Friday Roll Call: What are you up to this weekend?

Me, I’ve got to finally pry myself away from the Carolinas (Tryon, NC and Aiken, SC), where I’ve been hiding out the past week. Share your plans in the comments section below!

Want to see some pictures from my trip? These are from Hitchcock Woods, a 2,100-acre park in Aiken that has over 70 miles of gorgeous public trails. If you ever get the opportunity to go, you should. The footing is perfect–a mix of sand and pine needles–the flora and fauna is spectacular, and you’re always stumbling into these wonderful little vignettes: a mile-long mini steeplechase course, a clearing full of baby cross-country jumps, a charming antique horse show ring… it goes on and on. With trail names like “Tea Cottage Path,” “Lover’s Lane” and “Cathedral Aisle,” and landmarks like “Candy Field” and “Black Gum Pond,” it’s almost as though you’re riding through a fairytale, never knowing what will appear around the bend.

Eventing Nation writer Kate Samuels is stationed in Aiken for the winter, and she’s a big fan of the Woods as well.  Enjoy this virtual tour courtesy of Kate’s helmet cam, and read her own account of riding in the Woods here.

What are your plans for the weekend, Horse Nation?