Right after breakfast, my husband gave a devotional and then it was time to "saddle up our horses - we had a trail to blaze"! My horse Scout and I made an agreement. If he would just carry me along with no need to show off, I wouldn't put any unnecessary requirements upon him. Except I did ask him to sidle up to a rock so I could get on him - he is a tall horse. Scout did a good job keeping up his end of the bargain. Turns out he is very confident in himself and feels no need to impress other horses. That's pretty good for a rodeo horse - he gets used for team roping usually.
So we took off into the Owyhee Mountains. Our objective was to search out the grave of Spanish Charlie. I know, that sounds kind of weird. But that's the kind of stuff you do in the wild west. So off we went. Here are a few of us.
We had a fun mixture of ages and talents in our group. We had real cowboys, cowboy wives, kids, teens, dogs and anyone or anything else that wanted to tag along.
Here is a picture of Matt milking his horse. Yep, that's what I said. Milking his horse. It seems this mare has a foal being weaned and she was a might bit, well uncomfortable. So Matt just did what any good cowboy would do!
We climbed mountains and forded streams. We were in beautiful, rough land and it wouldn't have suprised me a bit to see Indian's on the horizon!
I learned that Succor Creek was named so because back in time a group of pioneers were captured by some indians in that area. The Calvary rode in and saved them right there at the water. Succor means saved. The name stuck. One of my daughters thought about having her wedding at Succor Creek. I told her she probably didn't want the name Succor on her wedding invitation. I didn't know what it meant at that time. I still don't think it would look nice on a wedding invitation though. I'm just saying.
We stopped to rest occasionally and enjoyed some wild elderberries and cold water. And finally, we found the grave we were looking for. Spanish Charlie's final resting place.
The story goes that Spanish Charlie was a Mexican who lived in the hills. He was evidently well known. He angered somebody and in a fight the other man shot Spanish Charlie in the back as he turned to find his gun. The other man was cleared of any crime and didn't serve any time for his actions. I would like to have known what they were fighting about but nobody seemed to know. Maybe they will make a movie about it someday. I would like to know things like, Was there a woman involved? Who buried Spanish Charlie and so lovingly marked his grave? Maybe there was a bank robbery and Spanish Charlie knew who the robber was. Maybe the loot is still there somewhere just waiting to be found. There could be a million interesting facts - but I guess they all went to the grave with Charlie.
Well, we finally decided we better get back to camp because by this time the camp cooks were grilling steaks and serving wonderful foods like Blackberry Cobbler and pasta salads, and fresh cherries. We couldn't wait!
The annual horseback ride includes romance too! This couple actually met at last year's ride and now they are married!
And speaking of romance - here is me and my cowboy.
Doesn't he look good in that Stetson hat?
All in all it was a great day. But it was even greater to get home and shower and sit on the patio and enjoy one of these!
9 comments:
What a neat time!
You are such a cute couple! Your husband does look very nice in a cowboy hat. I'd say he looks handsome, but it always feels strange to compliment another woman's man. So I'm sticking with nice. :) My husband has ZERO cowboy in him, but I think he'd look darn cute in the get up.
By the way, you look like a woman of about twenty-five in that photo! God has blessed you with some youthful genes, I'd say!
What fun!
Oh Robin, Dennis and I so wanted to go this year, but we help put together a 50th Anniversary for his Aunt and Uncle. It was nice. Well next year, we will have to make plans to go. The problem is my saddle I believe has shrunk over the years. hehehe
It looks like you all had a blast. I love your pictures. I feel like I'm out on the trail with you all. :) And, I love Starbucks, but I think you're right about camp coffee. Same with hot dogs over an open flame.
Robin thank you so much for sharing what was a beautiful day with your family and friends the pictures are just awesome and I am very intrigued with the story about Spanish Charlie would be nice to know what really happened.you and your hubby make a very handsome couple,have an awesome day (hugs from the Island):0)
This looks like a lot of fun. I always wanted to be a cowgirl. My brother has a ranch and he lets me help with his cattle, to fulfill my cowgirl fantasy:) The history part is just as intriguing to me. I think you should find out what really happened to Spanish Charlie -- or make it up -- and write a book.
What fun for your church to do annually!
Thank you for commenting on my blog about our little Dody. I love your blog and will be back! Love the name too!
Katherine
Gosh, that looks like so much fun!
Great pictures!
Where are you that it's so hot now...I thought we were the only ones to get such high temps here in the deep south! But I think this summer the west has been sweltering.
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