Well, the day off yesterday worked wonders. The goats’ personalities returned, they enjoyed being free, and we felt relaxed.

Gateway Stables and Riding Academy has several outdoor riding rings, a huge indoor ring, many fields, a very large barn with horses in box stalls. We sat with the goats in the fields reading. Our outdoor adventure was cut short by lightning, thunder, and torrential rain. Goats do not do rain. They think they will shrink or melt or something. We all relocated to the large old barn and Bill and I read while the goats explored.

Once the radar assured us that there would be no rain for a while and the sun came gloriously back, we ventured out again to another field far from the barn. When it started lightly sprinkling rain, Bill suggested that we retreat back to the barn. I confidently assured him that the radar was clear and that there was no chance of rain until evening. I assured him of this just before the heavens opened up and poured down. Goats, dog, and people (carrying chairs and books) made a long mad dash for the cover of the barn. So much for radar.

Idaho has little in the way of rain or thunderstorms. None of the animals were prepared for today. Leo especially is freaked out with loud noises. Our old dog, Sammy, had been as well. A Thunder Shirt helped him, so we tried his on Leo. Calmed him right down. The wind picked up and there was rumor of tornado warnings. No clue what we would do in a small RV in a tornado.

I planned on taking photos of some of the many gorgeous horses here but, due to the storms, most were kept in their dark stalls all day. So, all of the planned fabulous pictures of incredible horses did not happen.

We left the next day for Lexington KY where we were to stay at The Horse Lodge for the evening. We were anxious and looking forward to getting back to TN. On Wednesday, we would head for our new-to-us used and slightly abused 30 ft RV in Luttrell while trying to build a home during Covid. We planned to winter over in the RV with 4 goats and an LGD. (No, they will not actually be IN the RV). No barn, no fencing yet. Another challenge to be met!