Weekends like these are the ones that fill me up and can keep me going for many more days ahead. Our 2nd annual girls weekend at Clear Creek Ranch in NC was everything I had hoped for, and more. This year, Kinsey and I decided to invite the other Putman gals to join us for our trip. Nanny was the only one who could make it, but what a time the three of us had. Friday night, we arrived to a snowy Mt Mitchell. The temperatures were somewhere around 20 NOT including the wind. After dinner in the lodge and some time around the fire, we introduced Kinsey to the game of Bingo. After a few rounds, she was getting bored and NOT liking losing. Fortunately, round four belonged to her and she won a "magic gemstone".
The next morning, right after breakfast, we hit the hiking trail for a walk up to a beautiful partially frozen Roaring Falls of the Toe River. Beautiful, but frigid.
We went straight back to the stable for our first trial ride on Hershey. You technically have to be 6-years-old to go out on the trails, but since she'd been taking lessons on Rosie, the wranglers agreed to sneak her out of the arena. The first trip was a big letdown--at least the 2nd half of it was. Too cold (11 degrees), too long, and too tired, I was afraid she may not want to ride again.
After some lunch and warmup at the lodge, she was ready to try again. This time, a little more conservative, Nanny and I decided just to lead her around on our own, so when she got tired, we could just go back to the barn. Just what the doctor ordered. Kinsey rode Wizard for over an hour.
Next, a lovely 2+ hour nap and back up to the lodge to, guess what, eat again! After Saturday night's supper came one of my favorite moments of the trip. Karoake night. Well, neither Nanny or myself have much singing talent (sorry mom), and Kinsey's usually a little slow to warm up to big crowds, so I was totally floored when she walked up to the emcee and asked if she could sing a song (of course they didn't have the music for the song she wanted) and the microphone was hers. I had tears during all 7+ verses of "10 Little Indians". It was the sweetest thing I swear that I have ever heard. There were probably 20 people, adults and kids alike, in the room and you could hear a pin drop! Precious!
Finally our cowgirl weekend ended with one more trail ride. Kinsey promised she was up for another real trail ride and she kept her end of the deal. She had a blast as we rode up and down hills, through woods, and over rocks for an hour and a half. Her riding teacher would've been proud.
We had so much fun, Nanny!
I'm so sad the weekend is over, but I'm looking very forward to returning again in the warmer months, which we've never done before.
Only two work days this week. Also, one baby shower, two children's Thanksgiving Feasts and two basketball games in those two days. Should be busy. I will be THANKFUL when Thanksgiving is finally here! Yee Haw, yall!
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