Then, an outbreak of deadly herpes virus broke out. Started in Utah, but cases have spread to most western states. Our barn at Loagan Ranch is locked down. There aren’t any horses up here at Amacker’s yet, but I don’t know when we will be able to bring our horses in. The surrounding meadows are still water-logged and I know that a lot of wind damage from last winter has blocked a lot of the trails. As soon as possible, I’m going out hiking and mountain bike riding on our local trails and I’ll report what I find. I also have a “saddle saw”, a foldable, pocket saw that I can trim some smaller downfall with.

Over the winter, my sweet baby, Gaby turned 30. He is still doing great, and I pony him off Bandit several times a week. He still loves trotting out and I know he’s looking forward to coming back to the lake this summer and enjoying all the green, green grass; plus he can’t wait for his swim-time in the river!

Keep checking back ~ I’ll update the trails  condition as I get out there ~ watching the snow melt!

Gabe being ponied with Bandit on his 30th Birthday!

There is a certain pause to Autumn ~ after the bright burst of fall foliage heralds summers last hurrah ~ when time teeters on the brink of remembering the power of summer whilst hinting at winters rest to come.

A pause ~ a breath held in ~ time slows ~ it’s Autumn.

A time to reflect on a flurry of summers’ activities.

A time to warm up the home hearth in preparation of winters’ chill.

A Time to Pause.

~~~November 1st. I feel a pause in the time between summer and winter. A pause; like I’m waiting for something to happen. Time slows down ~ brief rest before winter and the Holiday Season rushes in.
Here is a view of our golden Aspen before the winds ripped it’s leaves off…

Tall Aspen Guards Small House

This might really spell the end to the Fall color riding. *sigh*

Fall at Lake Tahoe this year has been dismal, to say the least.

We got a very early 4″ snow fall on October 4 that seemed to “pause” the autumn colors from even really starting up.

Our yard Aspen are still fully green, although our Maples are bright red.

However, with this rain from an old Japan typhoon, our fall colors may simply turn brown and fall off.

I think this is the first year that I have not gone up to Spooner and Marlette Lakes for the glorious blast of gold in North Canyon!

Bandit in Fall Colors

This picture is from last October. We have yet to find this kind of glorious color in 2009.

(Isn’t he just the cutest?)

Becky & Sierra near Marlette Lake

This picture is of my friend, Becky on her paint mare, Sierra and was taken in 2007 near Marlette Lake, Spooner Summit, Lake Tahoe, Nevada.

The colors were blindingly gorgeous!!!