moonlight ride...WOW!

["superpat" <superpat@gateway.net>]

A friend and I went for a night ride to celebrate the Winter Solstice and
the extra bright full moon. It was clear and not too cold. In fact, on the
way back to the trailer, the wind was at our backs and it seemed almost
warm. It helped that we were bundled pretty warmly. It was so bright that
the moonlight cast our shadows on the road just as the sun does. We could
see the faces of the cattle who were curled up and dotted the fields on
either side. The stream which gurgled beside the road sounded so much louder
than when I ride that stretch of road during the day. The moonlight
sparkling on the water made everything seem so clean and quiet. My friend,
Judy, had brought a little portable CD player and played Christmas music
while we sang along.
We rode past farm houses that were lit up with Christmas lights in the trees
and on the roofs. With the
warm glow of the lights in the windows it all seem like a giant Christmas
card.

The horses were great and seemed relaxed and so obedient.
Engie never faltered or refused once. She did do a little side step when she
first saw her shadow on the road  Do I
have to tell you that I truly loved the ride? I think I want to do this
moonlight riding more often. (I know, I know....just try a 100 miler). I
borrowed a flashing red light from my bicycle
and attached it to the back of my saddle and we wore vests with reflective
tape just in case there happened to be traffic and in fact there were about
four cars that passed us during our ride.
All in all, a most enjoyable time. Hope all who went on their moonlight
rides enjoyed it as much as I did mine. And all who didn't go will be
encouraged to bundle up and give it a go.
Happy holidays all
Pat Super




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