Weatherin' Winter~

My shoulder is still very stiff & sore after my slip & fall on ice last Monday.  Butch tried to share his cold with me, after I'd asked him to keep it to himself!  I spent most of  the later part of last week, feeling under the weather.  Saturday was one of the ugliest days we've had.  Gray, freezing rain & cold.  I think everyone stayed in.  Just the smartest thing to do when things are so bad.  Yesterday was much better, the melt again underway.

With the forecast for 50's today & sunshine - all I could think of was, Ride!  Ride!  Told Butch I planned to take the trailer out & see if the trail was dry.  Then - I went outside :-(  Everything still frozen, with standing water on top of the ice.  Getting the Bronco up the gravel road to the farm was a muddy slip & slide.

Silver gene~

I'd noticed last during our ride a week ago, that Farah's mane was showing more silver than I'd ever seen!  All the new growth is a light silver.  I can't imagine it will change from it's dark color, but still fun to see it different from what's been normal.  I have to wonder at the change.

Yes!  Shedding~

At the farm, a truck was parked across the drive down to the barn, so I parked on top of the hill.  That's when I realized that I'd forgotten Farah's tote.  I've kept it at home, since the tack room isn't heated & I didn't want stuff freezing.

Thankfully, I keep a shedding blade, brush, pick etc. in a tote for just such an emergency :-)  Farah was out enjoying the sun, but was more than happy to come in for a good scrub down.  I worked on her for about an hour, until my shoulder said; "No more!"

What was that?

I didn't bring my saddle, so we worked through our routine.  My girl was much better!  I think she enjoys getting to move out.  She let loose with a couple big bucks both directions, when I asked for a canter.  All good.  It took me forever again when I asked her to give me her head at the girth - Step 3.  I wasn't giving up, she knew it, I eventually I got what I wanted - if only for an instant.  The wind always seems to be blowing at the farm & it sounded like a jet taking off overhead.

My plan is to keep at it - maybe if she gets enough one-on-one - she won't be as rowdy as usual the next couple months.  We both want to get Out - but now it's a waiting game.  If the wet weather ends & the winds blow, maybe things will dry up!

The Melt~

The Sun!  The Sun!  After the frozen sleet storm last night - the ice we had - had a new coating of ice.  But the Sun & blue skies brightened my mood substantially.  I texted Butch & told him to pick me up for lunch at the Gathering Place.  Time to see some friendly faces!  Kay's wonderful Chicken & Rice soup hit the spot!  Everyone is missing Linus - who's in Africa on a Missionary trip!

Cardinal~

As Butch dropped me off, I couldn't help but see the bright little burst of red in the tree across the street!  I went in for the zoom & Mr. Cardinal was still there!   I'm so excited to be able to capture photos of some of the beautiful birds here!  We're putting up a feeder soon & looking for the most squirrel proof model we can find.

Toward Tinkle Branch~

It's surprising how the sun will start things melting, even when the temperatures are hovering just above freezing.  Now, those temperatures feel warm - so I know I've acclimatized :-)

Melting snow & frozen sleet~

I have to admit that the freezing sleet fascinates me.  The other evening we had what the weather forecaster called "Thunder Sleet", with lightening.  Mid-west weather is in a class of it's own :-) 

The Timber~

As the Cardinal flew away, it felt so good to be outside - that I took a walk.  Monday, I'd slipped & fallen just a step off our front porch.  A nice hard fall on my left shoulder & hip!  I gave thanks that nothing broke, so I'm now on full alert when it comes to ice so clear you hardly know its there...  It's less risky walking in the woods than it is on the sidewalks - since so many are still sheets of ice.

Creek Trail~

My new trails show up better with the snow covered ground than they do dry.  I won't be hauling wheelbarrow loads of ground cedar bark for these trails.  I learned that all that hauling only gave me a trail surface for a few years in WA, before they composted back to soil.

With another snow storm due tonight - I'm just hopeful that next weeks forecast for a day in the low 50's holds true.  Winter...  I'm ready to be done with you!

Ten-Years Ago Today~

This year's winter in Iowa has been very different from the last - our first!  I take solace in the fact that longtime residents are in agreement with me - this cold, ice & snow is a little more than what a usual winter has been for a while.

So, - with a world of white again outside the windows & an ice storm on the way - I sat down to take a glimpse back to where I was ten-years ago.  It's almost like time travel.  (Since 2000, when I started switching over to digital photography, I've backed up all my images on external hard drives, filed by date.)  Below are a few photos from a long-ago day, in a faraway place~

Mt. Pilchuck~

 This was the year our friends sold a part of their property to build a second home on the coast of Mexico.  It was called the Plateau, which is just what it was.  A large flat piece of land elevated above the Stillaguamish river.  It was accessible up a steep, rocky road from the drive below.  This farm is undisputedly the most beautiful in the Pacific Northwest.  We spent some amazing years riding here.

The drive along the Stillaguamish River~

The plateau is where we galloped the horses.  Evias would ride the young Thoroughbreds, I'd ride Khari & we'd be the sensible pony horse for the youngsters.  Khari would out-trot them at the start, then pin her ears when they'd go breezing past us.  There was somewhat of a track all along the perimeter & the views were stunning.  The Homestead was only three-miles away - we were neighbors & being adopted into this family was an honor.

The Farm~

I'd been on my way home when the clouds parted after a week of rain & the sun appeared.  It was a hard day for me, the roads were going in & the place that was like heaven on earth was being changed forever.  Ground was breaking for the new homes slated to be built.  The camera was in the Bronco, so I decided to pay a final visit to the Plateau.

End of the Rainbow~

 What I saw took my breath away~ The Rainbow arched from the far side of Mt. Pilchuck, all the way over to the farm.  The colors were the strongest I'd ever seen.  I stood in awe of the majesty of the planet we call home.

The Horizon~

I watched as the air around me changed.  Off over the distant peaks of the Cascades, dark foreboding clouds brewed snow.  The temperature dropped & the transition from the blazing gold of the late afternoon sun to the dark gray of the rapidly approaching storm was intense.

It was my last visit.  We had plenty of riding on the rest of the farm, but it was never quite the same~

Two Rivers - A Year Later~

It's nice to have a friend that's also chomping on the bit to get out for a ride.  I was watching the weather all week.  A plan to travel over to Two Rivers State Recreation Area, in NE for a February ride, was put in place.  Another 100+ mile round-trip, but with open trails - we couldn't resist. 

My time in the arena with Farah was well spent.  She was standing in the sun when I arrived & was totally relaxed.  She loaded into the trailer, jumped out, turned, jumped in & we were on our way :-)  I met John & Margie at the new Love's on Hwy 34.  About an hour on the road & we driving in the park gate.  We paid for our passes & went to the horse area to find it covered in snow, ice & slush.  We decided to go park in the paved area just past the cabooses.

The trails~

For whatever reason, I expected to find conditions similar to what they were last year this same weekend, but I was wrong.  The lawn areas were snow covered with ice underneath, from the frequent freezing & thaws. The trails were about 3" deep in snow that was starting to melt.

The Platte River~

It was just a bit slippery to say the least.  We decided to tour around on the paving & I enjoyed seeing all the nice camping that's available here.  Several spots are right along the river.  We crossed over to see the river, where there was no sign of the ice breaking up yet.  I'll take a few more warm days for that to happen & we may not get those quite yet.

Informative signage~

I had never heard of the Oto Indians, they certainly lived in a beautiful spot.  A spot so desirable to the white man, that like all the other tribes, they were soon displaced.

A dry access road~

I found one of the roads we'd ridden last year, it was the driest of the ride & probably just off the park.  The sun felt so warm & there was no wind!

Farah~

This park covers 644 land acres & has 320 water acres, in seven sandpit lakes.  The lakes are stocked for fishing & the park has an active hunting season.  The Rangers mentioned that Geese hunters might be out, so Farah wore her orange rump rug.

Sycamore Tree~

Margie had given me a Sycamore seedball from her tree a couple weeks ago.  Today she pointed out the tree itself.  What a beauty!  The white bark is a nice contrast this time of year & this tree was still loaded with it's seeds.  I picked one as we rode underneath.

Margie & John

We found a couple trails that I hadn't ridden on my last two visits - that was fun!  The big sandy field was fun too!  John menioned that way back when, horses could go anywhere in the park, no trails needed.

The two of us~

Farah gave me a very nice ride, I think she was as happy to be out as I was.  Margie & John were gracious enough to let her lead most of the day.  She is such a good leader - she sets her pace & these two Missouri Fox Trotters have no problem keeping up with her walk.  

Toward the River~

We did want to go ride the river trail & got within 100-ft. when we came to a large depression, full of water & frozen solid.  It extended past the barbed wire fence on one side & into a wetland on the other, so no way around.  We regretfully turned back & found a couple other trails to ride before calling it a day.

With another cold snap moving in - we'll have to hope that things thaw out soon & the ground gets a chance to dry out.  I want to come back when that happens - so pretty here!

The First Two Steps~

Another warm day - mid-40's - but overcast.  Absence of sunshine is something that doesn't happen often here.  One of the many reasons we love it even when it's cold & it's cold a lot!   With the wind due, along with a 20 degree drop in temperature for tomorrow, I headed out to the barn again today, wanting to build on where I'd left off yesterday.

Gold leaving, Chocolate coming in~

Farah met me at the gate to her stall & started looking for her cookie, which was in my pocket.  I'd forgotten carrots yesterday - she appreciated them today.  I brought my saddle into the barn & saddled her there.  The four horses with their heads out over their stall doors have been behaving much better when we're in the isle.  Probably because I give them all two small cookies when I leave.  Being stuck in stalls 24/7 - I figure it's the least I can do to improve their day.

Much better~

Much more relaxed than yesterday, only a couple yells & she settled in to her trot right away.  Her head may not look it, but it was lower & she wasn't as tense.  I know how much she likes routine & work.  Today she was ready to work.

An ear on me!

I was really happy when the ear finally turned my way.  A friend who trains on the east coast had posted an article;  Spring Checkup - confirming Farah's attitude is somewhat common.  There were some good tips that included working with transitions, which I started doing today.  A little more difficult with a lounge line, but she does respond well to the tone of my voice.

Frank has a short video on You Tube explaining the purpose of his 7 Safety Step program.  I'd forgotten my laminated card, but remembered the first & second anyway.  The first, Bonding has never been easy with Farah.  She likes to think she's in control & it's only the rare occasion she accepts much actual attention.   Regardless, I scratched her favorite places & it seemed appreciated, as usual.

Next; Step 2, - Take & Give/Pressure & Release.  I had to back her into the corner of the arena with plywood on the walls to keep her from backing up every time I'd ask for her head.  I was beginning to think we'd be at it for hours when she finally surprised me & Gave!  I know, this really doesn't sound like much.  I do get it from the saddle of course, but it took more work than I thought it would.  Getting her to keep it there for more than a second - then giving the release at the correct moment is key & I managed it. 

All done~

When we were done, I bridled her, mounted & we did some nice collected trotting!  She wasn't huffy, didn't rush, didn't try to constantly increase her speed - we had fun!  Dean's advice;  "Always end on a good note & never push for more - once you've achieved your win."  (The flip side of that advice, was to never take on a project you can't win!)

It's good to be in out of the wind & have such a nice facility all to ourselves.  Next week we'll work on the next steps.  As long as the trails are so sloppy, it's sure better than not riding at all!

Omaha Home & Garden Expo~

I'd gotten up during the night, watching the wind blow the snow from every direction.  By morning, the sun had appeared & the porch & deck were again covered with a light coating of the powdery, dry white stuff.

No birthday ride for me this year, a huge difference between the almost 60 degrees of last year & today's forecast high of the mid-teens.  By the time we were on the road to Omaha, the clouds had covered the sun & the day was looking like snow again.  When everyone told us what a mild winter we were having last year - they weren't wrong!

Century Link Center~

Even though we'd found a close place to park, the wind chill had everyone hustling to get inside!  The room was full of a variety of vendors.  This would be our first visit to the Omaha Home & Garden Expo.  I didn't find the flowers & displays I had expected, but a few booths had nice arrangements with primroses & blooming bulbs.

Warmth!

There were a lot of exhibits though - with fire!  I think everyone's mind is in the same place this time of year & with the weather we've been having.  I was so impressed with the amazing variety of fire products on the market.  They'd have to put out a lot of heat to convince me to sit out!

Old Barn Beams~

This company had some totally beautiful wood, reclaimed from old barns.

If you like the shiplap look~

The price though - was far from inexpensive.  Each piece was cut to what look like maybe a quarter of an inch thickness, making one piece of old siding go a long way.  There's no way I'd pay this much & then paint it.  I have a shiplap project in mind, but it will be painted.

We did find a contractor; Nightscapes that had a super pretty display of a variety of lighting products for the yard.  I fell in love with the Rusted Steel Tower.  You can order a variety of iron panels for over the glass.  Snowflakes, trees, a spider for Halloween etc.  It all runs off DC, so is energy efficient.

Rusted Steel Tower~

 Tobey Jack's was on our way home, our usual go to spot for dinner.  Kathy mentioned she's thinking of sponsoring a Equestrian Ride.  It might include an auction to raise funds to open the 4-miles of overgrown equestrian trail.  A section along the Wabash Trace from Margaretville to Mineola.  I told her I'd be more than happy to help organize the event.  Fingers crossed!

Dreamin' of Trails~

What a nice place for a trails meeting!  Sugar Clay Winery was on our list of places to visit, the meeting gave us the excuse.  This was billed as a Trails Plan & Mapping Session.  Over the last couple of months these meetings have been held in four different locations.  Mills has had their plan in place since 2015, but that was before we arrived & we have some catching up to do.

Our map~

Brian Leaders, of the National Parks Service gave a presentation on the importance of developing trails within our state.  We were given two felt markers, pink for hard surface & green for soft.  With them we were asked to mark any areas where we'd like to see future trails.  Thinking long-term was the key...   Being involved over the years as the Centennial Trail in Snohomish County Washington took shape & became reality - it's tough to realize that here, it's only been in the last few years that trails have come into the spotlight.

Enjoying Sugar Clay Winery~

I started looking at the rivers, still thinking of the Northwest & liking the idea of trails along rivers.  But no, I was told that doesn't happen here - land is owned from the center line of the rivers, streams & creeks.  I marked the Wabash Trace throughout this county & did hear that other Equestrian's had marked it also in other Counties.  The existing Equestrian Trail has already been reduced from the original ten-miles to just 6 now, that are still open.  That trail is shared with mountain bikes.  With farming the priority, there just isn't the open land needed for trails.  But - Brian told us to dream big & to imagine if cost weren't an issue, where would we want to go?   Well...  Of course I'd want to go just as far as I could!

Our table's finished map~

We were the only Equestrians in attendance.  Some of the statistics were staggering, when you consider that the squeaking wheel gets the grease...  $364. million spent by Bike riders in 2011.  $8. million in bike sales & the list goes on.  A huge positive impact to the economy.  Bike groups gather statistics to support their trail expansion plans & again have a loud voice at the local, state & national levels.  The importance of joining the Back Country Horsemen of America can't be stressed enough.  They are the group that's large enough & operates in the same legislative venues as the bike lobbies.

My mind-set is changing somewhat.  Even if they're not specifically Equestrian Trails, a trail, any trail is a Good Thing!  It's a place to enjoy what nature has to offer.  There was a gentleman at another table, speaking of how much damage he knew horses would do to any area where they were allowed.  Education is again key - being a responsible horse owner is also key.  Leaving no trace in shared trail-heads is a no brainer.  Being friendly as a group - is becoming even more important as more & more people share the same recreational spaces.

I can't speak for the other riders in our state, but I don't think many like riding on multi-use urban type trail systems.  If those trails connected to somewhere like Waubonsie or Pierce Creek, I believe they would be used much more.  I put in my Dream Trail to connect Waubonsie with the Wabash!