Horseback riding with the girls!

Soon after I'd arrived, Marsali and a few of her friends decided to take me up into the mountains on a horseback ride. I've only gone horseback riding once before, so I was quite nervous! When Marsali told me that we weren't going to be using bridles, I was even more nervous. How would I EVER remember all of the leg movements?!

Marsali led me over to Gyspy, the horse I'd be riding. After checking the cinches, I mounted Gyspy and tried to relax. Marsali soothed me by telling me stories about the first time her Mama rode without a bridle.

Once Tinaia and Audrianna had mounted their horses, we were on our way, heading in the direction of the campsite that Taryn and Angel were setting up for us.

After a while, my nervousness subsided, and I began to talk and laugh with the other girls. Unfortunately, their laughter distracted me, and I found myself giving Gyspy the wrong leg movement! My horse was now on a trail a little lower down the mountain. I was mortified that I'd forgotten a leg movement so quickly and pressured myself to stay more focused. I HAD to get these leg movements down pat! If Marsali and Anya (my horse-loving friend back at school) could do it, so could I.

After a few hours of riding, the girls and I were getting pretty sore. We'd all made it safely to the campsite, and aside from my horse being spooked by Pooka (the girls' canine companion) and my hair being attacked by a ladybug, I'd had a lot of fun. I was glad I'd gotten past my initial nervousness over riding Gyspy. We'd actually become great friends over the course of our ride together. I made sure to give her some love after I'd dismounted.

Soon we were talking and laughing around the campsite. We didn't want to start a fire, so we sat around a pile of pine-cones instead.

Marsali and I chatted about the adventures we'd had in the past year as well as the adventures

awaiting us in Alaska. It was great to be spending time with her again!

You can look at the whole album of our horseback riding adventure by clicking HERE.

Have you ever been horseback riding?

~Sophie

Visiting Oregon again!

After several long, tiring days in my travel box, I arrived in Oregon! Knowing I must be anxious to stretch my legs, Marsali helped me out of the box. "Sophie, I am sooo glad that you are here," she gushed, enveloping me in a hug.

We haven't seen each other since Spring 2010 when we celebrated Easter together. And, when Marsali invited me to make a return visit, I literally jumped at the chance. I've been missing home, but I figured that I could make one last stop.

Marsali soon introduced me to Taryn, her newest sister. The three of us will be going on an Alaskan cruise together! Taryn and I have never been on a cruise before, and we are so excited to get to go with Marsali, a seasoned pro when it comes to going on cruises!

You can see my arrival album, as well as more photos, by clicking HERE. Also, I wanted to give a shout-out about my hosts' doll clothing store. Marsali, Taryn, and the rest of their sisters sell some really cute things. Please do check out their website, The Crazy Doll Ladies Designs, if you haven't already. See my sidebar for the link to their store blog. :)

~Sophie