Ride four, part three

 Our fourth and final ride in Iceland started and ended at a nearby equestrian center.

We hauled in, unloaded, tacked up and went on a long, rambling ride through Thjórsárdalur valley.

When we returned to the equestrian center, we were each allowed to go two laps around the racetrack.

That was so much fun.

As we were riding back to the trailer, we passed by a starting gate. I steered Tinna towards it, hoping for a better look.

Behind me, Hedwig called out, "No, Jennifer! No!"

Everyone laughed.

"I just want to take a picture," I said. "You know me. I take pictures of everything!"

Everyone laughed again as I took the picture.

Deep down, of course, I would have loved to ridden Tinna into the starting gate. I wanted to ride her around the track again, down the trail, all the way to the beach.

Instead, I walked her to the trailer, took off her saddle and bridle, kissed her on the nose and thanked her for everything. Then I gave her to Karin, who loaded her up. 

And just like that, the riding part of our trip was officially over.

We drove back to Eldhestar and, as was our custom, unloaded the horses directly into their field. 

Then it was back to the hotel. We'd checked out that morning, but there was time for one last meal - and several adult beverages - before the van drove us back to Reykjavik. Our guide, Karin, joined us.

I'd asked her to please write down the names of all my horses so I could see the proper spellings. She did me one better and gave me the complete list of everyone's horses. Definitely the best souvenir of the week!

Finally, it was time to say goodbye to the other members of the Garbage Club. We'd already exchanged contact information and talked vaguely about getting together for another riding tour in the future. It probably won't happen, but it's a nice thought. 

Hanna put on her backpack and walked to the bus station.

Jo, Hedwig, Karen and I climbed onto the pony van.

I sat by the window and watched as my time at Eldhestar vanished into the mist.

What a wonderful time we had! I came so close to cancelling this trip. I am so glad Karen didn't let me do that. Truly, this was the trip of lifetime.