Warmer temps prevailed today, so we saddled up and headed out on the trail, map in hand. It didn't help much, though. This is another case of the map not matching the trails, and the trails not being marked well enough to follow them even if they were. The roads, which crisscrossed the trails (which were also roads, just less used), weren't on the map at all either. None of the usual landmarks were marked, like lakes and buildings and primitive camping areas, so that was of no use. Despite the challenges, we managed to follow enough of the green trail toward the Wekiwa River to approximate where we were. We finally found something that's marked on the map as a horse watering trough, which in fact was simply a marsh next to the trail with a sign where you could give your horse a drink. According to the map, the river should have been nearby, but by that time we had been riding over two hours and didn't really want to go much further, so we turned around and headed back, trying to find a loop that would get us back. We finally did manage to end up in the field where the Deere equipment was, and made our way back to the camp. Despite the challenges created by the poor map (which we're getting all too used to!), the trails/roads themselves were pretty good. Some were through old growth live oaks and swampland (though the trails were dry) and others were through much more open spaces with lots of squash palms and the occasional Royal palm mixed in. The footing was mostly good, firmly packed dirt and sand, with only a few areas where the sand was deep enough to be a minor problem, so we got lots of trots and canters in. A wonderful ride, though a bit longer than we had intended, but the horses didn't seem to mind. They're getting fabulously fit again, strong and full of muscles, with lots of definition, and their stamina in super now. We just have to keep it up so they don't get soft again! Had a relaxing evening, well satisfied at our beautiful day!
