Our Strawberry Ride

Sterling went on an endurance ride this weekend, and I went along. Those who know us know that I don’t ride, but I’m a great cheerleader, and I love to take long hikes while he takes long rides!

We left on Thursday—he actually left in the morning and I followed him in the afternoon (wanted to attend a few meetings during the day). We got up there (near Strawberry Reservoir), set up camp and settled in, and the first ride was Friday.

Sterling rode with two of his riding buddies (the other two didn't ride this ride with him), and they started out last of the pack—and came in first! That was kind of cool! You could tell when they arrived back they were on a high. . . everything had clicked and they couldn’t stop talking about what a great ride it had been.

Today both riders and horses were a little tired, but they still had a great time. Didn’t come in first, but that’s not the reason Sterling rides anyway. 

While they ride, I love to hike. I took a long, two-and-a-half-hour hike both days, just loving every minute of the calm, serene surroundings. It’s the perfect time to think! There were hundreds of butterflies and gorgeous spots of wildflowers both days.

Friday my phone, which I use both as a camera and to take notes, was dead, so I missed out on capturing both my thoughts and any photos, but I charged it overnight, so this morning I was prepared. I took notes during the whole hike, but was halfway down the mountain before I realized I hadn’t taken a single photo! Silly me. . . the two best views were long past, but I managed a few photos of the surroundings.

It was a wonderful ride—close to home, terrific friends, two days. . . all the elements of a perfect little getaway!

Comments

[Stella MacKay]

Shelli, those photos of the wildflowers and the surroundings made me want to step into the screen of my laptop. I grew up by beaches but am so much more the mountain girl. Thank you for sharing all the beauty that you saw while Sterling was riding. Sigh........

[Dona Stallworth]

I'm sooo glad you weren't near any of the western fires! I live in Central Texas about 40 miles from the site of one of the biggest fires the state had in our harrowing fire season last year. These shots are beautiful. Wish I could have been there with you. We are praying for those dealing with fires this year.

[room near thames]

Simply splendid in every way! I look forward to your posts and admire your adventurous spirit. Thank you for inspiring my day with your pictures and the nature beauty; for taking me with you in a small way to see a foreign land through your eyes.

[Debi Pippin]

Oh Shelli the trip looked like alot of fun. Reminds me of the trips I take with my mom each year to the mountains of NC. We like to hike the nature trails and see all the wildlife and the flowers and we pick blackberries when they are in season. I sure could use a get away like that to get me out of a slump I am in after licking my wounds at not making the cut for the Artisan finalist list. I have made the finalist list every year I have entered and it was just a bit depressing this time. I am proud I finished my goal of sending it in and doing the best work. It was sad that the list was cut much shorter than last year but I still look forward to seeing all the great projects on display and of course the winning displays. Excited about what convention will bring this year and looking forward to talking with you again. See you soon
Debi Pippin

[Patty Wunder]

Beautiful picture of you and your massage therapist :) GORGEOUS!

[Melanie]

Cool that you and Sterling do things together even though you both don't do exactly the same things. Just curious. What's your app of choice for recording your thoughts on your phone?

[Sharon Tunbridge]

Love the wildflower pictures Shelli.
My most favourite time of the year is walking in the bush near our home in the Great Southern region of Western Austalia, and snapping the pretty little orchids and wildflowers scattered through the bush. I only had my phone last Spring but still captured the carpet of colour!
You must experience it for yourself one day.
Thankyou for sharing your beautiful photos.

[Tracey Carr]

Dear Shelli

I am so inspired by your work and the beautiful values driven organisation that you have nurtured and grown.

I am excited to be doing a key note for UK demonstrators in September and very much looking forward to hearing a lot more about the business

Blessings, Tracey