As many of you know the Tevis ride is always set according to the best moon of the year and of course it would be nice if the moon was brightest the Saturday night of the ride.  Every time I see a full moon I count the number of them I will see before the next Tevis.  Here we are nearly into February and there are still 190 days before the next Tevis and we still have six full moons left to see and the seventh one will be six days after Tevis 2009.  So we will be six days shy of a full moon this year.  Too bad the ride was not set for the August 8th it would be only two days away from a full moon.  I have seen the moon many times on the Tevis trail and believe me it is a great sight.  Riding along the trail from Foresthill to Auburn is certainly where most have the moonlight and as it flickers off the American River below along the trail from Foresthill to Francisco's it is simply awesome!  Once you leave Francisco's and ride into the secluded section that is the first mile or so from there and you break into the clear just before the River crossing you are so appreciative that the moon is there and that secluded section you just left drives home the appreciation very well.  After the American River crossing it is again pretty dark because the trail winds through the tress to Main Bar.  From there to the Quarry vet check it is pretty clear and the moon on the river is once again fantastic.  From the quarry to Auburn there are times it is pretty dark but by this time the excitement of nearing the finish line overcomes any concerns for not seeing too well as the trail is really well marked and lots of it is in the moon.  Of course many riders have ridden this section many times and both the rider and the horse know the trail well enough to fell secure.  So may the moon be with you on August 1st 2009.
Potato