Tuolumne County Journey

Calaveras County is adjacent to both Amador and Tuolumne Counties. Having lived here about a year now, it's finally come time to explore a little more. I still have not even begun to touch all the parts of Calaveras, and have much exploring to do right here, but I could not resist the urge to go across the bridge, wander, and shoot. I poked around a while in Sonora, then got an invitation to get away for a day. Way way far, up and away.

Long Barn is high in the hills above Sonora...mostly surrounded by National Forest Service land. Very rustic and lovely...if you like trees. I had the honor of being introduced to a sweet family who've got a place up there. It reminds me a lot of our little homestead. It's primitive as regards amenities, but worth all that for the beauty of it all. It really did feel like home right away.

The matriarch of the family is Sandy, and she's got a soft spot for abandoned and neglected horses. She's become something of a little rescue project all by herself. These animals are very happy to have found a nice home. About once a week they're REALLY happy. That's when they get to go out and run loose until they tire out.

Adjacent to Sandy's place is a huge meadow. Approx 50-60 acres. Wild flowers, a little creek, lots of grass and lots of room to run loose. I know next to nothing about horses, but I'm learning a little. What I learned this day is that they're a lot like dogs. They are social, have complicated relationships within their herd, complex personalities as individuals, and they like to play.

I do too. It was a really really nice was to spend a morning. Thanks Sandy.