Went for a drive in Coe Park, in Gilroy, today. This is a multi-thousand acre park, with wide, fairly level dirt roads, great for driving. There are numerous dry, rocky creek crossings to get across, though, so you probably don't want to have too "tippy" of a cart. I took a Bellcrown Ranger, and it handled things well, with its independent suspension.
To tell the truth, I wasn't sure if this was actually legal in this park-but I finally decided to just do it, and let them throw me out if it wasn't. Well, on the way back, a park ranger's truck passed us- they just smiled and waved, so all was OK!
I probably wouldn't go there on a weekend or holiday, as it can be pretty busy. We did come across some wild boar and quail- there are also deer, and probably snakes, etc. And lots of squirrels! Plus outhouses, windmills, etc. So not a place for a spooky type horse- but a great place to get a calm type used to driving in the the great outdoors. We had trail ridden the pony there several times, so knew that she was comfortable with the area.
We went about three miles in, and back again (about 6 miles total) today, at the walk and easy trot in about equal measure. We did have to walk the cart in through the rider's gate before hitching-the gate is too narrow (about 4.5 feet?), - so I didn't feel comfortable trying to drive through it.
PS The park is reached down a somewhat narrow, windy road; Roop Road off of New Ave, off of Leavesley Rd., off of Rt. 101 in Gilroy.
Allyn Babitch allyn_b@sindar.com
This wonderful park is over 60 thousand acres. Talk to the rangers first and
it is possible to camp there with your horse.
Please remember that those wonderful stream crossings are almost deep enough to
drown a Mini in the spring. There is another entrance to the Park off of Hwy.
101 at Dunn Road. A very steep 14 mile pull for the truck. (truck-killer steep)
The trails starting from the top end of the Park are just too steep to consider
driving.
Lynge Simoni, LSimoni197@aol.com
06/19/01