almost made it

decided to head out despite storm warnings. Hoped no tornados and
figured we could ride through heavy rain and wind.
Was overcast temp dropping wind picking up but dry when Mary drove up
to say we were still about 9 miles away, severe storm right on our
heels, did we want to trailer in?

Oh nooo says the cocky rider, we'll make it. Mary drives off. I look
at my phone- 6 miles to the turnoff, 2 hours. shortly after. vehicles
coming our way have lights on. Hmmm. Wind starts whipping trees. Sky
turns so dark its like a shadow fallin over the countryside.
Sprinkles... raindrops...
then with crack of thunder, howling wind sweeps down, driving huge
sheets of rain in terrific waves across the road and through the
bowing, twisting trees.

By this time I.ve got Walter frantically racing along in his fastest
trot, in a vain attempt to outrun the storm. Then I suddenly
understand why the vehicles had lights on. I can,t see 20 feet ahead.

We take shelter under a tree canopy on a rural driveway in front of a
locked gate. I huddle there feling water seep in btween my seat and
the saddle, Walt with his back to the wind and ears flat.
Contemplating my options. Phone rings. Cant take it out to answer.
Finally decide to ride to next available shelter- anywhere- and wait
for lull, hours if need be.

Ride just up next rise - a crossroads, buildings- and there,s Mary
pulling up with a stock trailer. She jumps out and waves us over with
a big grin shining through the rain. "Get in, girl!"

Walter hopped in, packs and all. Turns out we were in fact only 5
miles away - we rode about 1-13 miles - almost made it.

But man, was I ever relieved to see Mary and that trailer! And so
grateful to her for coming when I didnt answer the phone. Tonight Sir
Walter the Red is holdin court in his own corral and covered run-in,
surrounded by Mary and Johnny's herd. I'm in thier cozy LQ trailer.
We'll be here for a day or two so Walter can rest up. And I can visit
with friends.

Mary and Walter