Horseback Riding
Looking out with still sleepy eyes you see the low lying mist snuggled comfortably into the hollows of the valley. The early rays of sunshine glaze the pastoral scene with an opalescent sheen on this pristine morning. The roof of the close by stable is studded with columns of rising steam and as you watch you ear picks up the noise of meadow hay being contentedly munched. Only the strong jaws of horses could make such a sound and it is backed up by a soft knickering punctuated with snorts of satisfaction. You know the horse soon to be your companion is there but no need to rush to begin the day's adventure, the tranquil silence of the morning need not begin just yet. After all your nose was picking up the smell of welcome coffee. A day of action is in store, the highly trained four legged friend to be is waiting to walk, trot or if you please, gallop through your day. An experienced guide and his mount will be part of this well oiled team, showing you the vistas of Coast Mountains. The broad trails overlooking rain forest panoramas will unfold before your eyes, as you bond with your new found companion of the trail ride. A thick western saddle cradles you in comfort as you learn trail horse riding has little in common with English dressage, except the strong linking of horse and human. The horse knows his job and a trustful nearness quickly develops making this traditional mode of transportation accessible to rank beginners as well as the more experienced in equestrian sports.
You don't notice the quickly passing time until your horse and your stomach tell you it is lunch time. What grass and a cold mountain stream are to your horse a small barbecue or a well packed sandwich box are to you, followed by flasks of hot tea or coffee. After a most satisfying lunch, horse and rider agree what has been eaten does not have to be carried or so the theory goes although the horse has it's doubts. While enjoying the break you look at Mt. Haliwell standing monumentally over the craggy bays of the Pacific. Beyond the world of the ever present mountains exists the world of modern urbanity, but you are not ready to return just yet. Remounted on your horse, you stand on the edge of a precipice with the horse's four feet firmly planted as you both peer down at the Skookumchuk Rapids (Strong waters). The horse takes in this maelstrom of a tidal bore and snorts as if to make it quite clear this is not his thing for it belongs to the folk desiring white water kayaking, high powered motor launches or just plain viewing from the shore in the designated viewing areas after a hours hike in the rain forest. Returning home, everything becomes quiet as you absorb the majesty of the rain forest, the horses know their work is just about done and soon the scent of fresh hay and the stable will be in the horses nostrils and the movement of the hooves. In your mind, the well worn saddle slowly metamorphoses into a luxurious outdoor tub. Now it is no longer the horses nostril's steaming in front of you, but you on a cedar deck soaking in a bubbling hot tub. Slowly the orange globe of a sun sinks over the edge of your tub—before it falls glittering into the Pacific Ocean.
