End of Week 6 - Horseback Riding in Bonita, California

Barbara on the misnamed "Spirit"

Mark on "Tank"

     Today was a beautiful day.  Sunny and warm.  In the morning, we took a long hike on a wildlife preserve called Barnett Ranch.  We did not see anything out of the ordinary, but it was a nice walk.  After a nice lunch at the timeshare, we found out that the stables had time for us to take a ride.  So, we drove about 45 minutes to Bonita, California where we took a ride.  It was part of my birthday present from Mark and should be on the list of 30 things we are doing for our 30th wedding anniversary.  But, the ride was somewhat disappointing.  First, although it was a state preserve, it bordered busy and noisy roads, so not the idyllic afternoon we'd envisioned.  And, the horses were definitely stable horses - trained to follow.  No canter or trotting allowed.  But, on the positive side, the wrangler who took us was a lovely young woman whose husband is in a PhD program in San Diego.  And, the stables was an impressive organization - where the San Diego State Equestrian team practices, as well as a place where they do therapy riding - disabled veterans, handicapped people.  Because it was rush hour when we finished, we opted to go out to dinner instead and miss the rush hour, which we did. Then, we ended our lovely day with a log on the fireplace at the timeshare.