Blessing of a day ~

We had not planned this ride, as there were pending events to happen on this day. Well, as the week unfolded and the day gor closer...all plans went South and my "Must Ride" friend decided to pick me up and go up to the mountain for one- last- seasonal(colorful) ride.
 The day was amazingly fabulous...for having storms upon storms hitting the area, as per the normal chain of events for the time of year. WE SO LUCKED OUT- or Rather- We were BLESSED!!! We did give the appropriate Praises too!

As I read  from other bloggers, they too  enjoyed the same euphoric rides,  in other beautiful parts of the country and world!

Driving up to the mountain..wow it is specatacular to see Mount Hood and the fall colors, through the windshield.

Though sunny, it was crisp, in the fall air as we readied.

On down the trail to the creek...Wa was happy to follow...she has a very good memory about the creek...LARGE ROUND ROCKS. She did give me a fit about it too...I had to tell her, "We are only going to look at it this time, not cross it, I promise!"

She had distain in her ears as we looked on it.

Then up and around to another sandy roadway;  my friend had been wanting to share with me...OH! I can see why now...the view of the mountains and river below was breathtaking and we just sighed MORE Praises!

Simeon, goes to the water a bit timidly at first, but then goes ahead in confidence.  I remember all ll the times this summer, we have played a  "leap frog" riding technique( I go first-then, you go first) It has REALLY given him a confidence!

Washashe mare enjoyed the water too.

She really relaxed for some time, when we first got there, drank deeply and was very content to stand in the cold, wet, Sandy River.

There was hidden fun this day, finding sandy paths that we could circle around  trees and large boulders, making impromtu -20 meter -or so-arenas. We spent time practicing outdoorsey  "rhythm trotting".  They have to settle to be able to do it...even though one side of the trail points homeward and they truly wish to speed up...you traverse the area enough..they realize....they better settle in the even tempo, and be able to stop sooner. We did have some fun with that, as it came sponteanously, when we rode down the paths.

Untacking, we found a "Hitchin Post" rather hidden away from the paved "staging area", were we parked the rig. They enjoyed some hay and also some excitement. There was a team of search dogs being trained nearby, and they heard them yet, never actually saw them.

Red cooler mare, ready to ride home after a day in the woods.

Gorgeous day and worthy to be praised...a gift to us and our Equine loves~