Anyway, last night we had a last minute invite to go on a sleigh ride. I almost declined thinking how cold it was and how windy it was, but with Caitlin bouncing up and down next to me (being naughty listening on the other phone!) how could I decline!
First job - creating enough layers to keep us warm, while still being able to move. I pinched emily's long johns to save my legs from turning an unslightly shade of blue, and finally relented into wearing not only a hat (argh! hat hair!) but also my 'trendy' ear warmers sent courtesy of my mother. I would be blessing her for the rest of the night for those ear warmers! I also figured this would be a good opportunity to try out my lovely new scarf that a friend had knitted for me (a very nice surprise to get in the mail!) and see if it would indeed keep me roasty warm.
We were picked up, along with a few others who were also brave (or is that stupid?) enough to venture out in the cold night, and made our way to the farm where the sleigh rides are run.
The horses were MASSIVE, but lovely natured. No idea what sort they were - they looked like 'pretty' clydesdale horses, but someone did mention the name of them, and they weren't clydesdales. But big work - horses all the same.
Behind the horses was a giant sled, large enough to accommodate all 22 of us! We all snuggled up nice and close (thank god for body heat!) and away we went.
The horses had bells on their reins, so we tinkled along through the snow. It was a beautiful clear night, which made for a fun astronomy lesson! I saw the big dipper, and the northern star! Pretty cool :) We finally arrived at the camp site where a lovely HOT fire was waiting for us, with yummy HOT hot chocolate! Bliss :) I only wish someone had thought to bring some marshmellows too, it would have been perfect to roast marshmellows over the fire! Oh well - maybe next time?
Once we were all nicely warmed up again, we piled back onto the sleigh. This time, Caitlin and I were lucky enough to get a seat right up the front, so we could watch the horses walking. This almost meant we were right up close to their butts. Caitlin and I have learnt that cute big horses do horrible BIG smelly farts! God knows what the farmer has been feeding them, but it might be time for a change in diet!!!
Another astronomy lesson insued - this time I had the space station (apparently!) pointed out to me. A few of the older women in the group attempted to get everyone singing, but I think that idea fell flat when it was only 4 of them singing rather loudly (and slightly off key) with the rest of us shifting in our seats uncomfortably (more star gazing to be had by most of us at that point, with our heads pointing skyward!)
All too soon, we arrived back at the farm, frozen solid, ready to head home. It was great fun, and I am pleased to say the scarf passed the 'keeping me warm' test, as did mum's lovely ear warmers! Next time however, I might want to re-think the thin socks - my toes were a teeny bit frozen! LOL
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