Life as we know it!: Union Falls Horseback ride

Each year after the 4-H fair we take our horse 4-H group on a trail ride. This year at the beginning of the year we decided we wanted to go to Union Falls. It is located in Yellowstone National Park. It is a 7 mile ride in, and you have to cross the river 4 times. With the cold wet Spring & early Summer we had we were thinking we might not be able to go. We ended up being able to go the 27 of August. Most of our 4-H group ended up backing out at the last minute, but the ones that have the most fun together went. This was the 3rd time I have been on a horse since my knee surgery so I was a little worried about how I would be. The 1st two times didn't amount to much time in the saddle so 14 miles worth concerned me a bit. I was also terrified to put Morgan on Doc. In order to ride into the park you have to have what is called a coggins. It is a blood test done on your horse to make sure it isn't carrying certain diseases. We had a coggins on Doc, Sunny & Sky. I knew I couldn't take Sky because I was worried he wouldn't be able to make it. Shawn told me I couldn't ride Doc with my knee. That left me on Sunny & Morgan on Doc. Doc bucked Morgan off the end of June during 4-H and scared me to death. I have never had a horse that really bucked before & he did it. I know she was terrified to get back on him, because after she got bucked off she was extremely timid to get on a horse. I said my prayers that morning that all would be well and we loaded up. I was so proud of Morgan for getting back on Doc. She didn't complain at all, even though I was practically shaking in my boots to have her get on. He did really well and she was so calm on him. I was so proud of her and also know that we were being watched over.

Morgie, on the ride up. She even offered to carry all of our stuff in the backpack.

I think I picked "dirt boogers" for a week after eating all the dust. We were toward the end of the line, and it was really dusty.

Morgie & Doc getting ready to cross one of the 8 river crossings (4 in 4 out)

When we got up there, we hitched our horses in the designated area. As we were getting ready to hike up to the falls, the rangers showed up wanting proof of our coggins test. I couldn't find mine that morning so I was a little worried. They were really nice though and gave me a ticket, but told me I could fax it in. Everyone got a kick out of it though. They were really hoping to come bail me out of jail!

This was the reward after the long ride. The water in this river was about 85 degrees. The pool was about 12' deep. Unfortunately, in reminding Morgan to bring some shorts I forgot to pack mine, so I got to sit on the side & take pictures. If not for the long ride back in wet clothes I would have jumped in with all of my clothes on. By the time we got back to the trailer, all caked in dust I almost wished I had.

Cydnee

The girls went ahead of us so they could start swimming. As we were hiking to the swimming hole, Jalene looked over and saw a black bear about 100 yds away. As we sat and watched it, it crossed the river to an island and walked up river towards us. By the time it saw us it was about 50 yds away. When it caught sight of us it took off running. It was really beautiful. The girls never did believe us that we saw it. Unfortunately, my camera chose that moment to not work so I didn't get a picture.