Counting Down The Days

 We've been planning for 6.5 years and now we're so close I can taste it...

but we're not ready.

I still have to get the entire camper organized and loaded. We'll need both hot and cold weather clothing and supplies, we're going to have his dad for 5 of those days and we'll be leaving the country at some point.

Most of my clothes are ready but his aren't. His dad better be planning on taking his own carry on because we won't have room for that.

We will have room for his outside equipment such as metal detector and wand.

Going into Mexico had previously been planned as a single days outing after we leave Las Vegas but now we're contemplating renting a car and taking one of the Vegas days to get there. 

I haven't been feeling well the last couple days and have had bad heartburn and yesterday called in sick for my last shift that would have been graveyard this morning 1am-9am. I'm still not all well so glad I didn't have to do it and my coworker got OT.

Today I need to clear branches off the electric fence and make sure its functioning. I need to make sure all the horses feed is ready and Brandan will have an easy go of it. I know the chickens will be good to go, I've asked Mora to pick up their eggs every day and I don't care what she does with them then. The dogs have enough food and the cats are good to go.

I've spent about $300 on our food but thats OK, its for 2.5 weeks plus his dad. We'll still eat out and we'll still buy more food but I've got a menu and I'm really hoping we stick to it, sort of.

Travel Plans

 We travel more than any other couple I know.

On March 28, 2024 we will head out for a two week trip to west Texas to see the solar eclipse on April 8th. We have been planning on making this trip for 6.5 years, since the one we saw in Idaho in August 2017.

We've put countless hours into planning but let me tell you, we do not have this entire trip planned at all. We're not even sure what route we're going to take getting there. 

We will be arriving in Las Vegas on April 1 and leaving on the 5th, 

then heading south to Mexico for a short visit, 

then east into Texas. 

We will leave Texas probably on the afternoon after the eclipse but we're not entirely sure.

My Cousin Died

 Verla was only 63.

Planning ANOTHER Trip

On April 8, 2024, there will be another total eclipse of the sun.

we're going to be there, in its totality, just as we were for the one in Idaho in 2017.

This is a map we might take

This is the map of totality and it will last over 4 minutes along the blue line.

We plan on being north of San Antonio.

This is a map of the Mighty 5 in Utah, the 5 big National Parks; 

I'd like to go to each and every one of them 

but sadly we won't have enough time.

Anyway, we've been planning on being in Texas on April 8 for 5 years, ever since we saw this in Idaho and I can't wait to see it again.

 

And Now, Shes 2.5 Years Old

Black Orchid Ambleside is 2.5 years old.

She’s 14.3hh at her withers/ 15.2 at her butt

and weighs about 1,571 lbs.

Today I did a measurement for saddle size, length anyway. Previously it was 16” but now it’s about 17” and I’m hoping my Bates saddle will be able to fit her but don’t know if it will be wide enough for her.

Joey is 27.5 years old

A friend at the Atlantic ocean did this for me, Lan + Denise with horse hoof tracks

Our new kittens, Cami and Sali

 

Looking For A Trainer

 Ambleside is 2.25 years old now and its time for her to start learning new things

So today we had Nina come out to give us a lesson

We learned how to move forward without stepping into my bubble and I learned how to make her move.

It was $45 for about a one hour lesson, which is longer than I've ever worked with her before but a good price. 

I've got a few things I will be working on:

leading without walking into me

lunging, not a lot

changing directions

standing tied

Amble wearing a surcingle and a bit

I'll be purchasing a few things for her in the next couple weeks:

5.25" copper loose ring bit

Cob bridle

The bridle I have will fit her but I'd like her to have her own. 

Joey has his own and Wifi has we own.

I've done this all before with Joey & Wifi but had assistance, this is my first horse without help.

Ambleside weighs about 1600 IF my calculations are correct but it seems a little heavy.

Others Peoples Bullshit

 I've been interested in Endurance Riding on horseback for a long time, for as long as I've had my own horses, half my life, but I've never done it. I've been on long rides, a few long poker rides that were 20=25+ miles long.

At our old farm Sarah did it with her mare and got Top 10 at her very first ride, a 50 mile ride. 

People at the ride were NOT encouraging, 

they totally told her it was beginners luck and not due to her knowledge and skill. I know she had that mare fully in condition, she trainer her up well. Went out riding 3-4 times each week to build stamina and trust.

So the point I'm getting at is that the 4,400 members of the group don't want there to be stand alone 25-35 mile races, they say its not endurance. I call bullshit on that, those are the people who are working toward the 50-100 mile races. 

those bitches need to pull their heads out of their asses.

I have Amble and I want to try it with her in about 5 years and of course I'll go shorter distances first and spend years getting her fit. 

Gypsys have great endurance but she might not personally enjoy it but no matter what, I want to do trail riding with her. I also want to train her to drive.