Independence Lakes

My cousins, Michael and Xela (pronounced Shay-La for those that were wondering) drove down from Utah to visit my parents - and to go for a horse ride in the mountains. Of course Kade and I didn't want to be left out, so we joined them. (Thanks for letting us join in on all the
weekend fun.)

My dad actually only has two usable horses for the mountains. His old horse Tyrone has awful arthritis, and the race horse is still really spooky and flighty. And Miss Patty is in Washington with Brandon and the little girls. SO in order to accommodate Dad, Michael, Xela, Kade and Me, we had to borrow some horses. We took along Dad's friend Dale as well, and we borrowed a horse from him, and two other people. I never thought there would come a time when Dad would have to borrow horses. Guess it's time for me to buy my own!

Dad took us to one of my favorite spots - Independence Lakes. Lakes, because there are three of them. We only went to the second lake though. The weather was beautiful - such a great day for a ride. We got sprinkled on at the top, but the rain was a welcome relief from the sun. We packed a lunch and ate it at the top - yummy turkey wraps - if I do say so myself.

And look! We had our very own tour guide!

{Dad is full of all sorts of knowledge - and then some! ;-) }

{Kade thinks Jack is his own personal horse. They do get along quite well.}

{Michael rode Roanie - Ron's horse; Xela rode Appy (that's what we named him anyways!) - Stan's horse; and Dale rode Zane's colt.}

{Doesn't Michael looked thrilled to be going on a horse ride?!}


{I got to ride Dale's 4-year-old gelding Sparky. He was such a good boy.}

{Ahhh...aren't Xela and Michael cute.
They are about to celebrate their first anniversary next month.}

{Potty anyone? I guess that's better than squatting in the trees.
But then again, I doubt the Mountain Maid cleans that seat very often!}

{Michael was MIA, so of course Dad took the opportunity pose with Xela at the second lake!}

Everyone had such a good time. And we only had one MINOR mishap. Just a little rock slide on a steep hill, a couple slipping horses, and white knuckles for Michael and Me! No sweat!

Thanks Dad!