Horse Camp at Devil's Den

Ashlyn's Horse ~ "Catcher"

This past weekend was a great time for me and Ashlyn.  We both really enjoy horseback riding.  Krystal's dad invited us to Devil's Den State Park to camp out and be a part of the Northwest Arkansas Cavalcade's fall ride.  The NWA Cavalcade is a riding club that was established in 1951 and they hold three annual rides a year at Devil's Den State Park.  There are organized rides that leave out each day at 10am or you can go on your own.  This was the first time for me and Ashlyn and we had a great time meeting new people and seeing the beautiful scenery at Devil's Den on horseback. 

The timing worked out great for us since Ashlyn was out of school on Friday.  We left Thursday evening and arrived just in time to crawl in the sleeping bags.  I had gone earlier that afternoon and set up our tent so I wouldn't have to do it in the dark.  I have done that before and that is no fun. 

"Whiskey Cave"

Ashlyn at "Whiskey Cave"

The next morning we headed out to see the "Whiskey Cave".  It was about a 3 hour ride that took us to a cave that a family had built and lived in up until the 1960's.  It was a beautiful ride and very interesting to see how the family built a rock wall against the mountain to make a one room "apartment" in the middle of nature.  We were able to take a few photos of it.

Ashlyn & her Papaw at "Yellow Rock"

After returning for lunch and having an auction, me and Ashlyn headed back out for an evening ride.  It was great to enjoy the cool evening and enjoy God's creation.  We got back just in time to dig into the fish fry that the club had for everyone at dinner. 

"Yellow Rock" Overlook

Saturday morning we went out on another ride that took us to a place called "Yellow Rock".  It was a huge "yellow rock" that was an overlook. WOW, is all that a person can say as they look over the Ozark Mountains from Yellow Rock.  It was a great way to spend the Saturday.  We got back to camp, ate lunch and began tearing down.  Looking back is when I say to myself, "Why don't we do this more often?" 

Krystal and Mitchell stayed at home.  They had a picnic at Sonic and then Krystal's mom met them in Fayetteville on Saturday for a day of shopping.  We all were able to do something we really enjoy but don't take the time to do it very often. 

All of us made it back home to enjoy the ending of a perfect weekend by watching the Razorbacks beat Texas A&M in football.  Wow, life it good!