Continuing our trip west, with a lot of great trail miles in our log book, Kathy and I headed once more for Bandera, Texas. Our route took us into Oklahoma and a stop at the Four Winds Ranch, just off Route 40. (For more information, call owner Michelle Richardson, 405/584-0684 or 405/944-1180.) 

This ranch is a very clean place to layover for a night. It’s just a little in the boondocks, but not hard to get to, and there’s lots of room for big rigs. Thanks to Michelle, we enjoyed a quiet evening and good conversation. She’s a horse lady, for sure.

Platter Flats
Leaving the Four Winds, our next stop was Platter Flats Recreation Area, a United States Army Corps of Engineers Class A park on Lake Texoma (gate shack, 580/434-5864; reservations, 877/444-6777; www.reserveusa.com).

From Colbert, Oklahoma, go five miles north on U.S. Highway 75, turn west, and go five miles to Platter Flats, then follow signs to the campground. Facilities include designated campsites, electrical hookups, equestrian trails, restrooms, showers, and a sanitary trailer dump station.

Kathy and I will remember Platter Flats as the place we redesigned our truck’s tailgate when we forgot to put the gate down when we drove away from the trailer. We’d unhooked the trailer to drive to the shower area, unloaded the stuff in the back of the truck bed so we could drive out from under the trailer, closed the gate, and jumped into the truck.

Just as I started to move, we both remembered the same thing at the same time, but too late. I hit the tailgate just hard enough to put a small dent in it. The gate still works, but looks out of plumb, if you know what I mean.

The trails around the lake area are easy on the eyes and the horses. There isn’t a great amount of riding, but one could easily spend a day exploring. It’s a very nice place to layover, if you’re in the area.

From Platter Flats, we went on to Lago Vista, Texas, home of the “Texas Trail Bum,” Susan Montana (512/267-4371). Susan has written extensively about the trails in Texas and is a great person to contact for information. Since we visited her, she lost her husband, Jack, to a heart attack, but not her love of horses. During our visit, we were treated to one of Texas’s finest storms. Folks, it can storm in Texas.

Bandera Park
Our next stop was Bandera, Texas, and a chance to meet Suzie Heywood. The Trail Rider once did a story on Suzie trail-bossing a 655-mile, 48-day ride from Bandera to Dodge City, Kansas. (See “Boss Lady,” Catch this Ride, July/August ’04.) Suzie’s grandfather drove one of the first herds along this route. She had her grandfather’s journal, where he’d marked the way and the stops they made. Who better to trail boss the reenactment?  

We stayed in Bandera Park (830/796-4413; www.horseandmuletrails.com/tx.htm). To get there, go to Bandera, travel south on State Highway 173, go across the Medina River, continue for about one-quarter mile, turn right on State Highway 1077, and go eight miles to the end of the blacktop. Continue on the caliche (rock) road, cross two cattle guards, and you’ll see the park entrance.

Three days at Bandera Park were some of the best we had on the trip. It seems each time we visit, the riding gets better, and we find new trails to explore. If you’re looking for a place to spend a week in the Texas Hill Country, this is it. There’s nice camping, especially in the barn (group) area, and the park is within a day’s drive of other great trails.   

Never pass up the chance to visit Alamo Village (830/563-2580; www.homestead.com; www.thealamovillage/AlamoVillage.htm).Yep, you can ride your horse on the main street. 

Scary Crossing
Kathy had a new experience with her new horse: She found out he’ll lie down in the water. Well, actually, he flopped, then rolled on her before she could get her feet free. It was touch-and-go for a short while. If she hadn’t been leading my horse, her horse would’ve kept her under the water. By holding the lead line, she was able to keep her head up until she got out from under her horse.

As this was happening, I was taking videos on the other side of the stream. I’d just turned off the video camera when I saw Kathy’s horse go down and out of sight.

It was a very scary time for Kathy, and she ended up sore and twisted. The local chiropractor was able to get her right in and kept her from some sore, stiff days. Later, her horse laid down and rolled while she was hosing him off. We hope it’s not an incurable habit. 

Till next time, keep your cinch tight, and carry a good camera.

Garth Rumsmoke, The Coast-to-Coast Rambler, 67 Stewart Rd., Horseheads, NY 14845; (607) 594-2191; grumsmoke@aol.com; www.garthandkathy.com