Monday, September 22, 2008

Sweet summer send-off

Our last horse-camping trip of the year was held the last weekend of summer, but it sure felt like fall up in the Cascades! We went to Joe Graham Horse Camp at Timothy Lake, a great site we have been to once before.

Getting away later than planned (as usual), we pulled in well after dark and set up camp at the site reserved for us by friends. In the morning, we discovered an incredible view right out our camper door. Russell had the same view, although I doubt he appreciated it as much as we did. :-)

At the foot of the bank was this little cabin. And those structures on the other side of the slough? We saw bright lights over there as we set up camp; the next day the camp host told us that's a movie set where a film crew is working on a horror flick called "The Presence." It would be kind of neat to see the end product, knowing where it was filmed, but I don't do horror movies.

We had a nice trail ride on Saturday with 11 equines and a whole bunch of people; our friends had invited their kids' church youth group to come up for worship, lunch and the trail ride/hike. The turn-around point was at a beautiful lake, and the vine maples coming and going were showing off their fall finery.
The cool, cloudy weather made us all mighty thankful that campfires were allowed. Some of the best times are had around a campfire - day and night!
Campfires warm the outside, while horses warm the heart. As the saying goes, "The outside of a horse is good for the inside of a man (or woman)." Here is Big Ben, begging his man Greg for some M&Ms:
That's it for now at . . .

8 comments:

Jenny Holden said...

Looks like a fab trip! I went trail riding in the Tetons a few years ago and had a wonderful time. The views were spectacular. Not convinced about those western saddles though!

Pat in east TN said...

What a beautiful place ... awesome pictures!

Kara said...

Beautiful pictures Michelle as always. What a wonderful trip. Does everyone in your family ride?

Nancy K. said...

That sounds like just the kind of trip I always dreamed of taking (but never quite made a reality) when I had horses. I think it's awesome that you use your exquisite dressage horse for trail riding as well!

P.S. love the Visla snuggled on her daddy's lap!

Michelle said...

Ah Jenny, I do EVERYthing in my Black Country dressage saddle! And yes, Kara, all three of us ride, although we usually lead Brian's horse because he's not really "kid-broke." Nancy, I just loved that Viszla! Got some other great shots of her as well. I think someday I may have to have one, or a Weimeraner; all the ones I've met are sweet and are THE most photogenic dogs!

country girl said...

The dog snuggling in a nice warm lap was great. Loved your photos.

Gone2theDawgs said...

Loved the pics! I could almost smell the campfire in the crisp pre-Fall air! It reminded me of a trip I took into Stehekin (at the end of Lake Chelan) last year with some girlfriends. It was the first year I was without a horse but I was loaned a sweet little mare. It must be great to have family members that ride....that was one of the reasons I decided to get out of horses...no one to ride with. :(

Tammy said...

Gorgeous pictures and awesome scenery. What a lovely way to end the summer. I really wanted to be there, once I saw the pictures!
Tammy