Post by Menley Adams on Jan 31, 2011 20:47:59 GMT 2
He needed to stretch his legs, and she needed to stretch her soul. The dogs needed the exercise, and she needed the time to clear her mind. They would all benefit from this little trek into the mountain range. She knew of the dangers, and that was why she carried. She was licensed and legal, and the colt revolver hung at her hip. She wasn't going to mess with the threats and warnings of mountain lions and other predators up here. She wasn't stupid, and she wasn't about to lose herself or any of her animals to the carnivores. Singer and Rayden could hold on their own for a little while, especially if they worked together. The dogs were used to hard work, but she wasn't going to risk them. They were all that she had, as well as the black gelding beneath her. Bailou was what she had spent most of her life savings on, and she didn't regret it. The dogs and the horse were her life now, and she wasn't going to cost them their lives. If she sensed too much danger, or if the animals were too nervous, they'd be out of there in seconds. She wasn't playing around.
Menley Adams was as hard as the earth beneath her horse's feet. She didn't take anything from anyone, and that was why she believed herself strong enough to face the Rickshaw Mountains. Her dalmatian Singer and her border collie mix Rayden had been at her side for the past two years for everything. They were fit and trained to a tee. They listened to the whistles and the commands that came forth from Menley's lips, and Bailou was no stranger to her signals either. They four of them knew one another inside and out, and that was what got them through most things. Right now, Menley needed to let them run. They hadn't been on a good run since they had left Nevada, and that wasn't fair. The dogs were antsy, and Bailou was frustrated. He was just as free as the rest of them were, and the mixed gelding needed to stretch his legs as much as he needed to stretch his mind. If she kept him cooped up for too long, bad things could happen.
So she had pulled the diesel ford truck and trailer over on the side of the road. She drove it down an obviously used dirt path, not worried about getting stuck. There was no mud around right now, and even the snow wasn't going to be a big help, it was still maneuverable. She had gotten out of tough and sticky situations before, so she wasn't nervous. Pulling over and parking the vehicle, she let the dogs out and warned the black and white pair to stay close. They obeyed, but explored a little ways out. She didn't mind them that far, but any further and she was going to call them back. Singer and Rayden wouldn't wander however, for that she was certain. Going to the trailer, she opened the side door and unclipped her horse's trailer tie after giving him an affectionate rub. He pushed at her hand, obviously excited about getting out. She told him to stand, and he did so, knowing what was coming next. They went through this routine constantly. She unlatched and put down the ramp. His butt bar came undone in another instant, and the black horse came backing out calmly and easily enough.
She patted his muscled neck and led him to the side of the trailer after clipping the lead on him. Leaving him ground tied, she retrieved the big circle y saddle from the front of the trailer and her saddle blanket as well. It didn't take her long to tack up the black gelding, and they were soon ready for the ride. Closing up the truck and trailer, she grabbed her cell phone and her stetson. Shoving the black stetson onto her head, she made sure her black carhartt was tight around her. Her jeans would keep her warm enough ,and the cowboy boots would keep her warm and dry. She was ready, and so were her animals. In another instant, she asked Bailou to walk forward, and he went willingly, tossing his ebony head as he went. She only smiled, knowing he wanted to run. But they needed to walk calmly first. Menley patted his neck affectionately, and then let him warm up his joints and his muscles before their gallop. Of course she needed to be careful of the ground, so she wasn't sure how long the run would last. The dogs were ready to go, but it was when she heard a low growl from Singer that she turned to look. Her hand went to her hip almost immediately, but she saw nothing. On slight edge, she asked Bailou to keep moving, whistling sharply to her dogs as well. If this got anymore tense they would turn back. She wasn't sure what Singer had heard, but she wouldn't take advantage of that fact.
