Tour, Week 7 (The Horse)

It has been a great week, with wonderful encounters and some exceptional store visits. But I'm tired, so instead of details, I'm afraid I'm going to tell you a little story about a horse.

Yes, a horse.

I don't think my parents knew much about horses. Or mules. But one backpacking vacation they rented us one of each to hike in some of the camping equipment. We kids were all for that. It seemed so extravagant!

I don't remember a lot of details about this backpacking trip, other than that the pack animals seemed really slow hiking in. There was the novelty of taking turns riding, but that wore off quickly because it seemed worse than hiking. It felt slower than walking. And it was uncomfortable. The swaying side to side. The being jostled about. Plus, it was scary being up on a horse. It seemed so big.

What is most vivid in my memory about this trip was nearing the end of the hike back out. We were a couple of miles from home base when those lumbering beasts came to life. Especially the horse. My dad tried to control it, but the closer we got, the harder that was, until, in the end, the horse just took off with pots and pans clanging as it galloped home.

I tell you this little story because tonight, I feel like that horse.