 1 Three crazy paniolos ready to set out on the trail...that's Kathy and Michelle helping me celebrate my birthday by going on adventures we have talked about while hiking or whatever...time to do 'em! I am so fortunate to have friends who are so game! Turns out, they're excellent horsewomen! |
 2 Michelle grew up on a Nebraska farm and got to barrel race as a kid! I think she said this is the first time she's been on a horse since she was about 11? And Kathy since about the same age. I've ridden very lightly since about age 15 - maybe a walk or a trot once or twice on a trail ride. This was really riding today, though. I'm glad we picked this ranch. |
 3 Kathy getting all cinched up - or her horse, Scarlet, rather. Kathy is wearing the friendship dress which Angel passed along to me. This dress collects adventures as it passes from friend to friend. I think that Annie gave it to Angel? Correct me...I think Kathy looks amazing in it! And on a horse, too! I had no idea she'd throw it on today before hopping onto the horse. She is such a wild one! |
 4 This is my horse, Buster, eyeing me. He really gave me a bit of a working over, trying to figure out which of us was going to be boss of the ride. I think we reached a bit of an agreement, but I by no means won. I don't think you ever do with a beast that size. But you at least present a very convincing argument that buys you some time until the next time he or she decides to test you. Perhaps that's what parenthood is all about...hmmm... |
 5 Ready to roll! A really nice guy named John and his daughter were along for the ride as well. He took some pictures with my camera, and also with his new Nikon 5000 WHILE CANTERING, no less. I have no idea how he did that. It was all I could do to keep Buster from spooking when Kathy's hat flew off and sailed right toward us. Whew! I was like ... yeah, I know what he's thinking...here it comes... (and mom asked me on the phone tonight - "was there any (pause) danger?") Nahhh. |
 6 Wearing combat boots - closest thing I have to cowboy boots. Michelle has a neighbor friend from Arizona who has cowboy boots, so she got to wear them! She looked amazing! |
 7 On our way! Gorgeous countryside. |
 8 Through the woods...there's John snapping and riding. |
 9 Looking out over Lai'e. We cantered up a hill to this point. The horses enjoyed charging up. |
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 11 Back to the stable after almost 2 hours out on the trail. I am really ready to go again. Kathy says she'd like to try jumping (like riding English) next time. I think I will have to ride a bit more to endure an English saddle again - nothing like that kind of saddle to expose all your poor form and under-exercised riding muscles. But it would really be fun to continue riding together! |
 12 Doesn't she look fantastic?! I love how their hairstyle is similar :) |
 13 Trying to buy the hat...couldn't wrangle it out of them, so went to Salvation Army and found one tonight. Not quite the same. |
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 15 That's right. |
 16 This hat fit perfectly. Size 10 quadruple X? huh? that sounds big. I managed to keep it on the whole time (you canter with your head pointing down so the wind pushes the hat on vs sending it off like a sail). During our last gallop - which is what it turned out to be - I had my hands full keeping Buster from grabbing the bit with his teeth and tearing off to race the other two. He really wanted to win and he was quite fast. But being the good, compliant lady I really tried not to let him let completely loose. Nevertheless...lost the hat! John hopped off and got it. Thanks again! |
 17 Sarah Jane, our guide. |
 18 We found a glass slipper while out running! (It's truly a slipper - Hawaii version (i.e. sandal) and it's clear plastic with a glittery heart!). Sam thought a princess we know, Anneliese, might fit it! |
 19 Out buying cowboy hats at Goodwill! I LOVE Ben's but his head is already too big for it! |
 20 Horsing around...ha ha - get it!? |
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 23 Cute cowboy!!! |
 24 The mask fits great now, mom! |
 25 Very interesting it "Tot-ter!" |
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 27 Out SUP-ing with Heidi! |
 28 Came back to give my buddy a ride. |
 29 He's holding the board for me while I get his life jacket. So nice to have a big guy who can manage a 12 foot board! |
 30 Look who's paddling! |
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 32 There's a new Sherriff in town! |
 33 And he's got a great sense of humor :) |
 34 My buddy Heidi! |
 35 The camera went swimming :) |
 36 Still some water on that lens! We are having sushi and cake picnic on Heidi's front lawn. |
 37 Yeah!!! |
 38 Thanks for a great time, Heidi! |
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 40 Sometimes you just gotta go crazy with cake, Mom! You do it like this... |
 41 Product??? |
 42 We hollered for Holly to come out ... Ben wanted to put his "hat" on her, too! |
 43 Heidi and Holly helped hose down my cake monsters. |
 44 Can you peer inside the truck to see what Heidi's laughing about? Some little buddies were pretty wild! |
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 46 Adventure day #3 - out paddling in a Hawaiian canoe on base. We had to do a little prep, first. Bail the bugs, girls! I see one supervising! |
 47 Angel showing us how to paddle... |
 48 From bow to stern: Angel, Kiela, Kathy, me, Michelle, Heidi (steersman). |
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 51 Alli No! Don't tip us! |
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 55 Angel made me this belly dancing outfit for my birthday, and another upcoming adventure. Still classified... |
 56 Off we go! |
 57 And a video demonstration. She really kept us fired up while we were battling wind and current! And no huli! (No tip!) |
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