Pierce Creek Recreation Area~

Forecast to be the last day before rains move in again - I was badly in need of some saddle time!  It's so much handier to have the horse trailer home.  Butch had me hitched, I went out to get Farah & we were on the road.  Joyce had given me great directions...

Pierce Creek

  But...  just as we were approaching the corner that goes to Malvern on Hwy 34, I saw flashing lights ahead!  The highway was closed & we were being diverted toward Malvern.  I hadn't planned any secondary route - so ended up parking on a side street - thankful that I had enough phone service to look at Google Maps.  I ended up taking a longer route, but once I picked up Hwy 59 - the directions got us there!

Entrance

I wanted to be sure to park in the correct area.  I'd thought that there were separate entrances for day use & camping - but both were accessed through the same drive going in.  There is no fee for day riding - just a charge if you camp overnight.  This park took years of work, the dedication of many volunteers & numerous grants from a variety of sources to accomplish. 

Bronco & Trailer~

To say it was a totally stellar day isn't saying enough.  I was so glad I'd decided to make the trip.  Upper 50's with a nice breeze was perfect.  Farah was excited, grabbing mouthfuls of grass at every opportunity.  I thought about lounging her - but just put a foot in the stirrup & we were on our way.

Every amenity!

To see signage welcoming Equestrians - is so Wonderful & rare these days!  Maps were provided on the informative signage right at the entrance - but anyone who knows me - knows my directional challenges :-)

First views~

 I just decided to find a trail - any trail & take it!  We ended up at the west shore of the lake & following it south - soon saw the dike.

South end dike~

Joyce had mentioned crossing the dike to find the forested area where she plans to put in another trail - so we headed that way.  Farah didn't like the sound of the outflow - I dismounted to get her past it. 

Huge home under construction near the SE corner of the area~

Just across the dike - the house above loomed over the area.  I have to wonder who's building it & why so large - it would more than rival any of the homes on the Eastside of Lake Washington in Bellevue.

View from the east side~

Once across, we found a 4-ft. wide mowed path along the shore here too.  Joyce had explained that they keep the trails 4-ft. wide to distribute the wear across a wider area - avoiding the erosion that a narrower trail can create.

 

Farah looks across~

Finding a fence line - I decided to followed it north.  My plan - if you could call it that - was to find the farthest edges of the park.  I'd taken a good look at the layout - via Google Earth.

Heading north, along the east fence line~

It was just beautiful here - I was thinking to myself - that there would not be many trails, but was still hopeful for a few miles.

North boundary~

Before long we came to the north boundary & turned west~

Going west~

There were many mowed trails over the top of this hill, we took several, ended up near the bottom, then turned & came back up to the top.

Toward the northern end of the lake

About the time I was wondering if we'd find a way across at the northern end of the lake, we came to a corner giving us the option of turning to the north again!  

We ended up here!

These trails were Beautiful!  Like riding in Narnia - for SW Iowa anyway!

On the trail north~

The footing was perfect - just perfect.  Dry & Farah moved into a trot on her own.

We hear something!

I'd stopped to take a photo when we heard a truck horn?  Then again?  Then a voice; "Connie - is that you?"  Joyce had found us!  I told her that she reminds me so much of my friend Linda - who could find me anywhere :-)  We followed her direction & met up at the picnic area accessed off 140th.  So great to finally meet in person - soon we hope to ride - so I can see trails that I missed today!

Wonderful trees~

We'd managed to find our way into what I think is the most beautiful section of the area!  I can't say how much it did my soul good to be out in such a gorgeous woods.  Farah trotted, then broke into a nice hand gallop - all on a loose rein.

Wild Honeylocust (Gleditsia triacanthos

The tree above is a native species.  Not one I would plant & I cut several small ones down this last week.  I was amazed at the lack of invasive plants here.  At least that I can recognize so far. I only saw one wild grape which I've also discovered is a native & has been used as source rootstock for several cultivars.  I did not see Greenbriar - the new shoots of which can be eaten!

Back up on the SE hills~

We took the trail through this NE wooded area & were sorry when it ended.  Soon we were back in the open country & the lake was again in view.  This time we took a different trail back to the south end of the park & came to the fence along the road there.

Checking out 150th.

We followed this trail back to the bottom of the dike, then up & across it.  Joyce said we'd missed some trails in the upper NW corner - so we went that way.

On a lower trail~

When we were lower on the trail, we'd heard a truck leave from the dock & soon came to the road.  A trail sign was across the way, we were happy to find it! 

Across the road to the dock~

We found another covered picnic area at the top of a nice long trail along the northern edge.  Farah flew up it & I had one of my first opportunities here to yell "Yippee"!  :-)

Picnic area~

More nice views here too, we could see back at where we'd been on the far side.  Turning once more onto the trails, the one we were on circled us back down to where we'd crossed the road.  At one point during our ride, Farah was walking along so wonderfully, I looked down at my Garmin to see that she was moving at an effortless 4.7mph.  

Rolling prairie~

I could tell by the sun that it was getting later in the afternoon & knew we had an hours drive back home.  Here, it's not the traffic that takes the time - it's actually the miles to get from here to there!  :-)

Back in the Equestrian area~

There was a water spicket & hose - what a nice amenity!  I offered Farah a bucket of water which she ignored in favor of grazing.  I decided to wash her down - some sweat mixed with dirt from her daily rolls...

As I asked her to load up - she started playing a new game...  jumping back out of the trailer!  She did this three times, before I got my rope out, tied it to the big door & managed to pull it shut with her still inside!  I think she just wanted to stay & graze - heading back didn't suit her.  Riding untied is a privilege - next time she pulls this - she will find herself tied in!

Our route~

I called Butch - he was home - so we picked him up on the way back to Farah's stable.  She was an absolute angel unloading for Dad! :-)  Dinner at Toby Jacks was a great way to end a perfect day of riding!  My only wish - would be to have this wonderful place (even any Equestrian place...) closer to home~

Playtime!

Yesterday, I spent most of the day working along the edge of the hill just up from the creek.  Two invasive vines had almost taken over the bushes that line the top south side of the backyard.  Since they're starting to grow now, if I hadn't gotten them cut, I'd just have had to cut the bushes down.

Today, I wanted to ride in the worst way, but the weather forecast was for rain & thunderstorms.  After watching as a lightening bolt hit right out in the middle of our street - there's no way I want to take a chance getting caught out.  A whole different world here than the weather I knew so well in WA.

Farah~

When I arrived at the barn - all was quiet - a blessing.  Farah was waiting & she's almost slick now!  I spend a lot of time grooming her & she enjoys my attention - more than she ever has.  I really do think that she misses us - even if she does enjoy being around other horses now.

Once I had her polished up from top to bottom, we went out to the arena & she's already figured out our new routine :-)   She was just So very good!  I can imagine how good it feels to stretch out & get to move out - especially so when she's had so many years of consistent riding.  It's been hard for me too - my joints seem to crackle more than they used to.  I've started a little exercise routine in the mornings to try to combat the changes.

She didn't even break a sweat today - finally I started laughing & chasing her!  Instantly she picked up on the game & flew past me :-)  She made one turn to cut me off - so graceful that it took my breath away. 

The new look~

When we first moved her over into the turnout - a day or two later she came up with a rip on the side of her cheek.  Not deep, just a thin layer of skin & hair removed, no blood.  I sprayed it & it scabbed up just fine. Now - the hair has grown in light gold!  Her body has stayed very clean - no marks, bites, bumps or any of the usual things most horses collect over the years.  Of course, not having her in a herd situation has helped that.

Thursday is supposed to be a break in the storms & I'm hoping to travel the 40 minutes to an hour it takes to go anywhere I can ride!  If anywhere is open!  Here - if we get rain - the parks close.  Within that drive time - the three closest places only have maybe 8-miles of trail.  This time of year - with the thunderstorms rolling through almost daily - it makes riding the kind of distances we used to enjoy - limited. 

Where to Begin?

It's been a month now since Farah & I have been on a trail...  My wrist - was probably sprained - since it's healing way faster than I thought it would.  It's still sore if I try to do anything with it, but I can use it & figured it would be good enough for a ride.  We've been visiting her every four-days - it was time for her annual Adequan series.

Today, I felt like we were back to square one.  I loaded my saddle, bridle, pad & planned to do some road riding.  The one thing I forgot - was my helmet!  You'd think after all these years, I could remember that!  Anyway - our girl was covered with mud, so a good grooming was in order.  Her neighbor screamed at her departure - I closed the door between those stalls & the main barn.   It amazes me that Farah can ignore him the way she does.

In the round pen~

Once I had her cleaned up, I let her out into the outdoor arena & she took off at a gallop.  I'm sure she's wondering why we haven't had our usual trail time.  She looks good, her weight is good, she's stayed amazingly fit - considering our latest month off.

Checking out the other horses.

I had my new stick from Dennis Reis - it works great.  As usual, she bucked, kicked, leaped into the air & stretched herself out.  Finally she settled into some nice extended trotting & was very polite about changing direction when I asked.

Other way~

After yesterday's beautiful sunshine day, it seemed strange to see the sun give way to cloud cover by mid-morning, a cool breeze too.  I'd worn warmer tights & wished I hadn't - we both worked up a light sweat.

There's grass over there!

I heard a lot of noise out on the road - the county road-grader was at work, so it would not have been the day to try road riding anyway.  The operator was scraping the shoulders & leaving the excess material out in the middle for his next sweep.

Feeling more relaxed~

By the time she slowed & came up to me - we were both ready to be done.  In another week, we'll actually be headed south through Missouri for a horse camping trip to;  Brushy Creek, MO.  I'm so looking forward to some time with my mare & days of riding new trails!

Glenwood Preserve~

We'd driven past many times - then - at the Mills Country Trails Board meeting this area was mentioned.  Easter dawned a perfect day!  Our church served everyone a wonderful breakfast before service, so once home, the ham went in the oven & we were on our way!

Archeological State Preserve

From the reference material I've read, this area encompasses over 900 acres of stunning, rolling, SW Iowa open space.  In Iowa, non-profits proliferate as managing agents relating to any  existing open space.  This area is no exception - the Loess Hills Archaeological Interpretative Center is the non-profit with a BOD in place - for this yet to be realized project.

Stand for the interpretative signage~

The State Department of Transportation shows maps for bicycle riders on their website. The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is the agency that controls access to the states public lands.  From what I' understand - in recent years - areas used by Equestrians have been closed. I've asked for clarification as to the part of the Wabash Trail open to horsemen - so far without receiving a response.  

Informative Signage~

Reading the signage above, it's saddening to see what happened to the state's ground cover from the mid-1800's to the early 2000's.  Prairie's & Savana's disappearing against the advent of ever advancing cropland.  When I was young, co-op farming was just appearing - small family farms being bought up by large commercial investors.

No Equestrians!

Site integrity & erosion issues are the most often cited as reasons to deny Equestrian's.  Soils here are indeed much different even from those of WA state - where I am the most familiar with trail issues.  Trail damage caused by bicycle use is something I've not heard or seen mentioned as an issue here. 

I wish I'd taken photos the last time I was at Capitol Forest, WA of the damage done by bikes.  (Here's a link showing erosion damage.)  In more recent years, Capitol forest has undergone many changes.  Much of what was originally designated for Equestrian's has now become mixed-use or no longer maintained for horses.  During the same time, bicycle presence has dramatically increased.  Even so, there's now a large volunteer effort, spearheaded by the local Back Country Horsemen Chapter in place.  The Capitol Riders do everything possible to mitigate the heavy use that the ever increasing population causes.

Beautiful arched bridge~

There was no map posted, we had two choices.  A trail going due east & the other south over the bridge above.  We took the bridge :-)

This trail climbed~

I was very glad we did!  After crossing the creek, the trail climbed a way before turning east.  The undergrowth is heavy brush, fallen limbs & other plants I didn't recognize.  My eye caught a glimmer of white.

Erythronium albidum - White Trout Lily

I was thrilled to see the ethereal looking Lily above!  These will be the replacement flower for my usual spring Trillium hunt!  :-)

Grouping of Trout Lilys~

My new Native Plants of the Midwest book - came to my rescue. The white pedals open only in sunshine and curve skyward.  Taking years to establish large masses - this plant takes 30-years to flower~!

Huge beautiful - yet to be identified tree~

We followed the paved path to a junction where a mowed path heading up the hill.  Always on the lookout for high points - we made the climb to the top.  We were rewarded by more amazing views.

Dry grasses against a rapidly appearing clouds~

There was just enough wind - we could hear the grasses swaying in the breeze.

View of Glenwood to the West~

From our vantage point, we could just pick out all three of the Glenwood water towers, on the horizon.  We turned east & came to the preserves boundary, marked by barbed wire & signage.

End of State Preserve~

We followed the fence line & mowing back down the side of the hill.  The junipers I've learned have been invading grasslands - which must be why I see them cut along the road side.  On Grandpa's farm, they thrived in the gully's.

Mowed path~

The path connected us again with the paved portion of the trail we'd left.  We followed it east again & soon came to an abandoned area of covered picnic spots.  Beautiful at one time, well built, metal framed tables & nice barbeque stands, some had been broken off by vandals.

Two of the four picnic shelters~

We reached the end of this portion of trail.  I was still searching the woods, hoping of finding another treasure.  On a wooded hillside, where many small ferns were sending up shoots, another tiny bit of white caught my eye.

Dicentra cucullaria - Dutchman's breeches

I'd seen photos of these in my book, but didn't dream I'd find one!  The name is derived from the blooms resemblance to pendant, upside-down white britches.  The flowers are inflated & translucent - making them appear luminous.

Trails end~

Again, we reached the end of the mile long trail out from the parking area.  After short break, we started back.  We could find no more blooming wildflowers.  The grasses are supposed to be native to the region.  I'm not familiar enough with the different species to recognize them.  What is difficult to understand - Reed Canary Grass - so invasive in Western, WA state - I've seen listed as a native species here.  Sometimes even recommended to control erosion along streams.  Other, more mindful articles give better descriptions as to it's invasive properties...

Trail-head parking

I have so much to learn & understanding the multitude of issues & agencies involved is a large task that will take time.  This area would make an incredible place for miles of Equestrian trails!  When looking at the signage that showed the root systems of the native grasses, hoof prints would have done no damage.  With a correctly laid out trail system, a horseman's nirvana might yet flourish here?  

With so many agencies with their finger in the provable pie - I will do what I can to follow the progress of the plans for this area.  Horsemen here are few - our work is cut out for us.  Our newly formed State BCHIA will be a great place to improve communication with land managers.  I do look forward to visiting the Iowa horses camps.  (Horse Camping in Iowa)