Embrace Wonder....

Kia has become so much more energetic and active lately. She really really enjoys this crazy Baby Einstein Jumparoo. Yes its garish, and goes completely against my own personal aesthetics, however what the heck, she is having a blast and it really satisfies her natural sense of curiosity. Not to mention all the bouncing and jumping she can do! Abuelita got it for her for Christmas and I just ordered it on Amazon. WOOO hooo Kia is going to go nuts!! Check it out:::

OK here it Kia's Magic Playboat complete with sail, star, Arcade Fire, and birds!

I am so amazed at this whole "being a Mommy" concept. I never knew I had such a capacity to love so unconditionally. We are absolutely 'ga ga' over this Baby! *Sigh* what a blessing.

So I am going to play on this idea a little more, make a little 'sail' and cover her in more toys. Maybe she will be a little perkier...and make another video kinda inspired by Max's journey in Sendak's "Where the Wild Things are."

So its pretty much the end of October and we are still able not only to ride, but without jackets! This is why we live in Pagosa Springs. Beautiful and accesible wilderness and fantastic weather. Now wonderful friends. Had a chance to ride to Turkey Springs with Aurora and Annie. It was such a break for me to be able to ride with the girls. We even had a chance to do some bushwacking, and exploring. We fell upon a new trail that took us to a fantastic overlook, (camera was back in the truck) where we were able to look down upon the valley West towards The Parelli Ranch. Got some fun long lopes in, and some tackety tack's on my fuzz~ball Peruvian Paso, Cheyenne. That girl is *ready* for winter! I knew Baby Kia was in good hands with her Daddy, and we enjoyed an amazing Fall day. Granted Kia was more than ready for some Mommy's milk upon my return. However its becoming more and more possible to 'stretch' that proverbial umbilical cord as Emily likes to say...

OK, so maybe it was a little too hopeful to haul horses up near 12,000 ft. to The Continental Divide Trail. Yes we got stuck; and Aurora's Hubby, Ryan came to our rescue, got the truck and trailer turned around and back down the mountain. Even so we ended up having a great ride at a little lower elevation. Turkey Creek. After a little picnic, I took care of baby Kia, Ken got her settled in The Baby Bjorn whilst Aurora and I headed up the trail. The Aspens were blinding, and we were literally walking on a trail of gold. At the top we got off our horses and just took in the stunning vista. Ken and Baby Kia joined us and we got some fun pix at the overlook. Even after our little mishap we enjoyed a beautiful day 'a~horseback' and I am very impressed that we are still able to be up in the mountains in October!!

I have not been truly moved by music in quite a while, and this one gave me the chills...

I am reminded each ride of why we live in Pagosa Springs. Had the opportunity to take my Mommy friend Annie out on a ride/hike to Piedra Canyon. Ken hiked with Baby Kia, and I had Annie ride Aussie. It was the perfect day, cool crisp air, with the sun shining bright. We lavished in the wake of falling golden leaves swirling around us as we emerged from the canyon walls of the Piedra. Had a lovely picnic on the river in a little niche, and fed Kia her peas. I love how she opens her mouth in acceptance to them like a little guppy. Annie and Ken were engaged in conversation when I noticed that she was sitting upright on her own! First time! Amazing every day its something new. Good day, good friend, good horses, good dog, great baby, sweet hubbie. You cant help but smile.

How could I resist?

Behold a screamin' squealin' kickin' and squeakin' 6 month old happy Baby Kia in her Peruvian Party Hat that Chavi gave her! I dare you, just you *try* not to smile!!

I dont' know, perhaps its from guiding horseback trips for over a decade, but lately I have been really enjoying going out riding by myself. I can take a deep breath. Breathe. Not talk. Don't have to entertain. Nor smile. Not on stage. No pressure to give people a good time, but keep them safe. Or hear "can we lope"?? Or "how old is my horse".... or pick up fallen waterbottles......check cinches.....So this weekend I went out with my two horses to Turkey Springs. Aussie was "The Phantom Horse" trotting along behind me and Cheyenne. It was such a great feeling to have Aus loping next to me. Really made me smile inside. The air was crisp with fall, the ground crunchy and aspen and oak turning a beautiful pallet of red, orange, and yellow.........

We havent' traveled that much this summer so it was nice to getaway for Ken's birthday. We spent an evening in Albuquerque smack downtown which is surreal in itself. (Got a great deal on Hotwire). Did our shopping and were off to Santa Fe where our Airstream awaited at Ten Thousand Waves. A traditional Japanese Spa in the mountains just up from The Plaza. It was like old times and very cozy in The Silver Moon...Kia was all tucked away on the dinette in her Moses basket bassinet. We had an evening soak, and Kia was a trooper staying up way past her bedtime. My favorite moment from this trip, (other than my "Nose to Toes" massage treatment) was when I got up to nurse Kia, we shared a quiet moment of cuddling in the early morning hours. Kia was full of smiles and cheeps, then blissfully gave in to more sleep.

After a beautiful lunch in the gardens at Cafe de la Sena near The Plaza we headed up to Taos where we had a chance to stay with Chavi. The next morning we met up with Sara Honeycutt at a Pueblo birthday celebration. Kia was blessed by a Pueblo Native American and we drank the headwaters of life from Blue Lake in an authentic tee pee. Of course on our way out of Taos we had to stop by Toribio's for my favorite pork torta. It was quite the birthday trip for Ken but as always good to be back home.........

Ooooh these are the golden days of baby lovliness! Slapping her sides, looking at her feet as if to say "Whoa check ME out!"

Just have to laugh as Kia wobbles in complete glee as she begins to discover her mobility!!

Even though we didn’t make it to the Folk Festival we had a fantastic Labor Day weekend. I had a chance to visit with the Sharp family, who own Superior Stables. Jaime, Doug & Katie took their time in showing me and Kia their stunning Gypsy Vanners. Ahhh yet another dream horse of mine! What a gift to be literally surrounded by them. Kia was literally reaching out to curious Vanner noses. The British Gypsy’s bred these beauties to pull their caravans while maintaining a level~headed and quiet demeanor. Indeed. Their disposition reminded me so much of Eli my late Norwegian Fjord. I am literally now dreaming of Gypsy Vanner’s.

I took the plunge; literally into Kia’s guppy mouth and we introduced solids. The pictures basically describe the whole experience. Complete bewilderment, disgust, and more rice cereal ended up on her face than in her tummy. But we will keep at it. At least she didn’t pitch a fit like when I had the audacity to try use a bottle….Kia eating solids will also buy me more time in the saddle!!

Speaking of, as Emily always said. We did a little ‘nip and tuck’ ourselves at the Middle Fork Trailhead. We hiked up to the switchbacks and got more of a visual how the Middle Fork meets up with Lobo Loop; (where we were last weekend with Cheyenne and Baby Kia in the storm). I love visualizing how these trails connect. More recon for next summer’s epic rides. The lay of the trail system is making more sense to me out here now, even though my rides have been limited to a few hours….nip and tuck and one day connect.

Ahhh more baby lovliness!

...and just turned 5 months old September 1st! She is growing up before our very eyes! Check it out:::

The high country has such a strong draw for me. Luckily Ken is supportive of hiking along with Kia so I can get some rides in before our window closes into winter. Last weekend he scouted the CDT at Lobo Trailhead; where apparently he was ‘looking down on me’ hanging precipitously on the edge of the world last weekend with Aussie. True enough. On top of Wolf Creek Pass, you drive up another few miles to the radio/cell tower to access the Lobo Trailhead and you are literally right on the CDT. Ahhh instant gratification.

This time Ken hiked with Kia in the Bjorn. (I wonder how many 5 month old babies have been on the CDT?) I saddled up Cheyenne, and tackety tacked past him. We had cell service hence the cell tower near by, and told him I saw a storm brewing. So we had our little picnic in what was once a bog but now dry. We gobbled down our goodies in the tall grasses; and off we went to run from the storm. It was pretty dramatic grumbling behind us with dark skies. I made it back to the truck to discover a flat, but had it close to changed when Ken arrived with Baby. Jumped in the truck and down down we went and the heavens opened up. Ken looked at me and said “wow that got a little “Western” !! Good timing; and fun adventure!

Not only is Pagosa Springs an amazing take off for stunning wilderness but as it’s namesake implies it offers the ever popular hot springs. AND 7.00 local Tuesdays!

After getting Annie’s email and now that Kia is almost 5 months I figured it was time to literally take the plunge. We had a good mommy turnout. Sabrina was there with Iris, Laura came with Ruby, and Annie with little Isobelle.

I cant’ say Kia totally enjoyed it yet, but it was interesting stimulation for her. At least until we ran a little past naptime. But as you can see, Kia’ is a pro as Annie likes to say “Chillaxing”… and THANK you Sarah rah for lending us the floppy hat and baby Gap swimsuit. OOoooo can she be any more adorable?!?!?!

……on the Continental Divide Trail! With Kia being completely dependent on me for food, I must say finding windows of time to ride have been a luxury. Even so with Ken’s help we have made it happen. All summer I have been intrigued with riding on the CDT. However even though most trails from Pagosa Springs eventually end up on the CDT, it can take you hours or days to get up that high. This time I cheated. We hauled Aussie up to Wolf Creek Pass which is directly upon the Continental Divide. Talk about immediate satisfaction. I started at 11,000 ft. at the trail head. I climbed a couple of steep switchbacks and I was THERE! On top of the world! Literally. I thought I was ok with steep trails until now. The trail was literally clinging to dear life on the edge of precipitous gravel slopes. Between the strong wind gusts and realizing my eyes were popping out of my head and my knees were quivering I got off and walked. Chama trotted the narrow trail in front of me and Auz; while we literally tip toed on a razor edge. I got behind some trees to block the wind and got a text message from Ken. He was on the other side of the highway on the Lobo Overlook trail even higher than I was. He said he could see the ridge I was on and he was looking down on me. How it was possible I do not know for I felt like I was eye level with the mountain ranges in either side of me, and Pagosa Springs was looming below me in the distance to my West.

Ahhh Pagosa Springs. Even though last weekend made us realize how much we missed the city and all its conveniences; riding the CDT made me realize exactly why we are here. Wilderness. The high country. It is indeed “other worldy”. A magical place. Illusive. Ethereal. Only allowing brief glimpses and short windows into its secrets. Which was revealed to me as the clouds darkened and the wind grew stronger. Deciding to brave it, I jumped on Aussie to ride what I had walked before. Light headed, knees shaking, trying to remain cool, watching the trail before me and not beneath me, Aussie walked the downward side of the narrow trail with complete confidence. At least until rocks began to fall upon us from above as Chama appeared out of nowhere tumbling towards us on the worst possible part of the edge of the world we were balanced upon. After I got to a spot where I could dismount I recollected myself and decided to lead Auz again. Its one thing if I go tumbling down a mountain but poor Kia needs her mom right?

Once back on the switchbacks upon our decent I inhaled the sweet fragrance of crisp mountain air deeply, and smiled as I passed the rock field full of chirping picas. Ken was waiting for me at the trailhead with Baby Kia and my heart could not have been more full of the stuff that makes you put life and all its challenges into the right perspective.