My buddy Dana and I decided to enjoy a Fall ride among the cottonwoods in the Rio Grande Bosque.
After saddling up we rode across the river on the Alameda Pedestrian Bridge and headed into the bosque.
There was still some beautiful Fall color, but the yellow wasn't as spectacular as in years past.
It was still a treat to ride beneath the tall majestic cottonwoods.
My trail selfie shows that I was very happy to be riding in the forest beside the river.
Dana and her horse Blaze.
Riding through the tree tunnels is my favorite!
I love how secret and magical it feels riding through the tunnels created by the trees and other vegetation.
Apache and I led most of the way. I was excited to explore some new trails I hadn't been on before.
I love how the trails wind through the forest, rarely ever traveling straight.
You just never know what's around the next bend. But it's always beautiful.
I took a photo of Dana and Blaze showcasing the Fall colors and vista of the Sandia Mountains..
And Dana took a photo of Apache and I.
Did you notice the big difference between those two photos?
A photography tip: When taking photos you want to place your subject lower in the image, to give perspective, especially in nature photos. Too much foreground of grass and dirt is not very interesting nor impressive to the eye. Notice the photo I took showing the height of the trees and how small Dana and her horse look below them. It's a more interesting photo because your eyes travel up and down and side to side taking it all in. The photo that Dana took makes your eyes want to just stay in the upper section of the photo and you feel as if the image was chopped off.
The bosque trails are so fun to ride and so interesting, even though their are flat.
After a couple hours of riding we tied up our horses and stopped for a lunch break.
After lunch, we explored along the edges of the Rio Grande.
Apache and I beside the Rio Grande. Sandia Mountains in the background.
We rode through some very thick and tall grasses.
The sunlight was glowing through the golden leaves.
Such beautiful trails!
Riding past some jetty jacks.
Shadow Riders
Riding across the Alameda Pedestrian Bridge.
Riding under Alameda Road.
It was Dana and Blaze's first time riding underneath the road.
It's very loud under there with all the traffic above.
Riding through the park trail head.
A very happy Dana!
The horse gate to the horse trailer parking area.
We unsaddled and watered our tired ponies.
As the sun was starting to set, we saw a hot air balloon in the distance, flying over the Rio Grande.
What a great ride and a beautiful day!
Life is Good!!
