Weather perfect for Audubon Fall Rally
JACKSON -- A morning mist created a natural veil Saturday at the Silver Bluff Audubon Center & Sanctuary for the first Audubon Fall Rally hosted by Aiken Ladies Aside.
Riders had the choice of participating in the hare, a forward hunting pace with no jumping efforts, or the tortoise, a gentle trail ride giving participants a chance to ride at a casual and relaxed pace. The hare ride was about 7.2 miles, said Taylor Myers with Aiken Ladies Aside, while the tortoise pace was a 4.3-mile ride. The trail ride also included a Halloween costume class.
The weather for Saturday morning's trail ride was perfect, said Myers. The humidity, mist and idyllic backdrop and indigenous fauna added to the experience, she said.
The traditional western ride was held in March, said Dan Connelly, Silver Bluff Audubon Center and Sanctuary manager.
"We wanted to have some type of English event," said Connelly. "We got together with Aiken Ladies Aside; they came out as a group last year and fell in love with the place and suggested doing the rally. We're excited about being able to expose the sanctuary to a new group of people."
The rally participants had an opportunity to enjoy part of the 3,154-acre facility.
"It's just wonderful that Audubon is working with us to put on the ride," said Betty Alexander, Aiken Ladies Aside president. "Most of the money for the ride goes to the Audubon Center and Sanctuary."
The Future Farmers of America made and served lunch at the rally.
"We were invited to the rally, and we wanted to come out to the Audubon Center and help," said Aaron Floyd, a student at Midland Valley High School.
Contact Ben Baugh at bbaugh@aikenstandard.com.