I grew up on a farm. Most people that meet me now never
believe me. Especially if they see me at work everyday in a tie and suit.
However, when we go back to Utah where I grew up, I am reminded of all the
wonderful lessons and experiences of that upbringing.
Among other things, I learned to be a hard worker, to be
creative, and to be appreciative of what we have. Lady Hiva and I were able to
spend quality time with my family throughout the week; especially, with my
younger brother Beau-D. He is 6 years younger than me so when I left the house
he was only 11. Much of his high school and adult life I have lived in another
State. I enjoy spending time with him and learning the about great man he is. At
nights we all gathered and laughed and told stories as family and friends came
and went. We missed having Heather and her family here with us.
We went on a ride through the breathtakingly beautiful
Tusher Mountains. We were able to see snow, breath clean fresh air, watch
wildlife in their element, and listen to the stunning silence.
Lady Hiva teasing Gunner |
Bald Eagle |
Bald Eagle going hunting |
On the day before we left we went on a horse ride—of course
a trip to the WEST would not be complete without one. Beau-D promised us that
it would be a “simple” ride for Lady Hiva’s first ride outside of a fenced in
field. It was simple…simply real cowboy style!
When we arrived at the area, we waited for Madre and Kell to
catch up and practiced shooting Beau-D’s pistol. See, I told you we went
complete Western Style!
Beau-D Showing Lady Hiva tricks |
Lady Hiva trying Beau-D's tricks |
Once they came we all got on horses and headed up the
mountain. Sadly, the Forest Service built a fence where our “simple” ride was
going. We ended up riding down the road a little way and we went up our own
trail! It took trail blazing to a whole new level! HAHA…Now, I grew up riding
horses and it is like riding a bike, you get back on and it is all familiar. However,
it was still an…exciting…experience. I was so proud of Lady Hiva and Madre for
being willing to stick it out with us.
Getting Ready with Normy and Ginger |
At one point the mountain was so steep that the horses were
struggling to make it up the hill and were having to jump to keep moving up. I
turned around and saw Lady Hiva behind me holding on for dear life as the horse
jumped up and down with a steep cliff to her side. (The bad part about people
reading my book that are not used to riding a horse, Lady admitted to me later
that all she could think was the horse was going to fall off the cliff! Just to
clear the air, that does not happen often, horses are pretty sure footed.) I
was praying so hard she did not fall off…she didn’t! I went down to her and she
got off to let the horse up the steep area and she was still brave enough to get
back on at the top.
The easy part... |
Madre climbing up after we all had gotten off on the Steep part |
We finally made it up to the top, horses sweaty, we were
sore, we all had bruises from trees hitting us and all of us had torn pants!
Like I said, it was a true trail blazing experience! On the way back Madre even
tried to be Tarzan and swing on the tree that her horse went under but she was
hit by a branch. She too got back on and continued to ride—we have some tough
women in our family. (I have to admit that once I knew she was ok, I could not
stop laughing, she made a pretty graceful Tarzan…)
Dodging trees |
Lady Hiva and I are still comparing our bruises! Evidences
of a great time!
That looks crazy but also a lot of fun.
ReplyDeleteI once ripped a whole in a hoodie of yours when a stinkin horse tried to brush me off a tree, lol!
ReplyDelete