Blackberry Farms (Part II)

On Sunday morning, we decided to take out the canoe around the small pond at the base of the farm. It was so peaceful and we did several laps around the water.

We then took a short walk around the property where we met one of the staff who had just collected eggs from the chickens, quails, and ducks on the farm. His basket was so colorful, I just had to take a picture!

We also came across a bunch of tadpoles which were too cute not to pick up and have a closer look! It reminded me of my parent's lake in Omaha where I would do the same thing in the summer.

During the afternoon, we went horseback riding! This was Alex's first time on a horse and my first time since I was in middle school. The instructor was so helpful and we spent the first 20 minutes doing some basic training with the horses and learning how to care for and ride them.

We did a short ride around the farm and across a shallow stream. We were told our horses were a bit lazy, but perfect for beginners as they moved VERY slowly! Haha! It was a great way to spend the afternoon and I could have petted my horse all day. He was such a sweetheart. He even gave me a nuzzle as I was saying goodbye!

After our horseback ride, our guide allowed us inside the corral of their miniature horse, Very Berry. He had just received a haircut the day before and had a little heart on his back. He was so cute!

I mean seriously, come on!  How cute is that heart?!?! — I mean seriously, come on! How cute is that heart?!?!

On our last morning, we took one more hike around the property and stopped by the sheep pasture. They had several baby sheep and were so cute just frolicking around!

We came across this single egg along the pathway next to the sheep

We ended our hike strolling through the flower and vegetable gardens. It was such a wonderful weekend and we enjoyed the peace and quite of the farm and it's surroundings in the Smokey Mountains. I do hope we get to return in the future!