It is the beginning of a week long trip with some fantastic mujeres (I am currently taking Spanish for a riding trip to Spain this fall) in the the Salida area. I was lucky enough to find an incredible VRBO with a “me gusta mucha casa” that overlooks the Collegiate Peaks in Nathrop, and talked them in to coming…wow!

We arrived to meet out host Cheri who made us and our caballos feel right at home with fresh baked bread and eggs from the hens. The caballos got released into a nicely fenced pasture with a run in shelter and pens (if you just had to cage one in). Luckily all our boys are gentlemen and are having a blast.

Last night we had Cheri over for dinner and got the skinny on the area and possible places to ride. Cheri is a semi-retired endurance rider and took us out the back gate this morning for a ride down to the Arkansas river. It is flowing too fast to cross right now (it is at 1100), 700 would be safe, she pointed out the crossing though, so we meandered along the river and did a loop back up and down some arroyos back to the house. We rode about three hours, it was a lovely morning with a sighting of a Yellow-headed Blackbird and Mountain Bluebird.

Back in out cozy cabin, the afternoon storm just passed and the air is cool and fresh, we are catching up on e-mails, I am writing this blog, a couple are playing cards and we are planning our ride tomorrow on the Browns Creek trail. Check back mañana for more tales from the road.

Buenos tardes
Linda P