Dear Reader,

Jim and I both got to ride Abe, our mammoth donkeys. I said I'd take pictures, but alas, the batteries were kaput! We see them in about two weeks and vow to take extra batteries with us.

Riding a mammoth donkey on a treeless saddle is a smooth comfortable experience, let me tell you! They are narrower in the withers than a horse, and that adds to the comfort. A few more weeks and we are on our own with them! I am learning a lot from our trainer on how to be a good donkey owner and rider. No eating on the trail (the donkeys, that is)! No looking around and wandering about! We are working. And also, treats make the fellas into mush-brained carrot heads, so we are just going to give them treats at home, not on the trail.

Trooper was just a bit goosey, so Mom doesn't get to ride him just yet. Maybe next time!

Best to you,

Auriel