Next Meeting: May 17, 2005 7:30 p.m.
Meetings are held the third Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. from September through May at the Harris Bank (unless otherwise noted in this space).

Directions: The Harris Bank is located on the southeast corner of Scottsdale Road and Carefree Highway outside of El Pedregal.  At the front entrance to the bank, go through the door to your left and down the stairs to the community room.

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

Ah, Spring! When a young mans' fancy turn to thoughts of riding in the high country where it's cool. If you're like me you're anticipating hot weather, rattlers and minimal riding opportunities in the valley. Well, this is not the case for May. So don't mothball the tack just yet. We have some good rides left in the hopper.
For those who haven't seen the pictures, the Steve Swartz memorial plaque is on one of the center stalls at the Bronco Trailhead. It is very impressive. The Club would like to thank Gene Clark for doing the attachment welding. Click here to see pictures.

The committee chairman for the Groom Creek Improvement Fund sent us a nice thank you card for the donation the CCSC sent. They have $10,000 in matching funds that has been set aside by the Forest Service for the work at the trailhead provided they can raise an equal amount. They are getting close but could use some more help.

I'd like to mention that our trail boss (Frank) lost Festus to an apparent heart attack while on a ride on the bank of Cave Creek near Rancho Manana Golf Course. Everybody who ever rode Festus got off him with sore grin muscles. He was a great little mule.

The May meeting will include elections of officers for the 2005 - 2006 trail season. So far, the nominees are as follows:
President--Bob Doerzbacher
Vice-President--Susan Dryer
Treasurer--Cindy Ramsey
Secretary--Jean Anderson
We're still looking for volunteers for Trail Boss and Newsletter Editor!!

Speaking of Newsletter Editor, this will be my last CCSC newsletter. I'm moving up to Paulden around the end of July. Once I get settled and explore a little, maybe I'll be able to "guest" host a CCSC ride--keep you posted! Karen F.

WEBSITE THANK YOU!
If you've ever used the CCSC website to read the newsletter, check the latest pictures, or print out a membership application, you can thank our Webmaster Bonnie Zimmerman. She has done a great job keeping us up-to-date, and we really appreciate her.

REMAINING 2005 RIDE SCHEDULE

Numbers in parentheses are tentative trail ratings. Rules and ratings will be handed out at the meetings and the rides. You can also get them from the web site.

(* denotes a non-CCSC event)

RIDE REPORTS *** RIDE REPORTS *** RIDE REPORTS ***
Please send in ride reports and pictures!

SOUTH MOUNTAIN PARK
Saturday, April 2, 2005
9 riders made the trek to South Mountain Park and were treated to a very pleasant ride. The cactus were starting to bloom, and the grasses were drying up. We only did the first loop as it was getting warm.

FIESTA DAYS PARADE
Saturday, April 9, 2005
The Cave Creek Saddle Club was represented by 7 riders. Even though it was a windy day, all creatures (equine and human) did a fine job. A great cookout was held at the Doerzbacher's after the riders returned from the parade. Some of the members went to the Territorial Bar & Grill to congratulate Donna Russ on her appointment as Horse Hero for 2005. Way to go Donna!.

MOONLIGHT RIDE
Friday, April 22, 2005 7:00 p.m.
There were 14 riders who left from Bob D.'s in search of the moon. The moon was not fully cooperative, due to cloud cover, but riders and nonriders enjoyed a hot dog roast afterwards.

UPCOMING RIDES

The time listed is the time we ride out. Be sure to arrive early enough to be ready to ride at the stated time!!

GROOM CREEEK
Saturday, May 21, 2005 Ride Rating 2.5
Come ride in the cool pines of Prescott! The club is going to ride on Saturday, but you may want to stay a night or two in the great horse camp for a total relaxing experience. The ride will go over Spruce Mountain on Trail #307. Bring lunch and liquids.
RIDE LEADER: Sheree Riggs 602-758-3137 or 480-488-1503
Directions: Click here for directions and information on Groom Creek.