BBBBB

 

1. PLAN B

Lynn brought Jupiter up for me and as I walked up to him I saw that he had his left eye closed. Sure enough, it was swollen and he wasn't keeping it open. We decided to put them back in the field and see what tomorrow would bring. 

I thought our day was done, but nope! Lynn got the Side X Side out and we went to Hawkins Bar Grange and left the pickup. We drove up to Little Happy Camp to check out the road conditions. It wasn't too bad. Lynn did a little sawing and we swung some branches over the side. We didn't move any rocks because by the time we go back, someone else will either have moved them and they will be more anyway. 

We drove up some dirt roads and had fun. It was Ziva's first time and she did great. I'm sure KD told her it was no problem.

2. BBBB

Sunday came; Jupiter's eye wasn't perfect, but he had it open, so off we went to Hennessey. On the road up Lynn called out, "Bunny!" We watched bunny run/hop across the road ahead of us and go into the brush. Suddenly, I saw a black something running down the left side toward the road. I couldn't get any words out of my mouth, so I reached over and kept slapping Lynn on the arm. She got the message: a Bear was running across the road in front of us! Yay!  

Lynn brought Ziggy this time. He doesn't have shoes and was pussyfooting along--slower than he usually moves out. I said I thought we had Boots in the trailer, so we went back and put them on him.

 Unfortunately, the boots were tight on him and uncomfortable. We only went up to the rose bush. There we let them eat the wet grass and we visited. We were back early and then Lynn got put to work setting concrete and cementing their gate post. 

It may not have been the weekend we planned, but everything always works out when you're with your BFF!

Juneuary with Alisa

Alisa came to ride with us this weekend and Lynn took off Friday. We rode Lynn's favorite trail the first day and left the girls home (KD has a sore paw). Everything was smooth and easy until Lynn decided to do some logging while in the saddle. TC is not as calm or used to Lynn's antics as Big Zigs. Right at the fork to either Cobweb alley or Lynn's Elk trail was a tree that had come across the trail. We've been riding under it for awhile. Friday, Lynn decided it had to go. It was broken off already and just needed to be pulled down. Hmm. It came down on TC's rump. He jumped, bucked, kicked, ran into the back end of Jupiter who was not moving. Let the monster eat TC. It all settled down and we turned right to the Elk trail.

 

It was nice day, but cold. We all wore vest or jackets the whole ride. We sat in the sun and visited and let the horses eat good mountain grass.

 Gray's Side

Day 2, we went to our Gray's Falls trail (the actual name is Gray Falls or Grey Falls, but my whole life I've called it Gray's Falls and it's hard to change now). We visited Lynn's Big Tree (kind of joke since my out of town company wanted to see a Big Tree). We wore more jackets and our gloves. We were wishing we had brought our chinks, for Heaven's sake! Lots of cobwebs on those trails, too, but no incidents today. It was definitely breezy and the trees were getting louder, but no one got spooky (not even us). We took the dogs today and everyone did all right. Although we thought we would leave them home yesterday and ride a longer ride, we actually rode more miles today! It was fun and easy. 

Morning Adventure on Underwood

Day 3: Underwood. Jupes was willing and able and ready to be in front all three mornings. He trotted right out and was easy to get on and catch in the field. Lynn did some more logging. We didn't get to ride much earlier this year and everything is hanging down or leaning or just flat out brushed over. We need to do more ground work, but Lynn got us through.

 It was a little emotional on the top when I got to see our big snag on the ground and visit my dad on Father's Day. Cold again, especially in the shade or on the ridge, but didn't feel as cold as yesterday when the wind was blowing a lot more. I saw lots of bear scat, so I kept my eyes peeled--I just knew today was the day we would see one. But no.

The three of us had lunch together every day and laughed over stories. At night, Lynn, Lee, and Alisa ate ice cream under blankets in the cold cross breeze in her living room and then went to bed at 8pm. Although I didn't go to bed that early (I also don't get up as early), I would say we are quite the lively bunch. LOL

Knock on wood, but Jupes now has had several rides and been perfect with no attitude. I pray it continues. 

PS Our trail from last week is now renamed Brushy Balls. If you know, you know. 🙈

Two Great Days at Home

 

It was a big trees day! We rode up Widow Maker Ridge to our bushwacking trail. It was fun to see all the trees that fell down since I rode last November. We were definitely going through the brush and ducking through tree branches as we made our way, but we found the road that leads up to the trail out. There were bear tracks and scat along the way. As we made our way to the main road, we passed by something that caught our eyes. We both thought it was a big bone, like a femur. KD peed on it and I laughed, so I went closer to it. Then Lynn and I both burst out laughing.  No wonder Katie peed on it!

So that trail might be renamed the Penis Trail. LOL

Today we did Hoop-de-doo West and Cobweb Alley. Talk about webs!! There was one earlier in the day that I was surprised did not sweep Lynn off! Dang! It was like fishing line.  T/C did fantastic with the water and mud. Both of them did really well when Lynn and I got off to cut poison oak, branches, and Lynn did some heavy logging. That trail is ready.

It was a another great day of riding. Dogs were tired, but had plenty of water to drink and both horses were wonderful. I'm loving life.

 

Riding with Cathy

 

Lynn texted and asked me if I was free Wednesday night, Thursday, and Friday. I totally thought she was off to camp with Lee and I was on horse duty. Nope!! It was a trip to ride with Cathy. I decided Ziva was good to go, too and away we went!

We ate pizza on the road and jabbered for the three hours plus. We met Cathy at the crossroads and drove to KA's house to put the boys in the corrals. Ziva, KD, and Dusty romped and romped. The next morning, we checked the boys and fed the other animals and then went back to Cathy's to choose our adventure. We decided on Deer Mountain and took a different trail from the clothespin trail we took last time. We ended up going 10 miles! Ziva definitely was tired and ate too much trail dust, but she was fine. Jupiter went down about to his chest in one soft duff spot, but everyone was fine. The two matching red puppies were out in front and it was fun to see them bouncing off each other as they ran ahead. We made a big loop. Roany was happy about the grass along the way. We learned that Cathy cannot be our trail guide once we returned to our original road, since she wanted us to go right and not left. Haha

We had a great evening with Cathy and Lonnie and spent some time in the hot tub. Lynn was floating in the bubbles and had to anchor herself with a foot. She was bobbing! There was a deep seat that almost came over my chin, so I stayed on the high side. Sheesh. I guess we're a couple of inexperienced hot tubbers!

On Friday we left Dusty home with sore feet and drove to a road called Brea (?) Tennant. We pulled up a dirt logging road and took the boys up the hill. What a view! It was a little boggy on out, so we turned back and took another spur. The wind in the trees kept getting louder and the clouds darker and closer. Yikes. So we cut that ride short, but definitely wrote it down a redo. There were lots of places to ride.

We were sorry Alisa couldn't join us, but going to Cathy's is definitely high on my list of fun rides. I am so happy to be ahorseback again! I hope Jupes continues to be good and we don't have a "second ride" incident. lol

Fun Ride (Relive)

All is Right in My World!

 

Jupiter got shoes yesterday and both TC and Ziggy had their feet trimmed. IT'S TIME!! Woohoo! I had planned on being ready--permission or not--to ride Memorial Day Weekend, but it came early. I have been released to ride (with a few caveats). So ride we did! It felt so good to be in the saddle.

I finally got to see the logging operation. Like a dummy, I did not take a picture, but I will next time. Just like Lynn said, there is only really the one spot that affects our trail. Both boys acted like their feet were a little tender from yesterday's foot work, but we got all the way to the puddle meadow and then we went down and around and back up. We kept it short. Jupes is chubby and out of shape and Ziva isn't in top form either, so it was a perfect amount of time (about 3 hours). 

TC did puddles when it was just he and Lynn, but he didn't want anything to do with this one. Jupes headed straight for it immediately and got a drink. After TC balked a few times, Lynn said, "Ok Jupe," and we went in it again. This time he pawed some and I got him to walk out before he decided he was hot and was going to lay down! TC went in twice and then went through another one and he walked over the original little gutter water he used to jump in the bushes to avoid. He's doing so good! It's a testament to the trust he and Lynn have with each other.

Poor Lynn had to listen to me jabber the whole time. She had gotten used to those solitary, quiet rides. lol Too bad! I'm coming every chance I'm given. Here's our new song for the trail:

The Clap Song by Shirley Ellis

Here's the lyrics so you can drive Lee crazy! Bring back the '60s! LOL  Lyrics

I'm looking forward to lots of riding and singing on the trail.

First rides 2024

 It's spring! I am still in recovery mode from rotator cuff surgery. I have to wait one more month. Lynn went riding with Cathy a couple weeks ago--taking off a Monday and using a vacay day. They went to Jelly's Ferry and fun. It was Dusty's first excursion, so KD taught him the ropes.

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:

Relive Sunday's ride

Funny, not funny

Shoulder surgery was Dec 6 and today is the first day I have driven in seven weeks. And where did I go? To see my horse! 

I had planned to feed with Lynn and Shirley, but found out that Shirley had a story about me and was angry. Dang it. So Lynn said, "Just go up and see him." So I did. 

With the story in the back of my mind, I set out. I told Lee I was headed up and away I went. Of course I stopped and got a couple granola bars on my way by. Would Jupes know it was me without a treat in my pocket? 

I crawled through the gate and kind of looked around, but had in my head that they would be on the trailer court; it had been a nice day and I figured they would be sunning themselves. I walked along and talked to Ziva, who thought I should be giving her a granola bar and was dancing in front of me. I didn't call for them because I just wanted to go up and hang out, but I did talk out loud so they wouldn't be afraid.

Got there and no horses. Okay, headed down the little hill and kept looking around. Finally, I saw TC's head. I said, "Well there you are!" and then he ran away from me and went to stand by Big Zigs, who by then I could see was just across the main road up to the old washing machine. Just the two of them. I kept looking for Jupes. I asked the boys where is he. Both of them looked down toward the field. There are lots of logs and brush piles between them the field and I couldn't see Jupiter. I gave them each a granola bar.

I started calling him. No fat boy. Both of the other two were looking at me and looking down toward the field. No Jupiter. I walked down the road. No Jupiter. I started getting scared. Where is he? Part of the story Lynn had told included Jupiter. I started panicking. Did Shirley sell him? Was tied up down at her house? Was he hurt? Foundered? Where was he? As I made the turn toward Shirley's there he was down the road a bit, looking at me. I breathed a sigh of relief and told him he had scared me. He still didn't move toward me. 

"Doggone it! Are you hurt?" I asked him. "C'mere!" Nope. I walked to him and gave him his treat (and Ziva, too). I rubbed on him and he let me breathe on him and kiss his nose. Still wouldn't move his feet. I kept trying to get him to move. I looked all over him, nothing looked wrong.  

Then TC came down. What a sweet boy. Talked to me and was happy to rubbed on too. I kept my eye on Jupes so I didn't get in the middle if he got jealous. Nope. No jealousy. lol. Finally he walked a few steps and looked normal. Dang horse. 

Big Zigs started meandering toward me, but stopped part way--just close enough to make sure he could see me and make sure he wasn't missing out on anything. Big lazy things. They knew I didn't have dinner with me and they were perfectly content to just stand around and not put out any effort.

So with a final kiss and pat, Ziva and I headed out. I had a good walk and a few minutes with my boy. I'm good for a  little longer.

Six months is May 22. Just so you know. :)