Ride Leaders:

Mary Greene, Jerry Christison, Jan Prill and Marianne Wheat

Article by Thea Faas-Gervais

The 4^th of July weekend is always a big family oriented time.  For those who joined in on the Bob Marshall ride it was a gathering of our extended foxtrotter family as well.

            We gathered at the Benchmark Trailhead Friday.  Benchmark is a phenomenal campground.  There are three horse campground loops with ties and feed bunks, one big non-horse campground, two outfitter areas with large arena-sized corrals, the Ranger Station office, and an airstrip.  If you look on a map you’ll see that Benchmark is a major gateway into both the Bob Marshall and Scapegoat Wilderness’.

            Friday was the arrival and settling-in day.  Several early arrivals went for short rides in and around the site but most of us just set up camp and walked around visiting friends.

            Saturday morning was bright and beautiful, a perfect day for riding.  We gathered in the center of one camp loop, divided into two groups and were off.  Leaving the campground we crossed a swinging bridge, no it wasn’t too bad, and headed up the trail following the Sun River.  This brought us to the South Fork of the Sun River and on to Pretty Prairie.  The group I was with were the first to arrive.  We waited for the second group to meet up with us, as planned, at the campsite in the middle of the prairie.  After half an hour, about 10 of us decided to ride and explore the prairie, while the remainder waited and napped.  We rode the mile or so to the end of this beautiful prairie and upon returning we found no one else had arrived..  We weren’t worried as they had great leaders.  So, we just ate lunch and got back on.  Returning along the opposite side of the South Fork of the Sun River was beautiful beyond description; the rugged Rocky Mountains, the glistening Sun River, and the wildflower covered hillsides.

            Saturday evening everyone came together for a potluck dinner and presentation by a couple of Rangers.  The fascinating presentation was on the life and conservation efforts of Mr. Bob Marshall, and the founding of the Bob Marshall Wilderness.

            Sunday was another beautiful day.  The itinerary had changed from the initial plans and we headed for Renshaw lake instead.  This was more of a mountainous and treed ride versus Saturday’s river bottom trail.  Once again the trails were in great shape and everyone enjoyed the ride.  We had lunch, and a couple people had naps, at the lake.  Three horses did pull shoes just after leaving the lake, but we all made it back safe and sound. 

            All in all it was a great weekend with great people and great rides.  Benchmark must have several hundred trails accessible.  All are incredible and will take your breath away.  As always, plan ahead and contact the Ranger Station to plan your riding here.  The Bob is incredible but can test the strongest of men and horses. 

            Be safe and have fun riding.