WE MIGHT BE roasting in this heat, but thankfully we’re not toasting from a wildfire.

Still, as Western Washington broke the record for most consecutive days without rainfall — 51 days set in 1951 — back on Wednesday, we need to be as cautious as serpents to avoid igniting a wildfire around us.

Experts are warning us to make emergency plans now for ourselves and animals to both hunker down at home for an extended period of time in case of an earthquake disaster and, with the threat of wildfires so high, to be ready to immediately evacuate.

For more information, visit the websites http://tinyurl.com/PDN-Clallam- Prep or www.jeffco eoc.org.

Hearing fireworks a few nights ago, I wondered if people had heard the fire department has issued a “high fire risk” warning and if they knew how easily a spark from a firework could start a real fire.

The boot

In an effort to appease the masses, I’d like to remind all who ride the Olympic Discovery Trail and Larry Scott Trail: If your horse plops some road apples on the part of the trail not designated for horses, then you need to stop, get off your horse and kick the manure off the trail into the bushes.

When parked at trailheads, scoop the poop back into the horse trailer and take it to your compost pile at home.

If, like me, you’re vertically challenged and want to avoid the dismount, then simply keep riding the section of trail designated for horses.

Champions

Several members of the local 4-H were the high-point winners at July’s pre-fair 4-H Frenzy horse show at the Clallam County Fairgrounds.

They are:

• Walk/trot: Paige Reed, champion; Heidi Leitz, reserve champion.

• Maiden (beginners): Sierra Steffen, champion; Taylor Maughan, reserve champion.

• Juniors: Madison Heistand, champion.

• Intermediates: Katie Marshant, champion; Ruby Coulson, reserve champion.

• Seniors: Emily Gear, champion; Emily Menshew, reserve champion.

Co-organizer Katie Salmon-Newton said it was a “great three-day show weekend.

“Friday afternoon, we did a games show for the first time.

“Saturday was an equitation show, and Sunday was pleasure for pre-fair.

“We had good weather, and Saturday night was a great potluck with fun games for kids and horses.”

That show was to help prepare for the most important Clallam County 4-H show.

The Clallam County Fair and horse show are Aug. 17-20.

Once again, this year, the Clallam County Fair will offer classes and stalls to adult riders, as well as youths.

There is no entry fee, but horses must stay on grounds for the week and go through the veterinarian check just like the 4-H horses.

For more information, contact LaDona Wilson at 360-461-0809.

Horse camp

There are a lot of fun and informative family events happening at Layton Hill Horse Camp (LHHC) soon.

The Ride the Hill trail and camp is Aug. 25-27. It’s an all-inclusive weekend that includes meals, live music, wine tasting and an outdoor movie.

Contact Anna Sage Neal at 425-737-7404 or annas acres@gmail.com.

Then, a Wilderness Skills Demonstration camping weekend is Sept. 1-3.

The weekend is presented by LHHC and Back Country Horsemen’s Peninsula Chapter.

Learn about Dutch oven cooking, how to pack with stock, high lining, 3S trail safety and preparing first-aid kits for people and stock.

And, of course, miles of trail riding.

On Saturday, there will be a chili cook-off at 6 p.m. and then more Dutch oven cooking and a potluck.

Enjoy an after-dinner campfire and camaraderie.

The camp has 25 campsites, 13 of which have double corrals.

Porta-cans and stock water are available, but there are no other amenities.

To sign up, call Judy Sage at 360-775-6500 or Linda Morin at 360-775-5060.

The camp is located at 2514 Chicken Coop Road, Sequim.

The camp is also open year-round for general camping.

Contact Sage at 360-775-6500 for camping information.

ONP passes

The deadline for the change in price for the America the Beautiful Senior Pass from $10 per person to $80 per person has been extended to Aug. 27.

This lifetime pass gives access to the national parks and some Forest Service lands and campgrounds and parking your vehicle at most national trailheads.

If you will be 62 years old on or before Aug. 27, now is the time to buy this pass.

Survey

Public land management agencies in Washington state are working with Washington State University to identify opportunities to simplify the state’s recreation pass and permit system, help increase access to our public outdoor recreation lands and find ways to ensure our public lands are adequately funded.

To understand these issues, Washington State University is conducting a survey of Washington residents to understand your outdoor recreation activities on public lands and your perspectives on the current pass and permit system and funding of public lands.

Your responses to this brief survey (which takes approximately 10-15 minutes) will remain confidential and help develop informed recommendations on how to improve the state’s recreation pass and permit system.

To take the survey, go online to http://tinyurl.com/PDN-PassPermitSurvey.

More events

• Back Country Horsemen Peninsula Chapter ride — Aug. 19, 10 a.m. rideout at Sallstrom Ranch, 278 Dunmire Road, Joyce.

Ride on the ODT Adventure Route, followed by a potluck.

For more information, call hostess Margaret Sallstrom at 360-928-3770.

• Back Country Horsemen Mount Olympus Chapter ride and campout — Sept. 23-24, 10 a.m. rideout at Mount Mueller.

Contact Larry or Sherry Baysinger at 360-327-3611 or packer207@centurytel.net for more information.

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Karen Griffiths’ column, Peninsula Horseplay, appears the second and fourth Sunday of each month.

If you have a horse event, clinic or seminar you would like listed, please email Griffiths at kbg@olympus.net at least two weeks in advance. You can also write Griffiths at PDN, P.O. Box 1330, Port Angeles, WA 98362.