A truism – we have visitors and the weather turns on us, goes ninny ninny boo hoo. It’s been overcast, with just a slight drizzle. I wish that it would rain hard and get it over with. A drizzle is nature’s way of dragging things out. Can’t be inside, can’t be outside, can’t be anywhere and not feel as though you should be elsewhere.

Today Pete took his brother Pat on a walk up the bench and back down. Then after I was done riding Tinni, I rode Hrimmi and had them accompany me. Pete rode Tyra, I rode Hrimmi, and Pat rode Raudi. I was considering having Pat ride Hrimmi, but at the last minute I decided that he should ride Raudi because Hrimmi would, if ridden by a rube, just park herself and eat. Even a meter maid would not be able to get her to move.

Fireweed near Grizzly Camp

Raudi is really the lesser of two evils. Like Hrimmi, she will not listen to an inexperienced rider; however, she will move from grass patch to grass patch. So I put Pat on her. Pete took the lead on Tyra, and Pat and Raudi followed. I was the caboose. Pat repeatedly tapped her gently on the butt when she started diving for grass – Raudi would then swish her tail and slowly move on.

Pat didn’t seem to mind – it was a novelty for him, being on a horse. And the scenery on the way too and from Grizzly Camp was different than what he knows. The low-lying clouds obscured the mountainside, here and there were patches of dark green foliage. And the fireweed, bright pink, it has now nearly topped out.

As we rode, I did think some about what I’m missing, that is the local competitive trail ride, which is taking place across the river from us. My friends rode all day, in what would have been perfect conditions for us – cool weather and drizzle. And my fear, that the trails would be treacherous were unfounded because we haven’t gotten that much rain these past few days.

I should just have been clear about my intentions, and rather than wait for someone to invite me to ride with them, asked around until I found someone. Instead, I hoped that someone would call or email. This did not happen. So, yeah, today I am feeling considerable regret about the outcome. Our horses were ready and in good condition.

The main reason why we didn’t ride was because the property owner where the CTR is being held, a rancher, is charging a lot of money for the use of his facility. Pete worked hard to raise the money for the previous two competitive trail rides, so this was, at least in my mind, an issue.

So today it was just a short ride to Grizzly Camp.

We’re now entering the monsoon season here, and I just need to dress for the rain and get out and ride. This won’t be difficult although I would of course prefer to ride in sunny weather.

Next: 204. 7/25/21: Forward Ho