A Different Kind of Trail

While I enjoy reading about the non-horsey lives of my blogging friends, I tend to keep my own personal life fairly private. Writing about my husband and dog isn't really therapeutic. Writing about what I do with the horses is. Lately though, things with the horses have been stressful: Izzy's leg, Speedy's recent unsoundness issues (thankfully, resolved), and starting a green horse have all been hard on me. 

Writing about those things hasn't been fun. In fact, not much about being at the barn has been fun. I am not complaining; I am just recognizing when I need a break. I am pretty sure that's where my recent bout of bronchitis came from - too much stress and worry over things that are beyond my control.

Hoping to help, my husband asked if I might like to head up through the Kern River Canyon for a hike and lunch. He assured me that the trail would be mostly level - not that I am out of shape, but I am still coughing. I thought a hike followed by lunch was just what I needed. 

So that's what we did. On Sunday morning, we drove up through the river canyon into the Southern Sierra Nevada for a hike followed by lunch at a brewery. It was a great way to let go of my recent worries while spending the morning doing something healthy and invigorating with my husband. 

The trail head was at the end of the suspension bridge. While it was too big to actually sway, it bounced a bit as we crossed over it.

We took the Whiskey Flat Trail.

Tobi loves the water so in his opinion, this was the best day ever!

Getting his crazy on!

It was a very scenic trail. This was the little community where the trail parking sits. There's a restaurant and a little group of summer cabins.

Two very happy boys!

Proof that I really was there.

An "ussie" from the suspension bridge.

I did make it out to the barn later that afternoon to ride Izzy, and I certainly felt better. I am pretty driven and focused which is great for accomplishing things, but it's also a double-edged sword. If I am not careful, my focus becomes too narrow, and I forget to enjoy all of the great things life has to offer. Sometimes, I need to hit the trail without a horse!