Dogwood

Surely everyone enjoys the "colors of spring", but the variety we see among horse colors can only add beauty to the overall picture, as we see in these that the folks were kind enough to pose for.

Riding along a ridge in early April provides a look at nature responding to the warmer temperatures. While the dogwoods and redbuds reassure us that spring is here, the rest of the deciduous trees are just beginning to leaf, giving a "fuzzy" look to the hillside. The cedars add color and accent for the moment that will soon blend with the other trees.

Adding to the fun for this year's ride, the Panther Creek staff planted colorful plastic Easter eggs along the trails. The eggs held various suprises, so it is hard to guess in this next picture if the riders are looking for eggs, mushrooms, or just entranced by the peacefullness.

Panther Creek is earning a reputation for unsurpassed hospitality. Judy Patterson, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and head cook, has the amazing ability of remembering names and enjoys introducing her guests to each other. With some help from her family, they made this visit particularly memorable for one of their frequent guest. "Wanda" was celebrating a birthday, so Marvin heard she wanted to go mushroom hunting and he took her to an area that yielded a jackpot. Later that evening, after Wanda had dinner, an unexpected birthday cake was placed on her table; her suprise was obvious. Here she is showing off some of her prizes.

Coming off one of the many hills of the ranch, the camp is barely visible for the budding trees, nestled in the valley.

After enjoying the morning on the trails, riders head back to camp at lunch time to give their mounts a break and get a bite to eat. Just a brief break before heading out again...

If you haven't had the opportunity to enjoy Mother Nature in a while and would particularly like to get out after the winter season, the annual Dogwood Ride could be just what the doctor orders. Whether you have a horse to ride or not, Panther Creek offers one of the best camping experiences out there. Please call if the web site does not answer all your questions!