Triple Creek Ranch…dream come true Day 3

We both had a splendid nights sleep. Slept in til about 8 and took our coffee out on the back deck. I headed out for  a  hike up my favorite trail, along the way meeting up with a few cool prairie dogs. Walking along, I slowed my pace, drinking in my amazing surroundings, overcome with happiness. Aware of the creek rushing by, birds singing, all alone among these gigantic ponderosa pine trees I thanked the gods (and the Universe and God) for this wonderful life we have. This trip is something I’ve long wanted and to finally be here is beyond emotional.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Following my hike we left for the stables. After watching a brief safety video I headed out with Holly (a badass wrangler who competes in rodeos – team penning and barrel racing) for a 90 minute ride on “Pal”.  The ride was spectacular, exciting, exhilarating and nothing like I’ve ever experienced. I wish I had words to describe the views and the level of adrenaline I was feeling.  Although I’ve ridden before, it’s been awhile and never up and down mountains on such steep trails. Pal is a wonderful horse and extremely sure footed.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lunch was a treat. We both loved the Pork and Red Bean soup. It was a tough choice between the Thai Chicken & Basil with shiitake mushrooms and a Roasted Turkey &Huckleberry Sandwich. I choose the sandwich because of the huckleberry chutney and brie. It did not disappoint.

Post lunch we embarked on another new adventure: Sapphire panning. We enjoyed the search for gems; finding only  pretty quartz stones we returned to our cabin for a nap.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upon rising from our nap, we headed to the rooftop bar in the Lodge. The lemon drop- huckleberry martinis tasted like perfection.

We began dinner with a first for both of us, Antelope Scaloppini. It was surprisingly tender and reminiscent of veal. Our five spiced duck breast was accompanied by snap peas, pineapple, a daikon radish slaw and a 2016 Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley.

Another wonderful day in the books we returned to our cabin and bed.