Day 4

    We split up today, now that we had the opportunity to choose our own activities. Emma stayed back at the ranch (literally) and did some archery, writing, reading, sleeping, and generally looking at the view without having to smell horses. None of this produced any interesting pictures. The rest of the group went on a day-long ride and took, if possible, too many pictures.  


























Lydia, Tom, and Jessica went on a day long horse trip up into the Big Horn Mountains. Unlike the desert, arid basin, the mountains would be cooler and more forested. We loaded the horses into their van and took the Head Wranglers two dogs Lucy and Ramero. It was just the 3 of us and 2 wranglers. A great small group.






















Our ride took us into the Big Horn National Park. We traveled along a roaring river and up through birch forest and up onto a high meadow. We actually had to put on jackets up high at 9200 feet. There was still a bit of snow around and beautiful snow capped peaks in the distance.

A lunch time we hobbled the horses with leather straps. These were around their front legs which prevented them from moving far. They ate grass while we ate our lunches.



















This is Jessica's horse - Sandman. He was a great companion.

Here is Tom's horse Romeo. Haaaa.





















Our lunch spot - complete with fire pit. A popular spot for summer camping.





















Notice the patches of snow ahead of us.

After a long day in the saddle we were rewarded with a good soak in the hot tub. Even Emma joined us. The best.





















This is our dining room. A cozy spot




















Mushroomz. Ohhhh. This was good soup for our first course - followed by salmon and a chocolate lasagna.