Fall - Pierce Creek ~

Sumac - Pierce Creek

Today - marked exactly one-year since we arrived in Iowa!  I couldn't think of a prettier place to spend it - than Pierce Creek.  It was another of a string of perfect Indian Summer days...  But with the brisk mornings & shorter days, I know that change is just around the corner.

Through the obstacle~

Since our ride out from the stable a week ago & with the rain on Sat., I felt lucky that the trails had dried enough.  We had the place to ourselves, just the wind & the sound of birds.

Dike~

 I wanted to do all the trails, especially in the Timber, to see if I could find the place where we hope to start work on the new trail the first weekend of November.

Sumac in full color~

 Out on the east hill trails - the colors of the day were so striking & strong!  I love the light of Fall, it has always seemed thinner somehow - more fine, more ethereal & more fleeting.

Into the Timber~

We were well on our way into the Timber when Farah stopped & grabbed what looked like an apple off the ground!

Cracked open~

She instantly spit it out & I dismounted to see just what it was?

Inside~

It was dripping a milk like substance in seconds & was very segmented.  I asked & have since found out that it's a Hedge Apple.  I'm told that they sell for up to $5. at the farmers markets both for decoration & as an insect & rodent deterrent!

Gorgeous Trails~

There's something almost magical about the Timber Trails - the rustle of the branches in the breeze, the smell of the leaves, the dull thud of Farah's hooves on the soft soil.  So quiet here - I wish we could ride on into forever.

Farah~

No deer today, just a huge hawk that had followed us from section to section.  Every time a gust of wind came up, leaves would fall through the air like huge raindrops.

Fall Golds~

We did find a couple of the trail markers that Randy had put in.  Since we have yet to experience a freeze, let alone a hard freeze, the underbrush is still almost shoulder high.  I'm hoping we get one before our scheduled work day.

Around the east side of the lake~

Most of the bright red leaves had blown off the Sumac along the lake shore.

Near the NE corner~

We rode on up to the NE corner.  The home under construction there is just amazing.  Round stone covered turrets at three of the corners.  Several construction personnel working, all friendly on such a perfect day.

West side of the lake~

 We again crossed the dike & took the trail along the west side of the lake, then up to the northern trails there.

The video finally uploaded.  Here she's bipping & bopping along at 4.7 to over 5 mph.

Crossing back south~

We covered ten-miles, looping back a couple times & had a great run up the north boundary fence.  It was so much fun that we did it twice!

So many changes in just those last twelve-months.  Instead of riding from 1,000 to 1,500 miles a year, I'm down to scraping for the 300 we have to date.  It seems  a waste of a fine, fine horse to have her stand so much.  She's such a good friend & partner - it's hard to see her under-ridden after all our years together.  Now, we're just a short way from the cold of the Winter months - we'll be spending some days in the arena - we're lucky to have that!

When we got home, I unloaded Farah & two of our neighbors came over.  Lisa with her handsome nine-month old Grandson, who's eyes were as big as saucers when he saw Farah.  Butch arrived, we took Farah back to the stable & enjoyed a quiet dinner at Toby Jacks.