While visiting with my neighbor's mother recently, she shared with me that she had never been on a sleigh ride. One is never too old or young to enjoy a sleigh ride, so we picked a day on the calendar that we and several other friends could go, and made plans to enjoy an old fashioned sleigh ride up in the mountains.
What we didn't realize when we planned the sleigh ride was just how perfect the weather was going to be! For days we have had nothing but cloud cover. And for days after our sleigh ride, more cloud cover and lots of rain. But the day that we had chosen to take the sleigh ride dawned bright, gorgeous, and beautiful!
The sleigh rides are held at a local horse ranch that operates year round. Their specialty during the winter months are their sleigh rides that they offer. They also have log cabins that can be rented and horseback riding during the summer months.
The lodge has a beautiful dining area where several times a year they have meals catered to the public along with a live band. It is a delightful venue to just sit and look out the windows, or cozy up to the fireplace.
Fresh flowers in vintage mason jars adorned the "cowgirl" bathroom.
Delightful log cabin style architecture is golden, warm and cozy.
One could choose to sit outside, but I'm sure this is for the more balmy months of the year. Such a lovely view through the hand painted frosty windows.
Various wild creatures were mounted on the walls, all of which had been hunted on the ranch property.
After our arrival and check-in, we wandered around the lodge enjoying the lovely ambience of the lodge.
Soon we were summoned outside and given a wool blanket to stay warm under as we began our ride in the icy sunshine. Our two horses, Jack and Julie, we were told, were a mix of Belgian and Persian. Julie was expecting a foal in the spring. Jack and Julie were perfectly still as we mounted the sleigh.
The bright blue skies were a delight to see, and we were thrilled to be outside on such a gorgeous day.
Jack and Julie were patiently waiting for me to stop taking pictures, ha!
A picture of the sleigh just before we boarded.
This border collie appeared as if he wanted to follow us on the sleigh ride, but must have changed his mind, and decided to watch us instead.
Soon everyone was boarded, and our wool blankets gathered warmly around us, and it was time for the sleigh ride to begin.
The beauty of the forest enveloped us in its embrace as we listened to the singing jingle bells of the horses, and the rhythmic clip-clop of their feet.
The quiet forest around us echoed with the sounds of our voices raised in praise to the Lord.
How did a 30 minute ride pass so quickly! Before we knew it, we were rounding the corner, and the horses picked up speed when the barn was in sight.
A view of the lodge
One of the cabins on the property available to rent in the summer months.
One of fields on the property.
One of the many barns on the property.
As we left the ranch, our bellies were in favor of a visit to a local restaurant. On our drive down the mountain, we saw this beautiful barn with a barn quilt on it.
Such a lovely barn quilt, makes me want to have a red barn so I can hang a barn quilt on it!
A wonderful way to finish up our exciting day was with sandwich and soup at a local restaurant.
Enjoy this little video I made of some of the clips taken on our sleigh ride together.
Indeed this sleigh ride was a highlight to our winter here, to get out on such a beautiful day and just enjoy the company of other precious ladies and soak up the serene beauty of the forest to the tune of jingle bells and clip-clops! It was such a blessing from the Lord that we were given such a remarkable day to do this, because the rest of the week has been overcast, cloudy and rainy. Isn't the Lord good! We stand amazed at how He blesses us in ways we didn't even ask! My neighbor's mother can't stop talking about how much fun she had, and we were all so thankful that we were able to have this day of fellowship together. :)
Hi Marilyn :) What a lovely afternoon!!! Those horses are gorgeous and wow, that fireplace looks like the one we have here in the cottage rental!! :) Beautiful photos. I LOVE a sleigh ride! :)
It looks like such a great place! Those horses are beautiful and the lodge is a work of art. Is it near us? Maybe next year I could plan something with our church ladies. Blessings, Betsy
What a gorgeous and heart-warming post. Yes God sends us blessings every single day...some we recognize and others we might not. HE is so gracious and good and loving. Your photos are amazing.Wish I could have joined you on the sleigh ride...I've never been on one, either. Hay rides, yes.
WOW! This sounds absolutely wonderful. I would love to spend a week in one of those cottages and just saver the beauty of nature. yes,God is so good and blesses us in unexpected ways.
Oh what a wonderful day and blessings of the beautiful weather too! I've been on hay ridges but not "sleigh" rides in the snow, which would be the ultimate on a cold winter's day. Loved your song too! I'm so envious.. I want to be there at the lodge.. and in one of the cozy cabins, surrounded with snow and a warm fire, with no place that I have to be.. with all my crafting and sewing supplies surrounding me and some friends. Wouldn't that be so much fun? Where is this ranch or what is it's name? It must be at a high elevation as the views are wonderful. Glad for your neighbor that she got to enjoy something that she's never done before. xoxoxo Marilyn
How very splendid!!! What a beautiful day for a sleigh ride, and such a beautiful location! I'm so glad that you were able to go, and to share that time with friends. Your meal afterwards looks delicious as well!
Oh, how wonderful! I kept thinking how neat it would be to do this at Christmas! They are probably super busy at that time of the year. :) I love those barn quilts, too. We often see them in our travels, and I think they are just so beautiful. And, that cabin! I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to stay there and see the amazing views. I am so thankful that dear lady was able to fulfill her wish and all of you were able to go together! Such a precious time for all. God bless you, sweet friend. :)
Such an amazing experience and wonderful that you were able to share with friends and enjoy the fellowship of others. The lodge, cabins and barn looks amazing. Like you it was a joy to the barn quilt you were indeed blessed.
What a blessing for you all! Our God is awesome. He enjoyed your lifting your voices in praise to Him. I enjoyed the virtual sleigh ride and your sweet voices.
What a wonderful, wonderful place to enjoy a day and a sleigh ride. I bet you smiled he whole time. The sleigh ride is just the crowning touch to the whole day. I hope you have a blessed, sweet Sunday- xo Diana
What a glorious day . . . wish I was there, LOL Before I was born my folks had a farm in Michigan with horses and a sleigh. I have often heard the stories from my brothers and sister about life on the farm and wished that our parents would have stayed there and lived after I can along. I'll take the simple life any day over the hustle and bustle of city life.
A sleigh ride - how exciting, Marilyn! That's something I've never done, either. Maybe it should be on my bucket list? Thanks for sharing the photos and the video! Blessings!
Holy Cow, what a cool idea! And I loved the singing on the video. What an inspiring vista and being together with your neighbor's mom and friends, I can't imagine how full your heart must have been. Makes me want to look around for a opportunity to do that too! Blessings, Ceil
Oh what a lovely day for a sleigh ride! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I feel like I was right there with you! Would love to do that! Such a beautiful location!! And the singing was just wonderful!! Thank you so much. I loved this. My last (and only) sleigh ride was several years ago in New Hampshire with our son and his family, but it was at night! It was still wonderful, but I think a daytime ride would be even better now that I've seen this...thank you for taking us with you.
Oh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh...or a two horse open sleigh! That song was running through my head as I was reading your post {{smiles}}
What glorious scenery and such bright weather you all got to enjoy! So beautiful! And that lodge looks so very cozy and homey! That fireplace and hearth is so inviting.
This was such a lovely post...thank you for sharing a bit of your day with us!
So funny! My husband and I were just talking about this. I have never been on a sleigh ride either. We decided we are going to find a place to do it! It probably won't be as charming as your spectacular setting, but we're going to give it a shot!
How sweet of you to take your neighbour's mom for sleigh ride . I enjoyed this virtual trip so much as this ride was unfamiliar to me . i knew only rides on snow dragged by dogs though. thank you for sharing this lovely soul warming video as you did great by enlightening this clip by your uplifting chorus !!!
i am sure she will always be thankful what joy you brought to her day my friend!
Oh what fun, a sleigh ride. I loved the video, not just the scenery and the sleigh bells, but the sound of sweet voices praising God. Beautiful. The lodge was so pretty, what a wonderful place to visit.
Oh my, how amazing to ride a sleigh through that glorious, wintry wonderland. It would be breathtaking to drink in that gorgeous scenery as your sleigh slid along. The log cabin is fabulous and the barn.......yes I think one would be perfect on your little patch of heaven. Divine photos, Marilyn.
What a beautiful day for a sleigh ride, Marilyn, and in such a lovely place, too. Love the views and the amazing lodge and little cabin. Sounds like a perfect day for some lucky ladies! Sending hugs and blessings xx Karen
What a beautiful place! The lodge is gorgeous! I do love a sleigh ride on a brisk, winter's day. Looks like you picked a good day too--the sky is amazing! Glad you enjoyed it! xx Linda
Marilyn, thank you so much for sharing about your sleigh ride and the beautiful scenery and day that the Lord blessed you and the other ladies with. I loved it all, but especially the video that you did. Thank you for shaaring it with us.
WOW! The cabin is so pretty. I love rustic cabins. The sleigh ride would be so wonderful for me. I would love to do that. What a blessing for you. I know you enjoyed your time. Love the video and enjoyed the wonderful singing and song. Blessed my heart this morning. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
Oh Marilyn...I'm jealous! what a beautiful treat! I have always wanted to do that, but alas, it hasn't happened yet! :D have a blessed day dear lady ...
What a neat thing to do. Although I'm not much into "winter" but the scenery was so pretty and that lodge was gorgeous. - I've never been on a sleigh ride either but I have been on dune buggies in the sand, (much warmer).
What a beautiful lodge, and scenic sleigh ride! My husband and I have also taken sleigh rides nearby in in Breckenridge, Colorado, and enjoyed them very much.
This is a beautiful outing. I once rented a lodge just so we could stay in a beautiful log cabin and take a sleigh ride at Christmas. It is one of my treasured memories.
Aren't those horses funny - when they know they are going for a walk/ride they are so happy, and then when they see the barn they speed up to get back. Your video is so cool - makes me feel like I'm right there on the sleigh ride.
What a special treat for your friend's Mother....and the rest of you, too. It's such a beautiful place and God blessed you with a wonderful day for a sleigh ride.
Dearest Marilyn, how I'd love to have such a romantic and old-fashioned tour together with you! Actually I've never had a sleigh ride on a so wonderful snow, I wonder what an emotion for your Mother it was!
I heartily thank you for sharing your always outstanding shots, while wishing you a most lovely weekend, sending blessings on your way
What a precious girlfriends time in the snow on that sleigh ride. Love the photos of the pines, the snow, the sleigh, and the video was the frosting on the cake. The lodge is beautiful!
I've never been on a sleigh ride, but have always wanted to go! Looks like you had a great time! I'm NOT a fan of winter...but I could probably be happy on a sleigh ride, ha, ha.
I've only been on one sleigh ride, and that was when I was about 13 years old. It was a birthday party for a friend who lived on a farm. Her dad had an old sleigh which he hitched up to the horses and off across the fields we went. I don't recall how many girls were on that sleigh, but I do remember we had a blast. I'd love to do this again, but would have to travel an hour or more to get somewhere that has sleigh rides. Would be worth it, though. What a beautiful day you had for your ride. God is so good to us, isn't He? Loved this post, Marilyn. Such a beautiful place where you live, and the lodge is lovely. Your day was filled with blessings! Hugs.
How unbelievably wonderful! I have never been on a sleigh ride. When I am back for Winter festivities at my LakeHouse next winter... I am going to see who can take me on one!!!!
You have a beautiful blog! Hugs, Nancy On Instagram I am @nance_endless_summer
Your comments are blessings to me, and I appreciate each and every one, they are precious to me! I appreciate you taking the time to comment on my blog... this is what makes blogging worthwhile! Have a blessed day!
Please click here to visit my exciting NEW Website!
Author Profile
I am an avid hobby photographer living in North Idaho who shares her photography and inspirational writings on my blog
Through Love's Eyes
This inspirational book was written by me with photography of the four seasons of North Idaho. You can purchase my book here! I appreciate your support!
MTS YouTube Channel
Worship Medley with North Idaho Images
Follow By Email
Sign up with your email address to receive the latest updates straight in your inbox.
.jpg)
.jpg)
That cabin is so beautiful. Look at those tree-hewn stairs! The scowling wall cougar, not so much...yikes. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi Marilyn :) What a lovely afternoon!!! Those horses are gorgeous and wow, that fireplace looks like the one we have here in the cottage rental!! :) Beautiful photos. I LOVE a sleigh ride! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful experience!!
ReplyDeleteSuch a great adventure under the best possible conditions!
ReplyDeleteThis looks like such fun! Thanks for sharing. I'm thinking renting a cabin there in the summer would be lots of fun too. Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like such a great place! Those horses are beautiful and the lodge is a work of art. Is it near us? Maybe next year I could plan something with our church ladies.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Betsy
What a gorgeous and heart-warming post. Yes God sends us blessings every single day...some we recognize and others we might not. HE is so gracious and good and loving.
ReplyDeleteYour photos are amazing.Wish I could have joined you on the sleigh ride...I've never been on one, either. Hay rides, yes.
So wonderful that you were gifted beautiful weather for your sleigh ride! Fabulous. That lodge looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteWOW! This sounds absolutely wonderful. I would love to spend a week in one of those cottages and just saver the beauty of nature. yes,God is so good and blesses us in unexpected ways.
ReplyDeleteOh, it's all so wonderful. You make me want to come and visit!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful adventure! The log cabin is just beautiful and I would so enjoy that sleigh ride. I wish I lived closer!
ReplyDeleteOh what a wonderful day and blessings of the beautiful weather too! I've been on hay ridges but not "sleigh" rides in the snow, which would be the ultimate on a cold winter's day. Loved your song too! I'm so envious.. I want to be there at the lodge.. and in one of the cozy cabins, surrounded with snow and a warm fire, with no place that I have to be.. with all my crafting and sewing supplies surrounding me and some friends. Wouldn't that be so much fun? Where is this ranch or what is it's name? It must be at a high elevation as the views are wonderful. Glad for your neighbor that she got to enjoy something that she's never done before. xoxoxo Marilyn
ReplyDeleteHow very splendid!!! What a beautiful day for a sleigh ride, and such a beautiful location! I'm so glad that you were able to go, and to share that time with friends.
ReplyDeleteYour meal afterwards looks delicious as well!
Oh, how wonderful! I kept thinking how neat it would be to do this at Christmas! They are probably super busy at that time of the year. :) I love those barn quilts, too. We often see them in our travels, and I think they are just so beautiful. And, that cabin! I can only imagine how wonderful it would be to stay there and see the amazing views. I am so thankful that dear lady was able to fulfill her wish and all of you were able to go together! Such a precious time for all. God bless you, sweet friend. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch an amazing experience and wonderful that you were able to share with friends and enjoy the fellowship of others. The lodge, cabins and barn looks amazing. Like you it was a joy to the barn quilt you were indeed blessed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat! And for me too, as it reminded me of a lovely sleigh ride that we took in Austria some years ago, through a snowy forest to a lodge/
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing for you all! Our God is awesome. He enjoyed your lifting your voices in praise to Him. I enjoyed the virtual sleigh ride and your sweet voices.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely Sunday ~ FlowerLady
What a wonderful, wonderful place to enjoy a day and a sleigh ride. I bet you smiled he whole time. The sleigh ride is just the crowning touch to the whole day. I hope you have a blessed, sweet Sunday- xo Diana
ReplyDeleteNow that is how a log cabin is supposed to look inside! It is gorgeous! What a wonderful memory you will have of such a perfect day.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! Definitely cause for PRAISE!
ReplyDeleteWhat a glorious day . . . wish I was there, LOL Before I was born my folks had a farm in Michigan with horses and a sleigh. I have often heard the stories from my brothers and sister about life on the farm and wished that our parents would have stayed there and lived after I can along. I'll take the simple life any day over the hustle and bustle of city life.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful...I have never been on a sleigh ride either. smiles
ReplyDeleteA sleigh ride - how exciting, Marilyn! That's something I've never done, either. Maybe it should be on my bucket list? Thanks for sharing the photos and the video!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Holy Cow, what a cool idea! And I loved the singing on the video. What an inspiring vista and being together with your neighbor's mom and friends, I can't imagine how full your heart must have been. Makes me want to look around for a opportunity to do that too!
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Ceil
Oh what a lovely day for a sleigh ride! Thank you so much for sharing this with us. I feel like I was right there with you! Would love to do that! Such a beautiful location!! And the singing was just wonderful!! Thank you so much. I loved this. My last (and only) sleigh ride was several years ago in New Hampshire with our son and his family, but it was at night! It was still wonderful, but I think a daytime ride would be even better now that I've seen this...thank you for taking us with you.
ReplyDeleteOh, what fun it is to ride in a one horse open sleigh...or a two horse open sleigh! That song was running through my head as I was reading your post {{smiles}}
ReplyDeleteWhat glorious scenery and such bright weather you all got to enjoy! So beautiful! And that lodge looks so very cozy and homey! That fireplace and hearth is so inviting.
This was such a lovely post...thank you for sharing a bit of your day with us!
Enjoy your week! Blessings ♥
So funny! My husband and I were just talking about this. I have never been on a sleigh ride either. We decided we are going to find a place to do it! It probably won't be as charming as your spectacular setting, but we're going to give it a shot!
ReplyDeleteHow sweet of you to take your neighbour's mom for sleigh ride .
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this virtual trip so much as this ride was unfamiliar to me .
i knew only rides on snow dragged by dogs though.
thank you for sharing this lovely soul warming video as you did great by enlightening this clip by your uplifting chorus !!!
i am sure she will always be thankful what joy you brought to her day my friend!
either i am :)
tak great care and stay blessed like always dear!
I've never tried sleighing too.
ReplyDeleteHope you had fun!
What a gorgeous lodge and wonderful place to enjoy the winter season, especially. Oh, that looks like you had a blast!
ReplyDeleteOh what fun, a sleigh ride. I loved the video, not just the scenery and the sleigh bells, but the sound of sweet voices praising God. Beautiful. The lodge was so pretty, what a wonderful place to visit.
ReplyDeleteOh, I so enjoyed this post.
ReplyDeleteHow lovely the sleigh ride ...
All the best Jan
OH how fun that must have been! I loved your video clip -- how beautiful you all sound singing praises to the Lord while enjoying his creation!
ReplyDeleteDreams do come true. God is good!
ReplyDeleteOh my, how amazing to ride a sleigh through that glorious, wintry wonderland. It would be breathtaking to drink in that gorgeous scenery as your sleigh slid along. The log cabin is fabulous and the barn.......yes I think one would be perfect on your little patch of heaven. Divine photos, Marilyn.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful day for a sleigh ride, Marilyn, and in such a lovely place, too. Love the views and the amazing lodge and little cabin. Sounds like a perfect day for some lucky ladies! Sending hugs and blessings xx Karen
ReplyDeleteVery beautiful place. I would like to have some coffee in this lodge.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place! The lodge is gorgeous! I do love a sleigh ride on a brisk, winter's day. Looks like you picked a good day too--the sky is amazing! Glad you enjoyed it!
ReplyDeletexx
Linda
I've never been on a sleigh ride. How beautiful. Loved listening to the sleigh bells and your songs of praise. xo Deborah
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, thank you so much for sharing about your sleigh ride and the beautiful scenery and day that the Lord blessed you and the other ladies with. I loved it all, but especially the video that you did. Thank you for shaaring it with us.
ReplyDeleteWOW! The cabin is so pretty. I love rustic cabins. The sleigh ride would be so wonderful for me. I would love to do that. What a blessing for you. I know you enjoyed your time. Love the video and enjoyed the wonderful singing and song. Blessed my heart this morning. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteOh Marilyn...I'm jealous! what a beautiful treat! I have always wanted to do that, but alas, it hasn't happened yet! :D have a blessed day dear lady ...
ReplyDeleteWhat a neat thing to do. Although I'm not much into "winter" but the scenery was so pretty and that lodge was gorgeous. - I've never been on a sleigh ride either but I have been on dune buggies in the sand, (much warmer).
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed coming along blog style. :-) Beautiful!!! What a blessing for all.
ReplyDeleteXO
Carla
So now I am thinking that I should try and take a sleigh ride soon especially since I live in New England now! Thanks for sharing your fun outing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful lodge, and scenic sleigh ride! My husband and I have also taken sleigh rides nearby in in Breckenridge, Colorado, and enjoyed them very much.
ReplyDeleteOh what fun!!! Can you share the name of the lodge please? I am looking for more fun things to do with our family and this sounds perfect!
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful outing. I once rented a lodge just so we could stay in a beautiful log cabin and take a sleigh ride at Christmas. It is one of my treasured memories.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful place, love all the photo's. I've never been on a sleigh ride.
ReplyDeleteAren't those horses funny - when they know they are going for a walk/ride they are so happy, and then when they see the barn they speed up to get back. Your video is so cool - makes me feel like I'm right there on the sleigh ride.
ReplyDeleteWhat a special treat for your friend's Mother....and the rest of you, too. It's such a beautiful place and God blessed you with a wonderful day for a sleigh ride.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful way to spend the day.
ReplyDeleteLovely photos!
A beautiful place, looks like great fun!
ReplyDeleteDearest Marilyn,
ReplyDeletehow I'd love to have such a romantic and old-fashioned tour together with you! Actually I've never had a sleigh ride on a so wonderful snow, I wonder what an emotion for your Mother it was!
I heartily thank you for sharing your always outstanding shots,
while wishing you a most lovely weekend,
sending blessings on your way
XOXO Dany
What a precious girlfriends time in the snow on that sleigh ride. Love the photos of the pines, the snow, the sleigh, and the video was the frosting on the cake. The lodge is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteWhat a blessing to create memories like this!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah ... log cabins and porches, snow and horses ...
ReplyDeleteYou bring out winter's best here, friend!
;-}
I've never been on a sleigh ride as well. Take me! Take me!
ReplyDeleteAmalia
xo
I've never been on a sleigh ride, but have always wanted to go! Looks like you had a great time! I'm NOT a fan of winter...but I could probably be happy on a sleigh ride, ha, ha.
ReplyDeleteI've only been on one sleigh ride, and that was when I was about 13 years old. It was a birthday party for a friend who lived on a farm. Her dad had an old sleigh which he hitched up to the horses and off across the fields we went. I don't recall how many girls were on that sleigh, but I do remember we had a blast. I'd love to do this again, but would have to travel an hour or more to get somewhere that has sleigh rides. Would be worth it, though. What a beautiful day you had for your ride. God is so good to us, isn't He? Loved this post, Marilyn. Such a beautiful place where you live, and the lodge is lovely. Your day was filled with blessings! Hugs.
ReplyDeleteMarilyn, oh thank you for taking us along for your sleigh ride adventure! What beautiful landscape and lodge. Sign me up! xo
ReplyDeleteGina
I'm now blogging at https://littleportioncottage.com
How unbelievably wonderful! I have never been on a sleigh ride. When I am back for Winter festivities at my LakeHouse next winter... I am going to see who can take me on one!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou have a beautiful blog! Hugs, Nancy
On Instagram I am @nance_endless_summer