The Kokanee Salmon were swimming upstream in Taylor Creek.

A big brown bear stood tall in the middle of the river.

He swipeed his paw over and over again, scooping out his dinner.

Cars came to a stop; passengers flowed out of the doors and rushed across the street to see all the fuss.

Tri-pods were standing in place. Pictures and gawkers filled up the damp fall shadows that lined the river's edge.

They stood on the bridge, every camera and photo phone in hand.

Excitement over the sight of the large brown bear was palpable.  

From a distance he looked so furry and fun; cuddly even.

Groping for salmon, he was unaware of the fuss that was brewing around this scene.  It was both eye-popping and comical.  

Kids were on their parent's shoulders to get a better look at the giant stuffed animal; the living breathing big boy with bright red fish in his jaw.

A sight to behold.

Grandkids in the back seat, squealed at the sight, allowed me to drive on without the unscheduled stop, to safely deposit them home after a day with grandpa and gramma.

Pumpkins were the order of the day and we came home with plenty.  Big ones, smaller ones; one for every member of the family.  Fall was blushing with colors, scents and textures we love so much this time of year.  That was yesterday.

Today, thoughts of the trail horses, standing in the rain drenched pens, came over me like the sudden storm that took everyone by surprise.  After a perfect Autumn day yesterday, an Octoberfest gathering and festivities abounding around the lake, an early storm came roaring in to quickly drench the dry sunny scene. 

Fewer horses remained now as it came time to trailer them safely to dryer pastures where they will run free and frolic in the Nevada foothills for the winter.  Enough were left at the corral for the remaining customers for the Autumn rides along the ridge and the pristine lake.  Most of the herd has been transported to pasture till next Spring.

An unexpected phone call during dinner sent us over to the corral to pick up a bridle and some medicine for a horse in jeopardy.  An early morning trip to Nevada will be necessary to check on the horse's condition and ensure his well being.  A daughter whose sense of duty and honor for the caring and maintenance of these beloved animals has been her life long love.

I waited and watched, head lights shining on the barn where she disappeared to fetch the needed supplies.  Minutes passed.  I became distracted and quite taken by a sight in front of me in the beam of light. Though pine needles and leaves blanketed the ground after the deluge of  the day's rain, the potted survivors framed by an old wagon wheel, called out for attention. 

A work of art in the darkness, illuminated by the high beams, was a testimony to the endurance and devotion of this family legacy, three generations strong. The Spring flowers, showed off their crimson petals, stood proudly and tall in the light, undeterred by the coming freeze.

Such is the nature of owning horses and running a ranch year round. Caring for, financing, feeding, training, breeding, loving these larger than life sweet creatures is difficult to explain.  They are a marvel of nature. They are so simply beautiful, athletic, as fluid and swift of movement as a studied ballerina and whimsical in their affection.  The time honored steed is and always will endure as strong as the earth's core, from whence they came.

Yet they are as also as frail as a hatchling.  Delicate, susceptible and vulnerable to falls, fractures, viruses and all things known to stop man dead in his tracks...horses are as well.  It is frightening when earthly ills befall these fine animals and we are faced with daunting choices on their behalf and for that of the whole.

But we are responsible for these miraculous beasts of the planet.  Without us, they are lost and wild.  Often fending on their own they find scarcity of food and sustenance.  They wander for water.  They find security in the herd.  They roam together. 

They become our pets.  They are family.

The scent of wet hay, pine and Autumn leaves surrounds our senses, peaking our curiosity for adventures in the woods.  

Still warm days and chilly nights urge us to stay outside till darkness sets in and dinner waits.

Hesitation and stubbornness declares its final stand.  Going inside is just not acceptable when there are dragons to slay, tree forts to defend and giant rocks on which to perch and ponder the days waining light.

Soon bedtime stories, prayers and pajamas will replace swords, newts, muddy shoes and skinned knees.  A cry for a reprieve to extend another day, just a little bit longer, please.

A weekend full of surprises, the change of season in an instant; a precious hunt for perfectly imperfect pumpkins for the babies to cherish long into the days and weeks of Autumn...was ours.