All in a Day: St. Jude; Priest Lake

 

Cari Stockdale, coordinator of the St. Jude's Trail Ride held every year at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch. 

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Quite a day for my mother yesterday. 

She went riding with Cari Stockdale on a mule. 

Cari tells me this morning that my mother loved the mule ride.

Quite a day for me too with part of the morning spent at Western Pleasure Guest Ranch visiting and taking pictures of folks participating in the annual St. Jude Trail Ride and the afternoon at Priest Lake.

 

Cari, with help from her sister and others, coordinates the annual ride these days. 

She was reminiscing with me a while back about how passionate my mother was while coordinating the ride in its beginnings about 25 years ago. 

During that conversation and remembering that it's been 10 years since we said good bye to Mother, I told Cari I'd like my donation to honor her memory. 

Cari, at the time, told me that she would also carry Mother with her when she rode this year's trails. 

That brought tears to my eyes, as you can imagine.

  Cari even went the extra mile yesterday, printing and laminating a picture of Mother which was pinned to her shirt. 

That's how Cari is:  a very thoughtful and appreciative person.  And, such a loving gesture that meant so much to our family. 

When all was said and done, the ride, which included about 50 participants enjoying a 7-mile ride, raised around $8,000 for the St. Jude's Children Hospital. 

As with anything, there's the main event but better yet, all the accompanying stories that go along with the main event. 

For us, Cari's gesture honoring Mother was pretty neat. 

For others, it was time spent with family, friends, favorite horses and the beauty of North Idaho on a picture perfect day. 

Hats off to Cari, and Western Pleasure and to all who participated and contributed to a wonderful cause. I'm sure my mother was smiling from start to finish.

It was great seeing everyone.  

After a fun time at Western Pleasure, I came home, sat down a minute and then Bill asked if I wanted to do anything during the afternoon.

"What did you have in mind?" I asked. 

"Maybe drive up to Priest Lake," he responded. 

So we did, taking little Foster, of course. 

Once again, in the pristine beauty of the lake and its surrounding mountains, we saw families enjoying the day. 

And, we, as we often do in this country, took time to marvel at the various scenes, ranging from a new resort to big boats and little boats cruising across the water.  

And, people just soaking up summer. 

Twas a fun afternoon, and Foster had his usual good time hanging out with us. 

Great weekend!

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Happy Monday. Enjoy the photos.  

I got to photograph ranch photographer extaordinaire Amy Peterson who had just registered for the ride. Always an honor. 

My neighbor Sherry and Western Pleasure Guest Ranch owner Janice Schoonover. 

Western Pleasure Guest Ranch offers a beautiful setting for the St. Jude Ride. 

The Ailport family from down Selle Road saddled up and enjoyed the ride.  John Ailport works with Bill at Inland Forest Management. 

Mike Lambert with one of his best friends. 

My new Irish friend Kathy Roff (right)  and her friend Teresa Rancourt.

 

Cari and her hubby Doug Stockdale. 

McKarley waiting for Mom.

And, they're off down some Happy Trails. 

Priest Lake Scenes below.