Ruskin Picnic Site

The day started out cloudy and dare I say it down right chilly. Luckily, it turned into a lovely sunny day with a cool breeze to keep it comfortable. 

Stopped to check out the Ruskin picnic site for a few minutes then headed home in the insane traffic. Sunday drives just aren't like they used to be.

Campbell Valley Riding Trails

Another great Sunday. The cloudy skies were a nice change from the scorching heat of late. We hit the road with the Campbell Valley Regional Park as our destination - where, to my amazement - Glen Valley Stables out of Langley - was conducting trail rides this morning.

My 15 year old self was in absolute heaven seeing all the magnificent horses patiently standing around all bridaled and saddled up, letting out the accassional whinny or nicker, ready to start their day. As were the excited riders who'd booked 1, 1.5 or 2 hour rides. 

All of the horses there were so breathtakingly beautiful! They were all so calm and well behaved.  And it is plain to see that they are so well cared for. 

I took a few pictures as Tara, Allison and Kirsten worked like a well oiled machine, unloaded their trailers, did some final prep to gear and horses and instructed the groups of riders on proper trail etiquette before finally heading out.

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A sweet visit to the Meadow Family Farm in Maple Ridge

A perfect, clear blue sky and a gentle, cool breeze ushered us off to a lovely Sunday breakfast at the charming 6th Street Grill in New West and once content, we took a pleasant drive out to Maple Ridge's Meadow Family Farm. A great family run, family attraction that's been in operation since 2015.

For me, it was a magical visit. The animals all looked happy in their enclosures. They were fairly polite when accepting food in shovels that looks a lot like large cat litter scoopers. The facilities were clean and well maintained. And almost a bigger draw for some than the animals - the 'mini donuts' were available at their consession stand, and the greatest salty popcorn on the planet!

Having spent nearly two hours there we moseyed back to our car and as soon as we drove off, I wanted to turn around and go right back to visit all the animals all over again. Or sit in an amazingly comfortable Muskoka chair under the cover of a shade tree and a delightful breeze keeping us cool.

I'm hoping I get another opportunity to revisiting the Meadow Family Farm - maybe when there are pumpkins on the ground and maybe again at Christmas. We'll see.