Trail Adventures: Rudolf Bennitt Conservation Area October 2021

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." -- The Anne of Green Gables series was one of my favorite growing up (seriously, I probably read the entire 8-book series 20+ times, haha), and I have to agree with LM Mongomery about Octobers <3 last week I was feeling a bit cheated, because I hadn't been out on the trails since my solo trip to Broemmelsiek back in August. Between DH wanting to take the new boat out a lot this summer, and our mutual decision that we could split weekends between that and my lessons, we haven't actually hauled out and ridden together since.... I think T was here in May? The weekend I was in Indiana probably would have been good but ya know... I was 350 miles away lol. The forecast for this past weekend looked GARBAGE all week, but Saturday when I pulled up the radar, it actually looked like the worst of the rain would miss us until the evening. DH had started a garage project, but he needed to borrow a very specific drill from his dad, who conveniently lives not too far from Rudolf Bennitt (which you may remember garnered a brief mention last summer riding at this same park when our diesel damn near dropped its driveshaft in the road due to a moronic mechanic and his dad came out with tools to save the day). I proposed we dash out, ride for a bit, grab the drill, and be back before the rain -- easy peasy lemon squeezy :)

As we pulled up, DH asked me if the park was closed for hunting season.... D'oh! Thankfully this ended up being the last weekend they were open before youth firearm season and then regular firearm season in November. During hunting season we pretty much exclusively head east to ride at Indian Camp Creek and Broemmelsiek. 

Ironically enough on the way there, FB memories reminded me that 6 or 7 years ago was our first trip to Indian Camp Creek, and there were photos of me riding in a tank top because it was 75 degrees. Unfortunately this day was about 55 degrees and annoyingly overcast. But the foliage was still pretty!

These two are ridiculous

Brrrrrrr. I ended up riding with my hands in my vest pockets like 70% of the way. Thankfully Ruby doesn't really require steering, even when we rode past the (very very very active) rifle range. 

All ring work and no trails makes Ruby a grumpy girl - she was so happy to be out!

No hands necessary. I love her. 

The trail runs right next to the rifle range, which was hopping! Thankfully my horses give zero fucks about gunfire. 

I always love how her neck looks with a fresh roach.

DH did not trust my navigation skills LOL. 

Due to where we parked, we had limited loop options, but we still put together a nice 2-hour ride and then swung by his dad's (ponies hung out munching hay on the trailer), grabbed the drill, and were home before the rain, giving DH enough time to finish his garage project. Productive day!