Seasonal Shifting

Monday, July 31, 2023

These days are noticeably less smoky with the weather more cool. I’ve been riding horseback, and yesterday, went again, this time taking all of my horses and dogs. The whole family is now better acquainted, having all traveled together on a horse trail.

Starting tomorrow, with three days off from work, I will take us out more. August is the last month before hunting season begins, and experience teaches that hunters reduce safety in forested lands. My animal family and I will go traveling on local national forest trails in August.

I always have fun horseback riding in our local forest. Back when a large domestic horse population existed in this territory, the forest sported many well-defined horse trails. Those old trails are dim, and I have enjoyed seeking and discovering a few. Upon identifying an old trail, it becomes my routine during subsequent rides to move my horse over the faded trail to help redefine it.

A plan to find trails keeps me missing my old hound dog, Ranger. He made hunting old trails easy because he always found trails. He loved them, and I followed. Recently, outings with my puppy Chase give me hope he might mellow into trail sleuthing. He loves racing all over the territory but always winds up on trails ahead of my horse.

Dear Friends: More starting tomorrow; for now, I’m off to work. Diana