The Blood Tree

 

The backstory. 

 

Last spring, we were riding at Two Rivers.  I remember passing a low branch along the trail and trying to push it back with my hand but it wouldn’t budge.  Shortly after I passed it, I heard a commotion and a riderless horse passed me by.  His rider, Lori, did the same thing I did – attempted to push the branch off the trail and instead, it pushed her off her horse.  More injury to pride than anything and a good story to tell.

 

Fast forward to Thanksgiving weekend and riding the same trail with different friends.  I called out Lori’s “Tree of Death” as we passed it coming from the other direction.  A bit later, we were trotting through the forest in the same direction as when it took its first victim – I called out to those behind me to '”watch out for that tree” and sure enough, I am passed once again by a riderless horse.  This time it claimed Shari as its victim resulting in seventeen stitches in her thigh. 

 

Now you would have thought we would have taken care of that trail hazard when it claimed its first victim.  While most of us carry a nipper with us, this branch was saw-worthy.  In both instances, none of us had a big enough saw and it kind of went under the heading, “out of sight, out of mind” until the next time we rode that trail.

 

So the Big Fat Lying Weatherman promised a few days of unseasonably warm temperatures and a posse was formed.  That dead tree was coming down. 

 

 

As we turned the corner and laid eyes on the widower-maker, Lori gasped something like, “I remembered it bigger!” 

 

 

Then Mike, who was carrying the handsaw, came around the corner, he got a funny look on his face.  “Is that it?”  I guess he expected it THIS big! 

 

 

Well, no one said it had to be big to be deadly.  Look at those monkeys on Wizard of Oz.  They aren’t small but scary as hell. 

 

 

This branch was the “pitbull” of the forest! 

 

 

And if a forensic scientist looked closely, they could probably still find tissue from Lori’s palm and Shari’s thigh. 

 

It was time to take it down!  Make sure and wait for the replay!

 

 

This is what we did on what was most likely the last nice day in Nebraska in 2013. 

 

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I Wish

 

 

Whenever I am home for an extended period of time, I dream about what it would be like to win the lottery.  I don’t want to say “retire” because I don’t want to tack a dozen years to my current age but wouldn’t it be nice to not “have to” go in to work? 

 

I always laugh when people say “if I win the lottery, I wouldn’t give up my job”.  Really?  Time is our most valuable asset.  With that forty hours a week, I can think of so many more things I would rather be doing than what I do today!  Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful I have a good job and if I didn’t like what I do, I wouldn’t have been doing it for 28 years.  But if I didn’t have to punch the clock, I could find so many other opportunities in my “spare time”. 

 

 

We’d spend summers in the low humidity, mountain states – Colorado, Wyoming or Montana. John could build us a cabin somewhere because he would not be able to sit still and I would furnish and decorate it.  I’ve learned from having a big farm house that big isn’t necessarily better.  Comfortable is more important.  We’d have a lovely barn and access to trails that we only dreamed of exploring. 

 

In the winter, we would become snowbirds.  Arizona, California, Texas, and the Carolinas would be at the top of the list.  Live out of the trailer or find a rental so we are free to try another place the next year. 

 

 

There would be no fleet of foreign vehicles nor would we own a sports team.  (A racehorse perhaps?)   Our biggest expense would be “retiring” our closest riding buddies.  I couldn’t hit the trails without them!  And if my brother or sister is reading this, I would retire them, too, so they could come visit.  

 

 

I’d hire two trainers:  one for myself to kick my butt into shape and one for my horses.  Wouldn’t it be cool to have a trainer come to you rather than having to haul somewhere (my ass and the horses?)  I’d also have a housekeeper because I mentioned before that time is our greatest asset and cleaning house myself would be just plain silly!   

 

On cold winter days, I would sleep late with a pack of dogs at my feet.  Oh, wait.  There wouldn’t be cold winter days because I would be somewhere warm!  

 

This time of year especially, we read a lot more about people and animals in need.  Wouldn’t it be great to be able to provide assistance on a grander scale?  While organized charities and rescues have their place and are important, wouldn’t it be cool to be able to help a person keep their animals if at all possible?  That is what I would like to explore. 

 

It is fun to dream. 

 

 

But truly, I am blessed with a good family, good health, good job, a warm home and beautiful Nebraska sunrises out my window every morning.  I have that pack of dogs on my feet in the morning and a small herd of horses that I see from my kitchen window.  We have a cupboard full of food and a barn full of hay.  We have a small fleet of vehicles to get us to work and to play.  And I am never short a friend. 

 

Merry Christmas everyone.  May all your dreams come true. 

Life in the Fast Lane

 

 

It is really bad when I have to read my own blog to figure out when I last blogged and about what? It seems I have taken a leave of absence from this site.  Certainly not intentional.   I have to tell you that the end of daylight saving time has turned me into a lazy fool.  There have been some nights I have been to bed at 7:30 pm just because its cold and dark.  I’ll take my iPad and surf the net and pay half a mind to the television but that is not conducive to writing something for Horsetrailriders. 

 

 

Horse related, I haven’t been on a horse since Thanksgiving weekend when we had our Black Friday ride at Branched Oak.  It offered a little bit of excitement when John was bringing Windy down the sand dune hill and she did her little rear up and found no ground underneath her. 

 

 

I was taking a picture and did not “snap it” when she was airborne or when she fell at the bottom of the hill and almost rolled on John.  And would I be a bad wife to admit that I was more worried about the horse at that moment?  But all was well.  He just needs to learn to collect her when she gets a notion to descend the hill a little colorful than intended.  (Still not sure it’s a good idea for him to be riding my horse!)

 

 

The next day I trailered over to Two Rivers for what was yet a nicer day.  I rode Fancy again and practiced obstacles with Shari and Diane, my CTR friends.  Okay, so I doubt the CTR judge would ever have us dismount like this.  Unfortunately, I didn’t stick the landing but luckily the photographer didn’t catch that shot either!

 

 

Shari was much more successful at her obstacles.   What a good horse her Mika has turned out to be.

 

 

The next week we took off to sunny California for McCain’s graduation from the US Marine Corp.  And we seem to have been in the fast lane ever since. 

 

 

We stayed on base the first couple days and got to see the boys preparing for their graduation march and other recruits who were just starting their journey to become a Marine. 

 

 

The day before the graduation, McCain spent with us.  I think he ate everything they had to offer on the base from Dominos Pizza to hamburger and fries. 

 

 

California gave us one of their best days for the graduation ceremony.  Sunny and bright.  It was an honor to see these young men achieve what they have worked so hard for the last 13 weeks.

 

 

After the ceremony, we got a hotel and played tourist for a few hours.  And of course, McCain ate his way across San Diego.  Perhaps that is my excuse, too.  I seem to have forgotten I am dieting. 

 

 

Before heading to the airport, we drove over to Coronado and walked along the beach.  It was chilly but not terribly cold.  Felt good to breathe in the last breath of nice weather before heading home to winter in Nebraska. 

 

 

It was snowing before we reached the house.  And it has been cold ever since.  We had a great party here at home for McCain last weekend and have now settled into the holiday grind.  He will be home until early January and then back to San Diego.  I’m not sure I am ready to let him leave.

 

 

In other news, the dogs, John and I got to sleep in the new trailer last weekend.  We had a houseful of company for McCain’s graduation and decided we would stay in our “guest house”.  Nahla obviously claimed her spot!   Let me tell you, having ducted heat and a thermostat in the trailer is the bomb!  I don’t know why I waited so long!

 

By the way, I am not the only one buying trailers this winter.  Since I bought mine, there have been SEVEN others whom I know of who got bit with the new trailer bug!  We’ll have to have a parade of homes this spring to show them all off!

Saying Goodbye

 

 

I’ve known Camey’s parents for many years and through them I got to know her.  Age wise, I am right in the middle of mother and daughter.  Poet Rod McKuen wrote, “I might have been a better friend if I hadn’t trusted time.”  And perhaps that might have been. 

 

 

I got the news last week that Camey passed away unexpectedly.  Just forty years old, she was much too young to die.  I think that you will agree that whenever anyone close to you loses someone they love, you want to do something besides make a casserole.  Having buried both of our parents, there is not enough jobs for everyone who wants to do something.  And a lot of it you have to do yourself even though it would be nice to sub it out. 

 

 

Camey’s mom called me yesterday afternoon.  The funeral director had suggested, given Camey’s love of horses, that a horse escort her to her final resting place.  Camey comes from a quarter horse family.  They have horses I only dream of owning.  So it was an honor that they asked us to provide one of our horses for the service. 

 

 

Last year, I took Windy to honor a fallen soldier in a funeral procession.  This time we chose Fancy for the task.  We would put her in English tack with the boots Camey had “borrowed” from her mom.  John would be her handler. 

 

 

We stopped by the cemetery prior to the service to walk her through for a trial run.  The only thing that has ever bothered Fancy has been rocks with trees growing out of them.  As weird as it sounds, you see this a lot in the mountains.  So what would she think of grave stones?  Thankfully it was not an issue.  We left her in the trailer while we went to the funeral and left just a few minutes early so we could get her tacked up and ready when the procession arrived. 

 

 

She did get a little high when all the cars pulled up and mourners started walking toward her.  John gave me “the look” like things might go south.  When I look through the pictures, I only see a couple where she looked anxious.  Then she went to work. 

 

 

Camey’s mom asked me to share these pictures.  They are hauntingly beautiful.  I don’t think you have to be a horse person to appreciate the majesty it provided to such a sad event. 

 

 

But I also want to remember Camey.  Although I’ve seen her off and on the last few months, the last time I spent any time with her was on the sand bar at the family’s Eagle Creek Ranch.  She had recently had surgery and was unable to get into the water but took pictures and pointed out the waterfalls coming out of the aquifer along the side of the creek. 

 

 

The last time I remember riding with her, she was on the beautiful Peaches, a lovely buckskin mare.  We were working with a trainer on jumping.  Of course Camey didn’t need any help with that – she was an excellent rider – but she went through the motions with us.

 

 

Camey had a great relationship with her mother.  Seeing them together made me miss my mom and that bond.  I hurt so much for her family and pray they find peace in the days and years ahead. 

 

 

At the funeral today, Father read from the Song of Solomon, Chapter 2:  10-13.  I am sharing it here to remember it always.  This is Camey’s song.   

 

Song of Solomon 2:  10-13

My beloved spoke and said to me,
“Arise, my darling,
my beautiful one, come with me.
¹¹ See! The winter is past;
the rains are over and gone.
¹² Flowers appear on the earth;
the season of singing has come,
the cooing of doves
is heard in our land.
¹³ The fig tree forms its early fruit;
the blossoming vines spread their fragrance.
Arise, come, my darling;
my beautiful one, come with me.”

 

 

God Speed, my friend.  You will be missed.

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The Crucible

Just after I finished this blog post, the Devil Dogs video was put up which included McCain’s platoon.  We found him quickly and I captured this screen shot above.

My oldest son, McCain, has been away from home for going on 12 weeks.  This Thursday will be our first Thanksgiving without him in 20 years – all of his life.  We have never been apart this long since he was born.



McCain is a recruit for the United States Marines.  When he went into the deferred enlistment program, I thought I had months to get prepared.  His original ship date was February 2014.  When his recruiter gave him an opportunity to leave early, he jumped on it.  He was ready.  I certainly wasn’t.    

Tomorrow morning at 3:00 AM Pacific time, he begins The Crucible.  The best I can describe it is fifty-four hours of simulated combat using the skills they have learned over the past eleven weeks. 

Basic Facts About the Crucible*

1. Recruits will travel 48 miles on foot.
2. There are 29 problem-solving exercises.
3. The Crucible consists of 36 stations.
4. Recruits get 3 MREs during the 54 hours.
5. Recruits carry 45 pounds during the Crucible, in addition to 782 gear, uniform and M16 service rifle weight.

(more info by clicking on picture) 

When he decided he wanted to train to become a Marine, he never did mention the Crucible.  I don’t know if he didn’t know about it or just spared me.  But as soon as he left, I scoured the internet for every bit of information I could find.   In one of my letters to him, I mentioned concern about the Crucible.  He said he “couldn’t wait” and that this is what they have been training for these past months.   

The parents, family and friends of 2nd Battalion Hotel Company has a Facebook page whose moderators have had sons go through the San Diego Depot.  They keep us informed on what the recruits are doing each week, help us make good travel decisions and answer our endless questions.  It also is a way for parents of the recruits to get to know other parents, albeit just virtually at first, but perhaps in person at graduation.  I’ve learned of so many traditions through these resources.  



It is tradition that family and friends leave their porch lights on while their son is participating in the Crucible.  It is symbolic for guiding them home.  I’ve turned mine on now and will think of him when my alarm goes off a little after 5:00 AM this morning – 3:00 AM his time and the start of what will most likely be the toughest test he will ever take. 




At 7:30 AM on Wednesday, at the completion of the Crucible, he and the members of his company and platoon will receive their Eagle, Globe and Anchor and most importantly, be given the title “Marine”.  They’ve had their eye on that prize.  That is their golden ticket, their reward for the 12 weeks of hell they have endured. 

If you are so inclined, say a little prayer for McCain and flip your porch light on.

Oorah! 

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*If you are interested, here is the schedule we were given for the Crucible.

Day 1 – Monday

Reveille (2 am)
Night movement (3 am)
Recruits conduct a 6-mile hike to the Crucible site.
Events 1-3 (5: 30 am - 6:30 pm)
Event 1 – Battle of Hue City
A one-hour event in which the teams resupply water, ammunition and MREs through a course which consists of trenches, wire fences and walls.
After the resupply course, teams negotiate the warrior stations below:
Pfc Jenkins Pinnacle: Teams cross two horizontal cable-supported logs.
Pfc Garcia's Engagement: Individuals demonstrate their knowledge of hand-to-hand combat skills, and then participate in a warrior case study of Pfc. Garcia.
Lehew's Challenge: Teams of two climb over an eight-foot high horizontal log.
Corbin's Convoy: Teams react to a simulated IED while on patrol.
Event 2 – Battle of Belleau Wood: Pugil Sticks/Body Sparring
Leadership Reaction Course: A three-hour event in which the teams perform six reaction course problems which test their ability to work as a team to solve problems. Some of the problems include:

• Using three wooden boards to cross a number of stumps without touching the ground.
• Negotiating a water hole using the same wooden board concept to get from point A to point B.
• Transporting a large container over a wall using the limited resources available.

Once completing the events, the teams of two face off in a pugil stick bout.
Event 3 – Core Event and Warrior Stations
A one-hour event which can hold a maximum of six teams working concurrently.
Noonan's Casualty Evacuation: The team will recover a downed pilot and another recruit “shot” by a sniper and transport them over a mile of wooded terrain.
Enhanced Obstacle Course:  Recruits carry a dummy casualty on a stretcher and ammunition cans from one end of a standard Marine Corps obstacle course to the other, going over all obstacles.
Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP) Strikes Station: Recruits are required to demonstrate and conduct five-minute MCMAP strikes.
Core Values Station:  Recruits sit inside a hut and receive information on a particular core value from their drill instructor.

Night Event (8 pm - 11 pm)
Five-mile night hike with a time limit of three hours.
Sleep (midnight - 4 am)
Day 2 – Tuesday

Reveille (4 am)
Events 4-6 (5:30 am - 6:30 pm)
Event 4 – Battle of Fallujah
A one-hour event in which teams resupply water, ammunition and MREs through the Combat Assault Course.
Following the completion of the Battle of Fallujah, recruits negotiate a bayonet assault course and the warrior stations below:
Perez's Passage: Teams cross a “contaminated area” by swinging on ropes from “safe spot” to “safe spot.”
Kraft's Struggle: Teams climb a 10-foot wall and climb down the opposite side by a knotted rope.
John Quick Trail (Navigation Station): Basic map reading and grid coordinate plotting will be reviewed and evaluated.
Core Values Station: Recruits sit inside a hut and receive information on a particular core value from their drill instructor.

Event 5 – Battle of Mariana Islands

Combat Endurance Course: Teams have two hours to complete five events of a modified Confidence Course.
The Sky Scraper: The team retrieves a “wounded” dummy from the top of an 18-foot tower.
Stairway to Heaven: Team members move two ammunition cans over the top of a 36-foot ladder obstacle.
Two-Line Bridge: Team members cross two 52-foot long ropes with their hands and feet suspended two feet and 10 feet off the ground as they carry ammunition cans and water re-supply cans.
The Weaver: Team members climb over and under 24 logs, 42 feet in length ascending to 14 feet as they carry ammunition and water re-supply cans.
In addition to the Enhanced Confidence Course, teams go through a Combat Endurance Course.
Combat Endurance Course:  Teams conduct a simulated patrol, negotiate the obstacles and report the number and types of obstacles to intelligence sources.
Event 6 – Battle of Khe Sanh (Unknown Distance Firing)
Teams of four fire two magazines of five rounds each from simulated building structures at unknown distance targets in a time limit of 70 seconds. The number of targets hit and number of unused ammunition is then recorded.
Following Day's Defense, team members participate in a 250-meter casualty evacuation where members remove simulated casualties from a simulated danger area consisting of artillery simulators.
Night Event (8 pm - 11 pm)- Night Infiltration Course
Teams re-supply water, ammunition and MREs at night in a simulated combat environment. The teams take their ammunition cans, water cans and simulated MREs through the Combat Assault Course with the added obstacle of darkness.
Sleep (midnight - 4 am)
Day 3 – Wednesday
Reveille (3 am)
Nine-mile hike (4 am - 7 am)
Recruits conduct a nine-mile hike from the Crucible site back to the battalion.
Eagle Globe and Anchor Ceremony (7:30-8:00)
New Marines will receive an Eagle Globe and Anchor from their Drill Instructor marking their transition from a recruit to a Marine.
Warrior's Breakfast
The new MARINES are treated to a breakfast fit for only true warriors. It consists of all-you-can-eat steak, eggs and potatoes.

A Way of Life

 

 

I was meeting with some business associates in Denver a few weeks ago and at a break, finished up the banking for my new horse trailer.  When I returned from the phone call, I showed them the picture of my new toy.  Not being horse people, they had no idea that a livestock trailer could be a “camper”, as well.  And I had to explain that we do not share space with the horse.  A comment was made that this horse thing must be more than a hobby, but a “way of life”.   Such true words.

 

 

It’s cliché to say that the horse was the cheapest part of the equation.  This isn’t my first trailer purchase and probably won’t be my last.  And then there is all the tack we have bought and sold and bought again until we ended up with what we think is “just right” – at least for now.   I haven’t bought a different horse in two years and we only bought Fancy because we lost Ginger.  Before that, we hadn’t horse shopped since 2005. 

 

I drive a thirteen year old Ford Focus back and forth to work and I hope it will last another 13 years.  Its fuel economy and the lack of full coverage insurance makes it priceless and our horse toys more affordable. 

 

 

When my sister asked me what I wanted for Christmas, I told her to wait until I got the new trailer home as I am sure there is something that I will want for it.  These stars will look pretty in there.   

 

 

The miles we have traveled and the backroads we have seen has certainly been the reward for this way of life. 

 

 

And now that its our down time – winter, that is – I start looking at the calendar and counting down the days.  Do these dates look familiar?  December 22.  The sun sets about one minute later than the day before.  And the next day we get another minute and then another minute and before long it is …..  March 9.  Not only the day before my birthday but the day I thank the government for Daylight Saving Time and get another big chunk of daylight!   Sixty minutes worth! 

 

The first Wednesday in April is usually the opening season of the Platte River Riders and in May, is the Friday Before Mother’s Day.  And by then, we usually have a June riding trip planned.  And since we have started to do competitive trail rides, I am looking forward to the release of their 2014 ride schedule. 

 

You get the idea. 

 

 

Yesterday we had our first snow and as I look out the window at 5:26 PM, it is almost dark.  Gray November.  When I asked Siri what the temperature was, even “she” said “Brr!”   She’s got that right!

 

It’s not that this way of life comes to a screaming halt with the first snow fall.  There was Expo last weekend and if it isn’t too cold, we will have our Black Friday ride the day after Thanksgiving. 

 

 

Non-horse related, we will be heading to San Diego soon as our oldest son will be graduating from Marine boot camp.  He will be home for the holidays so when we want time to slow down, it will probably speed up.  Our youngest son is playing basketball this year and that will help speed along the really cold months.  And before long we can get back to the horse way of life. 

 

 

 

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Christmas Came Early

 

 

Seriously, I didn’t plan to buy a new trailer this year.  I didn’t really think I would be buying one for several years.  Oh, the thought crossed my mind occasionally or every time I fell over John’s boots in our Sundowner.  I kept telling him to put them in the back of the trailer and he said they would be too cold in the morning.  Since my Luggable Loo was back there, I knew all about the chilly mornings in the back of the trailer!  Then add the dogs to the mix – yes, it seems Nahla is now a camping dog, too – and the walls of my little Sundowner started to close in on me. 

 

I was scrolling through the online horse trailer ads and found what I thought would be the perfect trailer for us.  Never mind that it was in Tennessee!  I had the bug really bad!  So bad that I listed mine for sale and sold it in a matter of days.  It seemed to be a hot little item!  Then I talked John into driving to the AQHA World Show in Oklahoma City.  What a great opportunity to see all the choices side by side at that event’s huge trade show!  The night before we were to leave for Oklahoma, we went and looked at a trailer locally that some friends, Jody and Rich, were selling.  Seriously, it was everything we wanted and almost brand spanking new.  John said perhaps we didn’t need to go to Oklahoma after all.  But I wanted to shop around.  

 

 

I could drag this post out about every trailer we saw at the World Show last weekend.  (Example is the one in the picture above).  It came down to going outside our budget to get a top of the line model, buying one a bit more affordable but without all the bells and whistles we wanted or going home and buying the one we looked at before we left for Oklahoma.  I called my friends and it was still available so we headed back to Nebraska.

 

 

Our new-to-us trailer is a 2012 Maverick.  It is a 3 horse trailer with a 13’ short wall living quarters, 8’ wide and 25’ on the floor.  I wanted a 3 horse, I wanted 8 foot wide.  I originally had my heart set on a slide-out, but John was not keen on that idea, so by going with a longer short wall, I got the space that I wanted.  It’s only a foot longer than our old 4 horse Titan.   It has the living quarter door on the curb side which was what I wanted.  It has a huge awning, too.  Having had one on my Titan that we rarely used, an awning was not on my list of “must have” items.  But it is certainly nice to get one by default. 

 

 

It has a rear removable tack room and mangers on the side.  Both of these items were on my wish list.  There are lights on both sides of the trailer and a loading light on the back.  After having to saddle in the dark at the last CTR, having lights on both sides was on my must have list.

 

 

The Maverick is made by Hoosier Trailers and manufactured in Indiana.  It is steel framed and aluminum skinned.  Although I was hoping for all aluminum, we were okay with this combination.  Our trailer is shedded and we don’t usually drive it in the winter, so the steel frame does not scare us; just adds some weight to the overall rig. 

 

 

We let the mares step into it today.  Windy snorted a few times before proceeding.  It has been awhile since she has been in a slant load trailer as both my Sundowners – the one I sold and my bumper pull – are straight loads. 

 

 

 

I was a bit worried if Fancy would back out.  She is used to stepping out on a ramp and since she has been with us, not loaded in a slant.  But she had no problems loading or unloading.  By the way, the floor is a Rumber floor. 

 

When I unloaded my Sundowner last week, I stored all the items in my living quarters in the SUV.  So today, I moved into our new Maverick.  Now for the good stuff!  Let me take you on a little tour.

 

 

This first shot is looking in the door.  I had the Navajo blanket on the bed in my old trailer and thought it would add a splash of color to this new trailer.  I hope to incorporate some of its color into the sconces behind it as well.

 

 

 

The couch is very comfortable – might be some memory foam in it – and folds down into a bed.  I hope to get some different pillows to add a little more color to the room. 

 

 

The trailer came with the mattress which Jody had purchased for it.  I added the memory foam mattress I had in my Sundowner and it makes for a very comfortable bed.  I used the bedding I had in that trailer but will be on the lookout for something new in those Navajo colors. 

 

 

There are tons of cupboards.  Oh. My. Gosh.  I could bring the kitchen sink if it didn’t already have one!  That cupboard on the left is John’s.  It even has a bar for him to hang his clothes.  He won’t have to put his bag in the back.  And look on the right.  A TV!  I bought this TV for my Sundowner several years ago and John would never install it.  Long story.  But here is my TV!!  And check out all the lights and the light switches.  I won’t need my little LED flashlights any more! 

 

 

John’s cupboard opened.  Look how much space he has!  He has enough room in his cupboard to also store the big owners manual for this trailer! 

 

 

Here would be the view from the bed to the back of the trailer.  What is beyond that first door?  Just wait and see! 

 

 

Having a flat top stove was also on my list and viola, I got one of those, too!  And if case you didn’t notice the big mammoth refrigerator to the right of the above picture, it is there.  And I love it.  Complete with a freezer!  It runs on electricity or propane so I can use it when we have full power or are boon docking. 

 

 

On a popular horse trail riding Facebook page, I asked members what they liked about their living quarters.  Many said their double sink.  Admittedly, this wasn’t something I thought about as dishes are never at the top of my list.  But since it was important to some, perhaps it will be something I appreciate. 

 

 

Check out this wardrobe!  That is MY clothes closet!  It even has drawers for underwear and socks!   I can store winter clothes and summer clothes and jeans and hats….  And look how pretty it is!

 

 

And see that bottom cupboard on the right?  That is where John can store his big boots!  I will never have to fall over them again.  My 4 pair of boots will fit in the left side of that cupboard quite nicely. 

 

 

There is more storage above and under the couch.  It comes with a nice stereo with a CD player and inside and outside speakers.  In the ceiling you will notice a vent.  The heat and air conditioning are vented throughout the trailer.  There is a thermostat on the wall.  Best of all, the furnace runs without electricity!  I will never be cold again! 

 

 

This trailer is equipped with a full bathroom and a walk-thru door to the horse area.  Actually having a porcelain toilet inside makes me wonder if I will ever need to go to the horse area from the inside again!  There is a pocket door (not shown) that closes the bathroom off from the living quarters. 

 

 

It’s hard to photograph a bathroom.  Here is the toilet.  The fuse box is behind it and then there are two cupboards above it. 

 

 

Across from the toilet are the shower and vanity.  The shower has a skylight above it and features a curved glass door.  It is very roomy.  With a gas hot water heater, it will be great to be able to clean up after a long day.  Gasp – I know – so unlike me! 

 

 

Finally, the dogs fit.  Although they both found a spot on the bed while I took these pictures, most likely when camping, Pip will be on the couch – those long poodle legs all sprawled out.  Most likely you’ll find Nahla just where she is in the picture. 

 

I am really excited for next year’s camping season.  I know we’ll be more comfortable, the horses will be more comfortable and obviously the dogs will be happy.  It took me all of ten days to decide to sell, sell and then buy new.  Sometimes I can be a wee it impulsive.

 

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