Back at camp I loaded Jet up. I had taken down the electric fence in the morning. I left the park with a smile on my face. I had done it- holidayed alone but with a great bunch of friends. I headed for Dallas's farm and arrived just in time for supper with him and Wayne. They insisted I stay in the house so I enjoyed indoor plumbing and fabulous food. Lee and I had met the guys at the rodeo last year and we reconnected at Lee's service. What a gift of connection.
The next morning Dallas had the day all planned. In no particular order we saw his special pasture, St Victor's museum and petroglyphs, the museum at Willowbunch and we ended up at the rodeo. We stopped in for a visit at the Mergell ranch. We ran into an old friend of mine Lois Baillie who had recently married Clayton Jack. We got caught up on the latest news and they told us about the big adventure they were now on. When we arrived home in the dark there they were sitting on the deck sipping wine. Stayed up until past midnight and had conversations on every subject! The next morning after breakfast I left with Jet and headed for Nichol Flats on the east end of Buffalo Pound Lake. I stopped at the main office and got specific directions as I normally come in from the north. I was now coming into the area from the opposite direction. I clearly stated I planned to ride my horse. They returned the $7 I had paid for the park fee and I was on my way. I wanted to ride Jet alone with no other horses and people around. Another notch in my belt. Horses are herd animals and now I was his herd. It was lovely. We stopped and both ate Saskatoons along the paths. Lee and I had ridden here often and this was a favourite spot. I would leave some ashes here. I found a lovely spot near the Nichol house and 3 huge cottonwoods. I tied Jet up to graze and got the ashes out. I decided to read aloud the prayers and poems in Lee's bulletin. My grief counsellor had told me that giving voice to writing adds another layer of healing. Tears gently flowed and I choked out the words. My horse was oblivious to what I was experiencing just munching on any grass he could reach. I once again took handfuls of ashes and spread them around the base of the trees.
A short ride later I arrived back at the parking lot to find a warning from a conservation officer. It is illegal to ride horses in the park! I was shocked! I am sure I had permission years ago and we and others had ridden there many times. Monday morning I called the office and told my story and asked many questions. They will be getting back to me with an explanation. Why do some parks allow horses and others not? Does this mean I will never ride there again? I am unlikely to walk over to those huge cottonwoods again. Why walk when I can ride a horse?!
Back at home I caught up with Margaret and Nelson who drove in the yard same time as I did. All was well here. Got caught up with Mary and Iris who returned from their holiday early. They ran nto a heat wave and escaped to back home.
I get a new resident August 1 so this is good. Now to the kitchen renovations. Cupboards arrive Tuesday afternoon.
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