He knows when you're happy
He knows when you're comfortable
He knows when you're confident
And he always knows when you have carrots.
~Author Unknown
Hi Friends,
We had planned to take the horses out to the Genoa Cowboy Poetry & Music Festival last weekend. We hooked up the truck and trailer and had most everything in place for a wonderful ride in Genoa. Then we were off to bed for a few hours of shut eye ...
Somewhere between laying down and getting up the next day the wheels fell off the cart. Neither of us was able to get any sleep and we tossed and turned most of the night. In the morning, both of us exhausted, we decided not to get up early to get to the Genoa ride. Instead we would see what the afternoon brought us.
We gave it some thought in the morning over coffee and conversation and decided to give the Silver Saddle Ranch a try. We read about it a few weeks prior and it sounded like just the ticket to keep our weekend ride dream going. East of Carson City on the East side of Prison Hill we found this little oasis of trees and green fields that was just about perfect. Except for few walkers and some folks with dogs we had the park to ourselves.
We parked and checked out the facilities map and headed off by a little creek lined by just blooming plants. The trails were very nice, mostly dirt and sand (with some areas of small rocks) and mostly wide enough for two horses side by side. There was a great trail that ran around the perimeter or the working ranch and then finished with a short section right down the middle of the alfalfa fields. It was almost more than our horses could stand. Like kids in a candy shop, they munched on the sweet feed.
Then we tried the trails that take you into the sandy/rocky part of the park. There was a slight incline that gave the horses a bit of a workout, but it was nothing more than we could handle. Silver Saddle Ranch has the old fashioned drop box type of restrooms like you will find in most parks, and they are in good shape.
We did bring our own water, but found a spigot there if you need water for your horses (or you). We sure had a great time and plan on visiting again soon. Well maintained and a ranch forman on site, this is a nice safe place that we and our horses loved.
Hope to see you on the trail ...
Love and Bliss,
Don
Took this video to share. It captures some of the fun we had
Saturday, May 05, 2012
Friday, April 13, 2012
Spring From Lake Tahoe
Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather. ~John Ruskin
Hi Friends,
Work took me back to Lake Tahoe today, thank goodness for the company making mistakes. After a night of pretty heavy snow and some more added in the morning it looked beautiful. One of the best things about Spring snow storms is that they only last a short time and then we get right back into the Spring experience.
I stopped today at a overlook that I used to always stop at to catch my breath. Lately I had flown right past this spot because I found myself on the wrong side of the highway. Today I needed a good catch my breath break and found it at Logan Shoals near Cave Rock. I really could have taken an hour or two here but had to get back on the road.
I did stay long enough to breath the fresh air and took some video to share with you. If you find yourself at lake Tahoe and need a moment of bliss check out Logan Shoals yourself.
Peace, Love and Bliss
Don
Hi Friends,
Work took me back to Lake Tahoe today, thank goodness for the company making mistakes. After a night of pretty heavy snow and some more added in the morning it looked beautiful. One of the best things about Spring snow storms is that they only last a short time and then we get right back into the Spring experience.
I stopped today at a overlook that I used to always stop at to catch my breath. Lately I had flown right past this spot because I found myself on the wrong side of the highway. Today I needed a good catch my breath break and found it at Logan Shoals near Cave Rock. I really could have taken an hour or two here but had to get back on the road.
I did stay long enough to breath the fresh air and took some video to share with you. If you find yourself at lake Tahoe and need a moment of bliss check out Logan Shoals yourself.
Peace, Love and Bliss
Don
Monday, March 19, 2012
Back Over Donner Pass
Hi Friends,
Just put together another short video of my last trip over Donner Pass. Thought It is getting late in March so these snow storms will be coming to an end soon, and I will be running to Vacaville on bare pavement again. The Spring and Summer are what make these storms a bit more bearable. With every trip over now I can see the trees turning green again, many with colorfiul flowers on them as they get ready to celebrate the return of warmer days.
On this trip CalTrans had maximun chain requirements up for the trucks and the roads were covered with ice and a top layer of snow. It was actually not a bad trip over, but I do like to take it a bit slower than the rest of the drivers on the road. My trailer is usually empty heading West over the hill so it has a tendency to slide around a bit more than those with a load. Then again, my thinking is that I drive like an old man so I can live to be an old man.
So it is off on another adventure over Donner Pass heading West. This time I left the video at normal speed and the sound is on so you can hear the rumble of the chains. It tells a story about a day in my life and reminds me of the glory of Spring and Summer and the warmth of the Sun.
So strap in and grab a warm beverage and lets get on the road.
Don
Just put together another short video of my last trip over Donner Pass. Thought It is getting late in March so these snow storms will be coming to an end soon, and I will be running to Vacaville on bare pavement again. The Spring and Summer are what make these storms a bit more bearable. With every trip over now I can see the trees turning green again, many with colorfiul flowers on them as they get ready to celebrate the return of warmer days.
On this trip CalTrans had maximun chain requirements up for the trucks and the roads were covered with ice and a top layer of snow. It was actually not a bad trip over, but I do like to take it a bit slower than the rest of the drivers on the road. My trailer is usually empty heading West over the hill so it has a tendency to slide around a bit more than those with a load. Then again, my thinking is that I drive like an old man so I can live to be an old man.
So it is off on another adventure over Donner Pass heading West. This time I left the video at normal speed and the sound is on so you can hear the rumble of the chains. It tells a story about a day in my life and reminds me of the glory of Spring and Summer and the warmth of the Sun.
So strap in and grab a warm beverage and lets get on the road.
Don
Thursday, March 08, 2012
Lets Go Truckin Over Echo Summit
Hi Friends,
Well it was a wonderful day in the mountains so I thought I would share this trip up and over Echo Summit on Highway 50. If you checked out my last post we were knee deep in snow and chained up on Donner Pass. What a difference a couple days make as today brought us temperatures in the 60's and beautiful blue skies as far as you could see. Knowing there are days like these make those snowy days bearable.
I pushed play as I neared the 600 foot marker and filmed my ride over Echo to Myers. Oh, then I sped it up a bit so you wouldn't have to watch all day. If you look close you might see the two bears hiding along the side of the road.
Until our next adventure ... keep the shiny side up!
Don
Well it was a wonderful day in the mountains so I thought I would share this trip up and over Echo Summit on Highway 50. If you checked out my last post we were knee deep in snow and chained up on Donner Pass. What a difference a couple days make as today brought us temperatures in the 60's and beautiful blue skies as far as you could see. Knowing there are days like these make those snowy days bearable.
I pushed play as I neared the 600 foot marker and filmed my ride over Echo to Myers. Oh, then I sped it up a bit so you wouldn't have to watch all day. If you look close you might see the two bears hiding along the side of the road.
Until our next adventure ... keep the shiny side up!
Don
Wednesday, March 07, 2012
Up and Over Donner Pass
Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished. ~Lao Tzu
Hi Friends,
It has been such a mild Winter so far and it is almost over. I have been waiting for some time to make a video from my dash cam of a run over Donner Pass in the snow. Well I was finally able to put together something for you the other day. It is not high cinema or award winning, but it was fun to make.
These late Winter storms can be interesting. It might be 60 to 70 degrees one day and I can be throwing chains the next day. That was the case this week. I was riding the horses with Brenda on Sunday and loving the warm sun then on Tuesday we were driving 60 miles with the tires making their chain noise on the pavement.
There was not that much snow, but CalTrans must figure if you let the drivers run wild they will hit something or worse. I understand and just take my time getting over the hill. You will probably notice there are a bunch of cars and trucks that are flying past me. It bothered me at one time in my life, but not any more. I figure my job is to get the load over the hill safely and it will take the time it takes. One of my first bosses at Mohawk reminded me regularly that it was just rug and nothing more. Lives did not depend on it and a couple extra hours would not make that big a difference.
It is kind of fun driving most of the time. When the season gets toward the end and we have been chaining for a few months, I tend to get tired of it. Mostly I get tired of the smell of the road grime and the wet. Sometimes it feels like I am wet for months. Then comes Spring and I smile and enjoy watching the season change back to green and life return to the roads I drive. Soon the Winter grind is forgotten until October brings it back. Bliss!
Thanks for stopping by. Be kind and follow your bliss.
Don
Hi Friends,
It has been such a mild Winter so far and it is almost over. I have been waiting for some time to make a video from my dash cam of a run over Donner Pass in the snow. Well I was finally able to put together something for you the other day. It is not high cinema or award winning, but it was fun to make.
These late Winter storms can be interesting. It might be 60 to 70 degrees one day and I can be throwing chains the next day. That was the case this week. I was riding the horses with Brenda on Sunday and loving the warm sun then on Tuesday we were driving 60 miles with the tires making their chain noise on the pavement.
There was not that much snow, but CalTrans must figure if you let the drivers run wild they will hit something or worse. I understand and just take my time getting over the hill. You will probably notice there are a bunch of cars and trucks that are flying past me. It bothered me at one time in my life, but not any more. I figure my job is to get the load over the hill safely and it will take the time it takes. One of my first bosses at Mohawk reminded me regularly that it was just rug and nothing more. Lives did not depend on it and a couple extra hours would not make that big a difference.
It is kind of fun driving most of the time. When the season gets toward the end and we have been chaining for a few months, I tend to get tired of it. Mostly I get tired of the smell of the road grime and the wet. Sometimes it feels like I am wet for months. Then comes Spring and I smile and enjoy watching the season change back to green and life return to the roads I drive. Soon the Winter grind is forgotten until October brings it back. Bliss!
Thanks for stopping by. Be kind and follow your bliss.
Don
Saturday, November 05, 2011
Where Did My Spring and Summer Go?
How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days. ~John Burroughs
Hi Friends,
Where o' where did my Spring and Summer go?
I know it seems like everyone says the same thing as they get older, but man has this year gone by fast. It seems like we were just enjoying a wonderful Spring weekend in Ashland, marveling at the flowers budding after last Winter. Now the Sunny season has slammed it's door and we have entered the icebox of Fall and Winter.
I managed to get my work done early a week ago, so I thought it would be cool to have lunch with Brenda. I got to the park early so I took a walk and grabbed some Fall goodness to share with you. I wanted it for myself as well. I will look back after I have been frozen to the bone in a couple months to remind me of the light that is at the end of Winters tunnel.
Fall along the Truckee River in Reno is always a treat. The big Cottonwoods are full of golden leaves and the Truckee still runs strong along its path. This day the air was still warm and the Sun was shining bright bringing everything to life, and adding a bit of sparkle.
What a wonderful fun filled year so far. I am looking forward to what the Winter will bring and to planning the fun for next Spring. Here is to what has been and to making the most of what is to come. Make the most of every day you have and don't fret the things that have passed.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
Hi Friends,
Where o' where did my Spring and Summer go?
I know it seems like everyone says the same thing as they get older, but man has this year gone by fast. It seems like we were just enjoying a wonderful Spring weekend in Ashland, marveling at the flowers budding after last Winter. Now the Sunny season has slammed it's door and we have entered the icebox of Fall and Winter.
I managed to get my work done early a week ago, so I thought it would be cool to have lunch with Brenda. I got to the park early so I took a walk and grabbed some Fall goodness to share with you. I wanted it for myself as well. I will look back after I have been frozen to the bone in a couple months to remind me of the light that is at the end of Winters tunnel.
Fall along the Truckee River in Reno is always a treat. The big Cottonwoods are full of golden leaves and the Truckee still runs strong along its path. This day the air was still warm and the Sun was shining bright bringing everything to life, and adding a bit of sparkle.
What a wonderful fun filled year so far. I am looking forward to what the Winter will bring and to planning the fun for next Spring. Here is to what has been and to making the most of what is to come. Make the most of every day you have and don't fret the things that have passed.
Peace, Love and Bliss,
Don
Saturday, August 27, 2011
Finally Made It. Galena Falls on Mt Rose
“Leisure is a form of silence, not noiselessness. It is the silence of contemplation such as occurs when we let our minds rest on a rosebud, a child at play, a Divine mystery, or a waterfall.” ~Fulton J. Sheen
Hi Friends,
For years I have been trying (or at least thinking about) getting up on Mt Rose to see the Galena waterfall. Usually by the time I get up on the trail, it is long gone or a sliver at the most. This year with all the snow late in the season, I knew it was going to be amazing. So I kept reminding myself to get up on Mt Rose as soon as the snow had melted enough for the trail to be open. At one point I forgot about it , then remembered and thought I had probably missed the chance to see the falls at their peak.
On July 28th I again was reminded that i beauty was just a few miles away and luckily had an extra day off. I bounded out the door and in about 40 minutes was sitting at the Mt Rose summit parking area. Wow, there were alot of cars here today, I must not have been the only one with the idea of catching a waterfall that comes and then is gone so quickly.
On the trail the wildflowers were beautiful this year and the trail looked to be in good condition. Lot's of little critters running around, even one little chipmunk that stopped long enough for me to change lenses on my camera and get his picture. I was happy to hear the woodpeckers again. They are loud on this trail and seem to fly around you for quite a while. They probably have nests here they are protecting, but I don't know for sure. I just know they always greet me and they make me smile.
Found something new on the trail this day ... snow! Yup still some pretty good amounts of snow covering the trail even in July. A reminder of the heavy snowfall this past Winter (and Spring). I managed to cross the snowy areas without falling, injuring myself or looking too much like a idiot so that was good.
Then I could finally hear Galena Falls. It was pretty loud as I rounded a bend in the trail. I have to admit, it was pretty exciting for me. I finally had made it to Galena Falls before it disappeared. Quite a few people were enjoying the meadow below the falls and snapping pictures while they chatted with friends. I tend to enjoy these things by myself. Don't know why, just have always been a solitary hiker using my hikes to clear my head and cleanse my Spirit. I always try to bring back a picture or video to share that captures what I found. I know they don't even come close, but at least there is something to share.
Now refreshed I start looking for my next adventure. This one was pretty coolio so it will have to be something really different. But I have some ideas ... just might take a while to get to them.
If you find yourself needing to refresh you Spirit or need a break from the everyday life junk, this short hike has a great pot of gold waiting for you. But you have to time it just right.
Follow Your Bliss,
Don
Hi Friends,
On July 28th I again was reminded that i beauty was just a few miles away and luckily had an extra day off. I bounded out the door and in about 40 minutes was sitting at the Mt Rose summit parking area. Wow, there were alot of cars here today, I must not have been the only one with the idea of catching a waterfall that comes and then is gone so quickly.
On the trail the wildflowers were beautiful this year and the trail looked to be in good condition. Lot's of little critters running around, even one little chipmunk that stopped long enough for me to change lenses on my camera and get his picture. I was happy to hear the woodpeckers again. They are loud on this trail and seem to fly around you for quite a while. They probably have nests here they are protecting, but I don't know for sure. I just know they always greet me and they make me smile.
Found something new on the trail this day ... snow! Yup still some pretty good amounts of snow covering the trail even in July. A reminder of the heavy snowfall this past Winter (and Spring). I managed to cross the snowy areas without falling, injuring myself or looking too much like a idiot so that was good.
Then I could finally hear Galena Falls. It was pretty loud as I rounded a bend in the trail. I have to admit, it was pretty exciting for me. I finally had made it to Galena Falls before it disappeared. Quite a few people were enjoying the meadow below the falls and snapping pictures while they chatted with friends. I tend to enjoy these things by myself. Don't know why, just have always been a solitary hiker using my hikes to clear my head and cleanse my Spirit. I always try to bring back a picture or video to share that captures what I found. I know they don't even come close, but at least there is something to share.
Now refreshed I start looking for my next adventure. This one was pretty coolio so it will have to be something really different. But I have some ideas ... just might take a while to get to them.
If you find yourself needing to refresh you Spirit or need a break from the everyday life junk, this short hike has a great pot of gold waiting for you. But you have to time it just right.
Follow Your Bliss,
Don
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