From the back of my mule.....

This was my favorite ride, ever, anywhere. Two weeks ago we explored a trail loop in the Sierra Nevada on horse (mule) back with a group of friends. Perfect weather, abundant mountain wild flowers, overlooks and views that melt away burdens. I'd love to share the lonely sound of breezes rustling the pine boughs and pause with you, to deeply inhale the fresh mountain scent of sage, pine and flowers. Instead, I'll settle with sharing these few photos of a small section of our vast wilderness.

Steep switch backs taking us higher and higher into the mountains.

Snow still melting, created little streams feeding fields bursting with color.

Trailing along the crest of a ridge.

Millie looking for her buddies ahead. They have disappeared in the fields of lupine.

Pretty.

See the patch of snow in the distance behind Jerry and Pistol? Those two little dots on it are a boy and his Golden Retriever sliding and playing in the snow.

A bit of rock climbing.

I want to go back and stay a week, or more.

Our noon lunch stop.

Pistol and Millie taking their noon break.

Lake Tahoe can be seen in the distance.

Peace.

We rode for 4 1/2 hours, stopping frequently to enjoy.

Yes, I want to go back.

Enjoy your trails.

Beanie Babies

Sharing one of the joys of my 'job'.

Rescue

She was found abandoned in Sacramento, I don't know her story.

We met her two weeks ago.

Our adoption application and home inspection (yes, really) was approved.

She moved in on Monday.



The 'foster mom' called her grey mare. I have named her 'Willow'.

Willow's first four legged friend here was Cort. He welcomed her by grazing right along with her.

She is very sweet and mellow.

Yesterday she shared a pasture with Remington and they got along just fine. Today I gave her a bath, pulled and braided her mane and fussed over her a bunch.

Yes, I know we already have a full herd, but no one else wanted her and I liked her enough that I didn't want to see her go to the "already too full" horse rescue center. I like her even more now.

Let's go to the Zoo!

I like animals; I work with them, I live with them, and I go visit animals on summer vacation days. I had the day off yesterday and asked Tristan if there was anything he'd like to do together, he chose the Zoo. So come along with us to the Sacramento Zoo. It's a sunny day and the temps are in the high 80s.

The reptile house is always a favorite. We kept our eyes on this fella for quite a while. No blinking, no noticeable signs of respiration, no movement at all.

Look at those cute tiny nostrils and bitty toes.

Pretty in pink.

I like these stripes, and horns, and what a lovely eye.

Something up there is bringing a smile to Tristan's face.

A chimp! And Tristan was bringing a smile to his face. (Or maybe he was chewing on his lunch.)

I love Lemurs.

Did Tristan grow green peacock feathers?

She looks deep in thought.

.......wondering "does this pattern make my bottom look big?"

Momma and her March baby. aaahhhhh

Snow leopard napping.

I hope you enjoyed our little field trip. So, does anyone know what kind of animal is in picture #4? Just wondering if you know. There's no prize if you guess, but give it a try. Hint, not a native animal of North America.

I'll post again tomorrow, I have a surprise to share.

Happy Trails.

Bodie, A Ghost Town

Bodie, California: a spontaneous detour on our way home from Bishop. Wandering a dusty path, surrounded by fragments of long forgotten dreams, rusty remains of stories untold, mysteries of abandoned hopes; kneeling in dirt while caressing the smooth, weather-worn slats of tired, aged carriages; peering though the warped panes of curtained windows; I felt drawn to and connected to this lonely place. A few short hours was not enough time.





A small peek at Mono Lake and the snow covered eastern slope of the Sierra.

Once a booming mining town, a small percentage of the town remains as a State Park, allowing a priceless glimpse of our western history.

A family's transportation? Freight hauler? Supply wagon? Where did it come from? Who pulled it? A fancy team of horses? Sturdy mules? Oxen? How old are you and where were you created?

I wish to age as beautifully as wood.

Peaceful and lonely at the same time.

1800 s Fire House Wall.






Graced by nature's garden.

Homestead

Where'd they all go?

Past and Present.

At rest.