Oakley, originally Oak Creek, was settled by farmers and ranchers in 1853. Ranching as an industry grew over the years, so it is not surprising that the town's largest celebration is an annual rodeo. In 2016 (year of publication for the cache) the Oakley Rodeo Grounds will host that annual Rodeo and Fourth of July Celebration for the 81st year. That's a lot of years of hosting cowboys roping and riding. From the first cowboys who ranched the land to the cowboys who competed in that first rodeo to the modern day cowboy who brought his three-year-old daughter to her first rodeo to watch him in the team roping competition just last year, there are many good memories here.
For some, the memories are so powerful, they never leave.
These are the Ghost Riders of Oakley. Unlike the famous Ghost Riders of song, these guys are not chasing the devil's herd. They are here for a good time. You're invited to the party. Just follow the Ghost Riders as they make their way back to camp. They usually ride in pairs. There are a few single scouts along the path just to be sure you don't lose your way. Keep following them until you see their campfires. That's where the fun (and the cache) will be.
Remember the ghost riders are flying so they don't think about things like curbs, traffic ropes, creeks, etc. Be sure you look down occasionally to watch your step while following them. This cache will be really tough to do during the Fourth of July celebration and other events here. In fact the riders can be hard to see if the lights are on for a night game at the nearby park. The Ghost Riders want to watch the show and they don't want just any muggle coming to their party, right? During winter they'd love the company.
Congratulations to drgw3128 on the FTF!!!!
A huge thanks to Ron Bowen manager of the Rodeo Grounds for hosting the cache.