Spring at Indian Caves State Park~

I didn't even think about Friday being the early start to the 3-day weekend when I loaded Farah for the trip south!  In WA, I wouldn't even have attempted a 200-mile round-trip to anywhere!  Here though - there was no traffic on the way to Roxi's.  We caravaned to Indian Cave State Park.  It was a beautiful day that became very warm & humid.

Farah & the Missouri River~

Roxi invited her cousin Jackie & friend Cathy to ride with us - both interested in trying out endurance riding.  Mounted on two of Roxi's accomplished horses - they took direction on the finer points of staying topside while moving out :-)

Cathy, Roxi on Sovereign & Jackie

We did quite a bit of stopping for tack adjustments on the first loop :-)  Stirrups up/down - wherever they needed to be.  The horses of course were more than game for a fast ride & very competitive!  I took point, the size of Farah's stride makes it easier on me to have her in front & not have to hold her back.  

On the shaded trails~

Having seen the park after a fresh burn on my first visit, it was nice to see everything so green.  I did recognize a jack-in-the-pulpit, but it looked like all the other ground-covers were more sprouting weeds than native plants...

After our morning loop - we had lunch in the shade.  Our friend Shannon was here too - camping for the weekend.  She gave us directions as Roxi & I went out again - for a faster loop.  Jackie & Cathy left for their own ride at a slower pace.  As Roxi & I busted up one of the nice long climbs - I heard Roxi say; "Hi!"  A little girl was standing in the middle of the trail to our left!  Her eyes were as big as saucers as our horses crested the top of the hill!

Making friends~

We were impressed that this family had hiked all the way up onto the ridge to camp!  I retreived Farah's carrots from my pommel bag.  Both girls held their hands flat & gave one to each horse.  Not sure where we were going; we continued turning uphill & ended at the top of ridge trail again.  Those views are some of the best anywhere - it was a great place to be.

Bend in the Missouri~

We had a blast!  I even had to pose for "view selfie" :-)  I took my electrolyte's all day & even with the temperature hovering near or over 80 & what felt like high humidity - I felt fine.

Here we are :-)

After our ride, I washed Farah down & checked her for ticks.  Thankfully,  I didn't find any.  She rolled in the grass.  Afterward, I sprayed her again.  I'd sprayed myself down from top to bottom before we rode, then wore a bug band.  Butch rode out to the barn with me to drop Farah off.  Dinner in Mineola ended the day.  At home I found a tick under my bra line!  YUCK!  A desperate yell to my husband - he couldn't believe how hard it was attached!  I dabbed the spot with alcohol.  Next time even my bra will be sprayed!