Road Less Saddled – Day 3

The Road Less Saddled – Day 3

In the morning, we get ready to leave Albuquerque, NM. Feist is cold hosed once more and doctored. Clay and I feed the horses their breakfast on the trailer, say our thank-you’s to Mike at High Line Stable and head out.

Early into our day, another weigh scale appears on the side of the road. It’s open and all vehicles over 10,000 lbs are asked to stop. Clay goes inside with our paperwork and everything checks out fine. Aside from watering stops and weigh scales, we rarely have to pull over today, since our freightliner carries massive fuel tanks. Plus, we always travel with extra jerry cans of fuel. Therefore, diesel fill-ups at night are really the only time we ever have to stop for fuel – which is why it’s wise for me to watch my personal water intake!

When we arrive in Denver, CO, the traffic is thick in some areas, we have no desire to stop here. And even though Clay is driving, in intense road conditions I somehow feel as though it might be helpful if I refuse to take my eyes off the road as well. Clay however, begs to differ. For some reason, my white knuckles on the armrests and frequent gasps only serve to agitate him.

I ponder this.

Finally we are through Denver and light snow begins to fall on the windshield. It doesn’t seem to last however. Thank goodness, we have been really lucky on this trip for road conditions so far. Two weeks prior to heading out, Clay and I actually decided to delay our trip when reports of large snow storms in the Denver area made the news. Clay even went out to purchase tire chains, in the event we would need them. Getting stuck in a Colorado mountainous range with 7 horses isn’t our idea of a good time.

Tonight the horses are staying at the Broken M Ranch in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Clay and I have also made arrangements to stay in the guest cabin they have there. We recently found out that the Budweiser Clydesdales had been there the night before and we are excited to see what the place looks like.

Of course, crossing the New Mexico state border means another Port of Entry.

Upon arrival at the Broken M Ranch, we are greeted by owner Susan Miller. Along with her husband, Keith Duke, Susan relocated to Albuquerque from Michigan. There, Duke was a Detroit narcotics officer. And when he retired, Duke wanted to try his hand at being a cowboy, so he packed up his family and moved to the Broken M Ranch (aptly named because Susan says something is always broken around there.) Who, in the horse business, can’t relate to that?

Again, Clay and I get to work settling the horses for the night. Clay cleans the trailer and flips it around for an easier departure in the morning. The sheer size of this rig sometimes makes it difficult to negotiate entrance gates and gas stations, among other things. Once the horses are bedded down, it\’s our turn for supper and relaxation. To our delight, the guest cabin at Broken M is fantastic!

Everything a traveler could need is stocked in this little place. Eggs, bacon, coffee and cereal for the morning. Soda, Beer and Twinkies to wind down in the evening. Spike TV (for Clay) and internet (for me). And then, there is nothing better after a day of driving than a hot shower and climbing into a soft bed piled high with fluffy pillows, a down duvet and crisp white sheets.

But the only problem is, neither Clay nor I can sleep. We were too excited to get to AZ! Only one more day to go…