Some days it feels kinda like being the dragonfly just earning her wings. That, combined with Groundhog Day, ’cause it’s over and over and over each day. One day at a time. One flaming hoop at a time. Does it get easier with time? Yes it does.

Change. The one thing we know we can count on and yet fear the most. Change. Like wind and water, weather and this woman’s moods.

Tomorrow. Canela was to return home. Crow and I were continuing alone. We did not find a replacement horse or mule. How could I replace HER?

It was not ideal. In fact it kinda scared and saddened me if I thought about it. So i tried not to. Then the vet came out and did two things. First she confirmed that Canela was healing and of good general health. Then we talked about how essential this rock solid rock star of a red mare is, and how she was at the core of my dream to do this.

Canela is my soul sister. She is why I thought I could do this journey. The thought of her going home and Crow and I going on without her… I tried not to think too much. Don’t go deep for a change, I’d tell myself. Just roll with the punches even when it feels like you got punched in the gut. Got too much to do. Just get to work and see what tomorrow brings.

So tomorrow, we’re taking her. Back on the road. My road warrior. No saddle. No pack. Nothing on her. She doesnt have to do a thing but be there with us. Go along for the ride. Be that rock solid rock star that she is, in all her cool and calm simplicity and humility.

Without a pack horse, I am going light. Ultra light. I mean, as light as a horse packer can quickly learn to be. Just what Crow can carry including me. Lucky for him I’m pretty small, but I want to be good to him. I have to be good to him. So we’re ditching the tent, the chair, the change of clothes. Paring down. Like pruning an apple tree, with an ax. Figuring out the bare essentials. Just what we need to get by. Just for now. Crows saddle, my slicker, their picket lines, my hobo stove. Maybe in a week or two she’ll be all healed and we can get a saddle and packs back on her. Our maybe not. We’ll see. One day at a time. For now, all I know is we’re trying. Again. Again and again and again.

We’re heading towards Alturas if anyone sees us along the way, can share a smile and wave, or water when need be, and can welcome us warmly into that town.

Right now, as I regroup and repack (again and again) and prepare to leave a place I have stayed too long (or likely just right), once again I am overwhelmed with gratitude, with faith in the kindness of strangers, and a heart filled with new friendships.

Thank you Angie for your over the top kindness in your bottomless heart. Thank you Kati and Ryan. Thank you Alison and Chris. Thank you Brenda. Thank you Eric. Thank you Megan, yet again. What on earth would I do without you? You and yours now are feeling more like family than friends. And today and every day, thank you Bob, the love of my life, who let’s me live and love with my wild heart and soul.

So long for now. Until next time, see you along the open road. With blessings and gratitude, and love, always love,
Gin

#ALongQuietRide #wildride #innerjourney #ridingaroundthewest #solohorsejourney