Well you would have enjoyed today. The weather was your favourite. Fall with amazing colours, warmish, very little wind and not a cloud in the sky. Your perfect day. Eleven hardcore day long riders met at Margaret and Nelson's. We left the yard at 10:30 am and headed across Johnnies pasture. Now how many times do you think we did that?! And we never tired of it. It was different every time we rode. Different weather, different colours. How could anyone say this is boring?
You so love this land Lee. It was a perfect day and although you were not riding with us in person you were certainly talked about (mostly funny stories) and we remembered we all rode together last year at this time. Who would have ever imagined that you would up and die on us? Who would have imagined......?
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| Pee stopping place |
Your death has made a big impact on so many people. People have changed as a result of your death. People have re written wills, updated affairs, said I love yous more.....many things. Your death was a big jolt to many.
I digress.... we rode over through the small creek beside the big trees where we'd often have lunch. We would lie down and have a nap. That was what was missing today! A noon nap! We rode all the way to the far east end then down to the lake which has receded more than ever. The waters edge is wayyyyyy out there. At some point we had to crash through the bush to get back on some high ground. Nelson rode down into a VERY thick area and then yelled "There's a tree down" so many of us turned around and rode way around to the other side. Margaret, Nelson and Alex pushed on through and we met them later. We headed for the Valeport picnic grounds and had our lunch there. How many times did we cross that wooden bridge?
I asked Nelson if he'd like to spread some of your ashes so he did that with Margaret and me as witness. It was lovely. I ran my fingers through your ashes and we talked about how our lives can be reduced to ash. It really is unreal. There is such a disconnect for me between your ashes and you as the person I knew and loved for more than 20 years. Oh my....
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| Nelson spreading some of your ashes |
A complete stranger was fascinated by our group of riders so started to take pictures. I gave him my camera and he took some shots. It is challenging getting 11 horses lined up. This is the best shot.
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| 11 riders on a great day |
We went to water the horses at the beach and stopped pretty quick as Bert's horse sunk and almost went out of sight. Fell into a hole or channel or some strange thing! Bert rode it out but his horse was down on its knees in an attempt to get out of the water. I wish I had a movie of that. He handled it very well.
After lunch we wound our way west and back across the usual creek crossing. You would not believe it now! The beavers have done some major daming and the 15' crossing is now at least twice that. And deep. Bud went across first then me. So that meant a tall horse and a short horse made it so the others followed. Muddy slough water came up close to their under bellies.We made it to the yard at 10 to 4 and untacked. The horses were a mess with mud and sweat. Of course they promply rolled at first opportunity.
We had a great supper of hot dogs roasted over a campfire, cowboy beans, coleslaw and Iris Strong brought home made perogies as a surprise. Heavenly squares and cookies appeared out of no where. So this is the time of the evening where we told stories about you! You so easily laughed at yourself and you never tired hearing these stories. And we never tire telling them.
And so marks another occassion where we acknoweldge your contribution to this world and to all of our lives. You touched so many and continue to have an affect. Your life will always be noticed.
If there are horses in your heaven may you ride like we did today- long and hard and with good friends.
Peace to you always xoDenise
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