August 26, 2012

Horseback Riding Through Murphy Hanrehan Park


Horseback Riding Through Murphy Hanrehan Park
Todd Swank's Diary Entry for August 18, 2012


So I bought a Groupon for a 2 hour trail ride through Murphy Hanrehan Park.  We woke up bright and early on Saturday morning to go discover our inner cowboys.  And cowgirls.


Our guide's name was Miriam and she was doing this for us to support her own Horse Habit.  Apparently, she has her own horse and does this for the people who board him.  Seems like a fair trade to me.


She helped get us all strapped in and we were ready to go.  Already I was starting to experience an unpleasant feeling in my groin region and we hadn't even left the parking lot yet.


Right after the boys climbed on their horses, I knew this was going to be another one of those things where they were already better performing at than their father.  It sure sucks to get old.


I decided that I would keep the camera to take pictures of everything and then realized it was quite challenging to turn around and get pictures of Miss Sheri.  


My photo taking tasks only lasted for the first few minutes, though.  Miss Sheri confiscated the camera from me after I lost the reins out of my hands twice while taking photos.  One time, the guide even had to turn around to get the reins back for me.  It wasn't my fault, though.  The stupid mule I was riding just didn't want to listen to me.


After I finally held on to the reins with two hands, it was smooth sailing for the rest of the day!


Well, smooth sailing for the most part.  My horse kept taking me off the trail so he could reach down for a snack.  After awhile, Luke's did the same thing.  But the scariest part of the ride was when Luke's horse suddenly got spooked and started running!  We all held our breath and watched as we heard Luke exclaim "Ahhhhhh, it's Galloping!"  Luckily it slowed down shortly afterwards and we had a new phrase to tease Luke with for the rest of the day!


Look, Mom!  No Hands!


Murphy Hanrehan Park was incredibly beautiful!!  I can't believe I've lived nearby for almost the past 20 years and we've never been there for a visit.  I guess it's because we don't have a horse.  And I really don't enjoy walking on trails much.  On second thought, this place really sucks!

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