Thanksgiving Weekend at KC Ranch, Alabama

After giving thanks to the Lord with family for all His blessings upon us, several of us met at KC Ranch (http://www.kcranchalabama.com/) in Double Springs, Alabama. Ken and Carol McDonald are the owners of KC Ranch which is located in beautiful northwest Alabama on the edge of the Bankhead National Forrest. It just so happens that Ken and Carol own/trail ride our favorite breed, Missouri Fox Trotters! We did all of our riding on the many miles of the private trails of KC Ranch. There are several loops to make, ranging from an hour to several hours in length. We rode along the creek beds, through the woods, across the bridges, and over the sandstone and red clay. The trails are well marked and color coded trail maps were provided. Three delicious meals a day were provided in the dining hall. As Terry M would say, "You could founder at this place"! They really did serve the best food I've eaten at a horse camp. The campsites are level with full hookups (water, electric, septic) and are near the stalls. A cabin is available for those without living quarters. I was surprised that the camp was nearly full with riders/campers coming from Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee and other places. We look forward to returning to KC Ranch and would encourage others to go there to camp, eat and ride!

Those joining Deb and I were Hunter (our oldest grandson), Bob and Betty Wills, Terry Messex, Felix and Rose Walters, Terry and Julie Yokely. Most of us were riding our MFTs, but there were a couple of Spotted Saddle Horses among us. Of course, we talked up our MFTs to all who would give an ear! I left copies of The Journal in the dining hall and noticed that they were being read by other guests. While we were there Terry Y, Felix W, and Ken and Carol all joined FoxTROT! We are happy to see them become a part and look forward to riding with them in the future. Of course, we finished our visit Sunday morning with Cowboy Church. There were 17 of us gathered around the fire for some singing and an encouraging word from the Scriptures. Everyone then said our "nice to meet you" and "see y'all later" before breaking camp, loading horses and heading home. Once again, we were reminded why we started FoxTROT in the first place.

Merry Christmas and Happy Trails,

Sam Gerhardt, President, FoxTROT