Bearcat Stables announces the dates for its annual “World Famous” four-day, three-night Vail to Aspen horseback pack trip using the 10th Mountain Hut system for the summer of 2010.  Riding a horse from Vail to Aspen will be one of the most memorable journeys you ever make. Visit the Web site for Bearcat Stables to see what kind of fun you’ll have. There’s a 360-degree panoramic virtual tour, video clips, a slide show, and a complete day-by-day description and information packet to help you plan.  The horseback trip is suitable for riders of any level. Gentle horses and easily navigable terrain make the trip possible for beginners, while the stunning scenery and backcountry nature of the trip make it an adventure for even the most experienced of horse people. Certainly the amount of time to be spent in the saddle must be taken into account, especially for those unaccustomed to riding on a regular basis. We highly recommend that you ride before you come, if only to prepare the old seat bones for the journey.

WHAT TO BRING

This list is not intended to be all-inclusive, but instead is a general outline of what to think about when packing for your Vail to Aspen horseback ride. We have included a specific list of some items, especially those that are most often forgotten by guests.

CLOTHING
Riding Clothes – comfortable long pants and sturdy shoes are a must here! On top, we highly recommend layers to shed and add to as temperatures change through the day. Include for good measure a warm jacket, gloves and a warm hat. Rain gear (slickers) will be provided for anyone who does not bring their own.
Evening Clothes – again, comfort is key here. Many people look forward to shedding their riding clothes for more comfy “lounge wear” for around the huts. A pair of slip on shoes is a nice thing to have for making a quick trip to the outhouse or stepping out onto the deck to watch the sunset.

TOILETRIES
Please remember to bring everything you will need to perform your personal toilet rituals each day, including any medications you may be taking. At the huts, these activities will be performed with the help of a pitcher and bowl of water like in the old days. At the guest ranch, you will have the opportunity to shower, shave, etc. The most often forgotten toiletry item on a trip like this is a towel and/or washcloth – so go pack one right now!

OTHER STUFF
* Sleeping bag
* Pillow case (pillows are provided at each hut, but a familiar pillowcase can be very comforting)
• Book, game, etc (maybe something to share for evening entertainment)
• Flashlight (our number two most forgotten item, which makes the outhouse hard to find at night)
• BYOB – because we are not equipped with a backcountry liquor license, this trip is BYOB. Bring whatever you like, we will provide coolers and ice to keep everything cold…

TRAIL STUFF
These are items we recommend you not only bring, but have handy while on the trail each day.
• Camera
• Sunscreen
• Lip Balm
• Sunglasses
• Hat
• Handkerchief

• Water Bottle (we’ll provide water, juice, Gatorade, lemonade etc to refill it)

Go to www.bearcatstables.com. Dates for the 2010 trips include: July 6 to 9, 13 to 16, and 26 to 29; August 4 to 7, 10 to 13, 17 to 20, and 24 to 27. For more information call Bearcat Stables at 970-926-1578. They are owned and operated by Indian Summer Outfitters LLC, an equal opportunity service provider, member of the Mountain States Better Business Bureau. Colorado Outfitter 2227. Owners Leeds Butcher and Gavin Selway welcome you to join them on these gorgeous trips through the Colorado high country.