St. Marks Headwaters Ride – September 21, 2024

What great weather and great turnout for our first fall ride in 2024! We had a total of 12 members: Linda on Blondie, Chris C. on Rose, Chris L. on Ripple, Sue on Jazz, Esther on Dana, Nancy on Rosie, Chuck on Justin, Debbie on Doc, Liz on Majik, Becky on Smoke, and Regine and David leading Manni and Blue. This was Sue’s first trail ride on her new mare, Jazz. We also had two service dogs tag along.
We rode out at 9:30 taking the trails that loop from the main trail and back until we passed the new pedestrian bridge, which is currently blocked by orange fencing. Couldn’t resist a photo opportunity under some stately oaks nearby.
We then explored a newly-cut trail that wound its way through the woods; taking us West until we reached the fence line. It was quite beautiful, had a couple of shallow water crossings, and was well marked with wooden stakes.
We stopped for a while on the last leg of our ride in the oak-filled portion of the park. It gave us another chance to chat, drink some water, and snap more pictures. All in all, it was a pleasant, slow-going ride that concluded right at an hour and a half. As we returned to the parking lot, Liz couldn’t resist taking a picture of the parking lot that was filled to capacity with horse trailers.
Submitted by Becky