we lucked out

We had so much fun at Spur of the Moment Ranch in June, we wanted to try a Fall trip. We booked shortly after, but already there were no cabin openings until the end of October. Our weather is frequently nasty by then, we decided to take a chance regardless. It's been a slow Fall this year. We lucked out, and got gorgeous weather!!

It was dusk when we arrived. Both the boys unloaded, and were happy to go to their paddocks. I was proud of Koda. He walked inches from the giant horse eating boulder, without a second glance, to get to his paddock. I think our horses recognized the place. Is that possible? It quickly became obvious they have grown up some since our last visit.

We unloaded our stuff, fed the boys and went to grab a quick bite to eat. My hubby was resourceful, when we returned he used our receipts as a fire starter. Needless to say we started a "what to bring next time" list. It was sooo nice to relax and enjoy a camp fire, with Koda and Nemo nearby. Listening to them munch, and the occasional knicker. There wasn't anyone else camping, it was so serene.

The following morning while we waited for the sun to melt the frosty dew, I took photos at the ranch for the Sunday Stills challenge.

We headed south for our first morning ride. Koda & Nemo were very apprehensive. As we approached the multi-use trail, they both stopped. Nemo listened to his cues and continued forward, and Koda...backed. Not how I wanted to start out, it instantly changed my focus. He turned around after one ask, and headed forward onto the path. 

Backing and not listening on the trail has been an issue for us in the past. It's tough to block out. I thought hard about Trainer Patty's suggestions "Catch it before it happens". Easier said then done. "Don't pull back, they just back more. You have to have forward movement. Use the additional encouragement of a rein on his butt (if needed) make sure I have a hold of him, and heading in the right direction". My biggest problem is getting him to stop backing. Much of the multi use trail we travel has steep drop-offs on both sides. We spend a lot of time in the middle of the trail, just incase. Too bad, the ground is softer on the edges. Thankfully Koda only backed up a few more times on our first ride, upon approaching whatever he would rather not do. I got better at catching/correcting it. Let's just say I am still working on putting this all together. The rest of the ride(s) were pure bliss.

Multi-use Trail

We kicked up a large Grouse, but never saw any deer.  A couple campers settled into the ranch on our second night. The following day, we passed them while heading out on the trail. We rarely saw anyone, it was much quieter then June.

Colorful Water View

Backwood Trails

We stopped to chat with a local couple walking the multiuse path. They suggested a path that has since become one of our favorites. It's so pretty, with varied terrain. It made our boys think about where they are putting their feet. We walked over, under, and around trees. It was windy, with some hill to it. We maneuver between/around several huge horse swallowing black mud puddles. We rode this trail two different days, and didn't see a soul - other then a flock of large turkey's scurring across the trail.

A Favorite Trail

Koda & Nemo seem to like the ranch, and all the unusual sounds and smells it brings. Not to mention the catered peaceful meals.

Koda

Nemo

We ate at another favorite restaurant, Maiden Lake Supper Club. It was all decked out in Halloween decorations. There was nothing spooky about the food. I had mouth watering hand breaded walleye and scallops ~ mmmm! While we went out, we had someone watching over our boys...

Cabin Angel

We absolutely love the area, and look forward to future trips!