October - Whatcom Chapter Backcountry Horsemen of Washington

Newsletter of the Whatcom Chapter
Backcountry Horsemen of Washington
TRAIL TALES
Whatcom Chapter
P. O. Box 28607
Bellingham, WA 98228
2013
PRESIDENT:
Roger Nelson
PO Box 715
Maple Falls, WA 98266-0715
360-599-2461
VICE PRESIDENT:
Bill McKenna
9253 Mt. Baker Hwy,
Deming, WA 98244
360-599-2526
DIRECTOR:
Rick Olson
5180 Penny Ln.
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-398-1309
ALTERNATE DIRECTOR:
Bill McKenna
360-599-2526
SECRETARY:
Helen Almojera
4753 Valley Hwy
Deming, WA 98244
360-592-8080
TREASURER:
Dawn Weaver
1495 Huntley Rd.
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-739-4447
PUBLICITY
Selena Burgess
5135 Bellwether Ln.
Bellingham, WA 98226
360-647-2109
NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Fran Van Diest
wbchnewseditors@msn.com
or fvandiest@msn.com
360-734-2567
Notes from the President
October 2013
BCHW mission statement: To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in
America’s back country and wilderness. To work to insure that public lands remain open to
recreational stock use. To assist the various governmental and private agencies in their
maintenance and management of said resource. To educate, encourage and solicit active
participation in the wise use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general public
commensurate with our heritage. To foster and encourage the formation of new chapters in the
state organization.
I would like to talk about packing with horses and mules it is seasonal and we
are in the packing season, from giving pack support to a hiking club to the
U.S.F.S. to camping to hauling brush cutters to chainsaws and loppers and other
gear .I am truly blessed to be able to go to places like Schreiber's Meadow,
Excelsior trail and the Pasayten Wilderness which is a pretty place to ride and
camp. This week-end I am helping do a pack In of supplies for W,T,A, and for
those of you that don't know what that stands for is Washington Trail Association
they are a hiking club that works on trails, and this is a Joint effort between
B.C.H.W. and W.T A. and the US forest service. Their was four hard panniers of
food and camping supplies and a set of soft panniers with propane bottles and five
gallon buckets and a set of our gravel bags that had various tools in it. It took six
pack animals to get all this gear into Schriebers meadow which is the East side of
Mount Baker in a very well laid out trail. The Mountaineers use this side a lot to
climb Mount Baker we packed all the gear out the following week -end it is a
very pretty place. I would like to talk about a ride we did yesterday to Hannagen
pass, their was eight of us that left the trail head and ten stock, it started out a
foggy morning then we drove above the fog. It is a rocky steady gentle climb to
Hannagen Pass with views of water falls and rugged mountain tops are all around
you. I would like to talk about a pack trip that Rocky and Virgil and myself took
in part of the Pasayten wilderness in Winthrop WA, we packed in over twenty
miles the most rugged and gorgeous scenery we had ten animals between the
three of us we were able to carry the kitchen sink, we had shirtsleeve weather going in to Corral lake for the high hunt for mule deer, and snowed on and off for
the rest of the week we were there I did not hunt I came along just for camping
and relaxing and I was training my animals, this is another aspect of packing that
takes a lot of work to get ten animals ready with all their saddles and gear for a
week long trip. I am truly dedicated in the belief of Backcountry Horsemen Of
Washington and what it stands for, it can't be all work all the time we have to
have fun also, I have said enough for now and hope to see you at the Halloween
ride at the Heady Rd. at Bryce creek, until then.
Happy trails Roger
Page 2
Trail Tales
VET NOTES Sharon Hoofnagle D.V.M. Indian Summer and Parkas
Fall is my favorite time of year for riding. We often have beautiful weather Sept and
Oct, and except for the giant spiders, riding is spectacular. However there is a problem
when you combine mild fall weather and trail riding- our horses are about half coated
up, they are growing their heavy winter coats. Asking them to climb a mountain in 65degree weather is similar to us hiking the same trail with a winter parka on. Overheating is a concern. Even 45-65 degrees air temp can be a problem.
Different breeds and different body types will differ in the thickness of coat and
their ability to dissipate heat. Icelandics are well known for their exceptionally heavy
coats. Arabians and Thoroughbreds are known for their lighter coats and are less likely
to overheat. The Icelandic also tends to have a compact muscular body type, compared
to the lighter muscled Arabian. The increased muscle mass is more likely to retain heat.
The Quarter Horse is also generally heavier muscled. The Running Quarter ( Quarter
Horse/Tb) is in between.. Standardbreds are in between. Individuals within the same
breed will vary. Older horses with Cushings may have heavier coats.
2013
TRAIL BOSSES
Roger Nelson
360-599-2461
Gary Grinde
360-815-2610
Michelle McKenna
360-599-2526
Debbie Blockley
360-325-3884
WORK PARTY
COORDINATOR
Rocky Leavitt
360-599-2675
There is another factor recently discovered concerning thermoregulation during exercise. It has been discovered that older horses have more trouble regulating their body
temperature than younger horses. When tested on a treadmill older horses (mid-twenties) over-heated faster
than youngsters (7-8 yrs old), had higher heart rates, and sweated more. They also had lower plasma volume.
Lower blood flow can negatively impact the body’s cooling ability.
We can enjoy the mild fall weather, but we need to give our equine pals a break. Rest your horse if he/she
is breathing hard or sweating Watch the slowest, oldest, fuzziest horse carefully. The 5 year old Arab may be
raring to go, but the old critter may need a rest stop.
Remember also that your horse may be cooled out when you return to the trailhead but may still be wet. It
can take hours for the heavy winter coat to dry. The moisture has come from the inside out. This is one place a
light blanket comes in handy.
A Special Thank You to:
Laurel Farm & Western Supply
Check out our Website:
http://www.whatcom-bch.com/
America’s Horse Country
Weylin & Amy Eldred
325 W Laurel Rd., Bellingham
360/398-1216 * 360/398-8050 fax
Hours: Mon – Fri: 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sat: 8:30 a.m. to 6:00
p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
EDITOR’S POLICIES
Trail Tales is published monthly. Deadline for submission of articles is the 15th of each month. Noncopyrighted submissions are welcomed (subject to space limitations). Opinions and views expressed in
letters or personal articles are not necessarily the opinions of BCH.
Send submissions to: Editor, Fran Van Diest, 723 Van Wyck Rd, Bellingham, WA. 98226. E-mail to:
wbchnewseditors@msn.com or fvandiest@msn.com.
Trail Tales
Page 3
BCH Whatcom Chapter
General Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2013 Herman Miller 4-H Park
Call to order 7 p.m.
Adoption of Agenda:
MOTION: Motion was made, seconded and carried to adopt the agenda as written.
Approval of Minutes:
MOTION: Motion was made, seconded and carried to approve minutes of the August 14, 2013 meeting
as published.
Hospitality: Alice Yancy – no visitors
Guest Speaker/Program: Gary Anderson demonstrated several useful knots.
Reports:
Treasurer: No report.
Director/Legislative: No news.
Trailheads:
South Fork Park: Verna McLeod reported that Mike McFarland said we can ride around the private
land. (It was noted that boundaries of this land are unmarked.) Melinda Smull said the park can be
accessed through the Hutchinson Creek area.
Lake Whatcom: No news.
Vedder Mountain: TP is in. Arch has been sanded and stained, letters need to be painted. Bill said a
second concrete bench is ready for pick up.
Stewart Mountain: No report.
Trail Coordinator/Trail Bosses: Rocky Leavitt
Work Details: During August, packers worked with WA State Parks on the Big Beaver Creek Trail by Ross
Lake. Lopped 7 miles in plus another 6 miles. Built hitching rail. Packed in to Schreiber’s Meadow with WTA
one weekend and out the next.
Annual Group Camp: September 27-28. Bryce Camp, Heady Road.
BCH Y-TIP: Rocky Leavitt - No news
Volunteer Hours: Verna McLeod - 215 hours were reported for August.
DNR/NW Regional: Susan Sebastian – No news
Website Revision: Helen Almojera/Fran Van Diest – Letitia plans to complete work on this project once she
returns home.
GPS Project: Tim Surratt – Tim has successfully laid down his GPS trail tracks on a topo map. The next steps
will be: 1) Install Garmin GPS software on the club laptop. 2) He will talk to Cheryl Brant about her trail work
and how it might still be used.
(Continue on Page 4)
Page 4
Trail Tales
(Continue from Page 3)
BCH Whatcom Chapter
General Meeting Minutes
September 11, 2013 Page 2
New Business:
Federal Reimbursement for Work Parties: Rocky Leavitt – Rocky reported that drivers who travel to federal work sites for DNR, National Parks, Forest Service, etc. are going to be reimbursed at an as yet undisclosed amount per mile. Members reviewed the club Policy for Reimbursement of Mileage for Work Party,
effective January 1, 2012 (Attachment #1). Based on this review, the following action was taken:
MOTION: Motion was made and seconded that if the government reimbursement rate for drivers
traveling to federal work sites is less than the club approved reimbursement rate of $1.25 per mile,
the club will make up the difference.
During discussion of this motion, it was brought up that drivers may have to wait an inconveniently long
time for federal reimbursement.
MOTION TO AMEND: Motion was made, seconded, and carried to amend the motion by adding
the following sentence:
Individuals will be reimbursed promptly by the club at a rate of $1.25 per mile, and if they later receive federal compensation, they will turn that amount over to the chapter treasurer. (Unanimous)
During discussion of this amendment, it was decided that in the future, drivers applying for federal reimbursement will fill out paperwork so the money will be sent directly to the chapter treasurer.
Coffee Fund: Coffee money donated.
Closing Comments/Close: The October general meeting will be held at the Laurel Grange. Meeting adjourned 7:50 p.m.
Helen Almojera, Secretary
2014 Raffle Calendars are here!
The BCHW calendars are here. Dawn will bring them to the general meeting, so come and
get one or two. The calendars are $#20.00 each which gives you a chance at the drawing each
month. You have 11 chances to win $300 and one chance to win $3,000 so don’t delay, get
your calendar now!
They make great Christmas gifts!
Fran
Page 5
Trail Tales
CALENDAR
Oct 1——Tuesday
Oct 9——Wednesday
Oct 19th—-Saturday
Oct 26——Saturday
Board Meeting at Bob’s Burger & Brew, dinner
at 6:00, meeting at 7:00 p.m
General Meeting at Laurel Community Grange,
6172 Guide Meridian, Lynden. Meeting starts at
7:00 p.m. Treats: Susan Sebastian.
Work party at Heady for Halloween ride.
More information at the general meeting. Contact Roger for more info. Be ready to ride at
10:00 a.m.
Halloween ride at Heady trails. More information
at the general meeting. If you want to help, please
notify Rocky.
Nov 4th—-Monday
Board meeting at Bob’s Burger & Brew.
Nov 9th—-Saturday
Stewart Mountain ride. Be ready to ride at 10:00.
More information at the meeting.
Elections, Auction and Ride Schedule for 2014
Time to start thinking of elections for 2014.
We will hold elections at the November meeting. Please let is know if you are
interested in a position or would be willing to help out. More information at the
October meeting as to what position will be available. If you served as an officers for 2013 and are willing to continue for 2014, please notify the board.
Also time to start thinking of an auction—-whether or not we want one. If we
have one, and you wish to be in the auction committee, please notify Bill
McKenna or myself.
Ride Schedule for 2014: We need to start planning our ride and work parties for
2014, if you wish to be in the committee, please notify Rocky Leavitt. Also if
you wish to sponsor a ride, or would like to see a ride at a certain trail listed,
please let is know. If you know of trails that need work, please let us know so we
can schedule a work party.
Fran
2013 COMMITTEE
CHAIRS:
LEGISLATIVE:
Rick Olson
360-398-1309
LEAVE NO TRACE:
Bill McKenna
360-599-2526
VOLUNTEER HOURS:
Verna McLeod
360-595-2744
PROGRAMS:
Sharon Hoofnagle
360/734-4258
HOSPITALITY:
Alice Yancey
360/733-5063
SUNSHINE
Shelly Madsen
360-223-9595
TRAIL HEAD
COMMITTEE
Mike McGlenn
360-739-2619
SCRAPBOOK
Debbie Lagerwey
354-2804
Need Pictures!
Trail Tales
Page 6
Sunshine Committee
If you know someone that needs a
little ray of sunshine, please contact
Shelly Madsen at 360-223-9595
FOR SALE:
Used 1989 3 horse slant load American Horseman
Trailer. Hay rack, 16”tires, forward tack room.
Asking $4,495.00.
Mike McGlenn
360 739 2619
George Leonard: Our thought and prayers sent to
George and Ann Leonard. George’s sister Pat passed
away on Aug 28, 2013.
Debbie Lagerwey: Get well card sent to Debbie.
************************************
WANT TO BUY: a 4 horse trailer (3 horse might
work)
Please Call 360-421-5827 Deanna
Roger, Virgil and Rocky camping out,
Sept 19—Sept 24, 2013. You can see the
snow on the mountains.
Advertising Rates
Full Page----$45.00 per month, limited to space available
1/2 Page……$90.00 for 6 months or $150.00 for a Year
CLASSIFIEDS
** Place your classified ad here. Classifieds
are free to Whatcom BCH members, or just
$3.00 for anyone else. Send your ad and
money to the newsletter editor by the 2nd
Wednesday of the month.
1/4 Page……$60.00 for 6 months or $100.00 for a Year
Business Card….$30.00 for 6 months or $50.00 for a Year
Classifieds………$3.00 per month
Free Classifieds for members!
Page 7
Trail Tales
Schreiber’s Meadow Forest Service Pack Out – August 31, 2013
It was a long haul off HWY20 to the Schreiber’s Meadow trailhead, roughly 20 miles. As we gathered, the sun
was blessing us with its warming rays. Excitement and anticipation filled the crisp mountain air. The group
consisted of Virgil, Cheeta, Rocky, Bill, Roger, Rich and Brent from Skagit Chapter, and myself.
The word was HORNETS! We split into two units to minimize the wreckage in case of a hornet attack. Virgil and
Cheeta were first up the trail, armed with saddle bags full of hornet spray. Virgil stomped on the ground and
ambushed the waking hornets as they tried to launch their attacks. All that was left of the hornets when I brought
up the rear with my pup, Quigley, was warning signs and spray residue. Good job, Virgil!
The weather was glorious and the trails clean and well-marked. Sturdy puncheons, beautifully terraced turnpikes
and breathtaking views everywhere. A creek came boiling down the mountainside, with a cute hiker bridge just
above the stock ford. There was a well-placed glacier-fed water hole for the animals to drink along the way. We
stopped part way to drop off one of the sign posts that Bill was hauling in his gravel bags. The trek went up and
over a ridge, switch-backing down a rockslide face to the destination, a FS shed. The trail across the slide face was
excellent with good footing. It truly was a Kodak Moment.
We arrived and had a quick lunch. Realizing that there were “left-overs” from the FS crew, we had a few more
snacks. Quigley really scored when a package of roast beef was discovered. Like a well-oiled machine the crew
leapt into action. They had the pack boxes filled and weighed in no time. Most of the mules stood patiently as their
loads were balanced and secured. Roger’s young mule objected to the aluminum boxes. But with some firm
tutelage from Virgil, she changed her mind.
We were quite a spectacle hustling down the trail with curious hikers around every turn. One youngster
announced, “Dad! There are 14 of them!” He was correct, plus one cattle dog bringing up the rear.
Back at the trailhead, the FS stuff was put in Roger’s truck. We untacked the stock and relaxed with cool drinks.
Then off to Birdsview for burgers. A wonderful BCH day.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol Ketchum
Carol Ketchum at Schreibers Meadow on August 31, 2013.
Pictures taken by Rich Ruhl
Trail Tales
Schreibers Meadow packing trip on August 31,
2013. Pictures taken by Rich Ruhl.
Page 8
January 1, 2013 thru December 31, 2013
To join BCHW, complete this application, sign the liability release (all members 18 and over), and enclose payment:
Chapter members, turn application and payment in to Treasurer: Dawn
Weaver, PO Box 28607, Bellingham, WA 98228. If paying by check,
make it out to your chapter.
Independent members (folks who are not joining a chapter), make check
out to “BCHW”, and mail application and payment to: BCHW,
ATTN: MEMBERSHIP, 110 W. 6th Ave., PMB 393, Ellensburg, WA
New Member
Renewal – Membership number(s):
Adult’s name(s):
Children’s name(s):
Address:
City:
Phone number:
Legislative district (if known):
ST:
Zip:
E-mail:
County:
Basic Membership
Single
$36.00
Chapter Name (or Independent):
Family
$49.00
Whatcom
Optional Membership (includes family or single
from above)
Contributing
$65.00
Sustaining
$100.00
Patron
$250.00
Benefactor
$500.00
Chapter Dues
(determined by chapter)
$10.00
Additional Chapter Donation
$
Lifetime (Single)
$1200.00
State dues paid online (attach receipt copy)
Additional State Donation $
Subtotal A $
Subtotal B
$
Grand Total (A+B)
$
All ADULT members MUST sign! Adult’s signature covers minor children.
Recognizing the fact that there is a potential for an accident wherever horse use is involved, which can cause injuries to
horses, riders, and spectators, and also recognizing the fact that Backcountry Horsemen of Washington, Inc., including
Chapters, officers, directors, or members, cannot always know the condition of trails or the experience levels of riders or
horses taking part in trail rides or other BCHW events, I do hereby release and hold harmless the above named from any
claim or right for damages which might occur to me, my minor children, or horses.
Signature:
Date:
Signature:
Date:
Signature:
Date:
Backcountry Horsemen of Washington (BCHW) is a public charity as defined in Internal Revenue Code Section 501(c)(3). Accordingly, membership dues paid to BCHW may be treated as deductions characterized as “charitable contributions” when computing federal and state income tax obligations.
Revised 09/10/11
 See payment and mailing information above. 
Fran Van Diest
WBCH Newsletter Editor
723 Van Wyck Rd
Bellingham , WA 98226
(360) 734-2567
BCHW mission statement: To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses in America’s back
country and wilderness. To work to insure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use. To assist
the various governmental and private agencies in their maintenance and management of said resource.
To educate, encourage and solicit active participation in the wise use of the back country resource by horsemen and the general public commensurate with our heritage. To foster and encourage the formation of new
chapters in the state organization.
Next
Whatcom Chapter Backcountry Horsemen
Meeting:
General Meeting: October 9, 2013
Laurel Community Grange
6172 Guide Meridian, Lynden, WA
Meeting at 7:00 p.m.
Treats: Susan Sebastian