Galena Canyon Ride

Today, Sara and I took a trail ride up Galena Canyon. The weather was perfect; overcast with a breeze that eventually became a chilly wind but on the way back down it was to our backs so wasn't to bad at all and most importantly, we didn't get rained on; I was getting a bit concerned as the clouds started rolling over the mountains.
This time I also remembered to put on the longer 'strap' for my camera so that I could carry it like a purse, therefore, making it easier for me to get more pictures.

Anyhow, her is Nina, Sara's ride, almost ready to head up the canyon-she's becoming quite the pro at this.

Here is Riata hoping that if she closes her eyes then I won't see her because she can't see me therefore she doesn't have to go; or maybe she is trying to tell me that she is to tired from yesterday's ride and the the ride the day before that.........

Naaaa, she really like getting out too. Its so much funner then circles, stops, turn backs, etc....in the arena.

The road ahead of us when we were on it.

Sara lookin' so pretty.

Me and Riata

Yes, I do carry a gun when out riding and despite having it, I did let the rattlesnake live that we came across. He wanted nothing to do with us and I happily agreed plus I was more concerned about how to distract the dog from ever being aware of the cranky snake.

A couple of many old buildings that are in the canyon

Hank is happily treading along

One of the old mines; the reason for all of the old buildings/houses that are in the canyon

The view of where we had come from

Making their way through the brush

Sara getting some 'love' from Nina before we head back down.

Riata wanting some too, but she is getting a firm warning from Sara that she had better be nice to Nina! They have their disagreements from time to time.

My turn! Its so nice when everyone gets along!

A bunch of happy girls!

Morning Gatherings

The mornings are starting to get cooler but the days are still quite hot. Fall is not to far away and I am not ready for it. I do really enjoy fall but this summer has gone by way to fast and it seems like most of it was spent on time to mend and heal for just about all of us. Thankfully, the girls and I were able to make our trip to Wyoming and visit our friends before school started. We stayed for a week and had an very enjoyable, relaxing time but unfortunately I accidentally erased the pictures on my camera so I have no pictures of the girls fishing, out tour at the Old State Penitentiary, the kids playing and of course lots of pronghorns. Now that we are back, its time to be getting into the school routine for us but I am so not ready so we are going to wait another week so that I can get prepared.

But yes, it is starting to get cooler. The animals are all a bit more 'fluffy' in the morning as they are trying to keep the chill off of their bodies. Here are 4 of 8 outside cats that are waiting for the sun to take the chill off.

These leaf cutter bees apparently like to huddle up in the sunflowers waiting for the sunshine so that they can go about their business.

How many bees can fit on one flower?

The goats were up and getting their morning fill out in the pasture.

And if your a chicken the haystack is the place to be. This is very routine for them. First they get their scratch in the pen and then they head out to the pasture for forage and then to the haystack.

Here soon there is going to be a lot more hay available to them but they probably wont be able to get on it for a while.

Here is one of two roosters. He was making his way to the stack to check on 'his' girls.

Here is are very dedicated momma hen and her single chick that hatched 2wks ago. The other eggs are duds and are going to be making their way to a hole in the ground-I have smelled enough broken, rotten eggs to last me a lifetime-WOW! They are bad. The challenges is going to be getting the eggs-she is VERY protective and I don't want to break anymore. I will wait until its dark or if I can catch her off of the nest.

And then there are the dogs of course wondering why I am on the other side of the fence without them. Yes the little one is a new face-she is one of the basset hounds that my parents got earlier this year. She is her for 'doggy boot camp' and then is supposed to go back but I really like her so we will see. She fits right in; acts like she has been here her whole life; doesn't mind the animals at all, sticks around and is just plain good-she has however discovered her voice quite a bit lately!

and she has the that 'poor, pitiful me' look down really good but I guess that's not to hard for a basset hound and how can you say 'no' to that look?