Slight Detour: From Selle Pastures to Selkirk Peaks

Picture-perfect fall day.

That's how I'd describe yesterday, and in keeping with the description, I took a lot of pictures of the two major events of our day.

There's a horse show at the fairgrounds next Saturday.

School's on, so we have to find slots in the busYness for Terra to work with Lefty for the show.

As mentioned before, the Last Show of the Season will be her first-ever open show, and she'll be riding in several classes.

Our overall goal: that she goes, has fun, learns while doing and if there are ribbons to be won, that will just add to the fun.

Terra doesn't need reminders in her approach because she pretty much practices that mantra with everything she does.

If I haven't mentioned it several times before, it's a joy to work with her and Lefty. Both are calm, kind souls, which makes a perfect match.

Yesterday morning Terra followed a schedule: remove Lefty's blanket, work him on the longe line in the round pen, groom him, practice showmanship with his show halter, saddle up, open the gate to the barnyard, do a little rail work, back through the "L," open the gate, exit the barnyard and head for the woods to practice side passing over a log.

After that, while I flushed out any critters who might spook Lefty with the 4-wheeler, Terra rode and rode and rode.

I loved driving the 4-wheeler through our woods and pastures and taking pictures on what had to be one of the more lovely days of the year.

I also have a feeling that Terra would have ridden all afternoon, but Bill and I had plans for a drive.

We'll work as often as time allows this next week prior to next week's horse show.

Again, however, I've learned over the past two years that Terra truly enjoys the journey as much or more than the end result.

And, the more she and Lefty get a chance to plod around the place or my sisters' arena, the better.

Once Terra was on her way, Bill and I drove to Upper Pack River with plans to do a short hike on one of the trail heads. We parked near the trail head to Harrison Lake, which seemed to be a popular spot.

Since our arrival was around 4, we simply walked on the road from the parking area. Along the way, Bill found some huckleberries and did a few on-site surveys of the headwaters of Pack River. In one case he spotted a couple of trout.

Again, conditions were perfect for hiking and for pictures in this spectacular area of the Selkirk Mountains.

All in all, a lovely and productive Saturday. It looks like we have more similar days ahead.

Happy Sunday.