Mountain Camping trip...

[Simbalism]

Last weekend I went on a ride in the western portion of Va. I had never ridden in this area. I stayed at a ranch, and all food was included in ride fee. There was also a band on Friday and Saturday night. I had a good time, but found the riding harder than I had encountered before. I have some fear of heights, so was a bit over whelmed in a few areas. I was pleased with my TB mare, she behaved well. I am glad I tried mountain riding, although I think it is probably not my cup of tea. here is a picture of climbing the first mountain
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3381/3649138637_48c5a1ebf3.jpg Here is a picture climbing first mountain, almost to the top. The mountain at the end of the tree line was also part of the ride.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/3649942392_759cb34be2.jpg
this next pic was along the trail. http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2200/3649138765_94cd42ffed.jpg

[prudence]

What a gorgeous area for riding! I hate to tell you but...those are hills I think. They look so soft and low compared to our California Sierra Nevadas!

Thoughts which has helped me with heights is that the horse doesn't have any desire to fall off a cliff either...and they have four legs to prevent any such events. Sometimes the scary parts are worth the rest.

Thanks for sharing the pictures!

[Halcyon Days]

WOW, what a beautiful ride!!!!! Funny how things are called different names in different regions. Around here, mountains are 3000' and up with snow on top year round.

[lawndart]

No matter what the up grades are called :winkgrin:, good for you for getting out of your comfort zone, and trying something new. I too am afraid of heights, and found, for me at least, that if I sing, or try to recite poetry in the scariest parts, it makes me relax a bit. If I focus on every footfall of my horse...Ugh.

I've done things, and terrain on horseback that I would never thought I could do. A good horse makes all things possible.:)

[katarine]

That looks like a beautiful place to ride, so green and lush. I'm glad you enjoyed it.

Regarding hills vs moutains...this is why it's impossible to ask 'so, what's the riding like?' Unless the two parties have ridden enough of the same places to say well, it's steeper than Nells Mountain but not so rocky as Cotton Top...it's just not possible to ask...well, what's it like?

I think that looks like some sweet, sweet ridin' country, myself :)

[baylady7]

That is cool. Glad your mare did well- it must have been physically hard if you are not used to hills. I am contemplating maybe an overnight up by Gettysburg but was reading somewhere that you can only ride on roads and stony paths along the battlefield- the rangers will fine you if you ride on the grass. But may go up towards Cook Forest or something on an overnight. To be fair to him, my guy cannot do more than 1.5-2 hrs per day, so most of the longer rides are out. Then again I am not good for longer than that anyhow so we are a good match!!!

[belleellis]

How pretty. I would love to know where this was at? Where you stayed? If they have a website. I am in NC and we keep talking about riding in VA soon.

[Mtn trails]

That is some pretty country. I guess you wouldn't want to join me at Crystal Mountain where you are looking straight down over your toe at about 4,000' up where you'd die of old age before you hit the bottom. It's all in your perspective. Glad you had fun.

[CowboysRMyWeakness]

Very pretty scenery!!! Love all the green. I live in hilly western wa also and I know that land looks flatter in pictures then it looks when your horse is scooting on its butt down a trail ;)

Mtn trails - where do you go at Crystal?

[Mtn trails]

I ride out of Sand Flats Horse Camp. It's before you get to the Crystal Mountain Ski Area on your right hand side. There's a small sign so unless you are looking for it, you'll miss the turn off.

[BEARCAT]

Where are the mountains???

(Sorry couldn't help it - my house is at 10,000 feet!) Very pretty ride and glad your mare did well!