I followed Ed to the big field north of town where we would park our rigs. We arrived just before dawn. We saw five deer run
from the field into the woods and when we got out, we could see where they had been laying in the grass overnight. Ed took
the bus back to Lake Dubonnet and I got our trailer and truck ready for Magic and Michelle. This was the end of the
trail ride for them.
I decided not to try operating from the truck with the mobile antenna. Instead, I unhooked the truck and drove into town. I
needed to gas up for the ride home, and I wanted to look around Empire. I’d been to Sleeping Bear Dunes a few times before,
but didn’t remember anything about Empire. It is a very pretty place!
I waited for the horses at the north end of the beach, near the ornamental lighthouse. This is where they would proceed into
the water to complete their ride.
When I first saw Michelle and Magic approaching, I was struck with how tired they both looked. But as soon as they saw me, they
turned on the charm. Michelle smiled and Magic walked smooth and even with head held high! Stepping into the water of Lake
Michigan would signal the end of their first shore-to=shore ride. Magic is a little afraid of water waves, so this part was
just a little dicey.
After the ride, Michelle received her trophy! You can see here with it in the image above. She is also holding the certificate
that Magic earned by participating in the MTRA event. He is now an MTRA Registered Trail Horse! What an accomplishment!