Wildflower Springs


Riding north you cross the old dirt path behind Five Starr Farm onto the other side that opens in a vast meadow.


Following the little crooked stream that meanders in a snakelike fashion around the meadow you enter the secluded woods of evergreens that tower, casting a cold shadow across a part of the meadow.


There is darkness at first, and you trust your horse to find a safe path, the forest is so dense that it is almost difficult to breath.


Then as suddenly as it came, the darkness lifted, the trees thinned out, and you find yourself on a soft woodland trail, dappled gold with the sunlight that filtered through the lime colored leaves that decorate the trees.


Finding the little stream again, you follow it, treading through the brush. Curiosity and stories told you have a beautiful spot only availiable during the springtime and you intended to find it.


The brush became too thick, so reluctantly, you follow a thin path back onto the main road. Straining your ears, you still here the tinkling sound of the running water and you follow it as best you can.


The rich greenery of the forest soothes you, and slowly you forget about the stream and even where you were going. The air was so rich and pure, it was as if not many people came here and spoiled the quality of the air.


The path ends abruptly, opening into a small clearing with grass of a fine down texture. A quick glance at your watch, and you find with surprise that it is already noon and time for a break. Dismounting you untack your horse and slip on his/her halter, loosely tying him/her you settle down to eat lunch while your horse feasts on the soft grass.


After your quick snack, you tack your horse back up and climb on board. Suddenly you hear the familiar sound of running water again, and without thinking you ride straight for it. Delighted, you now find a path that runs along the streams edge and you follow it.


You continue on the path, your horse excited by the sound of water does a little prancing gait, but the trail is clear, so you allow your horse to move into a slow jog.


For a moment, the path veers away from the water and the trees clear, surprised, you find that you have climbed partway up a small mountain. You pause for a moment, marveling at the view, but at the same time you notice that the sun has started sinking towards the west.


In your haste, you find yourself on a paved road, pushing your horse into a slow lope you follow it swiftly, hoping to find the springs before it was time to turn back home.


And you are here! The path opens to a beautiful lush meadow speckled with wildflowers.


A few dozen hot springs tucked away in the meadows, nearly covered by the tall grass bring warmth and a mysterious look to the place.


Satisfied you turn around and head home, back through the meadows, along a short cut.


The forest opens up and just up ahead you see Five Starr Farm across the meadow. Urging your horse into a joyous gallop, you returned to the stables for a warm stll and well deserved rest for you horse!


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