This past weekend, I was off seeing a Murder Mystery on the Wine Train in Napa. Lynn rode both days. Here's her story for Saturday:
Today was the day. Got up early and fed the horses. Heck I was awake at 4:30. Can't sleep. I went out and knitted for a few rows. It was almost 7 a.m. I told Lee I'm going to go mow. He wanted to wash the truck, change oil, well you know how that goes. He said, Lynn I'll mow. I got lots of time. You wanted to go for a ride. He did not have to tell me twice.
Boots on, water bottle, camera and cell phone for just in case. Hooked up, caught TC and brushed him. This time of year is about HAIR! It's all over you, it's in the air, it's in your mouth, it's everywhere. Saddled and loaded up. All good so far.
I hollered out the window, I'm going up Hennessey. I was thinking about Underwood, and changed my mind. I turned up Hennessey and I saw a sign that said, please don't hunt the turkeys on lower Hennessey ~ Lee. I know he raises them then turns them loose. I was just past the turn by Doctor StrangeLove's and there were 5 big Toms. They were beautiful and they were gobbling loudly. I stopped and rolled down the window, got a couple pictures and listened for a few. They were beautiful.
Up the road, 2 jack rabbits crossed . It's been a while since we've seen rabbits. 2 years ago there were lots, last year not so many.
I knew Barry had put a ton of logs for the girls at the end of the road so they would have wood. They are wood cutting women. They have lots to cut. The last time I was up there the whole cul-de-sac was plugged. I pulled up Osprey Rd. and backed up the road to the turn around. All good. Barry has moved them into 3 decks. I think I can turn around. Yay.
I get ready to go. TC is snorting around and won't stand still for me to get on. I thought okay, I'll walk up the road and get on somewhere. I get almost to the trail to head up the hill and I don't have my helmet on. Idiot! I walk back to the trailer to get my helmet. My memory.... HA. On the way up. I tell myself; don't forget your helmet, don't forget spurs, don't forget to do circles. Vicki usually keeps me straight. Did I remember? Yep 75% of that. Spurs, check, circles, check. Helmet... ? NO, walk back. I put my helmet on and he was really calm. So I got on by the trailer. All was good.
Start up the hill just past our normal trail. It's blocked by an oak so I went up just a little ways past and headed up the hill. I did not get too far and oh lardy a skunk had just sprayed. The oily bile was still in the air. YUCK! I was coughing. Thank goodness I did not see it, oh I mean KD did not see it. Next was a doe laying down. She jumped up and TC just stopped and looked her way. We continued on. Not many flowers yet. Lots of water. Trails in good shape.
Barry did some logging up there. It only affected about 50 yards of our trail. I was thrilled.
I got to listen to frogs most of the way. What a song they sing. I was trying to be quiet in hopes to see more wildlife. On one of the trails something hit me in the helmet, okay I just did not see whatever. About knocked my glasses and helmet off. Stuff went down my pants. When I was up on the last stretch of road, I unzipped my pants and tried to get debris out of my underwear and it was down my pant legs. I got cramps in my hips. I had to get off and walk for a bit. TC did great. I pushed him in the ditch to get back on. On we went.
TC did good through any water or mud we came upon. We went up Widowmaker ridge and down to the turtle pond. On the way to the turtle pond I saw a huge Raven on a log that would make a great picture. I saw TC's ear lean towards it and just a slight head turn. I knew he saw it. I had my camera out and I was ready. The dang thing flew and TC shied big. Big dummy. I knew he was going to, but hoping I was wrong. No picture. We get almost to the turtle pond and a green head jumps up and that scares him. Just the noise. The Drake flew to the other side of the pond for just a moment then flew away. He was pretty. The pond is full.
We took the steep trail off the hill. It's in good shape.
It was a great day for a ride. I was proud of how TC did. Forward moving, not worried about anything or that he was alone. I think he was glad to get off the place. I am starting to really like him.
When I got back I weed whacked around the house. Then decided to put the horses on the field for an hour and bring down all the water troughs and put them back where they go. I took mom with me. You know we now own the Hennessey Ranch. Oh yay. LOL. We don't. Nice dream.
I had to feed up at Barry and Nancy's. One of the dang chickens got out. Sneaky little thing. Took me forever to get her back in.
Back home, laundry and make a Lemon pie. I wish I had what it took to go watch Hunters play. Barry and Nancy went on Friday night, and said it was really cute.
I had a great day, now I hope to get a good night's sleep. Maybe even sleep in. LOL.
**Sunday was another good day; she visited my dad and mourned the big snag's demise:
