night at the Pacific Film
Archive Theater in Berkeley. Program
includes Cowgirls: Portraits of
American Ranch Women, a film by
local Marin filmmaker (and former work-
ing cowgirl) Nancy Kelly plus Les Blank’sThe Maestro: King of the Cowboy
Artists. Special guests in attendance.
TWHA Movie Night
Page 18 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010
Trailblazers Past and Present:
Juan Bautista de Anza and George CardinetAn Exhibit at the Contra Costa County History Center — Aug. 29 to Nov. 30, 2010
This new exhibit at the
Contra Costa County Histori-
cal Society’s History Center
honors two men: Spain’s Juan
Bautista de Anza, a founder of
Alta California in 1776, and
Concord’s George Cardinet, a
trailblazer extraordinaire for
over 70 years.
In 1775-1776 Captain Juan Bautista de Anza led 300 colo-
nists on an epic trek from New Spain to San Francisco and
founded the San Francisco Presidio and Mission Dolores. Two
hundred years later, George Cardinet organized a re-enactment
of the Anza expedition, riding horseback from Nogales to San
Francisco and spearheaded the successful effort to create the
Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail in 1990.
610 Main Street Martinez, California 94553 Tues.-Thurs. 9-4 925-229-1042 cocohistory.com
Jonah Raskin read this new poem at the summer solstice
preview hike of 4.5 miles of new Bay Area Ridge Trail on the
North Slope of Sonoma Moutain, connecting to Jack London
State Park. The new trail will offer stunning views in all direc-
tions when completed and opened in 2011. Jonah Raskin is
Professor of Communications Studies at Sonoma State Uni-
versity and the editor of The Radical Jack London: Writings
on War and Revolution
October-November 2010 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 19
Page 20 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010
When I started riding Coppi at Peter
Rich’s Bay Laurel Arabians in 2006, he
was a skittish young fellow with a major
water phobia who would spook at a
puddle of pee on the trail and leap out of
his skin at the sound of his own fart. But
beneath that flighty exterior was a gentle,
energy-conserving, self-sufficient horse
who, through patience and love, has be-
come the best partner I could have ever
imagined.
Last year was our first Tevis. We fin-
ished in the company of veterans Jenni-
fer Rader and Latif at 4:18AM, happy and
fit to continue. This year Coppi and I were
the only Bay Laurel horse/rider team en-
tered for the 2010 bid. I found myself at
once a bit nervous about going solo and
curious to see how we’d do. Nearly ev-
eryone involved with Bay Laurel had vol-
unteered to help crew, so we were in good
hands.
With the steadfast support of our
friends, just the right amount of training,
Tevis 2010 – Into the NightThe Unbridled Tale of Coppi and Karen’s Wild Ride
By Karen Stackpole and a healthy dose of Tevis luck, Coppi
and I finished in 10th place, chomping at
the heels of Cyclone and Fury, the Haggin
Cup winner, in a wild ride from No Hands
Bridge to the finish. My goal as we set
out was to take care of Coppi and not get
pulled, to enjoy the intensity and beauty
of the journey, and to try to get back to
camp before 3AM so I could break my
sabeertical with a celebratory pint in the
company of my pony and pals at a rea-
sonable hour. To get back before 1 a.m.
and Top Ten with both of us feeling so
bright and springy was more than I’d
hoped for, thus all the more sweet.
Ours was a charmed ride. Coppi did
well all day, but as night fell sheer magic
kicked in. Riding alone in the dark had
worried me at the start, but that perspec-
tive was about to change... Here is our
unbridled story.
From Dawn till Dusk
Leaving Robie Park near the back of
the pack, we make our way through the
high country, gradually leap-frogging
ahead. Through the Granite Chief Wilder-
ness we see only a handful of riders, the
antithesis of 2009’s antlike trail. Coppi
negotiates Cougar Rock like a pro and
it’s off to Red Star and Robinson.
Hearing the encouraging cheers along
the route into Robinson Flat and seeing
the cluster of yellow bandanas distin-
guishing our group is an emotional mo-
ment for me. We enter the one-hour hold
with top vet scores in 46th place. Our crew,
with Jen Rader at the helm, makes sure
Coppi and I chow down and cool off as
they share reports of high country mis-
haps that make me shudder. Last year
Coppi took a spill on some boulders bring-
ing us both to the ground. Thankfully this
year he is as sure footed as a mountain
goat.
Suddenly it’s time to go and we make
for the canyons, striking up a rapport with
veteran rider Lisa Schneider. We move
ahead, politely requesting trail from scat-
tered riders along the way. Soon we come
up behind a train of churning hooves and
clouds of dust that make me feel like I’m
in the Shanxi province of China on a hot
summer day choking on smelting smog.
“Hey Karen! How sick are you of eat-
ing this dust?” calls out Lisa. I realize
she’s encouraging me to blaze past this
multi-equine dust devil to cleaner air so I
urge Coppi on and we skirt past the nose-
to-tail brigade to open trail. We stop only
briefly at Dusty Corners before heading
off toward Pucker Point.
Pucker Point gives me the willies, so I
look straight ahead because if I look down
that’s where I’ll get drawn to and that just
wouldn’t do at all. We stop to let the
horses eat their fill at Last Chance. I tell
Lisa I’m terrified of heights and that El
Dorado canyon is my nemesis. She tells
me my horse will take care of me and not
to fear. “Trust your buddy,” she says.
Lisa rides down the first canyon so I
Karen and Coppi enjoying their ride through the high country. Photo by Dominique Cognee
www.cognee.com
Continued on page 20
October-November 2010 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 21
stay on to keep up, but on the way out
we attempt tailing. Coppi forgets every-
thing and veers toward the edge as I hang
stupidly on his tail. It’s useless. I end up
with him tailing my ass out of that hot
dusty canyon. I suppose it’s only fair, but
he’s over eight times my size.
Lisa and I get separated at Deadwood
and I confront my major nemesis alone.
El Dorado Canyon: several miles of the
hairiest track along the entire Tevis
trail…narrow crumbling cliff-side trails
along deep drops that seem to go on for-
ever. I take Lisa’s advice and trust Coppi
and we make it just fine despite my pho-
bia. We ascend the relentless canyon wall
up to Michigan Bluff and are met by Bay
Laurel crew who refresh us with mash,
coca cola, and good cheer before we sprint
off through town. We vet through quickly
at Chicken Hawk and blaze Volcano to
Foresthill on the ultimate quest: dinner
and an hour recuperating with our friends.
From Foresthill
to the Fairgrounds
After being pampered at the Foresthill
vet check by the expert Bay Laurel crew
led by Ute Frey, Coppi and I are ready to
tackle the last third of the Western States
Trail. As we head to the out timer, Peter
Rich leans in to tell me that we’re in 26th
place. He says: “I can see you passing at
least 10 riders out there easy….” I say:
“Yes sir.”
We break into a trot when we reach
the trail. I want to make use of the last
hour plus of daylight that we have left.
Coppi obliges as we work our way down
the switchbacks, both of us moving to-
gether as a single unit. We come across
three other riders and request the trail,
slipping past and gaining ground, enjoy-
ing our solitude.
Eventually we hit a steep descent
where I always get off during training
rides, but it is dusk so I stay on – Coppi is
such a supple downhill mover that we are
really making tracks
and pass another
rider. A level stretch
allows us to kick into
overdrive to the
Peachstone watering
spot where we take a
long drink and wheel
off on good footing
through the trees.
The sunset bathes
the forested
mountainsides. It’s
breathtaking. As it
closes in on 9PM, the
last rays of the dying
sun disappear from
the hills and the full moon springs up from
behind the rise as if on cue – a beautiful
cross fade from rosy gold to silver as the
sky turns a deeper shade of translucent
indigo. The bright stars begin to pierce
through the fabric of the night sky in clus-
ters, sparkling and adding an aura of
magic to our quest.
We head down Cal 2 in the dark. To
our dismay we come across two fellows
whose horses are lit up like Christmas
trees with numerous glow sticks hanging
off their tack…and that’s not so bad but
for the headlights that both the riders are
wearing as they trundle along, which de-
stroy any shred of night vision that an
unadorned horse and rider tries to main-
tain.
Every switchback is horrendous –
they turn sharply toward us – one and
then two – shining bombastically bright
beams straight at our peepers, blinding
us for a spell as we try to negotiate the
turn. We have to lose these guys and fast.
I politely request the trail. They say:
“We’ll just up the pace…” and they trot
off with purpose. I urge Coppi forward,
Left:Turnabout is
fairplay: Coppi tails
Karen out of the first
canyon past Devil’s
Thumb. Right: Riding off
into the sunset out of
Foresthill and on into the
night. Photos courtesy of
Karen Stackpole
Continued from page 19
Continued on page 21
TWHA at Tevis 2010
Page 22 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010
slightly put off but dealing with it, when
right in front of me the second rider’s head-
light comes flying off his helmet, tumbling
onto the trail, a crazy dancing beam of
writhing light. Coppi tramples it soundly
into darkness and nature begins to hem
us in again, much to our delight.
We reach the end of the single track
and a wide fire road winds steeply up-
wards. One fellow slows to grab a trail
bar from his pack; the wrapper crinkles
loudly. I call out: “Passing on your
left…thanks!” Coppi breaks into a brief
canter up the incline, putting some dis-
tance between us and these disturbers of
the dark. We trot on in the blackness of
the tree shadows and I imagine a beam of
light reflecting in my safety goggles. Anx-
iously I think they’re pulling up behind
us, but when I look over my shoulder it is
only the moon shining through a break in
the canopy.
It is truly magical as we stride out at a
graceful ground-eating trot through the
silvery darkness. I tune into Coppi’s ev-
ery movement and trust him implicitly.
Every fiber of my being senses how good
he’s feeling as he strides toward Auburn.
When the heart rate monitor beeps out
its alarm that we are above aerobic thresh-
old, I slow him down. When the watch
quiets, I whisper: “Whenever you’re
ready buddy” and he takes off, eager to
be moving out again.
We wind along the crazy cliffy-ness
above the Ruck-a-chucky rapids with
confidence, alone in the dark, paying at-
tention to each other and the trail. As we
descend to the sandy single track under
the trees near the river, we pick up the
pace only to be slowed soon after by a
fairly large clot of riders ambling along at
a walk. I respectfully fall in behind until
we get to a stream where everyone
spreads out and stops to water their
horses. I let Coppi have a drink and
quickly pass the group.
Before long the bright lights of
Francisco’s loom and we emerge from the
darkness, happy to have made it through
that 17-mile section in good order. We
tank up, hit the vet line, and trot off on
our way. Eventually the trees thin and we
find ourselves on a broad sandy wash in
a valley nestled between dark wooded
hillsides illuminated by the ghostly glow
of the moon. It is like a dreamy scene from
a monochromatic Tim Burton movie and I
allow myself a look around as my mount
strides on and a light breeze fans our
faces.
Soon we hear some hooplah as the
river crossing draws nigh. Led Zeppelin
blares through a tinny sound system:
Dancing Days Are Here Again. I feel like
I’m in some 1970’s surreal rock opera as
we break into the clearing through the
low-lying brush. A pavilion strung with
Christmas lights houses a gathering of
folks chugging beers and lounging on
beach chairs, hooting and hollering at
each new arrival. “Stay to the right of the
glow sticks!” admonishes one reveler as
we approach the waterside.
I half expect to see Ratty and Badger
floating by in a little bark boat as Coppi
sniffs the water before purposefully pick-
ing his way across the American River.
The current causes the string of blue glow
sticks to billow out like some distorted
landing field. We stay well to the right of
the eerie luminescence. The river looks
like flowing obsidian. This year the water
only skims Coppi’s belly and comes up
to my ankles and I’m glad about that.
As we make our way up the embank-
ment on the other side into the pitch black
Left: We made it! Photo courtesy of Karen Stackpole. Right: My hero Coppi shines at the showing for best condition, thanks to the Bay Laurel
night crew and his natural awesomeness. Photo by Tina Hutton
Tevis 2010Continued from page 20
Continued on page 23
October-November 2010 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter Page 23
The TWHA Newsletter aims for bi-
monthly publication- Contributions
gratefuly accepted. Please reprint
anything herein, but do give us credit.
2010 TWHA BoardPresident:
Alison Martin 510-559-9534
Vice President:
Kirsten Whitsett 925-283-1997
Co-Recording Secretaries:
Lila Abdul-Rahim 925-284-9218
Ute Frey 510-204-0698
Treasurer:
Kim Abbott 510-655-4195
Membership Secretary:
Page Schorer 510-525-9675
Newsletter:
Morris Older 925-254-8943
Trail Work:
Susan Palo 510-548-2724
Historian:
Debby Young 925-254-1408
EBATC Representative:
Marilyn Terstegge 925-254-5430
Web and Email
Gary Fitts 510-524-3729
Members At Large:
Jennifer Rader 925-689-0198
Eric Schroeder
Jane Binder 510-524-3300
Jenni Smith 925.386.5580
Becky Mertens 510-981-0780
Caroline van Tuyll 510-301-0170
Lisa McLauglin 510-843-6720
Tevis 2010
under the trees I hear a commotion be-
hind me and know another rider has come
upon the crossing. I urge Coppi on and
we make our way along the narrow trail
toward the broader track up ahead. There
is a movement in the darkness before us
and I wonder if my eyes are playing
tricks on me. But a bit of moonlight
steals through a rift in the foliage and I
see a flash of white headstall – it’s Shellie
Hatfield and Elmo and we are all four
happy to see each other and share some
experiences from the ride as we carry on.
After what seems forever, we see the
halogen glow of the Lower Quarry vet
check. We get in and out as soon as we
can and hit the last leg of our journey at
a good clip while we have decent foot-
ing. We scamper up the steep slope af-
ter crossing the highway and head down
toward the switchbacks to No Hands
Bridge.
It’s closing in on half past midnight
as we break out of the trees at the bot-
tom of the decline near the bridge where
Rose Marie Hoffman and Heather
DaCunha meet us with coffee. I take a
few swigs from the thermos and Rose
Marie says urgently “you better get
moving - I think you’re in 10th place!”
and I say “What the...?” I give back the
thermos and hustle across the span to
set out along the broad trail that runs
above the river.
Shortly we hear hooves thundering
up behind us and a voice calls out “can
we pass on the left!” We oblige and pull
over as Fury and Cyclone and their rid-
ers breeze past us and plunge into the
darkness where the trail turns to single
track. I think: “well, there goes 10th
place...” Coppi surges forward and we
tuck into their slipstream and begin a
pell-mell ride through the witching hour.
Up and down we scramble, steel
shoes sparking against rocks on the
path, keeping pace with the two horses
in front of us. The word “RACE” finally
sinks in. We blaze past two other rid-
ers, regaining tenth position, and kick
in the NOS on the last stretch to Au-
burn to finish at the same time as #8 &
#9 just a few feet behind them. Holy
cats. What a ride. Four miles on nutso
trail in pitch black in only 30 minutes.
We are met by a cheering contin-
gent from the Bay Laurel crew and get
a nice surprise at the confirmation of
our tenth place finish. Jen Rader stays
with us through the vetting process
because I’m somewhere on Pluto.
Coppi is in great shape and the vet is
very encouraging and full of smiles.
Bay Laurel’s crew administers top-
notch care to Coppi back in camp, of-
fering him mash and three kinds of hay,
icing his legs, massaging him, and
keeping him limber. Becky Mertens
hands me a frosty beer and we all share
tales from the day. After the excitement
calms down a bit, both Coppi and I
hunker down for some well-deserved
rest, but the night shift keeps vigil till
dawn caring for Coppi.
In the morning we present for BC.
Coppi looks fantastic – energetic and
full of verve after our long haul, mov-
ing freely with head held high. Fury
took the Haggin Cup, but Coppi wins
the prize for the best horse I have ever
known. This adventure deepened our
bond and I’ll remember it always. We
were prepared, the famous Bay Laurel
crewing machine had our back, and
Tevis luck was with us. Much grati-
tude to everyone who helped out in
our camp this year! We couldn’t have
done it without you.
Heartfelt thanks to: Peter Rich,
Rose Marie Hoffman, Jennifer Rader,
Ute Frey, Becky Mertens, Ros
Davidson, Page Schorer, Gary Fitts,
Heather DaCunha, Elisabeth
Chermouni, Caroline Van Tuyll, Klaus
Kutz, John Paul Casella, Michael
Goldin, Leo Goldin, Elaine Mariolle,
Vance Vaughan, Heidi, Imke, Frederic,
Robert Upton, Linda Upton, Lila
Abdul-Rahim, Michele Gillette, Randall
Gillette, Dr. Cory Soltau, Bill McKean,
Doug Ross, all the Tevis volunteers,
and the friends I met along the way.
Continued from page 22
Page 24 Tilden Wildcat Horsemen's Association Newsletter October-November 2010
address correction requested
Tilden-WildcatHorsemen's Associationwww.twha.org50 La EncinalOrinda CA 94563
TWHA 2010 MEMBERSHIP FORM
Name(s)________________________________________________ ____new or ____renewal
Address________________________________________________ Phone: ________________
City, State, Zip______________________________________________________________
Email_____________________________________ Do you have a trailer?________
Check here if you would NOT like to receive TWHA emails_______
Names/Birthdays of equestrian members__________________________________________________
Horse name(s)_________________________________________________________________________
Events or projects you may be able to help with _____________________________________________
2010 Dues Enclosed; $20 individual___ $25 family___$10 junior_____
2010-11 Dues Enclosed; $35 individual___ $45 family___$15 junior_____
Send form, and check to: TWHA c/o Page Schorer, 625 Liberty, El Cerrito CA 94530 [email protected]
Saturday, Oct. 23 TWHA Tilden Trail Work Day 9:15 at Tilden Corporation Yard
Saturday, Dec. 5--TWHA Holiday Party 1-4 pm at Grizzly Peak Stables
