For all the gals except Linda, horseback riding was a recent adventure. 40 years for Linda. Dressed in cowgirl garb, but lugging pillows and sleeping bags, all arrived on site and were paired with their horses. 3 1/2 hours later, our new guide finally found our campsite, but not before going through a swampy creek up to the belly of the horses, and in and out of all but vaguely discernable paths through the brush, observing feral pig trails and a slow autumn evening softly folding into a pink and blue sunset. Smelling the campfire, we hunkered down, layered up and enjoyed the warmth and crackle of our camp. The prepared 'chuck wagon' dinner, served with a western flair out under the stairs rivaled any gourmet meal to be found anywhere. Dark settled over us pretty quick and by 7:30 some were yawning, but finally at 9 p.m.we crawled into our little tent, mounted up and broke camp, rounded up some cows and had a wonderful time. We've raved to friends about our adventure often, extolling the glories of being out on the 'prairie' and enjoying God's creation.
Horse enthusiasts will enjoy the riding at the Crescent J Ranch. Lots of wildlife to observe on the ride with wranglers who are knowledgeable about flora, fauna, bugs, and creatures. Lunch at the ranch was also very tasty and a welcome stop after the ride.Horses were well cared for, trained, and appropriate safety measures were enforced. Thumbs up!