The 3rd Annual Gathering

This is the Sparking Boy campus over Labor Day weekend. Ian and I are just about done getting cleaned up after five days of guests. I think the dogs will be traumatized for longer than that. Ian took down the last tent today. We had about 30 people at night, plus neighbors and various and sundry dogs.

Our first guest arrived Thursday, Ian's friend from way back in com-
munity college. He's retired and has taken up claw hammer banjo, following the music festivals. He chose us over Strawberry this year! Friday afternoon, we had equestrian guests, much to the delight of our grandchildren.
Audrey is riding with Belle who is so tiny that her feet don't even reach the horse's belly. Rogan rode alone on Mercedes but the wind was blowing most of the time so he rode with one hand and hung onto his hat with other. That's Carol who says that riding Mercedes is like riding a sofa.
And, dismount. Belle is so teeny and so confident. Audrey rode Mercedes over last year by herself. Belle's grandmother came over first and opened the gate for the kids - they were an even bigger hit this year.
Since we're fenced, the kids just released their horses and went to play with our grandkids. As you can see, our gate is to the left. Those late arrivals were in for quite the surprise.



Um, look. There's a horse running down the fire break.




Um, look. There's a Forester with a tear drop trailer running down the fire break, flanked by niece Allison and Uncle Ian. We had so much family and so much fun. In truth, for me it started at the airport where I met my grandson and his parents. The Gathering was so full that I have to post it in pieces - sorry. It's my bedtime - to be continued.