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Well, today was the day that we’d been practising for - the day of the great Red Rock Canyon trail ride.
At nine this morning, we presented ourselves at the trail ride office complete with hats, sunscreen, sunglasses, bottled water and cameras, and full of confidence. This confidence was a little shaken by the form we had to sign, stating all the things that could go wrong and completely absolving the company from any and all liability, and also by the fellow trail riders who went back for their sweatshirts. Sweatshirts? Really? We were in lightweight jeans and short-sleeved cotton and the sky looked clear and blue … maybe they knew something we didn’t? But no, as it turned out, they didn’t. The sky stayed clear and the temperature rose to the point where I’d personally have melted in a sweatshirt, but then, they were from Florida, so maybe Utah on a bright June day did feel a tad chilly to them.
So we all piled onto the minibus which was to take us to the trail head and the sweatshirt guy was chatting to the driver and telling him how he’d been on a horse once before, when he was six. He rather thought it was tied to some kind of carousel, but he couldn’t be sure. Anyway, he was sure he’d be fine and was looking forward to it immensely. Go Florida Guy!
The horses were waiting for us, all saddled up and ready in a corral, and one by one we were assigned a horse, told its name and mounted up. The ‘riding instructions’ promised in the brochure consisted of two sentences -
“Don’t yank on the reins, hold ‘em by the knot and let ‘em lie loose. Hold your hand this way for stop, this way for go, this way for left, and this way for right - and lean back going down, forward going up”.
Oh, OK - now we’re all cowboys! Yeehaw!!!
Actually, the ride was fantastic. The scenery was stunning, the horses knew what they were doing and where they were going … mostly … and nobody fell off or died of cold, or indeed, sunstroke. One guy did drop his camera case though. And OH and I survived very well indeed, although we were rather tired when we got off.
And Florida Guy? Well, he was a tad less chatty on the way back, but he was heard to mumble something about his thighs hurting rather a lot. Our thighs, on the other hand, thanks to getting a little practice in before we left home, were just dandy.
Just as well, really, because we’re moving on tomorrow and the last thing I need is to be hauling suitcases through the airport with legs like jelly, only more painful.
Next stop, LA and the girly Deppfest. I think that should be fun!
the scenery is lovely there, I am in love with Utah! Glad your ride went so well. cant wait to see another photo or three!
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I always knew you had cowboy thighs, Jay. Have fun with your Johnny swoondrool! Those new pics from the PE set on his birthday should keep you slipping in slobber for a good while … *sigh*
Jennys last blog post..Let’s Try That In The Key Of Lime
Hey, we were in Red Rock Canyon about 6 or 7 years ago, it is beautiful there. Glad you’re having a good time
Last time I went riding , the horse, at high speed, went one way and I went another and it all ended horribly. Mr. DBM doesn’t ride much. Last time he went, we had a young, fresh 16 year old girl as our guide and at one point she turned back to my husband and asked how everything was going. He shouted back “I think I have just squashed my testicles!” She didn’t ask again!
I love that part of Utah and I love horse riding - I just need a few more lessons……
Enjoy the rest of your holiday!
Don’t Bug Me!s last blog post..An Engineer’s Guide to Cats
That is seriously beautiful scenery. I’m glad your ride went well.
I think the universe is trying to tell me something. This is about the fifth Utah reference I’ve run into in a couple of weeks. I’m not sure what the message is though.
Have a great time in LA.
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Extreme coolness-
sandys last blog post..It really is You !!!
Kudos to you. I’m afraid of horses (and they’re afraid of me, apparently). It looks just beautiful.
JD at I Do Thingss last blog post..I Eat (some of the) Lucky Charms so you don’t have to
lol @ “Oh, OK - now we’re all cowboys! Yeehaw!!!”
That photo is phenomenal!
I have something for you on my blog today
DrowseyMonkeys last blog post..Thank You
So Jay, what is this World coming to? You are blogging more than Andy on this trip…
sounds like yall are having a great trip!
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wow, that looks like and sounds like fun. i’ve never ridden a horse….okay.
um well one day i will saddle that beast and hope my thighs behave. i can image the pain.
legs like jelly. i know the feeling.
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Hey Jay! I’m so so jealous!! Glad it was fun - and Bryce is just stunning!
Have fun at Deppfest - say hi to anyone I know!
Oh, how beautiful! That sounds like SO much fun; though I feel bad for Florida Guy, the last time I got on a horse after not having been on one for three or four years, I was bruised from knee to thigh and could barely hobble for a few days.
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Hey! Did the canyon swallow you up?
Mr. Nighttimes last blog post..I should, I wish, I love.
Yes, I am starting to worry about you too……..
Don’t Bug Me!s last blog post..Something’s Afoot in Beautiful British Columbia.
Mr N, DBM - How sweet of you to worry! I’m actually sick. I caught a nasty, nasty virus (chest cold type) from one of my Depp buddies, but in fact I had no connection in LA and couldn’t post. Anyway, I should be able to get back to blogging now, as long as I can remain upright. DBM, that’s a funny story! LOL!
Dawn, JD, Mr N, Sandy, OzGirl - thanks! Yes, it was so beautiful, every time I think of it I’m awed all over again.
Jenny - Oh, yeah. Those pictures! Love them. *Sigh* We had a GREAT time at the Deppfest. Just so good … apart from 115 degree temperatures, which I am so not used to!
Ruth Hull Chatlien - If you’ve never been, you should. It’s just gorgeous.
DrowsyMonkey - I’ve just been over to your blog. Thank you so much!! I’m honoured!
Mr P - I think he’s catching up! But I’ll be back in action again soon, so he’d better watch out!
Natural and Kori - The trick is to take it slow and work up to longer rides. We began with half hour, once a week. While you may be a little sore, it’s OK, and you soon get used to it!