The Red Tail Rim Trail is one of our favorite rides. An all day ride, it starts at Ash Creek, winds through the valley and gently climbs through the mountains to some of the most spectacular views in the area.
On this particular ride, Del picked up some mountain lion tracks on the trail. As we neared the top of our ascent, we came out of the trees to a very brushy area. Del passed the word along that the lion tracks had veered to the left at this point. I was riding drag, when suddenly my mustang Annie Oakley abruptly stopped and swung her head to the left. She seemed on high alert ready to spring. She was zeroed in on something in the brush. Eventually I guided her forward and then hailed for the ride to stop. It was then that I learned that she had stopped and stared into the brush exactly where the lion tracks left the trail.
I have owned Annie for six years now. I know that she is always cautious when we ride in the forest. But after this ride, I gained a whole new appreciation for her and her keen skills of observation.
