Trail Blazing

Last weekend I called up my friend P whom I haven't seen all summer (so busy!) and we decided to hit the trails together down at Rocky Lane.  Now as you guys know, where I live it is relatively flat unless you're down in the river valleys.  The Rocky Lane trails?  Down in the river valley!  I've only ridden on them a few times and still have plenty of trails to explore, but the trails aren't too extensive or confusing so it was easy to get around.

Can't see this view too much

Even though the trails are in an area that is somewhat populated (by the indoor arena, school farm project, and community hall) you have to keep your eye out for bears.  Luckily, we only have black bears up here and the rare brown bear sighting, so not too much to worry about.  Either way, we tacked up and headed off for an adventure.  P is a GREAT trail companion, we both ride in a similar style, just relaxed and enjoying the day.  We didn't really have a plan as to which trails we were going to do, we just went out and rode.  P had her emergency pack on and I brought my phone (better service).  At one point I asked P to stop and turn as the photo was gorgeous - we were right beside the river, the light was perfect!  As she turned her horse Uncle Frank (yes, her gelding's name is Uncle Frank!!!), she heard crashing down on the river bank.  Lo and behold, bear cubs.  She yells bear, we both turn and high-tail it out of there.  The horses were perfect, and with the shot of adrenaline we were flying high!

Post-bear sighting, adrenaline running high!

After that, we made our way down to the river.  I'd never been along this trail before and it was gorgeous, the terrain was great.  As time wound down, we started to make our way back to the trail head, we accidentally went on the biathlon trail.  

Such a handsome man

P and Uncle Frank looking like bosses

Once we went through the biathlon trail (while jumping over some tree obstacles) we were back at the trailers where we found the new barn cat at the school farm project.  Koda decided to make him his new friend since the cat was absolutely certain he was coming home with us.

New friends