Chipping Away!

After a very cold night, down to about 22, the minute the sun crested the horizon it started warming up!  This winter, reminds me of the first one we enjoyed here the end of 2016.  February 21, 2017 - I'd ridden Farah on the Wabash Trace from Mineola to Council Bluffs.  Exactly the same ideal weather.

Bronco with the chipper~

We picked up the chipper last evening. With the help of the Bronco, Butch maneuvered it down the slippery hill, as close as he could get it to where we'd be working. Close, but not close enough! We had the length of the backyard to drag & carry all the branches, especially those at the far east end.

Five piles~

I'd managed to burn the largest pile last Sat., before we were told to put it out. Thank heaven, it hadn't been a problem for the first two-years. I'd drug all the mess from behind the Cabin, across the front, through the double gate & down the hill to our fire pit. I'd spent weeks & weeks cleaning up the mess that had been dumped on the property over the years.

Butch operating the chipper.

By sheer luck, a low wet spot along the creek bank, lined up with where the chips flew. We had our system down. I'd break the stacks of branches into manageable piles, then drag them up to Butch. When Butch wasn't chipping, he was dragging piles too. It took us most of the day.

Clear!

We did stop for lunch at Adriano's, following that with hard pack ice cream from Sugar Makery! They had lemon! I can't even remember the last time I've enjoyed lemon ice cream!

Pile of chips!

For a while, I didn't think we'd end up with many chips at all, but by the time we'd finished, there was a sizable pile!

From the deck~

Tomorrow, we tackle the piles in the Timber.  At least - I say least in the broadest sense of the term -  they're all Bush Honeysuckle.  Just as invasive, but slightly smaller branches, no thorns & not as heavy as the Autumn Olive.  Introduced in 2003 for erosion control, it rapidly got out of hand & is one of the top invasive species.  If you live in the mid-west, read up on these plant pests & eradicate them from your yard or property.  Native plants will thank you for it!

Feb. 27, 2019

 The difference a year makes~

Sunshine Came Softly~

When Butch met me - just past security at Eppley, he said;  "Welcome back to sunshine!"  He was So right!  Sunshine & wide open spaces, felt just wonderful after two-weeks of mostly pouring rain & wet.  We enjoyed a gorgeous weekend with temperatures in the mid-50s.  A huge departure from the blowing snow & frigid blast of last year.  We sat out with our latte's, admiring the absolutely balmy mornings!

Nika, in the middle of the yard~

Not even home for a week yet, it took me a few days to catch up with myself.  I felt a bit out-of-sync.  I did go back to my exercise routine at the Y Wednesday afternoon.  After two-weeks, I backed off a little & really struggled to finish.  By Friday though, I whizzed right through.  I'm looking forward to my appointment with a personal trainer.  The back of my knees weren't happy.  The elliptical keeps my feet flat, riding my heels are down. Some stretching will probably be the answer.

Light breeze~

Waking to the warm, filtered sunshine this morning, I walked the property. Picking up pieces of construction debris from the house re-model up Elm. The wind always blows it our direction.  I cleaned the outside of the office windows & sliding door on the Cabin. Too late into winter to call it springlike, but it sure felt like it.

Winter flower bed~

As much as I love being back home, I enjoy my winter trips to the NW so much!  Courtney has such a busy schedule, yet always makes me feel so welcome!   Cassidy has her drivers license & took me to lunch one day.  Mason was busy trying out for a part in a new play!  Ben met me for dinner in Snohomish.  With the weather & traffic - I didn't make the drive south to Astoria :-(

Having Farah close enough to visit & ride is a blessing.  As rainy as it had been, we were lucky to get in trail time.  Butch & I are both looking forward to our June trip for Mason's graduation! 

East end of the "Marsh"~

The marsh isn't nearly as wet this season. We haven't had the snow. Last night there was a nice little rain, enough to settle the dust. Above is the area where I planted most of the 100 daffodil bulbs.

West End~

When I think of the ice & snow here last year this time - it really does - almost looks like spring! I'm anxious to see the changes, once things start greening up. Maybe some of the slash piles will be gone by then.

Nika in another of her favorite spots~

From her perch at the top of the hill & leaves off the trees, Nika can see out to the side street, spotting the mailman's truck almost a block before he arrives at our house!  :-)  Someone asked me again the other day why we moved here?  There's a certain romance about the Seattle area - but it doesn't take more than once - stopped & sitting hours in traffic for a reality check.  The city doesn't even remotely resemble the one Butch brought our little family to from Colorado in 1981.  As for me - I'll take the mid-west.  If we could just talk the kids into moving out! 

Victoria - My Birthday & Final Ride~

Here we were, thankful for one more sunshine day!  The original plan had been to ride with Joyce & Chris too, at Taylor Mountain.  Sadly, the trails were closed due to wind, rain & downed trees.  With over 100-miles between us & even then - not so much the distance as the traffic - we decided to forgo the group ride until my return in June.

It was super that Charlotte & Fancy live north & could join us!  It had been several years since Farah & I had see them!  The last time had been my favorite ride up Stimson Hill.

Charlotte, Fancy, Mary, Oliver

It was very chilly though! We started out under the clouds, then moved off into the warmer sunshine. When I gave Farah a chance at the lead, she took me bipping & bopping down the trail. I could feel a bit of the unevenness she's experienced with the changes in Farriers, but new shoes were scheduled. She did some head shaking, loosening herself up from her adjustment.  I held her back to 20-mph for her little running bursts.

  Just past this new-to-me clear cut & around the corner, we heard the sound of water, lots of water!  A new waterfall had cut into the hillside.  It was back just far enough I couldn't get the photo with my phone.  Now, I was wishing for my camera with the zoom!

Charlotte laughing at Oliver trying to make friends with Fancy :-)

By the time we reached the monument, the clouds had again caught us! The air was damp & chilly! My gloves weren't waterproof & I wished I'd brought others. We had a quick snack before going back out onto the roads.

Fancy & Charlotte~

The pair above have always been one of my all-time favorite teams. At 21-years of age, Fancy is coming up on 3,000 endurance miles & still looks as fit & healthy as ever. I can only hope the years are as kind to Farah... 

Farah & Connie at the Monument~

 We didn't go through the deep, dark, woods. Trails are closed.  Those trails are steep in places & can be so slippery. Instead, we cut up the road to the overlook.

Lake McMurray~

It was almost a religious experience, to be here again. Farah felt it too. The trees on the hillside keep growing taller & taller. I can only hope the view remains open, since it's so beautiful. We polished up a very nice ten-plus mile ride!

Our loop~

 Google seems to have corrected the issues I was having downloading images of our track. Of course I don't use it very often now!

Farah in a Lark Song cooler~

Mary ordered wool coolers for her farm.  This one fit Farah perfectly.  I brushed her down as good as I could.  (The tail still needs a lot of work...)  I've got to order Farah another Epona face cloth, she used to enjoy it on her face after a ride, so much.  Her soft brush had to suffice.

Linda met us at the trailhead & we drove to La Hacienda for my birthday dinner!  Mary caught us all up on current trail issues.  She has many plans & ideas on how to successfully keep horses on the trails, against the mounting number of bikes.  The three of us listened.

Linda, Charlotte, Mary & me~

 Back at the farm, I put Farah's heavier blanket on, the one she's been in.  I brushed her out, since the new cooler had done it's job.  Again, I stood in the stall with her for an extra minute or two.  She seemed in no hurry for water, or to head out into her paddock.  She put the soft side of her muzzle against my cheek.  Her way to tell me goodbye...

As yummy as it looks!  Dark Chocolate scratch cake!

 I hustled back to Duvall in time for a delicious home made chocolate birthday cake & the enjoyment of listening to our grand-kids sing happy birthday!. :-)  Courtney helped me pack all the last minute items & lent me a suitcase to fit the large insulator she found for me!

At Sea-Tac, the suitcase with the insulator was sent off on a different conveyor belt for special inspection!  The poor TSA agent had to ask me just what it was?  When I said;  "A birthday present." I think he thought I was daft!  :-)  Heading home!

Farah & Cassandra~

Cassandra & I met through a mutual friend , who was familiar with Cassandra's aptitude to read horses subtle pain signals & get to the root cause. Dean taught me that 90 percent of any horse problem, arises from pain. After describing some of the issues I was experiencing with Farah, Cassandra suggested we go out for a ride!  That meeting, early spring of 2016 & her resulting work on Farah, had made a huge difference in Farah's attitude. Farah had put up with ill fitting saddles right up until the time my custom Stonewall arrived late in 2015. We were also working with a new Farrier & had some slight changes in hoof balance to make. The issues found, were slight - but enough I was very glad to have them alleviated.

Cassandra & I had tried to connect - for most of the year after Farah had escaped her paddock, at the farm in IA. I'd wanted Cassandra to check Farah out, just to reassure me the mare had not thrown something out-of-whack. Routinely flying cross country to visit clients, she was unable to change her schedule to accommodate a lay-over in Omaha.

When I knew I was coming to WA & Cassandra would be home during the same period - we managed to schedule an appointment at Mary's farm.

My worried mare~

When Farah heard Cassandra's voice, her head popped out over her stall! I'm sure she remembered her friend, she'd taken to her quickly & enjoyed her manipulation. Again, shoeing topped my list of concerns. Last year, I think she was only shod once. I'd scheduled shoeing a with a new-to-me farrier, just prior to picking her up last September.  I couldn't be there to see what was done, but the job looked good, balanced & Farah seemed to be moving just fine when I rode her.

Working with Farah's neck~

Mary was back to searching for a Farrier, after the one she'd used for years retired. When I arrived, I was so excited just to see Farah & ride, I didn't inspect her shoes.  During our ride, I had that little nagging, somethings not quite right, feeling. Upon closer inspection, I found several things needing change.  Clips are something Farah had never needed.  There was no room for foot expansion, but the shoes were scheduled to be replaced.

Big Stretch!

 We had quite an interesting & fun day, watching as the horses were manipulated. Farah is very expressive & I was surprised she was so sore. Our long, fast ride, was something I shouldn't have done, but Cassandra consoled me, mentioning the ride, actually brought to the surface underlying issues, we might otherwise have missed.

Farah relaxing~

We tried several of Mary's saddles on Farah - Cassandra found one that fit & demonstrated why.  Mary wanted to see my saddle on Farah & the Stonewall fit as perfectly as it always had, no problems. Of course I love my saddleright pad! It's one of the best for back protection.

We were all cold & I'm sure Cassandra was tired by the end of the afternoon!  I was relieved to know Farah's issues had been addressed.  It was easy to see in both body posture & expression, she was more comfortable.  Her eyes relaxed, the former tightness & worry gone.

Relaxed~

   With the flooding, I had to take the long way back & forth to the farm.  I sat on Woodinville/Duvall Road for almost an hour to get across the valley & back to daughter Courtney's this evening.  I told Butch I don't miss all of that - at ALL!

On the Trail - Bracken~

I've spent an inordinate amount of time watching the weather forecast!  In Washington state, it's about as changeable as weather can be.  Even so, for a few days, we were promised sunshine today!  I was at the farm early to groom Farah & wash her tail.  Two of my favorite tasks & I was determined to get them done while Mary was finishing up a lesson.

Leaving Bracken Parking~

We really wanted to go to the higher country of Victoria, but it was cold & Carrie wanted to ride with us, on a limited time schedule.  It made a lot more sense to ride closer & lower in.  The nice thing about winter riding in WA - which I never truly appreciated when I lived here - is it's possible!  In IA, there are no gravel logging roads & the trails are unusable.

Back between the ears~

 I took a huge breath of the incredibly fresh, rich, air!  Almost sweet, after the much dryer climate I've become used to.  Farah is always so happy to be out.  Now, I think we both cherish every minute & every mile we're together.

Mary, Oliver, Carrie & Remy~

To have riding companions is new to us too, after a few years of riding almost always alone, both in WA & in IA.  Carrie was excited at the prospect of seeing new areas.  Of course we had to take her over Tin Bridge to our Green Valley.

It was a surprise to see the heavy rock on this section of the Whitehorse Trail - had been top-dressed with a much smaller stone surface.  New, since I rode here last October.  It hadn't compacted & I hope it doesn't.  Farah wanted to open-up & away we went!  Flying the mile or so to our old lunch spot!  Perfect footing & yes we did leave some divots that will soon disappear.

My cinch wasn't tight enough & the pad slipped during our gallop :-)

By now, the elusive sunshine had broken through the clouds & the scene was something out of a fairy tale.  I polished off an apple,  Remy finished the core.  :-)

Farah's ears are telling - yes, she wanted to lead!

 Remy, not as experienced on the trail as Farah, tried leading & did well, until she decided she preferred Farah in front.  Poor Oliver, escorting two mares, did his best to let them know he wasn't going to take any guff!  We commented more than once, we were all on very forward horses.

Back at the Bridge~

This side of the bridge, the decking was somewhat dry, but the far side, in more shade, was so slick, we dismounted & let the horses slip & slide over the boards.  When I was still active with the Centennial Trail Coalition, the bridge decking & mitigating the wet season slip & slide, was a topic on our agenda.  I have no idea where it is now.

Through Remy's ears, photo by Carrie~

We had some magnificent gallops!  More than one turned into a in-hand race!  At least we liked to think we had things in-hand!  Mary lead us back to where Carrie knew the way to her trailer.  Mary asked if I wanted to continue on & she needn't of asked!

Later in the ride~

 We did a couple more loops through the trees, staying where we knew the trails would be dry & away from the mud.

Connie & Farah~

 Last ones back to the parking area, what had been Farah & my usual routine.  With the sun down, the air cooled even more & we blanketed the horses before loading them.  We stopped in Arlington for dinner on our way back to the farm.

Unloading our horses, the horses in the barn had been fed & stalls were well bedded. What I did find out, as I turned my head backing out - was my neck was very sore!  Very!  By the time I'd returned to daughter Courtney's in Duvall, I couldn't turn my head.  I'm absolutely sure it was from wearing my helmet for over four hours.

Butch told me I'll need to wear an old helmet around home while I'm working in the Timber!  Can you just see that?  My reputation around town for being a bit eccentric would reach new heights!