The sun was just blessing Lake Tahoe with soft pink and blue hues as the riders looked back from Squaw Peak and Emigrant Gap to glimpse the majestic view of the lake. During the course of the day the riders would traverse over 18,000 feet of ascent and 23,000 feet of descent. Rock after rock after granite slab are encountered before coming to the 36-mile point, where riders trot into Robinson Flat, an idyllic spot in the Tahoe National Forest. Veterinarians line up to check the horses for soundness and metabolic criteria, and after passing the vet check, riders and horses begin their one-hour mandatory hold. The resounding ring of the anvil alerts the community that some horse has lost or twisted a shoe.
Gleeful dogs attached to leashes seem to enjoy the show.
Potato is not the first the leave this checkpoint, but rest assured he's hot on the tail of Chuck Mather and Czaruska HCC, who are only a few minutes ahead of Potato and Fille. Off they trot through Deep Canyon to Dusty Corners at mile 46 for another veterinary check. From there they pass through old ghost towns and mining sites that sprang to life during the Gold Rush. And third into Deadwood is Ruby, ears perked, eyes sharp. I simply want to go stomp on the two Arabs in front of me.