Labor Day!

Well Labor Day weekend is almost over. Had a great time, and several things of note to report on.

First of all, it was a welcome respite from Rotary duties, as I had almost 5 days off without an official function of some sort to attend, I of course had to keep up on administrative chores such as email and preparing for visits this week, but it was nice to sleep at home for 5 nights in a row. This week we have two Clubs in Reno to visit, both lunch clubs, and so we will be staying at home all of this week as well! Life is good,

Our Neighbors to the South, Mark and Toni Grieves had a big Labor Day Weekend blowout with friends from their motorcycle club at their ranch. It sounded like lots of fun as we listened to at least two different bands over the course of the weekend. Lots of Harleys too! We did not get the chance to go and visit, but we did spend some time with Mark and Toni's Grand Daughter Marissa. She is very much into horses, and Kim took little Hobo out and saddled her up for her and several other children. They all got rides with Kim in the lead. Marissa, however is a good rider and was on her own.

Kim and I pick hooves and put on boots while Marissa
looks on.

Two of our friends from way back, Craig and Debbie Schroeder, dropped in to spend the weekend with us as well. So on Sunday we loaded the horses up, and went to Lakes Basin with the Schroeders, and Marissa for a ride to Big Bear Lake. The weather was warm and beautiful. I took Remington along, as she is more easygoing than Delta, and I could not take both dogs. I was expecting lots of canine company on the trail, and I was right. Remi was very well behaved, and so were the twenty or so other dogs we encountered along the trail (all on leashes).

We let Marissa and Kim lead off and followed on foot. Soon, we lost sight of them. We decided to take the long way in to Big Bear, past Long Lake. It is a very steep trail, actually comprised of up to a foot tall granite steps in many places. With the elevation exceeding 6,000 feet, and being out of shape, it was a lot of work. However, we finally made it to the lake and met up with Kim and Marissa for a tuna fish sandwich lunch!

Such a pretty boy!

Marissa is mounted up, I am adjusting Kim's stirrup
(long legged Viola rode last), and Debbie keeps Remi in check
as we make final preparations. 

We made it after taking the looooong way!

Remi loved the water, but was also interested in a
back scratch!

Remi loved swimming in the lake, and I loved sitting down for a while to watch! Soon we were ready to head back by completing the shorter half of the loop trail (that is also almost all downhill). On the way out, Craig climbed onto Hobo, and Marissa walked with us commoners. Kim was the only one that sat in the saddle the whole day. Once again the horses led off and were soon out of sight. When we finally got back to the trailer, Kim discovered that Fuego had thrown off one of his walking boots. So, we back tracked to where we thought he might have lost it (luckily not more than 1/4 mile back) and went into search mode. Marissa earned her weekend ride by spotting the boot well off to the side of where the horses had been walking. So, it was a happy ending.

Kim had a great day on Fuego (she calls him Blue). He was "just a perfect gentleman" in her words. This was wonderful since she had predicted a tough day as he would be "stale and very sassy" in her words. But, she warmed him up well prior to mounting, and they had an awesome day together.

We finished off the day with an excellent barbecue, and good wine, with excellent company, and the biker band pounding in the distance.

Today I finished up my prep for next week, made a few phone calls of encouragement, and generally relaxed. All in all, a fantastic weekend!

That's All!