Smoothin' it out

 After all the bee incidents, we needed a ride that was smooth and stress-free, so went up Underwood. It was a little weedy and overgrown, but a great ride. We did it backwards and honestly, did a lot of ground watching here, too. We have only encountered bees here twice ever and I always really pay attention in those two places, but it's been a long while. It was a fun ride and we did the extra loop portion on the end. It was a good day and I think all our nerves were soothed.

Next time we rode around the ranch. We went through the deep mud and trickling creek and although he hesitated, TC powered through. He has grown so much in confidence and trust. Lynn and Shirley always say, "Pretty is as pretty does." Well, he is a pretty boy who looks good doing it. :)

We saw the cows and were happy to see that there was a young one. They gave us a wide berth and we laughed to see how you can't tell it was ever weedeated! Sheesh! Blackberries will eventually cover the whole world!

We got new shoes last weekend and already rode some of the shine off. :) We loaded up some bee spray and hiked up the spot where Jupes first got into them. Dang cowboy boots are slick and not made for that kind of walkin'! I think I went up one step only to slide back to where I started at least four times. Lynn sprayed one spot that looked ominous, but we did not see them. It's been so hot that we know from experience the bees are active and mean--another good reason to go out early. We spent a lot of the ride looking for bees and we agreed that some of the joy is tarnished with ground watching vigilance and ear straining for overhead buzzing. But any day a horseback is a good day, so no complaining.