This morning, the camping route like De Ja Vu all over again. Just like yesterday, I got up first and fed the animals, and Pete made breakfast. I didn’t have to touch the MSR stove. I took the dogs for a walk around the hood and then cleaned up after the horses. Mary appeared after Pete and I ate and finished our respective chores, and we prepared to go riding.

Mary decided to ride Hrimmi, so we loaded our three into our trailer. They hopped right in, Raudi first, Hrimmi second, and Tyra third. I wondered if there would be any dissension if I changed the order. I decided not to try it.

We drove to Murphy Road, which on the way was at the distance. Up on top of the peak was a giant golf ball; I think some sort of radar although I most likely am wrong. We unloaded the horses and then walked up the paved road, keeping the dogs on the leashes because there was some traffic. You just never know what a dog will do when a fast moving car passes.

It was steep climb up to the top of the dome; the terrain was rocky. It reminded me of riding in Colorado; then, like now, I was glad the horses were shod although I was somewhat concerned because our horses shoes are pretty thin. I thought, should have had Josh put on new shoes, but by then it was too late.

We stopped at the top to let the horses graze. I let Raudi pick through the greens. She thought today that, yes, I understand – I get it, she says we are long distance trail horses, and as such, we need stop and eat. Ongoing sustenance is key. Duuh. I guess she wore me out. I always want to keep moving, but of course, keeping her going takes energy.

The weather was sunny and warm at the top of the dome, and cold and breezy on the lower portions of the trail. We stopped midway to our destination, a distant ridge, tied the horses to trees, and ate lunch. The horses never mind being tied up, which always amazes me. They do take their duties as trail horses seriously.

Upon our return I noticed that Hrimmi had a swelling on her shoulder – it most likely was a bite. She liked having it scratched, I suppose a scratch is a differing kind of pain. I think it’s going to burst. And Tyra has a cut on the front of her rear hind leg. Always, with horses, there is potential for something going wrong. They are my China dolls, so any wound or blemish is for me an immediate cause for concern.

We spent the evening at Mary’s place by the river. I again got to play Bocchi ball – a great game, and Mary and Larry have the right sort of lawn for this – large and varied enough so that it makes the game challenging and interesting. Made me wish that we played crochet and also badminton. Just no time for fun around here. This has got to change.

Next: 196. 7/20/25: The Red Horse Union