Horseback riding in Antigua (August 17th, 2011)

Unfortunately, I did not carry my camera in fear of either damaging it or losing it so here is the best description I can give and a googled image to give you an idea of how beautiful it was.

It was three hours of an indescribable scenic trip. Sitting on top of the house was a nerve wracking and thrilling moment. As a little girl I've dreamt over and over again of the opportunity of being able to touch and share the presence with a horse. Holding the saddle, the reigns, being in control of the horse--it was all beautiful. The quiet sound of the hooves hitting the dirt; its gentle canter; the steady breaths of the horse--it left me breathless. The leaves brushed the top of my helmet as I was led through a serene forest. Along the beach, we left subtle prints in the soft, white sand. The waves washed in and out, painting the white a bright aquamarine for just those three seconds. The sweat on my forehead went unnoticed as joy and peace both flooded within me. The gentle breeze left my ponytail in a tangle as we trotted along the shores of the island. In that moment, I felt a new kind of freedom. One which involved lighter lessons in life; a type of freedom which allowed me to greet everyone with casual 'how do you do's' accompanied with genuine smiles.

-t