Birthday #73 Celebration

What a special day in so many ways.  An unexpected blessing. Mike and I decided to take a trail ride on my birthday to practice for the 2 hour trail ride we would be taking in Alaska.  I was a bit nervous about this whole thing.  Could I get on the horse, how would my fusion in my back react, what would it be like to ride for an hour? 

Our guide was Emily.  She was so good and so helpful. She answered every one of Mike's questions about the horses.  There were a lot of questions.  

Still asking questions. 

Meet Henry.  I wanted an easy horse and I got one.  Although, I think they are all pretty easy to ride.  

Emily was a great help and very friendly. 

I was no longer concerned about getting on the horse.  The steps that were provided helped a lot. My back did just fine too.  

My guitar teacher recommended the PNW Guided Trail rides to me.  He said that he knew the owners and they were great.  As we were getting ready to ride Emily got a phone call from one of the owners, Brook.  Brook told Emily that I was her 5th grade teacher.  She wasn't able to come say. That will happen in the future.  When I got home I was surprised with a precious email from Brook that touched my heart. She talked about her appreciation for me when she was in my class. It was such a special email.  You don't always know as a teacher how you have impacted your students.  I can't wait to see her again.  We will take another trail ride and Brook assured me she would be our guide. 

Mike is getting all ready.

I love this picture.  Emily told us Mike's horse liked to snack along the way and boy did she.  Henry was a slower horse.  

Off we go!

So beautiful. Nothing better then spending time in God's creation. The Spokane River. 

I didn't have to worry about Henry being slow because Mike's horse stopped often for a grass snack.  Henry was able to get a grass snack on the move.  

More snacks. 

Look at Mike's horse.  A mouth full of grass! It wasn't a problem at all.  Mike got her going again each time. 

We are all done and loved every minute.  Can't wait to come back and practice for our Alaska trail ride again.  Oh, another great thing.  After my ruptured brain aneurysm in 2012 most of my allergies disappeared.  I am still allergic to cats and horses. The allergy medicine worked, no problem at all with horse allergy.  

This was a special day.  We had a great ride at a very special place. I am looking forward to seeing Brook again.  Who knew that the place my guitar teacher suggested for trail rides would be a reunion with teacher and student.  I can't wait for that to happen.  Thank you God!