Giddy-up Cowboy!

July 23, 2016

It was so nice to sleep in this morning. We had a wonderful breakfast of grapefruit. Then just sat around the hotel until lunch time. We found a grocery store and got some chicken and various side dishes. Mattina particularly enjoyed her Mac and Cheese. After lunch, we started the drive to Banff.

We started our experience by seeking out a parking spot. We eventually found one at the stables. We walked around the town, enjoying the gift shops and seeing people from EVERYWHERE. Sherry Ann found that maple syrup she's been looking for, but hasn't bought it yet... $$$

Crossing the streets in Banff is interesting.  You can cross diagonally if you want.  It was so cool.  We did it just to say we did.

After wandering the street of Banff for a while we headed back to the stables where Mattina met Romeo.  It was love at first sight.  J/K sort of.  Mattina's horse was named Romeo.  Then it was Sherry Ann's turn to get a horse.  Let me remind you that Sherry Ann was thrown from a horse 14 years ago.  She mentioned she wanted to ride the miniature horses so that she didn't fall so far.  Sherry Ann's horses name was Wilson.  Wilson was the tallest horse of the 45 that went.  Lucky Sherry Ann.  Aaron's horse came next.  Jester was his name.

We finally started our long anticipated horse back ride.  Aaron was first behind the guide (Will), then Sherry Ann, then Mattina, then the rest of the people (from Austalia).  We rode for an hour.  Aaron talked to Will with Sherry Ann chipping in every now and then.  When we asked what Mattina was thinking, she said, "Ranger's Apprentice".  She was enjoying her ride.

Will said that they had seen a bear on the trail earlier today.  Will and Aaron saw a snake.  After an hour ride we stopped and had a Steak dinner, baked potatoes, rolls, salad, beans, and mini cheese cakes.  It was delicious.  We also played horse shoes and roped a "cow".  After dinner we were back on our horses for another hour.  We went straight up then straight down.  It was an amazing ride.  It was fun to look back at how far and how high we had gone.

Sherry Ann was the first to be let off her horse so she ran back to the car as fast as she could to get the camera.  (Camera's weren't allowed on the trail). She managed to get a picture of both Aaron and Mattina before they got off.  Then a small video of them getting off.  We are a little sore, but we are all so glad we did it.

We then drove to Walmart to get some food for tomorrow.  You should have seen the check out lady's face when we gave her our postal code she asked for.  She looked at us and said, "You aren't from here."

We finally made it back to our hotel at 11:00.  When it stays light until 10:00 p.m., it's really easy to stay out later just enjoying the outdoors.

Finally going to sleep now.  We need to rest up for more fun tomorrow.