Springtime is here, weather we are ready or not. The weather is, but it's not. With so few inches of rain it is really hard to imagine we are ready to let go of winter and sing in the spring, but keep singing 'cause it's here. The days are so beautiful and long this time of year, it makes me wonder if we are in the same county as San Diego, when I hear how cold and cloudy it is at the coast. It is the time of year to catch the coastal breeze and let it blow you east, out into the Cuyamacas to soak up some of the lovely sunshine that has been stretching what little rainfall we have had into a beautiful green carpet. It won't have the power to last long, it is already trying to form seed, so it'll dry out sooner than you can saddle your horse and get here. So don't hesitate, do it now.
So we did. I got one of those drop in and see me quick visits from that kid of mine, who is so bright we call him son. Hey, I am glad to get what I can. As he has gotten older the horses seem to still be on his mind, whenever he is close I get a chance to get in the saddle and spend some time with him. He had one of those experiences as a little boy that kept him on a surfboard rather than the back of a "runaway" pony that took him faster than he cared to go from one end of the arena to the other. The pony turned out from under him and left him and his dirty tears lookin' for the consoling arms of his mama who had runaway when he was two. Neither one of them did I start very well. That's what happens when you try to start your first colt and don't have much experience. I am still trying to work through that "I can do it myself" attitude, even as an adult (which is also a presumptuous expression for me to use). But I do what I can and keep making the effort. Usually I get the second chance, not with his mom however, she was a stubborn little filly.
The animals in our barn today are well settled into their roles, thanks to some experienced help. Learning about those round corrals and how to get them working because they want to, has really helped. The pressure release program works. When the prodigal sun showed up this time, we were all well settled. A pair of boots to replace the sandals, a pair of chaps to cover his green baggy pants, a jacket to cover the t-shirt, and a hat to protect his head, made this son so much like his dad that the picture I made for him from my computer camera scared us both. "Brighty" the likewise mule, mounted him with the assurance of control, no runaways on this ride. I have had the second chance to help him apply some of that round corral work I have learned since he rode that pony. He thought it was great that the legs can do so much, and to use the bit as a backup only as he needed it, stirred something that will bring him back for more. Isn't it great when you ask your horse for something new and he actually does it, willingly. What a sensation.
A quite sunset ride in the Cuyamaca springtime is about as good as it gets for me, even a quicky can change your attitude. The Merigan staging area in Descanso hosts mostly morning riders, at sunset the place is empty, especially during the week. My regular Wednesday sabbatical is usually a solo adventure, although from time to time I am graced with the company of an escort. My main man and I were on the trail by 4 and spent some time making images on the digital ( is that cool?) so we could prove to one and all that we were really there. The fire road out of Merigans' offers a quick hour and a half loop that not many know about. It ducks off to the left just as the trail enters secret meadow and the trail that follows the creek. Leave no tracks and before you cross the creek follow the water to a more southern crossing and continue. The trail will eventually junction with the Dead Horse Meadow trail and take you home to the staging area. Speak of this to no one or suffer the consequences. A great view of the sunset is afforded to all who dare and panoramas of the valley below take you deep into Mexico on a clear day. Travel lightly and carry a big smile, you may be somebodies "image".
Springtime is here, weather we are ready or not. The weather is, but it's not. With so few inches of rain it is really hard to imagine we are ready to let go of winter and sing in the spring, but keep singing 'cause it's here. The days are so beautiful and long this time of year, it makes me wonder if we are in the same county as San Diego, when I hear how cold and cloudy it is at the coast. It is the time of year to catch the coastal breeze and let it blow you east, out into the Cuyamacas to soak up some of the lovely sunshine that has been stretching what little rainfall we have had into a beautiful green carpet. It won't have the power to last long, it is already trying to form seed, so it'll dry out sooner than you can saddle your horse and get here. So don't hesitate, do it now.
