Riding Sunshine and loving it.

We had an early ride to beat some of the heat.

Kristi lives on a ridge top so there is usually a breeze occurring at her place. We met up for a cup of coffee in her husband's shop before we saddled up. Off we went!

I had no idea that Kristi was taking shots while we were riding. I use my little pocket camera to take any photos while riding, I'd fumble my cell phone and drop it for sure.

A video of me from behind. I'm sure I was chatting up a storm while we rode. I do that sometimes. Don't turn on the sound, you may hear me trying to blab and a lot of saddle leather creaking.

We rode some of the forest trails that she has. Her husband mows these trails so that we can use them and guests can take walks through the forests and valleys.

Years ago Kristi's mom and dad would have trail rides for the campers from the Bible Camp they had.

Saddle view....Sunshine.👇

Kristi and her gelding before 'Cash' decided he wanted to be in the lead for the rest of the ride. 

He is a super sweet horse. That fly mask certainly helped with 
the flies which are pretty nasty right now.

End of the ride...Kristi's hubby took a shot of us together.

We finished up the ride and put our equine back out in the pasture. I enjoyed the photo above as I don't think anyone has ever taken a shot of me on Sunshine. She may look little next to a 15.1 hand horse, but she is a little powerhouse. She is also easy on and easy off.

We were chatting after our ride about how relaxing it was to have two rather calm equine to ride and how July is hot, humid, and buggy. We talked about the trail to the valley, we talked about kids [mine are grown up], family, life, and everything else. 

This week has been quite busy and really sweet. My youngest on Monday, a full day of mini horses and kids with my girlfriend Pat on Tuesday, riding on Wednesday...Thursday?

I need to clean house, play with pups, mow if it dries out, laundry, groceries, gardening, weeding, and perhaps exploring to look for fungi, slime molds, and mushrooms.

I'm also working on a mini get away to the upper peninsula of Michigan. If nothing else, I want to commit to one more promise I made to myself this past winter. I'm ticking away at my wish list. I want to take a trip back to the UP and enjoy some one on one time with my camera.

So far, I think I am doing well. I'm back to riding my mules almost every day or every other day. [Siera seems to be doing just fine -- I am riding her on grass and keeping her exercised.] I'm working out at the gym and spending time with girlfriends.

This weekend, the dogs and I are going camping to our place in the Hickory Grove. I'm going to call it that from now on.