Fall Hayrides

Fall is such a fun time, with cooler weather and activities for all ages. It is a time ripe for making memories… and for remembering! Do you remember hayrides? Now, they are found with corn mazes, but not in many other venues. I remember my church Fall hayrides. We enjoyed not only the ride, but singing and telling stories as the horse galloped along. A picnic was the destined end goal, in a scenic meadow, complete with creek, or tucked into the woods, like an oasis in the desert. The sights, smells, and sounds still fill my head, these many years later.

In high school, the Y-Teens started the school year with a trip to the local dam, on wagons driven by tractors, and stuffed with hay. The nights were cooler than our Fall nights are now, so it was necessary to cuddle up next to a date to keep warm. On the ride back, blankets were added to keep out the chill. At the picnic, huge bonfires were blazing, as the wagons unloaded their fare. The fun continued, as we roasted hot dogs and marshmallows on the glowing flames. Songs and stories were the entertainment of the night, and the ride home by moonlight was magical. From freshman year to senior year, Y-Teens looked forward to the event.

I‘m from a big family, and sometimes we would all get together for a fish fry and hayride. These were happy times enjoyed be old and young alike. I can still smell the fish frying in the iron skillets, along with fried onions and potatoes and lots of great tasting slaw. Sometimes corn on the cob appeared on the plates, but always the fish, potatoes, and slaw. I would eat until my belly was stuffed, literally, and it was so good.

Well, needless to say, it has been a long time since I was on a hayride. With my allergies and bum knees, it would probably not be the same experience as it was in my younger years… but a girl can remember!