The Planted Seed

Well, it's happened. As it happens, when I like an idea, the daydreaming starts and the big ideas start to unfold. After being introduced to horses several years ago, my and my wife's understanding and appreciation for horses has grown rapidly. The last year or so has been particularly formative, putting down our barns 35 y.o. patriarch and acquiring a 3 year old Mare. It's also been peppered with considerably more riding, including lessons, trail riding and horse camping.

Those experiences whet my appetite and created the day dream of some overnight trips with only what I can bring on my horse. Mentioning my goal of doing "a leg or two" of Michigan's "Shore to Shore" trail has been met with encouragement. Recently, after sharing it with my friend who happens to be a gear editor for an outdoor magazine, she replied - "We oughta do it!"

I just did some research and discovered it's 200 some miles across with essentially 11 sections. I've spent the last several hours imagining what I could or couldn't fit in saddlebags. Thinking through scenarios like what we'd eat, how we'd sleep and how in the world I'd feed my horse for 11 days.

I don't know whether or not I'll try to tackle the whole trail or not. It's completely ridiculous that I'm even considering it. I have a more than full-time job that I am passionate about, a musical project (band) that I expect to get off the ground this spring/summer and of course have been preaching to myself about taking it easier this year.

I thought it would be an interesting process to capture the whirlwind of my process, so I'm going to write. I'll probably write a separate account of the band, and guess what, I essentially already have one for the full-time gig.

I figure it might make a good read, and could even be a good place for me to sort out decisions and day dreams.