July 28, 2008

We are having a problem with Kate's laptop, so we are using Daves! This means it will take more time to update the blog, but hang in there, the updates are coming....

Top picture here is of Kate on Taco and Dave on Joker, next picture is Ronnie, our wrangler, and the bottom picture was taken on the "trail"!

Blog update...

Again we have a lot to add, so be patient...

Since we last wrote, among some ot the activities we've done includes horseback riding. We went along for an hour ride, and just like the rafting, it was very easy and on a gentle trail...it had to be easy since little 6 year olds go on it! Our wrangler for the day was Ronnie, who is an interesting man as well! He had been on the rodeo circuit for years and actually is a horse whisperer. It is fascinating to see and hear him work with the horses. We first realized he was really good and special with animals when a bear came through Cottonwood Cove here. Everyone was so excited, but he quickly got on the radio and advised everyone to leave it alone so it would not become scared and run into traffic, or become a dangerous situation. As we have learned, bears have a very good sense of smell, and if they don't find any food, they will continue on their way...if left alone!!!

The day started with Ronnie leading all the riders in a prayer...this gave Kate cause to think twice!!! However, on our ride, he took us past the railroad station here at Wagon Wheel Gap, which is over 100 years old! Then across the river and around a small mountain, fulling us in on the history of this area and teaching us about the horses. We had a great time again!!! Sometimes we have to stop and wonder how many cool things will we be doing this whole time here?

Kate has decided to try to buy some cowboy boots, first to do more riding...her hiking boots were OK, but Ronnie did advise her that sneakers do tend to stick in the stirrups and may give the rider some difficulty. Also, when we return home, we want to learn how to do some Country Line and Western Dancing...not to worry, Dave has steel toed cowboy boots!!!