Tuesday August 4 (East Glacier, Horse Trek)

It was a cloudy morning but the sun broke through and later there was lots of blue sky visible. After a quick cup of coffee I walked down to the Horse Trek place for my morning ride. 

I had seen another place on the Internet but it was much further away and they said "No cameras". Why go and see all that beauty and not be allowed to take photos? That is beyond me! 

There were ten of us altogether and we had four guides accompanying us, oh and I was the oldest by a long way, a least 20 years I would say, LOL!. 

My horse was called Scout and he, like all the others, was very calm and quiet. They had a mounting block so I did not have to worry about getting on him, lol!

The first I knew we were off was when Scout turned round and started walking after the others. Mostly we walked but a few times we either did a fast walk or a wee trot. During the trek Scout would respond to clicking or a gentle nudge in the side to catch up to the horse in front.

We rode along the edge of the National Park and this is land owned by the Blackfeet Indian Tribe. They own just over a million acres in this area. We rode towards Mount Henry mountain, it looks like the profile of a man lying on his back, we have a similar mountain in New Zealand near a town named Taupo. There is a Maori legend attached to it. The peak to the left is called Dancing Lady Mountain.

The view was somewhat clearer today although, when we looked to the north it was more hazy. It was very peaceful walking along the tracks and ever upwards. The breeze through the Quaking Aspen explained their name and the leaves looked beautiful moving in that breeze.

We reached the top of our trek with a steep climb and looked down towards St Mary's Lodge and in the direction of the fire. There were spectacular views all round and the guides took photos of us individually or in family groups on our cameras.

Then it was time to head back down the steep slope and back to base. It was such a pleasant ride through the trees and along the well worn tracks. The horses were very careful when there were large tree roots etc across our path. Scout was lovely to ride and I have never ridden with such a large saddle, it was very comfortable.

We reached base and when I first dismounted I did not think my legs would work again, LOL!! However, after a couple of minutes of tottering round they began to feel normal again and I was able to walk back to the motel with no discomfort. I wonder what they will feel like in the morning???

I am so pleased I decided to take the trek, I love horses and have ridden before but many years ago. Just like riding a bike, it all came flooding back! While my mind could have gone on the whole day trek, I think my body would have quailed at the prospect!

I had a lazy afternoon and wrote my blog earlier as the Internet is better before everyone gets back from their day out!