December 18, 2011

Winter Rides

December didn't shut down our riding completely. 
Early in the month, we had a few sunny days, like the one pictured above on Wolf Mountain.
The snow isn't deep yet, but the temperatures are dropping.  Still, we were comfortable enough riding in Ouray National Wildlife Refuge on December 9th.
Yesterday we rode in Sand Wash, on dirt roads north of Highway 40.  The thermometer read 23 degrees F.  No sun.  Light wind.  Cold! 
Unless we have a warming trend before the big snow that could come any day now, we're hanging up the saddles for 2011.  We had a good run, 910 miles since we started the riding season in February with forays to Canyonlands. 
For the next few weeks, we'll be hanging around the old homestead.  (Fortunately, our homestead has a roof and central heating, unlike this abandoned cabin.)

20 comments:

  1. First of all, I have misses my adventures on the Utah trails with you, Steve and your ever faithful Daisy, Boss and Mischief.
    I was happy to read you had a wonderful time with family while roaming the country.
    Thanks for my dose of snow and Utah wilderness.
    I wish you, Steve and your family, a very Merry Christmas and a Healthy New Year, Janie.

    Warm hugs n smiles across the miles,
    Pam :)

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  2. so glad to see you back Janie...Merry Christmas..

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  3. Happy to see a post from you as you two are my link to a bygone time - riding the range on horseback. 23 degrees I never want to be in. 910 miles, that is impressive. Will be looking forward to a 2012 of many more of your happy trails adventures. Have a nice Christmas at the homestead.

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  4. Well Janie... Hope it warms up some so that you two can ride some more... You have done great though since Feb.

    Great pictures---but riding in the 20 degree temps cannot be FUN....

    Just stay around your homestead and enjoy the holidays...Are the kids all coming home for Christmas????

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  5. That's a lot of miles. Looking forward to the thaw. Merry Christmas to you and the family.

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  6. Wonderful to catch up with you again, Janie. Sorry you'll be hanging up your saddles for a couple of months but hey! Before we know it it will be spring again. :) (Or is that wishful thinking?)

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  7. I actually feel refreshed after viewing your wonderful photos! All that fresh air seems to seep right into my home!

    I did read that a huge winter storm is headed from the Southwest. Take care. Have a very Merry Christmas...stay safe and warm.

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  8. You really put some miles under your belts this year!
    I love the photos...and there is something pretty about the topless cabin!

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  9. I'm glad your homestead has better winter protection than the cabin you've pictured. Thanks for taking us along on your rides this year, although I'm glad you're not planning on doing much more cold weather riding. I look forward to more rides in 2012.

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  10. You are both brave, or just a little crazy, to go out riding when it's that cold. Yet I know how much you both love it, 900+ miles of love. I look forward to many more rides come spring. In the mean time, Merry Christmas!

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  11. Beautiful lyrics, Christmas is endearing,
    Very beautiful pictures,
    These days I wish peace and happiness come to your house.
    Happy Holidays!.
    a hug.

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  12. 910, that is a lot of miles!! I wouldn't want to ride in those temps unless it was at a brisk pace, but then I'm a wimp. Merry Christmas!

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  13. here's to next year's adventures!!

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  14. Looks like something right out of the movies. (I wouldn't be surprised, if you were inside and closed your eyes, that you could hear John Wayne knocking at the door.)

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  15. 910 miles!!!! Wow. That's wonderful!
    Here's hoping your saddles don't have to hang for too long:)
    Have a wonderful Christmas dear blogging buddy.
    I hope it's a wonderful memory making time with your sweet family.

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  16. Sounds exciting to be horse riding on snow covered trails & mountains in sub zero temperatures. Wish you continued adventures after the winter snow fall. Merry Christmas & Happy New Year. Warm Regards Ram

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  17. I'm back again to wish you a merry Christmas, Janie!

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  18. Somehow I seem to have less and less time to get everything done. How is this?? I've only been out on my horse Stormy a couple of times. Had plans to ride many times a week all winter! I am still going to do that. Meanwhile, except for the mountains, and although it does get down to about 10 degrees every morning, we have had NO snow. > : (
    So I'll enjoy your wintery pictures for now!
    - The Equestrian Vagabond

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  19. Great shot of the abandoned cabin. It brings the Old West to mind.

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