Sunday, April 24, 2011

April (Snow) Showers

Sometimes, you just have to get on your horse.  Even if the weather is less than perfect.  Saturday was one of those days.  Nebalee and I made almost eight dozen tamales, and while they were steaming, Bill and I decided to go for a quick ride.  For once, the wind wasn't howling, but it was snowing like crazy.  Not that that's ever stopped us.  Wind?  Yep, that's stopped me once in a while.  Gently falling snow?  Nope.  It was gorgeous.

Bill took a ton of pictures, which I debated on putting up.  You'd never know by looking at the pictures that I've been going to the gym and have lost 16.5#.  So, while I look like the Michelin Man, keep in mind it really is the extra clothes I'm wearing (yoga pants under my jeans, long sleeved shirt, hoodie, coat, etc.).

Yes, it was cold.  But it was beautiful, so of course there's video.  Thirteen years of riding these same trails and they don't get old.  We ended up having to do some off-roading, as the trail itself is buried under too much snow.  If the snow keeps up, I'm not sure that even the one-hour loop will be ready for the livery to open in May.  I think Compass' permit runs from May 15 to October 15, but the trails have to be completely clear for her to take rides out.  "Private" horses are allowed off trail, but "professional" (livery) rides must never deviate from the marked trail if the livery wants to keep their permit, that includes stepping off the trail just long enough to go around a snow drift.

I am, however, unbelievably thankful for the amount of moisture we've gotten in the high country, as wildfire terrifies me.

8 comments:

TjandMark/AKA PearlandHawkeye said...

Congratulations on the weight loss. I have to be honest, all I noticed was your lovely smile peaking out of your hoodie. It looks like you were having fun.

Rachel said...

Blown away that y'all have snow right now. I mean, we were playing in the sprinkler yesterday and one of us (the four year old) did it in the buff.

Then this week, RAIN RAIN RAIN.

Had to giggle at Jesse & Washoe. Either they were thinking you were nuts, or they wanted to go too!

Congrats on the weight loss - especially since you've built muscle in its place! :)

Mrs. Mom said...

WHOOHOO!! You go girl!

Sure looks like you guys had a blast out there. Hope the snow clears so Compass can have a decent season up there! Can't imagine the snow still falling.. but then again... maybe I ought to think back to my time in Tundra Country (where it was wont to snow on Mothers Day. UGH)

Play in the snow for me, I'll swim for you ;) Big loves to Estes!

Once Upon an Equine said...

Thanks for taking us on your ride. Looks like a beautiful area. I bet it smells great too. I love the smell of a pine forest. Glad you didn't have wind along with the snow. It looks beautiful falling straight down like that. We got a little snow this weekend too, but not nearly as much as you have. We need the moisture; the fire danger scares me too.

Linda said...

16.5 #? Wow, congrats! Another friend of mine lost 20 at Weight Watchers. I'm feeling like I better get on the stick. I like your perspective about the moisture and wildfires--good attitude!

Momma Fargo said...

That looked like a wonderful ride and so beautiful. Great video!

allhorsestuff said...

Hi YOU!
Loved the familar,snappy little "Flip video" song you have!
Estes head seemd to bob with it, though I know, she heard it not. LOVED that ride in halters and towels! HAHA! Keeps one warmer.

Your HIGH COUNTRY is so beautiful! You really are blessed there. I love that you get to ride with Bill too.

Oh my, once you got off the trail...it all looked the same. Good thing you know them like the back of your hand and Estes too!

CONGRATS on the weight loss!! Good for you! Quite the accomplishment..I am trying, and ever so slowly am making progress...but the grey skies and my sad delay me some.
But you with your April SNOWING..too amazing.Is that kinda normal for the HIGH C. ?

The Equestrian Vagabond said...

beautiful! I'd MUCH rather have the snow than this horrid wind we are having now. I'll just look at your pictures a while longer...
- The Equestrian Vagabond