Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A HORSERIDE...and...CAMPING WEEKEND.



There you are, always by my side sweet, sweet Cougar. Ready for an

adventure, but you first have to get those 2 big hugs, then we are off!







It's a gorgeous morning as I look out my windows, the morning sun,

coming around the mountain, just waiting for me to come out and play!







Off we go with our horses to Boulder Mountain, a beautiful place to ride.

They are excited too as we saddle them up, they love to get out and go!







Gorgeous views everywhere I look, it almost doesn't seem real.







We head out and into the trees, heading up, up, up!







It's so quiet...except for the birds talking at us and the sound of

the horses feet and their breathing and snorting. We stop to give them

rests as it's a hard climb. They are such good horses, so trustworthy.





Big old tall Ponderosa trees everywhere...my favorite tree.





It smells so good...I love the smell of the pines,

my horse, and my warmed leather saddle.

This is about as good as it gets...or as my husband says;

"This is as much fun as you can have with your cloths on!"

Yes, ladies, I know...but he always says it anyway! LOL







He has what they call, a kind eye...one sign of a good horse,

and he loves me as I love him...it shows in his eye, and mine.







I love him from his head...







to his cute butt!







My hat and spurs....On a day like today, I think that there is

nothing wrong with this old world that a sensible woman could

not settle in an afternoon ride!







I see skies of blue, clouds of white...

and I think to myself, what a wonderful world!







Everything looks better from the back of a horse!









I thought this mushroom was so cool, it looked like a flower!







Home from our ride...pack up the trailer...and we're off to go camping!



I took Cougar's toy and I threw it and threw it for him until I was tired

of throwing it! I hung it in a tree to give me a rest and he sat right by it,

waiting for the, throw it game again!







I guess I wore him out finally...who can nap on a rock after all?

Only a happy, worn out Golden!







We had lots of good laughs...the kind where you laugh yourself silly!







I saw a big fat squirrel eating something over on a big rock...

when he left, I could see it still there on the rock, so I

walked over to see what it was...it was a great big old lime!







The little guy thinks he is in charge of the big guy, he tries real

hard to get that big toy, and sometimes he does too.







Time for resting after a good meal and all the work of the horse ride.







These two stood guard out the front windows of the

trailer, making sure their favorite guy is safe while he sleeps!







A beautiful mountain place and an old homesteaders cabin of long ago.







Beautiful places to go for a walk among the tall pines.









The old cowboy cabin...how would it be to live here?!







This beautiful mama was watching us. She let us get really close

to her though...it was so magical. "Nature speaks to those who listen."







She was as curious about us...as we were about her!









We had a wonderful weekend...our favorite kind of weekend!

Beauty everywhere we looked, what a neat way to feel close

to our Father in Heaven. I am so grateful for this beautiful earth!







I hope you had a great weekend too...

This bird chirping weather really is my

favorite kind of weather!









52 comments:

Barbara F. said...

What a beautiful post, Julie, that is what I would call a truly great weekend. The scenery is so spectacular, and the animals, they are so special, too. xo,

laurie said...

wow that was amazing, I know people who would pay thousands of dollars to experience what you did this weekend ,, and imagie this is your world,, truly Gods country,, I can't comment on what i liked best because I loved it all.As an artist I just drool at those views!!!!I'm so happy you shared this today,,

gigi said...

What beautiful and peaceful pictures! Lucky you!

HossBoss said...

What a great weekend, our favorite way to spend leisure time too. When we lived near Lybrook, NM, we used to ride out into the desert for hours. In some ways, the scenery is changeless in that the mountains and buttes have been there for eons ...but every time you ride past, you see new wonders and new beauty. I'm originally from Colorado and the pictures of the majestic Ponderosa Pines bring back fond memories. Aspens are my favorite tree in the mountains though. They are usually the first of the deciduous trees to leaf out in the spring and the first to turn bright yellow with when temperatures dropped in the fall. I love the sound of the wind moving through their tops.

Thanks for taking so many pictures and sharing your day with us.

: )

Betsy said...

Thanks for taking us along! I feel more relaxed just looking at those gorgeous views!

Deb said...

How could anyone top that weekend. Glorious!

carolina nana said...

What a wonderful way to spend a relaxing weekend. I envy you out there in those beautiful surroundings.
Blessing and have a good week
Marilyn

Connie said...

It looks like you had a WONDERFUL weekend. We used to have horses and loved to go riding in the mountains. I agree with you, there is nothing more peaceful and heaven-like than being out in nature.

Anne Fannie said...

Oh Julie,
What a great weekend that must have been! What a beautiful area too to go riding.
Hugs, Ann

Liesl said...

Hi Julie,loved this!! I also can't wait for our training rides in the mountains...I feel like I can cope with anything the world throws my way after one of those! Love your horse,he does seem steady and reliable. We are off the weekend after next to a ride in the middle of Gauteng(cities of Pretoria and Johannesburg) very unusual ride but loads of fun..not often we get to go to a ice skating rink during an endurance race...

Barb said...

Hi Julie!

We must have been on the same brain-wave! My post was about camping too!

Your pictures are so beautiful! There is truly nothing better than observing nature from the back of a horse . . . sigh. I know what you mean by a kind eye . . . it's something you just know when you see it!

So glad you got to get away, we all need it, don't we. Thank you for sharing!

Hugs,
Barb

Becky~ said...

Goodmorning Julie!Oh I so enjoyed this.How lovely those mountains are.I dont know about you Julie but Im going to miss your place when you sell it LOL.The horses are adoable,I so love riding myself.But here if you dont own a horse you have to pay for riding of course.but its still fun but you cant go near as often.

I love the little graphic at the end about the birds.Cute!

Cindy said...

Julie thank you for sharing your horse trip with us. I read it 4 times...I do miss being connected with a horse.There is such a healing when riding one. My horse Ginger, during my older youth days, we would swim together every day in the lake...such sweet memories. My husband met me when I was riding her. He still says I was like an Indian on her...we were both one...I loved her so!!

Anyhoo...the scenery is to swoon for...lucky you...the weather here is still Hot Miserable!!38 days of over triple digits.The pines in your post remind me of my trip to Oregon...love them!

Hugs Cindy from Rick-Rack and Gingham

Tanna at The Brick Street Bungalow said...

Julie, I so enjoyed taking a ride with you and your crew!! Perfect way to spend some time. Thank you. blessings ~ tanna

Julie said...

Sat down this morning just to check in and attempt to catch up for a moment!!!!
The house being on the market has stolen my time and days...I am the only one left here now. The two older ones moved out, Kam has gone ahead to Iowa to be with his dad and start school, and on the 10th day of listing our house got its offer. We are signing the contract and having Inspections this week. In the mean time I have my hands full. Missing having down time to sit and blog and read and comment. Your mountain time sounds divine. Looking for some of that relaxing do nothing unless you want to moments...Can't wait for "normal" again. Hugs to you dear Julie - I hope that your house sells soon. If there is anything that I have had re-confirmed during all these months it is that GOD does EVERYTHING in HIS perfect timing, even right up into the 11th hour, as Kam witnessed with the sale of his car FINALLY - the night before he flew out...what a providential and testifying moment in his faith-growing youth. God bless. Hugs to you...Hope to blog about the wonders and care of God overseeing this whole journey - at the other end in Iowa... :-) Love the animals and YOUR smiling face. !!

Megan said...

So pretty! I love how one of your labels is "our place". Sweet.

LDH said...

What a lovely post of a lovely and peaceful weekend. Gotta just LOVE Cougar! Seeing him stare at his toy in the tree is adorable. (Raider stares at the counter like that when there are bananas up there)

My weekend was trying to recoup from a very busy summer. Afraid I am not there yet :)

happeningswithLana said...

Sounds like a very nice relaxing week-end. Love all the pictures of nature!

Shelia said...

Hi Pretty Julie! Oh, I'm just amazed at the fun you have and at the beautiful place you live! Are you sure you want to sell your home? :)
Cougar looks like such a dear doll of a doggy! ;) What a beautiful ride and your horses are gorgeous! Love that kind eye! I didn't know that.
Have fun!!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

no spring chicken said...

I don't care what anyone did this weekend, it can't compare to yours! O.k., got married, had a baby... but Julie, I've never gone a mountain trail ride and I was tingling from head to toe seeing what you saw and understanding just a little bit of what you felt... Lovely. Thank you.

Blessings, Debbie

Cherie said...

Amazing scenery and I bet it does look better from the back of a horse. A beautiful horse with a cute butt (you crack me up!).

You live an idyllic life - Oh happy day!

Garden of Egan said...

What a perfect time!!!
That is beautiful scenery. Fun to be able to be on a horse.

Those dogs are so cute. Looks like you had a lapful!

Love the deer. You are truly blessed.

pollydove said...

I wish I could have had that same exact weekend! It looks practically perfect in every way!!! Great pictures! I am loving that Cougar too! Such a sweet puppy!!! xoxox

C'est moi Claudette said...

Hello sweet Julie
How on earth did you find me here in Canada?
I thought you were another Julie till I clicked on your name. Now I have 4 Julie friends, you being one of them.
Your home, your view, your dogs, your horses, all your children, and you have lots of them, lol, your grands, are absolutely beautiful.
We are Canadians, but we did live in Wyoming and we were transformed into little Cowboys and Cowgirls.
Just had to take a little break, Wendy just called... love those phone calls.
Anyway, I just want to thank you for coming and saying hello. I know my posts are long, but I always have so much to say.
Just returned from Manhattan... OH BOY another adventure. It was for our 23rd Anniversary that Randy and I were suppose to celebrate in May.
Have a beautiful weekend Julie.
BTW.. LOVE your pups.
xoxoxoxoxo

Midlife Mom said...

What a lovely weekend! I can think of nothing better then to do the riding and seeing all the beauty of this land. Got a kick out of Cougar sound asleep on the rock, that was a hard pillow!!! Guess he was tired from all the playing! Your horses are beautiful and so well kept, if only all horses could have the loving care that you give them. I have spent the afternoon in the barn just puttering around with my guys. Will probably ride after supper when it cools down. My friend and I always say "it just doesn't get any better then this" when we ride. :o)

Elaine @ Sunny Simple Life said...

Oh you definitely live in God's country. So beautiful.

sharon said...

What a beautiful weekend you had. Thanks for sharing the lovely pictures! I do believe you must live in a slice of heaven on earth.

Isabelle Thornton said...

I agree. Nature is so beautiful! I enjoyed your tell of your week end and the great photos. I love horses. I wish i grew up around them.
XOXO

Ann said...

looks like a heavenly weekend to me. Your mushroom is much prettier than mine is :)

Tracy said...

There you go again, spoiling all of us with your magical pictures. Looks you all had a delightful weekend!! Thanks for sharing your fun!! :-)

Shelia said...

Thanks Julie!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Jill said...

Gorgeous photos! Looks like a wonderful weekend!

Blessings,
Jill

Connie said...

Thanks for taking us on your horseback ride and camping. I truly did enjoy it. What a way to spend a weekend!

Tina said...

Your photos are absolutely beautiful! And you told such a wonderful story!
We don't have places like that around here...we have to drive 3 hours. But, I'm thinking it's about time for a drive!
Thank you for sharing! (and stopping by my blog!)
Have a very Blessed week!

Brandi said...

Breathtaking, Julie! your photos are so beautiful. :) You live in such a spectacular place. I am in awe of all of your birch trees.

Catherine said...

Hello Julie,
First a Happy belated Birthday to Sophia!
Your pictures are beautiful and i envy you! I am now in a nursing home and i need some fresh air!!! Thank you for this horse ride and beautiful nature. Blessings catherine

~*~ saskia ~*~ said...

I loved everything about 'our' horseback ride. Nature is wonderful, that mushroom is amazing, beautiful mountains.
Last Summer many people around me went for a horse ride with their family. I think these are moments to cherish for ever, to be in nature with toute la famile, sporting together in silence or not ;) and getting surprised by natures beauty.
Have a lovely day, Julie xx

Paula said...

You live in such a gorgeous place, Miss Julie! Thanks for taking us along for the ride... your pictures are wonderful!
Poor Cougar... I hope he got some rest! *hehe*

retrorevival.biz said...

Hahaha! I laughed at what your hubby says! And that picture of Cougar resting his head on the rock! So sweet!

~Cindy

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Gorgeous, gorgeous pics Julie!
I think all the worldy troubles would melt away out there on those gorgeous horses!
I got a chuckle at your hubby and your comment on the horses cute butt!
LOL.
Thanks for sharing this amazing weekend with us!
Hugs,
Cindy

♥ Sonny ♥ said...

Hi Julie.
it was so sweet of you to post all those photos and give detailed explainations. I felt like I was right there with ya'll an I sure wish I had been.
As for living in the cowboy cabin, I'd love to.
I was so happy to see you back on my blog update list. Been having a problem with google and thought I had lost several of my fav blogging buddies.
see ya soon
Sonny

Bluebirds and Butterflies said...

Hi Julie,
I love, love, love your blog posting today! xoxo Everything about it is wonderful. Love the path up the hill, the beautiful trees, the Photos of the horses, dogs, the mushroom. I am going to show this posting to my husband today. I know he will love this. The experience you blogged about today is what my Dad would call "a Bluebird Day!"...a perfect day! This is part of why I call my blog, "Bluebirds and Butterflies"--bluebirds for Dad and butterflies for my Mom. You should capture all these beautiful postings in another blog book to keep the memories of you lovely area forever...just as you keep them in your heart. Hope you are getting a lot of traffic on your great home for sale. God will send the perfect person to you, I am sure! Have a wonderful day. Love ya, Kim

Sue said...

Oh Julie what can I say, such a beautiful post, how wonderful to be able to spend such special times with those you love. The photo of you sitting and laughing is Priceless!! Mr squirrel must have been pretty hungry to be munching on a lime! lol. I know what you mean about your horse having a kind eye, my Bugsy has the same look.
As always a joy to visit. And have missed you.
Sue

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

Julie! WHAT FUN! I was just enjoying your photos sooooo much!

Always Nesting said...

Oh Julie, it's so nice to hear from you and be back to blogging!! I had a rocky winter/spring and gave up all blogging but missed it so much reclaimed it again. Now I'm having to start over, build my followers - my old list is gone so I'm asking everyone re-follow, and reconnect with my favorite blogs. Whew!

Wow, your home is gorgeous and if I wanted to live in a rural area, that would sure be it for me. We are where we are, huh? for job security???

So, so good to hear from you and yes, I'm back. xoxo

Gypsy Heart said...

Such beauty and peace...and I love horses and dogs! You really had a wonderful weekend my friend.

xo
Pat

Deborah said...

Julie what a beautiful post!
Loved it, and I feel like I was right alongside of you enjoying so many of the same things you love.
What great gifts He has given to His children!
Blessings dear friend xo

Deborah xoxo

Cindy said...

Such fabulous photos, dear lady. You live in a very beautiful part of the world. It's so different from where I live, but so very lovely.
Your dogs are so sweet, how nice that you can have three of them.
What lovely horses you have!
Looks like you had a good weekend.
Hugs, Cindy

Bonnie said...

Just beautiful, Julie! Any lookers on your house? This is a tough time to sell. I hope it turns out just as you wish! You have a charmed life I am sure it will continue!

Love, B

Maria said...

Julie, what a great time you had!
I used to go horseback riding with my high school friends. One of them lived on a dairy farm and we would ride all afternoon on a lazy Saturday. "Kind eyes" are what her horse, Jeanie, had.
Oh you are so blessed to have such beautiful creatures in your life... right down to the little pooches!
Have a sweet Wednesday, Julie!
*Thanks for always stopping by, I just love your comments :o)
~ ♥ ~
Maria

Paula ~ castleandcottagesigns said...

Hi Julie! Looks like you had the kind of weekend dreams are made of...so beautiful!
hugs,
paula:)

Cora said...

What a beautiful place to spend some outdoors time! So peaceful and calm...I would love to have an adventure like this.
Congrats on the 21st g-baby! Wow...thats a lot! I know you are excited and can't wait...they are all so special!
Thanks for the visit!