Off Into The Wild Blue Yonder

Lions and Tigers and Bears... OH NO!

There's an art to dwelling on the positive. So, that's what I'll do. My long awaited weekend in California North Country was a great time (sans a few bad moments that we won't speak of here.) I traveled with two other horse women to San Francisco, then off to Fort Bragg on the coast where we would rent horses for a day and a half and ride in the Redwood Forest, then on the beaches of Mendicino. First the weather: Don't ever be fooled by the idea that California is warm. San Francisco, as it turns out has an average temp of 68-70 year round. The wind off the ocean is biting, often it feels like fur coat weather. I packed wrong. I even brought a sun dress. Thankfully I had lots of sweaters cause I expect cold nights, but all day cold, two layers and blue jeans cold? Did I mention I brought sandels, no socks except for when riding. It wasn't bad riding cause we were on horses working. I did bring long sleeves, sweaters a hooded sweatshirt and a corderoy jacket. So, I was able to dress in layers.

We road 8 full hours on Saturday in the Redwoods. Three hours the next day in the ocean. It was delightful. I can still smell the ocean, see the Forest of giant trees and hear the surf. We even saw a bear and its cub. Kathleen, one of the riders said, I know we're not supposed to get inbetween the bear and its cub. So, the minute she said that, the bear heard and saw us and they each ran their separate ways, leaving us to... you guessed it, go right between Mama Bear and Baby Bear. We walked to where we saw them and trotted on, as our English guide said. I think she meant gallop... because that's what my heart was doing. However, if the bear appeared and charged, I only had to outrun Kathleen who was the horse behind me.

We ate at a few nice restaurants, ended Saturday with a massage and drove 6 hours back to San Francisco. We made it through the wineries and did quite a bit of tasting... I was the designated driver, so barely imbibed. I did buy a few nice bottles, however.

So all in all, I enjoyed myself. (Stay positive...stay positive....) Self talk helps.

Truly, who wouldn't? We sat in the hot tub on Saturday night, a well deserved soak. I am still exhausted...