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Maggie’s Spots Turn Orange: Sunrise in the Wichita Mountains

Published September 22, 2004

I, Bernie Harberts, did not use generative AI to write or illustrate this article. Spell check and grammar check, yes. AI, no.

The days are getting shorter now. The sun comes up late and dark orange. It climbs over the Wichita mountain range a few minutes later than the day before.

Sunrise over the Wichita Mountains in Oklahoma, 2004 — Wichita sunrise.

Woody the mule and Magnolia the pony at sunrise in the Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma, 2004 — I looked back and the day had begun.

I stand and face East while that old star climbs the local hills.

Maggie’s white spots turn orange. I break camp, saddle Woody with the McClellan saddle and pile Maggie’s gear onto her pack saddle.

Empty road ahead in the Wichita Mountains, Oklahoma, 2004 — The road ahead.

The morning light turns from orange to white and Woody, Maggie and I walk west.

More adventures by horse and mule: Travel by Horse and Mule.

More on the North Carolina to Idaho ride.

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