On the Road to Durango - Part One

We began our journey to Durango in the evening. I had worked all day, while Jerry spent the day at home preparing vehicles and camping gear for the trip. I had my bag packed, we ate dinner, filled a thermos with hot strong coffee and hit the road.

We decided to haul our newest, longest stock trailer to Colorado to help with transporting the horses and mules that we'd be using once in Durango, we also planned to haul home a load of hay from Jerry's ranch buddies, and last but not least..... the trailer made a fine bedroom while on the road the first two nights.

For a day and a half this was our basic view as we drove across the barren Nevada desert. Jerry did ALL of the driving. As a result, I have way too many desert photos. They all look alike. Mountains, dirt, desert plants, and a long lonely highway. We saw one antelope. I like to make up travel games to break the monotony. Jerry vetoed all of my suggested games. He came up with one on his own, I was a good sport and agreed to play. His game rules; 'the first one to spot a rabbit would be the winner'. I finally saw a rabbit three days later. What an exciting game.

I had decided that the world had come to an end and all civilization had disappeared when we suddenly came upon this town. I don't think that folks settled there for the comforts and beauty of the region. There were a few interesting old buildings begging to have pictures taken but we drove through rather quickly. Oh, did I mention that Jerry did ALL of the driving?

Same lonely highway, more mountains, a few more desert plants, some clouds to add interest and a rare change in elevation. This view camouflages the splattered bug guts on the windshield. I get to take way more pictures while traveling, now that I am the designated passenger.

Driving through Utah, the scenery changes. I love driving (riding) through Moab and hope to visit sometime instead of merely driving through on the way to somewhere else. The red rock formations are awesome.

Durango is not far now.

Colorado at last! In the distance, the mountain range we plan to pack into, is bursting with autumn color.

Autumn Camping

I have fallen behind in my 'blogging', my letter writing, and even my phone calls to friends and family.

I have not yet gone through the Colorado pictures. I hope to do so this week. Have I mentioned our trip to Hawaii next week?

Last week, I had a day off and Tristan had a 1/2 day of school. He got home, we saddled up two horses, loaded them in the trailer and headed off to the hills. We belong to a riding club and members get together once monthly for a camping/trail riding adventure. Jerry and I were the hosts for this month's ride. The campground is very close to our home but we still hadn't explored many of the trails. I was not satisfied with the trail we had chosen for the club; mine and Tristan's mission was to find and explore new trails.

About an hour into our ride, and we are liking it. The views were lovely. Notice that Cort has been going out on trails with us too. He's a good trail dog.

The trails took us down into some valleys and canyons. This one was nicely wooded. Just a bit dusty, things are still dry here in California.

We traveled a long, well cleared trail through some very dense, dusky, Manzanita Trees.

We rode three hours of great trails and decided that they would be perfect for our club ride. Tristan and I did not start our ride at the campground, that would add another two and a half to three hours to the trail ride.

This is a view of some of our club members heading out on the trail. Jerry was Trail Boss and as usual, I rode 'drag'; the majority of my pictures are of horse and rider behinds.

This time I actually got a front view of the horses and riders. There are six different breeds represented in this picture. Any 'horse people' willing to try to identify them? Not so easy with these less than ideal photos. But go ahead and try.

Half way through our ride, after three hours of riding, we stopped in a small clearing for a lunch break. Everyone enjoyed the weather, the trails and the excellent company.

HAPPY TRAILS.

Pay It Forward

While I edit and select which to share with you, from the 400+ pictures I took in Colorado, here's something from Karen Deborah at Fresh Fixins, worth sharing. I may not limit it to 3 though. You never know.


HERE ARE THE RULES: The exchange focuses on doing an act of kindness without expecting anything in return other than that the recipient will, in their turn, pass the kindness along and pay it forward in their own way. This is how it works... I am going to agree to send something fun, cute, & nice to the first 3 blog owners who post a comment on this entry. In turn,those three will post this information and pick 3 people they want to send something to and so on. If you are interested in participating, be one of the first 3 blog owners to leave a comment! The little something you send can be something you made, bought, were given or found. No biggie, just a gift that will make the person smile. Maybe something unique from where you live? There are no cost restraints, but don't go crazy! If you'd like to join in, be one of the first 3 people to leave me a comment. You have to promise that you will then post about this on your blog, link to me, and then send something to the first three people who sign up to play along through your blog .If I don't get 3 blog owners that want to participate I would like to send something to 3 people that leave a comment even if you don't own a blog--so leave a comment with some sort of way to contact you and who knows what lovely things may show up for you from California to make you smile...In return I ask that you Pay It Forward to 3 other people in some way. It doesn't have to involve money; there are untold ways to help others every single day, everywhere you go; just look around.

Remember, I may not limit to 3 AND you don't have to have your own blog.

Back in CA

Arrived home safely, our time in Durango was awesome. The drive home was very, very long (boring). We got home Sunday night. Amy had a big delicious crock of pea soup and a pan of cornbread waiting for us. We ate, unpacked and went to bed. I was up at 4 am and headed out of town to work for a week.
I have a camera full of pictures to share.
Now I have to get to work.

Our Summer's End

Sunday, the final day of summer.
Between work, family and home; my days are no longer my own.
I declared that Sunday should be a day in the mountains fishing. No chores-No work.
We headed over the Sierra via Carson's Pass and into Hope Valley.

The highest elevations produce these trees. I need to recall the name.

Our destination, a trout filled stream.

First attempts at fly fishing.

Climbing down to the creek to unsnag his line.

NOT his waders.....

A consultation...... where are the fish?

A view of Hope Valley. The weather was crisp and breezy.

I fished, watched clouds blow over the mountains, took pictures, and breathed deeply.

The trees aren't changing color yet. Brilliant patches of yellow aspens dot these hills in autumn.

"On the Rocks."

Cheese & crackers, a bottle of wine, NO corkscrew!

Jerry and Amy picnicking.

A parting shot as we hike out to head home.

In a couple of days, Jerry and I head to Colorado for a pack trip into the mountains. It may be warm, it may rain, it may snow, it will most certainly be an adventure.

Around the Log Cabin

I'm glad to be home. Working out of town tires me, I don't sleep well. For two weeks I worked at a hospital too far to commute daily, I came home for the weekend only. Now I am home and it feels good. I am working at a clinic an hour away this week. Distance-wise it's not too far, just some of these mountain roads require slower, more cautious driving.

Just a few notes on our recent daily lives;
Tristan catches the school bus down the street, about a 5 minute walk. Last week a mother and daughter walking to the same bus stop, experienced a mountain lion crossing the road just in front of them.
Tristan will be playing in band, his first time playing an instrument, he has chosen the trombone... ( I took accordion lessons for a short time)
We finished my small riding arena yesterday.
The kittens are cats now. Not so tiny anymore.
We finished the permanent fence around the 'lower' horse pasture.

Several trees here on the property bloomed, beautiful Crape Myrtle Trees.

These funny stalks popped up overnight.

There were several in a few of the flower beds. Not sure what they were.

Resurrection Lilies! I love them. They have faded now. What do I do with them? Dead head the flowers? Cut the stalk off at the ground? Can I safely transplant the bulbs? I'd like them grouped together, or shall I leave them be? I need a garden buddy to help me out here!

And today I gathered these lovelies from my garden. Our bounty has not been abundant but I am thrilled with every tiny cherry tomato that ripens. We had potatoes, green beans and Egg Plant Parmesan for supper. yum

Summer Memories

The days are shorter, the nights are cooler, vacation is over and I miss the kids.
We have six grandchildren to share between the two of us and we were extremely blessed to have five of them visit us in California this summer. Our summer was filled with laughter, joy and excitement over new adventures. I miss the kids.
Ocean waves, mountain camp outs, fishing, horseback riding, learning 'the cowboy way' from Grandpa Jerry, sleeping out, panning for gold, and wearing out Nana! I treasure the memories....
Each one of you is such a pleasure and a treasure and I am so thankful to have you as my Grandchild. I miss you and love you.