Los Padres Times - Backcountry Horsemen of California Los Padres

Volume 17, Issue 6
Nov Dec 09
Page 1
Los Padres Times
http://www.bchc-lpunit.org/
Los Padres Unit
Backcountry Horsemen
Officers
President – Dave Rigoli
(805)467-3031
Vice President –John McGray
(805)925-3143
[email protected]
Secretary—Misti Whiteley
(805)238-6376
John.misti.w@ sbcglobal.net
Treasurer – Cheryl McGray
(805)925-3143
[email protected]
Public Lands – Stan Porhola
(805) 481-0401
[email protected]
Education– Nancy Kimmell
(805)471-1198
[email protected]
Newsletter – Linda Tunnell
(805)934-5268
[email protected]
Work Details – John McGray
(805)925-3143
[email protected]
Programs - Bill Chaides
(805)238-6393
(805)471-1197 Cell
[email protected]
Historian – Mindy Rigoli
(805) 720-4665
[email protected]
Forest Service Liaison Melody Fountain
(805)438-5384
[email protected]
Members at Large Dave Lewis
(805) 296-2370
[email protected]
Hey Gang,
We are winding down our year and our last parade appearance at the Paso Robles Pioneer Day,
October 10th, proved rewarding. Yup, we won
the “Belle’s Award” for the event. Thanks to all
of you who participated and supported our effort
towards community goodwill. Our Program Chair will submit an article and post pictures on the Web page for all to check out. This
should happen after the Camp N Ride.
Speaking of goodwill, let’s get together at the Christmas Dinner and
Dance on December 5th, for some Holiday fellowship and Cheer. It
is our first annual celebration and our last fundraiser for the year.
Let’s make it a success, so we can have it every year. It’s at the
NCO Club at Camp San Luis, bring guests and stay the night on the
base. Reservation applications and information are in this newsletter. Oh!! Also bring a non-perishable food item or two for our food
bank drive.
Updates for the 2010
Rendezvous weekend in
March at the Merced
County Fairgrounds will
be in your next newsletter. The state organization, BCHC, has made
some positive changes
and it will be a good
time. If you have never
attended the State Rendezvous, plan on going
next year. The classes
they present really get
This newsletter is published six (6) times per year, in January, March, May, July, September and November. Deadline
for submissions is the 15th of the previous month. Email
word files and pictures to:
[email protected]
Inside this issue:
Program Chair’s Message
2
Message from your Editor
2
Education Chair’s Message
3
Commendation to Dennis Vaca
3
Holiday Ball Info and Reservation
4
Holiday Ball Vehicle Pass
5
WE HAVE TO EVACUATE THE MULES, NOW, By Lil Clary 6-7
L D Waller, Pack Trip into Kern River, LD Waller
7
Los Alamos Day Parade
8
Bits and Pieces
9
Calendar
10
Check Out Our Web Site! NEW STUFF
10
Philosophy & Purpose
10
Membership Application
11
General Meeting Information
12
Page 2
Nov Dec 09
Volume 17, Issue 6
you motivated with new ideas.
And since I have you all excited about attending the State Rendezvous, I also wish to invite
everyone to our November meeting. We will be presenting a slate of officers for our next
year and need your input and votes. Anyone that is interested in serving on the Board of Directors, please contact me and I will place your name on the slate.
Well, gang, hope to see you at our events and have a Happy Holiday Season. REMEMBER –
SANTA says . . . Keep a leg on each side and your mind in the middle.
Dave R.
PROGRAM
Our next scheduled board and general meeting (November 18th) will again be held at A.J. Spurs Saloon
and Dining Hall in Grover Beach, located at 1760 El Camino Real (SW side of 101 & Oak Park Blvd – across the
freeway from K-Mart), Grover Beach, CA 805-489-7770. No host dinner (or drinks on your own) order off the
menu and pay individually. Dinner 6:00 pm; meeting to start at 7:00 p.m.
A special night to remind our membership that our guest speaker for the month of November will be
Brian Harms, Saddle maker, Custom Leather Work, Tack & Artisans available.
If anyone has a special leather work interest or questions, please call Bill Chaides (805) 471-1197, so
they may be addressed by our speaker. Personal classes are also available by appointment.
Mark down the date, Wednesday, November 18th, so you won’t miss it!!!
Our next group activity will be our Holiday Ball!!
Programs Chair – Bill Chaides
NEWSLETTER EDITOR: Linda Tunnell
This is the last hard copy newsletter, unless you have indicated
that you need to have a hard copy and/or do not have email access!
Please take a moment to pick up the phone or email (info below) to provide
your preference information.
I will not be your newsletter editor next year, it’s time for me to pass the torch to someone new who will bring their
own style and perspective. Working with all of you the past seven years has been an enjoyable experience.
You can contact me by email [email protected] or by phone (805) 934-5268.
Volume 17, Issue 6
Nov Dec 09
Page 3
EDUCATION CHAIR’S MESSAGE
Check out our website – I just received DSL and a new computer at my home and will be able to update
weekly. See activities, events, pictures, videos, etc. If you have anything you would like placed on the website,
just e-mail me and we can figure it out. Again, thank you for being so patient.
If you need any information regarding rides, events, etc., you can always contact me at 471-1198 and I
will direct you to the person who is handling that particular event.
For the Camp N Ride, I will have a packing clinic. I am still working on a Chumash demonstration, but as
of the writing of this message, it does not look promising.
I will have new merchandise for sale at the Camp N Ride. If you would like to give me an order prior, let
me know and I can have it together for you.
I stress, again, the importance of keeping track of your volunteer information. Anything you do relating to
Backcountry Horsemen needs to be recorded and forwarded to your Education Chair. If you do a work project,
log the information. If you do something like Recon for future activity, trash pick-up, or just a fun ride, but prediscuss Backcountry Horsemen principles, log it. Please call myself or my assistant, Bill Chaides, if you have
any questions or need help in recording the information.
Education Chair: Nancy Kimmell
Los Padres National Forest
Santa Lucia Ranger District
Medical Evacuation
Corps member Christina Herrera became semi-conscious about 1400
after hiking and working 4 miles down the Judell Trail. Up to that
point she appeared normal to those around her. Her fellow crew
members picked up her tools and personal backpack and tried to
comfort her. Kyle and Frank took her boots off and her outer shirt
(she had a t-shirt on now) in an effort to make her more comfortable.
Mr. Dennis Vaca, a trail plow contractor working with the crew was
able to carry Christina up the trail on his horse to the trailhead. She
was apparently semi-conscious most of the way up. The trip up took
from about 1420 to 1620 as they stopped several times to readjust
Christina’s position on the horse.
Dennis Vaca is to be commended for his quick thinking and invaluable assistance in transporting a semi-conscious CCC
crewmember suffering from severe dehydration.
The patient was incapacitated 4 miles down the Judell Trail in the San Rafael Wilderness. Dennis put the semi-conscious patient on his horse with him, keeping her from falling off, and carried her to the trailhead. Without this horse ride, the patient
would not have been able to get out to definitive care and might not have survived the night. Thus Dennis with his horse,
was a major factor in preventing a disaster.
JOB WELL DONE, CONGRATULATIONS!
Page 4
Nov Dec 09
Volume 17, Issue 6
You are cordially invited to attend the
BCHC-LOS PADRES UNIT HOLIDAY BALL FUNDRAISER
DECEMBER 5TH, 2009
CAMP SAN LUIS OBISPO, NCO CLUB
10 Sonoma Avenue
Camp San Luis Obispo, CA
The Dining Cuisine provided by: Vic’s Café Catering, Paso Robles
Entertainment by: Music to Go from KPRL
No Host Bar Provided by: the NCO Club
Only $35.00 per person for a Fun Filled Evening.
Please bring a non-perishable food item for The Food Bank which will be delivered via
pack train or buggy - Questions, call Dave Rigoli (805)440-4404
The Festivities start at 6 PM for Cocktail Hour and Dinner at 7 PM.
Our final Toast will be at 11 PM.
For our friends, old and new, who may not wish to travel home after celebrating, there are
limited accommodations that may be rented at Camp San Luis, including RV, tent, two-bed
rooms & barracks style beds. Contact Deborah Wilson at 805/594-6500 after November 5, 2009.
Camp San Luis Obispo is located approximately six miles north of San Luis Obispo
on Highway 1 (if you reach Cuesta College, you’ve gone too far).
To enter the gate, you must provide:
1. A completed registration form (provided)
2. Your vehicle registration
3. Proof of insurance
4. A valid driver’s license
After clearance at the front gate, take Sonoma to the dead end, turn right onto Kern to the end, right onto Amador to Madera,
turn right on Madera and the NCO club is about 200 yards down on the right.
Pre-Registration Only, RSVP by November 25th, 2009
The day before Thanksgiving
Mail To: Cheryl McGray, 606 S. Hart Dr, Santa Maria, CA 93454
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Last Name________________________ First Name ______________________Unit______________
Last Name________________________ First Name ______________________Unit______________
Telephone Number _____________________
______ # Adults @ $35.00 each
Cell Number
Total Enclosed $ __________
Volume 17, Issue 6
Nov Dec 09
Page 5
Page 6
Nov Dec 09
Volume 17, Issue 6
“We have to evacuate the mules, now”, By Lil Clary
I was in Santa Maria at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, August 13 when I got
that message from my husband. The La Brea Fire was threatening
Tepusquet Canyon. Residents had just received a mandatory evacuation order via the Reverse 911 system.
We had moved our mules twice before, in 2007 and 2008, when wildfire
threatened so the process was familiar. This time, though, the situation
was complicated by the evacuation order which added a whole new
layer of anxiety to the situation.
On my way home, I hit a 30 car line-up at the CHP roadblock. There
were fire engines, water tankers, search & rescue and other emergency
personnel in vehicles trying to get into the canyon… while vehicles
loaded with kids, pets, computers and other ‘must save’ items were trying to get out. I lost count of the horse and stock trailers I passed.
By the time I got home I was a basket case. Luckily, David had things
well in order and once he got me calmed down, things fell into place.
We have a personal emergency plan for wildfire and use checklists with ‘his’ and ‘her’ actions so
we can coordinate the work necessary.
Time To Go
A key part of the plan pertains to our 5 mules. We have standing arrangements with Mike and Jeannie Miranda at Rancho Miranda: our mules are welcome there, night or day in case an evacuation is necessary. In fact, Jeannie had called
me the day the fire started to let me
know they were ready for us.
That said, there’s always a complication.
Beulah, who normally loads beautifully,
decided that she didn’t want to get in
the trailer first (she is normally second
in line). I bribed her with a horse cookie
and she hopped in after a moment’s
indecision.
La Brea Fire (evening shot of
the smoke plume)
Once our animals were out, I had time,
before the roadblock closed, to make a
second trip with several of the O’Neill
Steve O'Neill Loads
family’s animals. With additional help
Critters
from Tom Phelan who brought his and
the O’Neills remaining critters, the final count for Rancho Miranda was 10
mules, a pony and 4 horses. We are incredibly grateful to Mike and
Jeannie for taking everyone in.
So, what lessons did we learn that might help BCH’ers?
#1 Plan in advance for a place to take your critters. We were well ahead of the curve by having arranged a place to take
our animals. Some neighbors were scrambling to find temporary homes for their critters.
#2 Know what emergency services agencies can do for you. SB County Animal Services coordinates both a large animal
shelter as well as a volunteer equine evacuation unit. One family made a call to Animal Services and 20 minutes later
had volunteers with a horse trailer hauling off their 16 goats and 2 horses.
#3 Keep your rig ready to roll. I am ashamed to admit that I had to add air to two tires on the horse trailer to accommo-
Volume 17, Issue 6
Nov Dec 09
Page 7
date our heavier-than-normal load.
#4 Make a checklist of critical tasks, even things that should be second nature to anyone who hauls animals. Last year
when we evacuated the mules I neglected to check the turn-over ball hitch. It was not locked in place and only my husband’s attention to detail prevented a disaster.
#5 Talk to your neighbors about how you can help each other in future. We discovered after the fact that one neighbor had
to walk her mini horse half a mile to a rescue point. I drove right by her gate on Colson on my way out with the mules.
#6 No matter what the provocation, stick with your animals’ normal routine. They have already picked up on your excitement/anxiety/fear so something as minor (ha, ha) as loading order can hold up a critical part of the evacuation.
FYI all: in SLO county, HEET is ready to help with animal evacuation:
Horse Emergency Evacuation Team
P. O. Box 1071, Templeton, CA 93465
805-466-7457 or 805-929-6708
An Interesting Read, submitted by Richard Waller, L D Waller’s Grandson
L D Waller, Pack Trip into Kern River, Summer 1934
Year based on “Saturday June 30” written in the text.
I have inserted some information in brackets to make the diary clearer, as I transcribed from his note book. Images credited
to Pomona Public Library, The Frasher Foto Postcard Collection~ Richard Waller
Left home Saturday June 30 at 8:00 PM. Arrived Paso Robles 10PM. Arrived Lemore 12 PM. Arrived Porterville 2:00 AM.
Camped 9 miles east of Porterville on river and turned in at 2:30 AM. Roosters, owls, mosquitoes, no sleep.
July 1. Rose at 4:30 AM [drove] 9 miles back to Porterville for breakfast and on to Camp Nelson arriving at 8:30 AM then on
to Quaking Aspen Meadows arrived at 10 AM and rested, altitude 6500 ft., very tired.
July 2. Up at 4:30 AM packed and started for Camp Lewis at 8 AM with 6 pack mules. Fred [Goble, partner in Preisker,
Goble and Twitchell attorneys, still in business today as Twitchell and Rice in Santa Maria] Bill [Keefe? ], Doris [Goble,
daughter of Fred, sister of Lorraine, as a small child I took dance lessons from her, no idea why I took dance lessons, but I
did, My mother says that Doris was glamorous] John [Waller, our father age 16] and I rode horses Jim [? ] walked and fished
on the way. Arrived at Willow Meadows at 4 PM having made 15 miles that day. Camped and to bed when John blew taps at
8 PM.
July 3rd. Up at 4:30 AM packed and on the way by 8 AM arriving at Camp Lewis at 12 noon making 10 mile[s] for the day or a
total of 25 mile[s]. Made camp and the mule[s] and pack horse[es] returned to [Quaking] Aspen Meadow. John and Jim went
fishing and John brought home 2 fish, the first to be brought to camp. And Jim
brought 8 or so, we had trout for dinner and soup and marmalade. Fred and Bill
worked like beavers getting the camp in order. We are camped by the side of a rushing brook [Coyote Creek]. Which flows into the Kern River about 100 yards away.
July 4. Up at 7:30 pretty late rising for this trip but it was the 4th so we indulged.
[undecipherable] and John played colors. Breakfast of hot cakes, sausage, coffee
(good). John and Jim left [for] fishing. Bill and Fred ‘scouted‘?? table. Doris washed
dishes and I wiped. Everyone is so energetic that the only job I can grab so far is
dish wiping. Deer crossed the camp. [I] shaved for the 1st time today. Altitude about
6500 feet. [I] fished up at the bridge and caught 1 fished and lost a spinner. Evening
Fred lit 5 Chinese lanterns and after dinner we paraded up to Conterno’s [store.
There is a Conterno Peak nearby.] carrying the lanterns with John heading the parade with a bugle march, to bed about 9 PM.
To Be Continued…..
(A journal my grandfather (Waller Park was named for him) kept on a horse pack trip to the
Kern River back in 1934. He and others including Fred Goble of Preisker, Goble and Twitchell
law firm, today it is Twitchell and Rice, and his Daughter Doris and other old time Santa
Marians did these trips for many years. My mother went in 1956 on her first and last horse
ride.)
Richard Waller
Page 8
Nov Dec 09
Volume 17, Issue 6
Los Alamos Parade
Our unit participated again in the Los Alamos Olden Days Parade on Sunday, September 27, 2009.
This little town parade has drawn a greater number of participants each year which has added to increased congestion, the line up time, impatient horses, and parade movement confusion.
However, being BCHC-LP Unit members, we all had a great
time. Our banner carriers were Ellie Livingston and Mike Butler, followed by packers Marc Trubitz, Dave Rigoli & Mindy Rigoli, then riders
Dave Lewis, Nancy Kimmell, Linda Tucker, Dee Hazelton, Pat Fish,
Susan Butler, Dave & Hailee Heuer, Susan Tuttle, Patricia Tuttle, Janis
Tremper, Glenda Jennings, Jamie Donati, Jenette Veino, with four
year old Sadie Veino, Teri and Justy Garcin, and Terrie Garretson. Bill
Chaides was in his mountain man outfit riding and leading his pack
horse donned with working equipment and followed by Carolina
White on big handsome Dimer. Photographers and walkers who assisted the riders were Mark Orlick, Kim
Heuer and Bill Tucker.
We had a number of visitors and inquiries regarding our group and organization.
A number of membership applications were dispersed along with our handy web
-site personal cards. Names and numbers
were collected requesting contact. On that
note, our unit needs a membership committee chair to assume the responsibilities when
Mary Littlefield moved to Leander, TX. Anyone interested, please call.
A number of our members arrived in Los Alamos on Friday afternoon,
set up camp and enjoyed the Chili Cook Off provided by the Sportsmen’s
Club. On Saturday morning, a pancake breakfast was also enjoyed. Saturday activities included Classic Car Show and a variety of venders on both
sides of Bell Street. There were lots of things to do.
Lastly, dogs were also welcome in our campsite. All appeared to be controlled as we had them tethered. However, unbeknownst to one of our members, a can was placed on the ground while tearing down
camp. When it was reclaimed – oh yes, you guessed it – an unknown dog
had raised a leg over the can. Needless to say, the member was not too
happy.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY – never place
containers on the ground when friendly
dogs are present.
I wish to thank all of the participants for
another wonderful event. Our unit won
first place last year and this year someone else can enjoy that award; however,
I feel we should all share the recognition
in this parade for the outstanding and enthusiastic group involvement of our
unit.
Bill Chaides – Program Chair.
Volume 17, Issue 6
Nov Dec 09
Page 9
Bits and Pieces
Announcing …
Mindy Voigt, RDHAP
Preventive Dental Hygiene Services
513 13th Street
Paso Robles, CA 93446
(805) 720-4665
Give me a call!
For Sale: 1989 16' aluminum Barrett stock trailer. Good condition. Good tires and mats. Includes 30 gallon
water tank. $7500. 931-0788 If it sells via the news letter or a member of the BCHC, I will donate
back $100. to the club.
"The man who does not love a horse cannot love a woman." - Spanish Proverb
Los Padres Merchandise
Sweat Shirts, Henleys and Caps are embroidered
Contact Nancy Kimmell 805/471-1198 or [email protected]
or Go to http://www.bchc-lpunit.org/merchandise.html
to view Merchandise, prices, and download PDF order
form.
Merchandise is a non-profit status and provides for our unit members to purchase and display our unit’s logo and promote membership for BCHC-Los Padres Unit. Please help and support your unit.
Page 10
Nov Dec 09
Volume 17, Issue 6
Los Padres Calendar
18 Nov, Board and General Meeting, A. J. Spurs Saloon and Dining Hall in Grover Beach, located at
1760 El Camino Real, Grover Beach, CA 805-489-7770
ELECTIONS
5 Dec, Christmas Ball at Camp San Luis, save this date, see reservation
form and vehicle pass this issue!
CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEB SITE: http://www.bchc-lpunit.org
Place it in your favorites!
Link on MERCHANDISE: Items for sale, prices and Order From
Link on CALENDAR for: A list of Board, General Meetings, and rides.
Link on PUBLIC LANDS and find: San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors addressing
property acquisition of Wild Cherry Canyon (connection from
Los Osos to Avila)
Link on ACTIVITIES/STORIES for: August 9th Day Ride to back of Santa Margarita Lake and WILDLIFE encountered, including pictures.
Philosophy and Purpose of Backcountry Horsemen of California
To perpetuate the common sense use and enjoyment of horses and mules in
America’s back country and wilderness.
To work to ensure that public lands remain open to recreational stock use.
To assist the various government and private agencies in their maintenance and
management of these public lands.
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 units of the organization.
Concerned Men and Women Dedicated to Gentle Use of California Trails and Back
Country
Volume 17, Issue 6
Nov Dec 09
Page 11
Page 12
Backcountry Horsemen of California
Nov Dec 09
Los Padres Times
P O Box 6773
Santa Maria, CA 93456
Volume 17, Issue 6
NON PROFIT
US POSTAGE PAID
SANTA MARIA. CA
PERMIT NO. 182
Return Service Requested
GENERAL MEETING: November 18, 2009
6:00PM Board Meeting
7:00PM General Meeting
BOA
RD
OF
DIRE
CTO
RS
EL E C
TION
A.J. Spurs Saloon & Dining Hall
1760 El Camino Real
Grover Beach, CA
805-489-7770
No host dinner (or drinks on your own) order off the menu.
See Program on page two.