Jerry and I decided to spend the last three days of 2011 doing one of the things we most enjoy. Not snow skiing, there is NO snow. The weather had been dry and clear all of December, perfect for camping and riding. We hauled two of our horses north three hours to Oroville where there is a nice Equestrian Campgrounds near the reservoir. Although it is winter and the leaves are fallen from most of the Oak trees, the Live Oaks and pines lend a bit of green to the hills. The camp was empty, we had our choice of sites. This place is usually best in the spring, by May the temperatures can reach the 100s, been there, done that. Fall can be nice but very dusty, winter is usually very wet with muddy, slick trails. This December weekend was good.

We rode the trails each of the three days we were there. The first two days were cloudy and very chilly, nice riding weather. There had been just enough previous rain to keep the dust down. Both horses were eager to go. That is my view of the world atop 'Rock'.

We rode from late afternoon until sunset on day one.

Day two was overcast and cool. From sections of the trail, the resevoir can be glimpsed. It's at it's winter's low mark, but there were still plenty of boats out there, big ones. The trail meanders through the foothills; woods, meadows, creeks and the lake.

A nice clear stream to drink from.

This pleasant rest area is halfway on one of the trail loops. We didn't stop to picnic but I did get the travel journal out of the mailbox and jot a message that we had been there. I always enjoy reading what the other riders and hikers have written.

Of the three days riding, the last day was the best. Still chilly but the sun shining brightly and a clear blue sky. We rode a couple of hours before packing up camp and heading home.

This is NOT the camp we packed up that last day of 2011. This camp that Jerry and I had set up in the Colorado wilderness in 2006 illustrates how I most love to camp. Roughing it, an outdoor campfire to cook over, close to nature. In 2000 - 2001, I spent almost a year traveling and camping across the USA with a dog, a horse, a truck, a horse trailer and my tent. A great adventure. Several months ago, Jerry and I began discussing taking a month long vacation this summer, traveling through the western states with a horse and mule each. I was imaging trailering to different wilderness areas, 'packing in' our camp supplies on the mules, you know 'roughing it'.

Well surprise, surprise, surprise....... This is how the ol' cowboy of mine pictures traveling across the USA. Gag...... pampered.

Our new traveling hotel. Four horse stalls in back and in front the human's living quarters complete with shower, toilet, kitchen, couch, table, microwave, surround sound stereo, television, air conditioning, heat, bed with mattress, running hot and cold water...... CAMPING???? Who kidnapped my mule-skinner, cowboy, macho-man husband? I want him back!!!

There he is riding away with crazy cowdog Cort. This man who dragged me up the mountains in November after our first (and last so far) snow to ride horses in the freezing cold has morphed into a luxury seeking camper. I am bewildered. I am planning to bring my tent and bedroll along on our trip and pray it doesn't rain much. I guess if he wants to cook in that indoor kitchen, I'll still eat his meals. Maybe I'll even use that shower, if I have to.

Happy Trails however you travel them!

2012

A new year. 2012 sounds so science-fiction-type futuristic. I still want to say 19--'something'. We have working vehicles that were born in the 1990s, are they considered antiques? I am pleased when I get a senior discount. Fifteen years ago I thought how dreadful it would be to ask for senior discounts, worse yet if anyone asked if I qualified; now I am pleased. I am excited that my husband got hearing aids and can hear the birds and frogs (and me). A new year. Another trip around the sun. Some things changing; comfort in the things that remain the same. I hope to make the most of each new day, each passing week, the months that so swiftly slip by and each new year I may be blessed to travel.

May each of you be blessed on the trails you travel this new year.

A Quicky in the Rain

Rainy season here again, already? Fresh snow up in the mountains, so soon? We'll be mowing grass again before you know it. Filled the wood shed with wood last week, and had to fire up the stove twice already. The horses are getting fuzzy, Carson is quickly growing back his full winter coat, and my sweatshirts are back on the lower shelf, within reach. Jerry and I are heading to the coast Wednesday for a five day horse camp/trail riding trip. After four dry months, I won't mind if we have to ride in rain. We've had some wonderful rides this summer, I've tried a few times to share photos, but..... you know the story, often in our neck of the woods the use of cell phones, internet, and television seems to be just out-of-reach..... we do have reliable indoor plumbing and electricity. With the rain, I'll be indoors more and probably attempting internet more often.

Cousins

Saturday morning the two Grands and I hit the trails not far from home. It was a warm, sunny morning.



I rode Cheyenne western, little miss rode my mare English, and the boy, for some reason, decided to ride his mount, Remington, bareback.

Heading out.

Sharing an apple during a break.

The day was getting warmer, the horses were eager for a cool sip of water.

Hot, dusty trails and smiley faces.

Giving the horse a break. It sure was getting hot!

The American River, our destination. Can you see all the rafters down there?

Riding along the 'Down and Up Trail'.

The horses are tied to the hitching posts, our lunches eaten, time to cool off.

The river is wide and swift, this is a calm protected little area, perfect for wading. But of course, balancing on the rocks is much more inviting.

We spent an hour cooling off and watching the rafters come through the rapids. The kids had fun exchanging hellos with all the friendly folks out enjoying the river. They liked when people called out 'ooohhh, pretty horses'!

The ride back was hot and tiring. We didn't realize that it had reached 100 degrees! We gave the horses nice cool baths and treats when we got home. I think that it was a wonderful way to spend the day with two very special young people!

How Dry is it in California?

Dust Bowl dry. Just ask the Grankids......

How Hot is it in California?

It's well past midnight and here I sit in my hotel room unable to sleep. A long day working locally, then a long, slow, torturous drive through heavy traffic and highway construction for over four hours to my next 'job site'. I'm tired, but too wound up; probably caffeine induced. I took a benedryl 1/2 hour ago, it should kick in soon.

I have been messing around on my laptop and remembered I used to blog, and I used to enjoy it. For some reason I had just stopped; kind of like every time I start a journal, or a diet, or an exercise program.

So while I'm waiting for the old diphenhydramine to take me away, I'll talk weather.


We enjoyed a wet, cool winter and spring. Carson loves that cool weather. He sports that heavy, luxurious fur coat with pride, ignoring the occasional 'fat dog' comments.

Early summer was amazingly cool also. Nice green grass and cool earth, refreshing to roll around in. While the rest of the U.S. was unusually hot, we were loving our unusual not-so-hot summer days. But alas, the heat is here with us now, as we knew it would be, as it should be. It has been in the 90's

I finally had to put away every one's winter coats......

.....everyone's........

Birds

Anna's Hummingbird -these little jewels are quite demanding and have no fear.

Help me out..

Northern Flicker

- I haven't noticed these before, are visiting in small flocks.

Purple Finch

-very shy and on alert at all times.

Dark-eyed Junco

-stop by in groups for a quick snack and scatter away just as quickly.

Spotted Towhee

- new acquaintances.

White-breasted Nuthatch

-entertaining busy little clowns.

American Gold Finch (male)

-definite hierarchy in the ranks. Real beauties.

Acorn Woodpecker

- despised destroyers of property.

My new little hobby. I've enjoyed my bird books for years but made no real effort to identify the visitors that I was unfamiliar with. Tristan's wild flower identification project last year motivated my wild bird identification hobby. Having a camera that can take a picture clear across the yard sure helps. Having dogs and cats that want in on everything I do outdoors doesn't help so much. I shoot 20+ crummy pictures for one or two clear ones and then start searching through the books. All of these photos were taken from in the house, and all taken late winter-early spring 2011. I hope that with more practice I'll improve the quality. Feel free to correct any mis-identifications.

Have you started any new hobbies that you are enjoying? Please share.