March ~

Endurance develops strength of character in us~ Romans 5:4 NLT
We can make our plans, but the LORD determines our steps~ Proverbs 16.9

Tuesday, February 21, 2017

Wabash Trace - Mineola to Council Bluffs~

It's another sunshine day!  In the 70's - in February!  I'd had a plan in my mind for a while now...  I wanted to ride the Wabash Trace Nature Trail!  I made calls, looked at the published map & could not find where horses could enter the trail - besides the top/north end at Council Bluffs. 
Bike Parking at Mineola~
We knew there was a large parking area at Mineola - it's close to where Farah is stabled.  Butch agreed to drop us off there - then head up to the trail-head at Council Bluffs to pick us up!  Both Farah & I love point-to-point rides & it had been a very long time!
Picnic area too!
Since we hadn't pre-ridden the trail with our bikes, I had no idea what we'd encounter on our ride.  (Later Butch told me he'd had to back up the drive to get the truck & trailer out.)
Discouraging!
The signage made it more than obvious horses were not welcome here.  We both wondered why this is?  I hope to find out.  Regardless, Farah & I have ridden the length of the Centennial Trail - through towns where horses were not allowed - yet made friends along the way & did no damage.  As the Chairman of the Centennial Trail Coalition, I worked to keep Equestrians Right-To-Ride in the public eye.  I knew horses were allowed on the section near Council Bluffs, so hoped to find the parking area that made it possible.
On our way!
It was a exciting challenge for the two of us!  Farah moved right into a trot & her speed just kept going up!  :-)  It has been since our last ride in WA, she's been able to move out!  I know she knew right away this would be a one-way ride :-)
The first bridge~
When I saw this from a distance - my first thought was that it had steel grating...  That would not have been fun - but Farah wasn't shod - so it would have helped the steel on steel sound we'd experienced one day near Arlington, WA!  We were in luck!  It was gray wood decking!
Water flowing below - I think Keg Creek~
 The trail was making a big bend to the north.  Soon, there were trees on both sides - it was just beautiful & reminded me very much of a section of the Whitehorse Trail we used to ride often.
Beautiful!
These views, this time of year, are all shades of gold & browns.  Not the lush greens we'd already be seeing where we're from!  As we rode along, I wondered when the first flush of green starts appearing here.
Cowboy Pass?
We came to the above pass!  A Cowboy Pass where no horses are allowed?
At just under 2-miles - Our first of six road crossings - Applewood Ave.~
Here I was really hoping to see some sign of another trail-head, but there was none.  We were also looking for anything that looked like a horse trail!
Resting spot~
There were several benches placed along the trail, some in perfect spots to sit & enjoy the day.
Flag flying!
Farther up & we could see the American Flag flying from quite a distance off!
Bike nirvana!
Wow!  What would horsemen do to have a nice place like this along the trail!  Ton's of parking for bikes, covered picnic area & a trash container was overflowing.  Just across the way was a private residence & a historical marker.  A town that lived off the commerce of the rail line.
Dumfries - April 26, 1895 - October 7, 1931
From here we continued on - still searching for the illusive horse trail!
On we go~
It was So quiet out - no roads, no traffic noise, just the sound of the breeze in the trees & the birds chirping.  We were both having a wonderful time!
Just about 4-mules - Dumfries Underpass~
I didn't see any traffic on the road above.  Farah marched in & we were through & moving forward.
Mileage Markers~
Plentiful mileage markers - almost every quarter mile.  It was just shortly after this we found the horse trail off to one side!
On the horse trail!
Farah recognizes a real trail when she see's one & she saw it almost before I did!  It was oh so nice to be on one!
The next bridge!
The trail would weave from one side of the main line to the other.  We usually knew when we were  coming to a bridge, as the trail would go up, or down - to it.
Out in nowhere~
 This was the most remote section of the trail & it was stunning.  You almost felt like you were out in a wilderness area.
Main Trail below~
We loved the hills!  Farah - the hill machine - hasn't had any opportunity to put her skill to use.  Here she bounded up - but I'd have to ask her to slow as we approached the top - not knowing what would be on the far side of the crest.
Needs work~
This section was a bit tricky, the ground was wet & slippery, the downhill side was steeper than it looks here & at the bottom was a grizzly wire fence that had been knocked over.   On long stretches of the trail there would be barbed wire along side.
Pretty all the way~
It was such an amazing day - we hadn't seen a soul the entire way.  One spook over a black squirrel - otherwise - we were both enjoying the trail.
Windmill~
This windmill was on the far side of the fence from the trail, but it was spinning rapidly in the breeze.  That wasn't a problem, but I think Mark should incorporate one of these in his Trail Course!
The shadow~
It was the shadow!  I tried to get a video - but I was too busy :-)  The shadow of the blades whipping around right on the trail was something neither of us had ever seen & Farah really thought it might get her!  :-)
At your own risk~
There were a couple times when I really hoped the bridges were strong enough to support the weight of a horse!  This sign did nothing to improve my confidence. :-)
The longest bridge~
The decking here was almost new & in great shape!  The last of the seven bridges we crossed.  I never dreamed there would be so many.
The final underpass~
Butch had called to see how we were doing & warned me about this tunnel.  It was low!  So low another inch & the top of my helmet would have been hitting the top!  I should have gotten off - but didn't.  We cruised right through.
Late afternoon~
It was getting later in the afternoon & we both knew from the noise of the traffic on the road - we were getting close.  There were two large trees blown over across the trail, but we made it around.  This would be a good place to do some trail clearing & cleanup too.
We find Butch & Nika!
These two had walked several miles of the trail - but agreed to come out again to meet us!  Nika was pretty surprised, but Farah had things figured out!  We put the hitching post at the Tastee Treat to good use & sat up at the picnic table to enjoy two absolutely yummy shakes!
End of the Trail~
Finally, we walked the final few yards to the end - or beginning of the trail - depending on which way you're heading!  At just ten-miles - it was a really great ride!   Farah was not surprised to see her trailer waiting.  We took her back to her stable, I spent an hour grooming her - she's finally losing a few hairs from her winter coat.  Then - on to the car wash - to clean the truck & trailer.  This is an event almost every time we take them out.  Lots of road grime from going on the gravel roads!

It would be wonderful if bike riders would share this trail with Equestrians.  Many horsemen have mentioned it's scary when the bikes are out in numbers.  On this ride, the two we saw near town didn't make a sound as they flew by.  The signage says bikes are to yield to everyone - but does that ever happen? 

Friday, February 17, 2017

You Say February?!

I'm sorry, (Not really!) but there wasn't a one of us who could possibly believe that a day like this could possibly happen in February!  It was sunny, warm, light breeze, no bugs, just a totally perfect day to do about anything - especially ride!
Pete, Jo, Sue & Connie
We again went over to the Nebraska side of the river to enjoy the great riding at Two Rivers State Recreation Area.  Butch & Nika came too - Butch is still studying - the park is a very pleasant place to read! Since I'd set the bar high - passing the test for my CDL the first time, my husband had to do the same & did!  :-)
Ice still in the shaded areas~
I had expected our little group from last week for today's ride, so the surprise was on me when we had a much larger group!  Farah - after being so darn nice last Friday - was ornery today.  The larger group of horses got her excited - but she was giving me her head & at least didn't buck.
Following Sue & Jaz at the river~
We tagged onto Sue & Jaz - that kept us moving forward - always a good thing!  Later on in the ride, we went up front & rode with Taylor on Daisy - a beautiful cream buckskin mare who does a lot of gaming & can move out!  :-)  Farah of course was all over that!  We did some trotting & a bit of cantering.
On the Trail~
We met up with Sue again & this time Farah took the lead & finally calmed down.  I gave her a carrot - that gave her something to chomp on besides the bit.  Still - she gave me a very nice frame.  This is the time of year that we'd usually be conditioning for Mt. Adams - so it's time for me to look at the ride schedule & find one that looks good for us!
Our stalwart group of riders!
We had so much fun!  At one point someone said;  "Gosh, who could believe that we're riding in February, in weather like this, in Iowa!"  The next comment;  "We're in Nebraska!"  :-)  OK, we'll take it!  Whatever state we're in - it was the perfect place to be - on the back of a horse!

Thursday, February 16, 2017

Freedom for Nika~

What a long wait!  Had we known when we signed the contract, we'd have a four-month wait, rather than the two-months we were told, I think we'd have checked with other fence companies.  After having the run of our acreage in WA the entire first four plus years of her life, confinement to the house, a cable or on leash wasn't any fun.  There were a couple times she managed to escape & run the neighborhood with us in pursuit - but it was scary - for us anyway!
Finally free!
This morning she was So happy to be able to start her new guard dog routine!
First taste!
Last night - when Butch got home - we turned her loose!  It took less than two seconds for her to go from zero to 50!  :-)

It was as much fun for us as it was for Nika!  She ignored us when we asked her to come in - staying out until well after dark & her dinner time!  When she did come up on the back porch - she was covered in mud from a fresh dig!  Straight to the bathtub we went!  After that - she was sound asleep in no time :-)
Our beautiful girl!
Today, she was back to beautiful!  Butch is asking her not to dig...  We'll see how far he gets with that - especially since here - like in WA - the moles are everywhere!
Viewing her new domain~
As we sat out on the swing enjoying the spring like morning - Nika too - found a new favorite spot!

Sunday, February 12, 2017

Plattsmouth, NE

 A sunshine beauty of a weekend for our birthday's!  We love the Classic Cafe in Malvern - it's our usual spot for a late Sunday breakfast. We wanted to do some more exploring, so we turned toward another historic town, Plattsmouth, NE.
Heading over the PlattsmouthToll Bridge~
 To get there, the most direct way - you take the toll bridge - built in 1929.  It is a real beauty - with it's cantilevered truss style construction.  The sides aren't high & the drop down looks like a long way...
Looking over at the Train Trestle~
 A toll has been in place since the bridge was built.  The $1.50 expense is more than worth the trip over to the NE side of the river.  Now, the funds collected go to maintain the structure.  Even though it's the shortest way to get there from Glenwood, most of the traffic now goes further north & over the new bridge on Hwy 34.  Once across, you enter the town in less than a mile.  I didn't take any photos of the town itself, but we walked the main street, which was quiet.  As we passed Rohan Photography, Dan came out & invited us into his shop!  He had a beautiful book of photos from his trip to Washington State!  We ended up spending quite a while swapping stories & admiring his amazing photographs!

Next, we drove out to the Shilling Wildlife Management Area - just at the end of the town's main street.  The sun was getting low in the sky - perfect for taking a few photos - even with my smartphone.
Greenbriar gone wild~
 I've been researching the invasive species in Iowa & still think I've identified this plant correctly.  To see how destructive it is once it gains a foothold is downright scary!  As damaging as Blackberry is to Washington state & without the yummy berries!
Thorny too!
 Just the small needle sharp thorns make it difficult to walk through - the vines are so small & tough that they tangle your feet at every step.
Huge Tree!
 Some of the trees are huge - so beautiful to see - yet there are almost as many that are dead & bleached white.  I've been told that the big flood of 2008 drowned the root systems.
Where the Platte River joins the Missouri~
Here, the Platte River almost looks to be wider & bigger than the Missouri. What fun to stand where Lewis & Clark camped on their way to the west coast!  We've also visited Fort Clatsop, at the western end of their great trek! 
History on the banks of the river~
 As we watched the two rivers flow by - we heard the unmistakable sound of ducks!  Lots of quacking ducks!  Looking up - huge flocks were flying overhead!  Wave after wave of them - across the deep blue of the late afternoon sky...
Ducks flying over~
Magical~
Sunset~
It doesn't take long once the sun goes down, for the temperature to drop.  We had to remind ourselves that it was February after all!  A very far away place from where we've spent our birthday weekend for the past several years on Whidbey Island

Friday, February 10, 2017

Two Rivers State Park - Birthday Ride!

When the weather forecast was for 60+ degrees, I just kept my fingers crossed that it would be true!  On my birthday no less!  Sue & Jo invited me along to ride at Two Rivers State Park, NE - just about an hours drive from home.  My husband was kind enough to agree to drive us over.  That included hitching the trailer up over the sheet of ice that had formed just in front of the hitch.  It took 4-wheel drive to get the job done!
Farah checks things out!
 After the trailer, Farah comes next!  Butch managed to get the trailer turned & stay on the road - which was sloppy & slippery to say the least!  We used the GPS & pulled into the park right on time.  
Butch talking with Sue & Jo
 Butch & Nika were planning a nice long walk & had packed a lunch & good book!  Sue thougth that the trails might be too muddy, so we'd just planned to ride the roads - until - we saw that the trails were in much better shape than expected!
Sue - with feathers on her helmet :-)  & Jo!
 It was just so beautiful out!  We let the word "spring" spring from our lips more than once!   I loved the tour of another beautiful park!  Horse camping available here too, complete with corrals.
Entry to Horse Camp
 We took the trail along the Elkhorn River!  It was amazing to see all the sheets of ice moving in the current!  We could hear some deep sounds - the ice breaking off & entering the main flow.
Downstream ~
 The first time, the mares spooked, but on our return, even as a large piece broke away - Farah - to her credit - just kept going.
Between Sue's mare's ears :-)  Thank you Sue!
Such different views from those we've known so well - for so long.
Blocks of Ice jammed up against the river bank~
The sun felt So warm, we were soon peeling off layers!
Farah looking ahead!
 We stopped back at the Caboose Parking area to drop off coats, then headed out one more time, to the very north end of the trails & circled around an area where the Boy Scouts have been working to increase pollinators.
Pollinator Habitat Project~
 I'm looking forward to another trip here in the spring to see what has been planted.  The only major spook of the day, was when a couple hiking came around a corner & Farah thought it was a good enough excuse :-)
Returning to the parking area~
 I should have taken photos of the Cabooses!  They are available to rent & have beds, a kitchen area, bathroom with shower etc.  Very nice!  Even air-conditioning in the Summer!  We met with another group of riders, Tammy (Originator of the Great Trailriders Distance Derby) & I actually met face-to-face for the first time!  Too fun!
Our Route~
Here, where there really isn't back-country - the parks must be shared by all.  It seems that this has worked out for everyone & having trails to ride is what counts!  I'm hopeful that our new BCH Chapter can contribute trail-clearing hours at these beautiful park lands.

My first birthday in my home state for many, many years!  It was tough this morning - no happy birthday call from my mother...  But thanks to two new friends Sue & Jo - it was a Wonderful Day!