The campsite is the ride manager's (Wesley Crowe) residence and, IMO,
should be on the cover of Southern Living. Pretty home, lake, azaleas,
dogwoods, pine tress - just gorgeous! After arriving and getting set-up, I
go thru the vet-in - very smooth, not backed up at all and cool since we
were in a virtual pine tree forest.
The real fun began on Saturday tho. We took off at 7 (50 milers). The sun
was coming up, it was cool, the trail was flat and sandy, and there were
dogwoods all through the trees - I felt like I was riding through a
postcard! The day never got as hot as feared - in fact, a few clouds and a
little breeze made it absolutely perfect! I had a great crew (thanks Samm
and Kathy) so was able to eat and relax a good bit at vet checks. Embers
did very well all the way around. We ended up 15th but the really neat
part, to me, is that we did our last loop faster than any of the others -
what a neat feeling to know your horse feels that good at the *end* of a
ride!
The food Sat. nite was to die for - it's worth going to the ride just to
get to eat the homemade chicken and dumplings! Wesley has a great sense of
humor - we were all kept laughing most of the evening. Oh, and there were
showers!!! The water was cold by the time I got down there but still - a
shower!!!
The hospitatility and management of this ride are hard to beat - add in
next to perfect weather and you have a perfect weekend. Make your plans to
attend next year if you couldn't make it this year - you won't be sorry! I
will definitely be there again!
Tina and crew
hickst@nichols.com
Huntsville, AL