This was the second last fire for the year! The riding trails through the acreage are now complete, except for digging out some alder and willow roots once the snow is gone and the frost is out of the ground.I left my camera up at the house for the really big fire. I should know by now that wherever I go, so does the camera. It could have been worse as I might have missed the opportunity to take some moose or deer pictures.
The trails will be fairly challenging with a dry (most of the time) creek bed that climbs about 100 feet in a quarter mile. Lots of trees and natural areas. The intent is to introduce the youngsters to trail riding under controlled scenarios, without the risk of travelling a quarter mile along the road to access the grazing lease, or a mile to access the mountain trails. They will get a chance to use leg to keep off the trees and weight to get up and down the slopes. Hopefully, it will keep their attention span for a while. We have lots of friends and children that like to come and exercise the horses, and this will give me an opportunity to assess their skill level before venturing out where we may encounter bears, moose or terrible, horse eating, Llamas. This was also a good exercise activity to get the strengh back into my shoulder, and to harden up the soft muscles that seemed to have developed over the winter.
What about you? Do you do anything to get into shape for summer? Back when I was bulked up at +75 pounds, my attitude used to be "what you see is what you get". That changed after my " warning". Heart attack or ulcer? Fortunately it was an ulcer, but I feel that I was served notice.
There is nothing like riding. I have memories of getting up to 0 to 20 degrees with 1 -2 foot of snow. I had to break the ice on the water troughs in the monring so the horses could drink. The after a breakfast of a couple of flakes we would head up in the Modoc Mountains.
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have accomplished alot. To answer your question, I am now a city boy and use to cities ways. I get ready for summer by going from long sleeves shirts to short sleeve shirts.
I am a pretty active person in general but I run for exercise, I am totally addicted to it... best thing I ever did was start running.. mentally, physically, or otherwise for myself!
ReplyDeleteIts good you paid attention to your warning! Staying fit and healthy is so important!
This place needs so much work I think we will change the name to Laughing Duck Gym!
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter what time of year it is. My get in shape routine is always the same.
ReplyDelete1. Don't over eat.
2. Walk 3 to 4 miles a day.
(body exercise)
3. Play on my computer.
(brain exercise)
4. Get the proper amount of rest.
And most important of all, stay in contact with God through out the day.(spiritual exercise)
Llamas eat horses?
ReplyDeleteOh, I envy you your horses. But I don't envy you the possibility of running into large carnivores while trail-riding.
ReplyDeleteWhen I had horses (eons ago), the sight of a black bear would send them into hysterics. Never fun when one is aboard!
Hi, I know what you mean. I am always leaving my camera behind, right when a perfect photo opportunity comes up! I wish I could burn our back area, because grassburs are really bad, however, in our west Texas area, the brush is extremely dry and the winds are high.........to much fire can get out of hand and burn everything. We have been under a burn ban since last year...........but now we are getting some good moisture. But since I am working the grounds alone.........it's best that I just did up the burrs. Working with children and horses sounds like such a wonderful way to spend the day! blessings,Kathleen
ReplyDeleteOh you made me long for a nice great ride out there with you and your beauties. I do promise when I come over to Joyce's in Cariboo Country I'll give you a call first so we can set a date for our riding trip. Hugs Dagmar
ReplyDelete