Well, the truck had a bad power steering pump. Much better, and cheaper than the Hydro-boost. We arrived at camp, and I got all checked in etc. BUT, not far from camp, I noticed the truck was getting tough to shift. (manual transmission) I think that maybe the clutch master cylinder is going out. But I am going to enjoy the ride, and not fret about it until Sunday. I LOVE this truck, but dang it, what is up that it is all of a sudden getting 'sick' on me???
Will try to report this weekend. Slow internet, won't be any photos. Now I'm off to the rider meeting!
Friday, July 17, 2009
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Hey Cowboy(photos added)
I had not originally intended to head to the ride in MO. But they needed riders, and the weather was going to be much kinder than typical July weather, and it seemed that my class was close to full, so that would mean better points than a not so full class. The rig was already packed. All I had to do was laundry, and load the horse! So, we set off at 7AM, after I had a good nights sleep. I was guessing it to be about a 13 hour trip. A breeze after driving the 850 miles home from Durango ;-) Hubby is home through Tuesday, so I did not need to bring the dog along. It really is easier to travel without her.New roads that I had not traveled on, so it was something new to see. Made a few stops for Hank to stand in the trailer and rest as I grabbed meals, fueled truck, had a nail taken out of a trailer tire at a tire shop. That sort of thing. (another case of seeing a low tire, and knowing it must have a nail in it)
We were through TX, OK and in to MO about an hour when some construction traffic had everyone stopping somewhat quickly. I got into the brakes, and had a very strange noise, shudder / vibration, and lack of braking. Got stopped for the traffic, and dove off the freeway at the very next exit. I was also having issues with the steering. Vibration, noise, and lack of steering! I have a Garmin NUVI GPS. I typed in the word FORD, and she showed me all businesses, starting with the closest, with FORD in the name. Just 10 miles away was a dealership. It was 5:05PM. I called, told them my issue, and would they PLEASE wait until I got there to take a quick look at the truck. No problem he said. (normally off work at 5:30) Thankfully the road was almost all straight, no stops until we got to the dealership. Pulled up, and he came out, looked at a few things, and said he thought it was the Hydroboost. They could work on it first thing in the AM. But now, what to do for the night as far as Hank and I ??? He mentioned a rodeo grounds about a mile away, that was actually having a rodeo. So, that is where we headed. Found an event'official' and he directed me to the contestants lot, where I could camp for the night. Hank is pastern deep in green grass, has his hay, water, and other horses around. He really was not super bothered by all the activities and noise, but more fascinated by it all.
He watched the horses warm up, the drill team pass by, and listened to all the noise, but was never upset.
He must think it is just a rather unusual ride camp. And I have a rodeo to check out!
So, in the AM, we head to the dealer, and they have a dirt alley I can park the trailer in, and unload Hank while they work on the truck. He hopes to have it done by noon, and they I have another 4 hours to the ride. And I had multiple offers from riders already at the ride, and some who live within an hour or so of my location to come rescue me if needed to get me to the ride. That was so very kind of everyone to do so. I prefer to not arrive Friday afternoon, but things will work out. I also had a friend tell me my truck was considerate. Had I been on the twisty, curvy road closer to camp and lost steering and brakes, it could have been really, really bad. Thank goodness it was on the freeway, traveling straight. My guardian angel is working over time!
Oh, and being a typical rodeo grounds, the train tracks run right behind it. Now THAT had Hank watching across the field to figure out what monster was passing by.
We were through TX, OK and in to MO about an hour when some construction traffic had everyone stopping somewhat quickly. I got into the brakes, and had a very strange noise, shudder / vibration, and lack of braking. Got stopped for the traffic, and dove off the freeway at the very next exit. I was also having issues with the steering. Vibration, noise, and lack of steering! I have a Garmin NUVI GPS. I typed in the word FORD, and she showed me all businesses, starting with the closest, with FORD in the name. Just 10 miles away was a dealership. It was 5:05PM. I called, told them my issue, and would they PLEASE wait until I got there to take a quick look at the truck. No problem he said. (normally off work at 5:30) Thankfully the road was almost all straight, no stops until we got to the dealership. Pulled up, and he came out, looked at a few things, and said he thought it was the Hydroboost. They could work on it first thing in the AM. But now, what to do for the night as far as Hank and I ??? He mentioned a rodeo grounds about a mile away, that was actually having a rodeo. So, that is where we headed. Found an event'official' and he directed me to the contestants lot, where I could camp for the night. Hank is pastern deep in green grass, has his hay, water, and other horses around. He really was not super bothered by all the activities and noise, but more fascinated by it all.
He watched the horses warm up, the drill team pass by, and listened to all the noise, but was never upset.
He must think it is just a rather unusual ride camp. And I have a rodeo to check out!
So, in the AM, we head to the dealer, and they have a dirt alley I can park the trailer in, and unload Hank while they work on the truck. He hopes to have it done by noon, and they I have another 4 hours to the ride. And I had multiple offers from riders already at the ride, and some who live within an hour or so of my location to come rescue me if needed to get me to the ride. That was so very kind of everyone to do so. I prefer to not arrive Friday afternoon, but things will work out. I also had a friend tell me my truck was considerate. Had I been on the twisty, curvy road closer to camp and lost steering and brakes, it could have been really, really bad. Thank goodness it was on the freeway, traveling straight. My guardian angel is working over time!
Oh, and being a typical rodeo grounds, the train tracks run right behind it. Now THAT had Hank watching across the field to figure out what monster was passing by.
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Purgatory NATRC ride, Durango CO
THURSDAY
Left town after a WalMart stop, and headed towards camp. The road in was mostly single lane gravel, and you would have to watch ahead to make sure no one was heading towards you, so you could pull into the small pull outs to allow vehicles to pass. Not a road you would want to meet a horse trailer (or something larger) coming towards you without a close turn out.
Finally arrived at camp mid morning. Lovely setting with views of the mountains, a meadow nearby, and a creek running along the edge of camp. Found a nice spot that had a mound of rocks to one side of me, and a fire pit to the other, so I knew I would not end up with someone else parked right on top of me. Lots of grass to graze Hank on, and he was more than happy to partake of it. Got settled in, and then grabbed my fishing pole to head to the creek to see if I could remember HOW to trout fish, and if there were any trout in the creek. I was told that there was. Found a few spots that were perfect for trout to reside in, and after a couple casts, caught a tiny little trout.
Released it back to grow into something bigger. Not much action, but I did not care. Brought back memories of trout fishing in the Sierras in CA. I do miss that part of living n CA!
Late Thursday, I started to feel crappy, and recognized it as altitude sickness. I had not had it for maybe 20 years. It includes a raging headache, a bit of an upset stomach and sinus issues. I had been drinking plenty of fluids, took my electrolytes, but that was not enough. It was suggested to eat some TUMS, which helped a little, and take regular aspirin to thin the blood a little. I took what drugs I had, and managed to get a nights sleep
FRIDAY
Woke up feeling a little better, but still in the funk. Got some real aspirin, kept drinking the water, and finally felt well enough to get some things done. Hank has been acting very cheeky and full of himself, so I knew he really needed to get out and go for a ride. Saddled up and headed out towards one of the big climbs we would be going up on Saturday. I let Hank set the pace, and in the beginning he was taking on the world, marching up the mountain. After about a mile, he decided he should ease off a bit, and walked like a horse who needed to conserve some energy. Rode a couple miles, then headed back down. The trail was one of the prettiest I have ever ridden. HUGE Aspens, green grass, some wild flowers, and the views of the other mountains out in the distance.
Later I found out this was an old Stagecoach trail. Amazing the animals could pull up the mountain, which topped out at over 10,000 feet.
Gave Hank a cleaning up in the creek, and then it was about time to start the ride, and check in with the judges. Normal stuff, and Hank checked in great, and had Zeros on all his metabolics. That would be the baseline they would score from for the rest of the weekend. Trotted sound, and we were ready to go! Hopefully all the time off from the last ride, had the little blip on the tendon become a non issue. At the riders meeting, the vet gave us instructions for the mornings first obstacle. We were to ender the wide creek 1-2 horse lengths, ¼ turn on the forehand to the left, side pass 4 steps, then turn and head on down the trail. But no stopping. He wanted the horse to do a continuous motion from walking, turn, side pass, turn. We would not be given the instructions again, and no practicing in the creek. I still had a bit of that yucky feeling, so went to bed fairly early. Tomorrow we would be riding 25 miles, and climbing up over the 10,000’ elevation mark.
SATURDAY
We were not hitting the trail until 8AM, so I had plenty of time to get things ready for riding. Water bottles filled, horse tacked up, my saddle packs prepped, and of course take Thelma for a walk before I left her in camp all day. It was a brisk morning, about 40 degrees, but I knew it would warm up before the day was over. I was third to time out, and Hank was a pretty good boy for the obstacle. Not to anxious, and listened to me. And thankfully he did not second guess what we were doing, and try doing something his mind came up with. He so often wants to share his ideas and opinions on such things. Then on down the trail, to head up the mountain I had ridden a little of yesterday. Along the edge of the mountain is a cabin that had been the stage stop.
We found a nice pocket alone, and did a nice steady walk to the first P&R which would be at over 10,000 feet. After we arrived, I watched Hanks heart rate monitor, and saw he was not dropping as quick as I’d have liked, and finally pulled the saddle to let a little more breeze hit him. But even that was not enough, and he lost his first point of the ride, for a 13 on pulse (13 in 15 seconds). Then we went on to a dirt road for awhile, before we headed down a trail along a creek.
The trees were now mostly pine of some sort, not Aspens. He was moving along, and actually a bit anxious. They had the second P&R after a long downwhill, with a trot across a meadow. This one was better, and he did not lose any points. After the vet checked him, and he again had all zeros, we had to do an off side mount. Thank goodness for a mound of dirt. He stood nice, and I did well, and did not land hard in the saddle or any other thing that the judge might frown upon. We then looped a trail that went up above camp, and then headed in for our lunch.
The ride fed us ALL our meals! After lunch, we had 10 miles to go. A 5 mile trail that went up and back along a very lovely creek.
Again, I was day dreaming of all the fish in there, just waiting for me to catch them. As we got near camp, we saw that one of the novice horses was down on the trail withy colic. Just a reminder it can happen to anyone, in any division. They routed us a bit off the trail, down and up a small hill, and the judges observed us. We timed in, and had another P&R, which Hank lost another point for another 13 pulse. At the end of the day, the vet did a recheck on the horses, and Hank was dehydrated some. I am thinking now, it might have been the combo of the altitude, and the warm weather. Also, while I saw Hank drink well, the streams are pretty cold, so maybe he was just not drinking enough. Altitude has never bothered him before, but we had been above 7000’ since Wednesday.
SUNDAY
Another beautiful day, and we were going to be on new trail than we saw from yesterday, with the exception of about 4 miles. Hank was feeling good, and very forward. We had an obstacle of backing around some small bushes, which he did excellent, and then started towards the back side of the Purgatory ski resort, and under some of the ski lift chairs. Then the climb to the first P&R.
Somewhere along through here, Cheri Jeffcoat and I hooked up, and started riding together. Her gaited gelding and Hank got along well, and paced about the same speed. This was the 3rd P&R point Hank would lose, for yet another 13. We were now well over 10,000’ again, which we would stay at for awhile as we rode that section of the mountain. Lots of wonderful views, including one over looking the highway we had driven towards camp, out over the cliffs.
Such beauty. The wildflowers and grasses seemed to change with the different areas, and elevations. While I was a bit frustrated with Hanks P&R’s. the beauty of the ride was so worth the 850 mile drive. Hank hank was feeling good, and cheerful about going down the trail. We had an obstacle of sidepassing over a pole to clip a ribbon on a post.
Hank did it OK, but did a little jump in the middle of it. Now, on to our last P&R, and the highest point of the ride. Finally, he did not lose any points, and we started heading down the mountain. We noticed that just walking and getting back on the horses made us aware of the altitude, and thinner air.
The downhill from the top was done in a shorter distance than the climb up was, and parts were pretty steep. Glad I had a crupper to keep the saddle for putting unnecessary pressure on his withers as we headed down. Then on the home stretch along through meadows and a creek, and we were all done. Got Hank cleaned up, and checked back through, and then we just had to wait for awards. I packed up to leave right away, and go back to my friends place for the night before heading home.
I figured we would end up 5th or so in our class of 6th, but was thrilled when Hank placed 3rd. I placed 1st in Horsemanship, much to my amazement. Everyone in Region 3 was super nice, and friendly again. I am really enjoying the rides there, as they are beautiful, and tough, and the people welcome us like family.
We got to our friends place, and a good nights sleep, then left Monday morning, and drove pretty much straight through, and arrived home Tuesday AM around 4:00. Just did not want to make Hank stand in the trailer for a second day of 100 degree heat. Found some new places to stop along the route, that I can unload, and even tie to the trailer and sleep a bit if I need to. When I got him home, he was about to explode, as he wanted to run across the pasture in the dark, to find the other horses. He is not holding his weight like I would like to see from the travels, but is fit, and his attitude and willingness to go down the trail is really good.
Today, I decided to head to a ride in MO this weekend while hubby is home, and can take care of the critters, and Thelma can stay home. It will sure be different than the ride in CO. So, hope to report when I can!
Left town after a WalMart stop, and headed towards camp. The road in was mostly single lane gravel, and you would have to watch ahead to make sure no one was heading towards you, so you could pull into the small pull outs to allow vehicles to pass. Not a road you would want to meet a horse trailer (or something larger) coming towards you without a close turn out.
Finally arrived at camp mid morning. Lovely setting with views of the mountains, a meadow nearby, and a creek running along the edge of camp. Found a nice spot that had a mound of rocks to one side of me, and a fire pit to the other, so I knew I would not end up with someone else parked right on top of me. Lots of grass to graze Hank on, and he was more than happy to partake of it. Got settled in, and then grabbed my fishing pole to head to the creek to see if I could remember HOW to trout fish, and if there were any trout in the creek. I was told that there was. Found a few spots that were perfect for trout to reside in, and after a couple casts, caught a tiny little trout.
Released it back to grow into something bigger. Not much action, but I did not care. Brought back memories of trout fishing in the Sierras in CA. I do miss that part of living n CA!
Late Thursday, I started to feel crappy, and recognized it as altitude sickness. I had not had it for maybe 20 years. It includes a raging headache, a bit of an upset stomach and sinus issues. I had been drinking plenty of fluids, took my electrolytes, but that was not enough. It was suggested to eat some TUMS, which helped a little, and take regular aspirin to thin the blood a little. I took what drugs I had, and managed to get a nights sleep
FRIDAY
Woke up feeling a little better, but still in the funk. Got some real aspirin, kept drinking the water, and finally felt well enough to get some things done. Hank has been acting very cheeky and full of himself, so I knew he really needed to get out and go for a ride. Saddled up and headed out towards one of the big climbs we would be going up on Saturday. I let Hank set the pace, and in the beginning he was taking on the world, marching up the mountain. After about a mile, he decided he should ease off a bit, and walked like a horse who needed to conserve some energy. Rode a couple miles, then headed back down. The trail was one of the prettiest I have ever ridden. HUGE Aspens, green grass, some wild flowers, and the views of the other mountains out in the distance.
Later I found out this was an old Stagecoach trail. Amazing the animals could pull up the mountain, which topped out at over 10,000 feet.
Gave Hank a cleaning up in the creek, and then it was about time to start the ride, and check in with the judges. Normal stuff, and Hank checked in great, and had Zeros on all his metabolics. That would be the baseline they would score from for the rest of the weekend. Trotted sound, and we were ready to go! Hopefully all the time off from the last ride, had the little blip on the tendon become a non issue. At the riders meeting, the vet gave us instructions for the mornings first obstacle. We were to ender the wide creek 1-2 horse lengths, ¼ turn on the forehand to the left, side pass 4 steps, then turn and head on down the trail. But no stopping. He wanted the horse to do a continuous motion from walking, turn, side pass, turn. We would not be given the instructions again, and no practicing in the creek. I still had a bit of that yucky feeling, so went to bed fairly early. Tomorrow we would be riding 25 miles, and climbing up over the 10,000’ elevation mark.
SATURDAY
We were not hitting the trail until 8AM, so I had plenty of time to get things ready for riding. Water bottles filled, horse tacked up, my saddle packs prepped, and of course take Thelma for a walk before I left her in camp all day. It was a brisk morning, about 40 degrees, but I knew it would warm up before the day was over. I was third to time out, and Hank was a pretty good boy for the obstacle. Not to anxious, and listened to me. And thankfully he did not second guess what we were doing, and try doing something his mind came up with. He so often wants to share his ideas and opinions on such things. Then on down the trail, to head up the mountain I had ridden a little of yesterday. Along the edge of the mountain is a cabin that had been the stage stop.
We found a nice pocket alone, and did a nice steady walk to the first P&R which would be at over 10,000 feet. After we arrived, I watched Hanks heart rate monitor, and saw he was not dropping as quick as I’d have liked, and finally pulled the saddle to let a little more breeze hit him. But even that was not enough, and he lost his first point of the ride, for a 13 on pulse (13 in 15 seconds). Then we went on to a dirt road for awhile, before we headed down a trail along a creek.
The trees were now mostly pine of some sort, not Aspens. He was moving along, and actually a bit anxious. They had the second P&R after a long downwhill, with a trot across a meadow. This one was better, and he did not lose any points. After the vet checked him, and he again had all zeros, we had to do an off side mount. Thank goodness for a mound of dirt. He stood nice, and I did well, and did not land hard in the saddle or any other thing that the judge might frown upon. We then looped a trail that went up above camp, and then headed in for our lunch.
The ride fed us ALL our meals! After lunch, we had 10 miles to go. A 5 mile trail that went up and back along a very lovely creek.
Again, I was day dreaming of all the fish in there, just waiting for me to catch them. As we got near camp, we saw that one of the novice horses was down on the trail withy colic. Just a reminder it can happen to anyone, in any division. They routed us a bit off the trail, down and up a small hill, and the judges observed us. We timed in, and had another P&R, which Hank lost another point for another 13 pulse.
SUNDAY
Another beautiful day, and we were going to be on new trail than we saw from yesterday, with the exception of about 4 miles. Hank was feeling good, and very forward. We had an obstacle of backing around some small bushes, which he did excellent, and then started towards the back side of the Purgatory ski resort, and under some of the ski lift chairs. Then the climb to the first P&R.
Somewhere along through here, Cheri Jeffcoat and I hooked up, and started riding together. Her gaited gelding and Hank got along well, and paced about the same speed. This was the 3rd P&R point Hank would lose, for yet another 13. We were now well over 10,000’ again, which we would stay at for awhile as we rode that section of the mountain. Lots of wonderful views, including one over looking the highway we had driven towards camp, out over the cliffs.
Such beauty. The wildflowers and grasses seemed to change with the different areas, and elevations. While I was a bit frustrated with Hanks P&R’s. the beauty of the ride was so worth the 850 mile drive. Hank hank was feeling good, and cheerful about going down the trail. We had an obstacle of sidepassing over a pole to clip a ribbon on a post.
Hank did it OK, but did a little jump in the middle of it. Now, on to our last P&R, and the highest point of the ride. Finally, he did not lose any points, and we started heading down the mountain. We noticed that just walking and getting back on the horses made us aware of the altitude, and thinner air.
The downhill from the top was done in a shorter distance than the climb up was, and parts were pretty steep. Glad I had a crupper to keep the saddle for putting unnecessary pressure on his withers as we headed down. Then on the home stretch along through meadows and a creek, and we were all done. Got Hank cleaned up, and checked back through, and then we just had to wait for awards. I packed up to leave right away, and go back to my friends place for the night before heading home.
I figured we would end up 5th or so in our class of 6th, but was thrilled when Hank placed 3rd. I placed 1st in Horsemanship, much to my amazement. Everyone in Region 3 was super nice, and friendly again. I am really enjoying the rides there, as they are beautiful, and tough, and the people welcome us like family.
We got to our friends place, and a good nights sleep, then left Monday morning, and drove pretty much straight through, and arrived home Tuesday AM around 4:00. Just did not want to make Hank stand in the trailer for a second day of 100 degree heat. Found some new places to stop along the route, that I can unload, and even tie to the trailer and sleep a bit if I need to. When I got him home, he was about to explode, as he wanted to run across the pasture in the dark, to find the other horses. He is not holding his weight like I would like to see from the travels, but is fit, and his attitude and willingness to go down the trail is really good.
Today, I decided to head to a ride in MO this weekend while hubby is home, and can take care of the critters, and Thelma can stay home. It will sure be different than the ride in CO. So, hope to report when I can!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
In Durango
Our second half of the 800 mile trek to the ride went well today. Not as hot, but still mighty warm out there across New Mexico. Saw some new countryside, and of course snapped some photos out the windshield, that may, or may not get posted eventually.
Arrived at my friends place, and Hank was happy to get out of the trailer, and actually SEE another horse that lives next door. He is now tied to his Hi-Tie, which is his home away from home, with Thelma nearby.
Had a nice sit down dinner in town, that did not involve cooking in the camper, and tomorrow AM I will head to camp. A stop at Wal Mart for provisions, and a fishing licence. I brought my fishing pole, so I hope those streams near camp have trout in them!
Might not hear from me until Sunday night. Will see if I can get the aircard to work.
Arrived at my friends place, and Hank was happy to get out of the trailer, and actually SEE another horse that lives next door. He is now tied to his Hi-Tie, which is his home away from home, with Thelma nearby.
Had a nice sit down dinner in town, that did not involve cooking in the camper, and tomorrow AM I will head to camp. A stop at Wal Mart for provisions, and a fishing licence. I brought my fishing pole, so I hope those streams near camp have trout in them!
Might not hear from me until Sunday night. Will see if I can get the aircard to work.
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Decatur to Tucumcari
I gave Thelma her bath this morning(no one wants 80 pounds of stinky dog in the truck), Hank ate his sloppy mash, and we loaded up, and hit the road. Headed out only about 30 min. later than planned. Wanted to reach the RV park I was staying at by around 6PM. I have driven the road between home and Amarillo so many times now. Parts of it I enjoy, like the small towns we pass through, that seem lost in time, but the long stretches of "nothing" can sometimes be tiresome. As we got closer to Amarillo, I see some storm clouds to the west.
Maybe we will get a cold front, and some rain, to bring the temperature down some. It was pushing 95 to 100, and the a/c would only cool the inside of the truck to about 85.
I stopped at the truck stop for fuel, and did my normal walk around the rig to look things over. I see my right rear, outside tire is low. Upon checking it, the darn thing only had 40 pounds n it. So, I put air in, and found the closest Discount Tire, and told them I was heading their way. While I would love to support our local tire shop, I found because I travel so much, getting tires at a place like Discount, means they will fix what ever issues I have, with stores nationwide. So, I got there 30 min. before closing, and they found a big bolt in the tire!
They did a plug, and interior patch, and some kind of super sealant, and I was on my way again. And those storm clouds from above, passed to the north of us. Oh well.
Finally I reached out destination for the night, which is Empty Saddle RV park in Tucumcari NM. They have corrals, full RV hook ups, and easy to get to from the freeway. I got Hank settled in to a corral with food and water, ran and got me some food, and decided to do this quick update while I have internet. Even with the delay from the tire, I got here before the sun set, and we are all ready for a good nights rest.
Hopefully I can check in tomorrow when I get to my friends place in Durango.
Maybe we will get a cold front, and some rain, to bring the temperature down some. It was pushing 95 to 100, and the a/c would only cool the inside of the truck to about 85.
I stopped at the truck stop for fuel, and did my normal walk around the rig to look things over. I see my right rear, outside tire is low. Upon checking it, the darn thing only had 40 pounds n it. So, I put air in, and found the closest Discount Tire, and told them I was heading their way. While I would love to support our local tire shop, I found because I travel so much, getting tires at a place like Discount, means they will fix what ever issues I have, with stores nationwide. So, I got there 30 min. before closing, and they found a big bolt in the tire!
They did a plug, and interior patch, and some kind of super sealant, and I was on my way again. And those storm clouds from above, passed to the north of us. Oh well.
Finally I reached out destination for the night, which is Empty Saddle RV park in Tucumcari NM. They have corrals, full RV hook ups, and easy to get to from the freeway. I got Hank settled in to a corral with food and water, ran and got me some food, and decided to do this quick update while I have internet. Even with the delay from the tire, I got here before the sun set, and we are all ready for a good nights rest.
Hopefully I can check in tomorrow when I get to my friends place in Durango.
On the Road again
Hank, Thelma and I are loading up, and starting our trek to Durango CO this AM. Have an RV park with corrals to stay tonight. What a treat for Hank! And I can get some sleep, without him fussing that we need to get back on the road now! Then staying a night with some friends who moved from CA to CO for a night, before heading into camp. I got great detailed directions to camp, which included where to put the truck in to 4 wheel drive. lol Glad I have 4 wheel drive! I'll try to take photos of the road. I have heard it is interesting. Will blog when I can. but I am guessing the aircard will not be working at camp. Hank seems ready to take on this ride. I have wanted to ride this one for awhile now, as it sounds beautiful, and challenging. Our kind of ride!
Saturday, July 4, 2009
Hot, Horses, Fireworks and Lightning
Another blazing hot day in No. Texas. I got up before the sun did, caught Hank, and headed to the trails for a 10 mile ride. It was actually pretty nice out, with a nice breeze blowing, even though it was heading into the 90's before 10AM! Hank can be very difficult at times on our local trails, looking constantly down low on the ground for snakes. (I assume anyway) A deer came bounding out, leaping bushes, and jetting across the trails, and he does not blink. But a lizard ran through some leaves, and he jumped and snorted. He is bored with our trails, and looks for things to amuse himself. At times he can be exhausting. Thankfully at events, he does not do this stuff, and seems to enjoy new trails.
Tonight I have been watching radar, as we have a big ban of radar heading our way. I was hearing some booms, and thinking it was thunder, went outside. Instead, I saw the neighbors across the road were having a private fireworks show, and setting off all kinds of things that popped, boomed, and whistled. Behind the fireworks in the sky was the lightning of the approaching storm. Had never seen fireworks against a lighting storm sky, and wished I had a better camera to capture it, but my little saddle bag camera had to do.
All the while, the horses were near the fence by the house, happily munching away, and never flinched to all the noise of the fireworks. I guess no one ever told they that some people think they should be upset by it. Here is a photo of Flag, and the two Orbs in the sky were fireworks.
I used to show at the Los Angeles County fair, during the carriage horse show each year. One of the largest fairs in the nation. Each night, they set off a huge fireworks display from behind the barns. In fact, the bursted cases from the fireworks would land on the metal roof of the barn with a thunk. A few times I was actually hitched, heading towards the ring when they started, and my Arab never cared. I think it was mostly because *I* was not concerned. Often we can create fears in our horses, that they would not have otherwise.
Tonight I have been watching radar, as we have a big ban of radar heading our way. I was hearing some booms, and thinking it was thunder, went outside. Instead, I saw the neighbors across the road were having a private fireworks show, and setting off all kinds of things that popped, boomed, and whistled. Behind the fireworks in the sky was the lightning of the approaching storm. Had never seen fireworks against a lighting storm sky, and wished I had a better camera to capture it, but my little saddle bag camera had to do.
All the while, the horses were near the fence by the house, happily munching away, and never flinched to all the noise of the fireworks. I guess no one ever told they that some people think they should be upset by it. Here is a photo of Flag, and the two Orbs in the sky were fireworks.
I used to show at the Los Angeles County fair, during the carriage horse show each year. One of the largest fairs in the nation. Each night, they set off a huge fireworks display from behind the barns. In fact, the bursted cases from the fireworks would land on the metal roof of the barn with a thunk. A few times I was actually hitched, heading towards the ring when they started, and my Arab never cared. I think it was mostly because *I* was not concerned. Often we can create fears in our horses, that they would not have otherwise.
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