A Long Way Down ~

The sunshine was breaking out of the clouds as I was leaving Duvall.  The drive to the farm was easy.  I had just moved Farah's tack out to the Highlander - when Linda arrived with her truck & trailer.  We loaded Farah & were off to Victoria.

Our rigs, Barb on Kelly~

Barb met us there.  The clouds had won over the sunshine.  Perfect day for riding & I was looking forward to seeing those views.   Barb had Kelly, Scott's handsome Morgan, out for a tune-up.  Not that he needs one - I've admired him for years.

Kelly :-)

Linda was riding Kody, who's matured & seems even stouter than last time I'd seen him.  It was our first ride together since before Butch & I moved.  With Linda in the lead, we took some of the beautiful trails, everything so green & lush.

Linda & Kody~

Barb & Kelly were fine with brining up the rear.  If Kelly wasn't, Barb made sure he was :-)  Farah wanted to lead, Linda acquiesced, but Kody wasn't happy with her pace.

In the deep greens~

We broke out into a cleared area, newly cleared, as you can see from the stacks of logs.

Heading up~

When we came to an intersection, as is my way, I'd ask;  "Right or left?"  As we climbed up the first ridge area, the views were clear, all the way to Mt. Erie.

11:43 a.m. Farah admires the view~

Barb cut blackberry vines with her big loppers, the trail was getting overgrown.  I didn't recognize it, we started dropping down the steeper part of the trail.  I still didn't know where were were - until I rounded the corner & saw The Bridge...

(Linda calls it the Wobbly Bridge Trail).  I've hated this particular bridge since a horse broke through a support beam & fell years ago.  Linda has corrected me on the semantics of my original description of the bridge.  First, the bridge has shingles on most of the surface, therefore "is not slippery."  Second, the horse mentioned, "survived with scrapes".  Linda also offered an explanation of the wobble.  To be honest, I don't care...  Regardless, I refused to ride over it any time we came near.  (Especially after Farah & I had fallen off a different bridge in 2014 & walked away mostly unharmed.)

It was a serious error of judgement on my part, to go across.  It was wet, had cracks running the length & was slanted to the downhill side.  I was not aware - it also had a wobble.  In the lead, I dismounted & told my companions I would walk Farah across.  Normally, a mistake, but once you've gone off one of these mounted...  well...  My little man was jumping around wildly in my brain...  I said a prayer...

With Farah on my blind side - we did just fine - until - about 2 feet from the end, Farah's left front foot "slipped.  I'll change the word "slipped" to "fell" - into one of the parallel cracks.  Her shoulder went into mine - pushing me right off into mid-air.  

My left foot hit & it hit HARD!  Nothing to grab to save myself, the leg absorbed the terrific impact & tangled in blackberry & tall grass.  My knee twisted & the rest of my upper body slammed down into the creek bed, helmet last.  My prayer was answered.  As I assessed my situation I noticed - a huge clump of cut, dried blackberry canes, flush against my right side.  On my left - at my waist - was a sharp piece of cedar - imbedded in the dirt.  I'd fit cleanly between the two.

I let Farah's reins go, she walked on off the far side of the bridge & stopped.  Discussion ensued.  Linda had to cross the bridge to get to Farah.  As she rode Kody across over me, I prayed he would stay on his feet.  Meanwhile, Barb got down in the ditch with me, working to cut my leg loose.  It was bent at a 90 degree angle & would not straighten.  Once the leg was free, Barb massaged my calf & I began trying to straighten the leg.  I slid my heel maybe an inch at a time, until the leg was straight.

Next challenge, getting me back up on the bridge.  I put on my leather gloves, started moving my hips & Barb put her arms around me from behind.  Jokes ensued!  :-) Once I was somewhat up - she lifted as I grabbed the edge of the bridge & levered up to a sitting position.  I used my good leg to get to my knees.  Barb again had a strong hold on me from behind, while I put my arms around Linda's neck for support & stood!  My idea - of course - had been to ride out.  When I tried to move the leg, it was totally loose from the knee down :-(  Linda tossed a jacket on the ground, I turned & sat!

Hole on the far side, where I went off ~

Linda called 911 & rode on - to lead the EMT's up to our position.  What a blessing we had cell phone service!  Farah couldn't see us from where Linda had tied her, Barb moved her closer to us.  Once there - she settled down - her eyes as big as saucers.  I had Barb give her a carrot.

Barb & I expected to have a long wait ahead, but Linda had told us we were blessedly close to an access road.  Barb broke open our lunches.  I used her ice pack to support under my knee.  It seemed like no time at all & we were hearing vehicles & voices!  The Mt. Vernon Fire Dept. Emergency Response Unit had arrived & it was only about 1:15 pm!

The team introduced themselves - excited to use their new Mega Mover - to transport me down the narrow trail :-)   The worst part, for me, was getting the IV started :-(   It wasn't too far until we were at the closest point to the ambulance.  Once inside - it was another bumpy ride to Skagit Valley Hospital in Mt. Vernon.

11:48, Kelly figures it's an early lunch break!

Linda met me there & stayed until I got the Doctor's report.  I'd called Butch & Courtney.  After a Covid test, a contrast was done on my leg.  I'd mentioned from when I was first asked, my calf muscle & under my knee felt huge, hard & so very painful...  Surgery wasn't scheduled until the following day at 2 p.m.

Our short ride~

I told Linda to go home & told Courtney to stay home.  Nothing either of them could do.  That night - was probably the worst of my life.  The pain came in wave after wave - unrelenting.  I begged the nurse for narcotics...  She made call after call - the Doctors did not respond.  She even tried massage & was about in tears herself.

Morning - I had not passed out. Meds were added to my iv fluids.  I remember being told surgery would take about 2+ hours.  Courtney said later she & Butch were at wits end - by well after 6 pm - when they finally received the news I was out of surgery.

I'd sustained a Tibial Plateau Fracture VI.  The surgeon described it as "shattered".  My calf had developed Compartment Syndrome - which had gone undiagnosed & could have resulted in the loss of my leg.  The leg had a pump attached to hoses, to remove all the fluid build-up.  It would remain in for three-days - until my second surgery Sat. the 26th.  Only two-hours this time - to close things up.

Staff at the hospital were concerned about my heart.  I asked if it had remained stable & the reply was yes...   They still insisted on holding me an extra day - due to low hemoglobin levels.  Orthopedics was ready to let me go on Sunday, but it wasn't until Monday, the 28th, I obtained my release.  I told staff I was leaving & that was that!  I told Courtney to keep the engine running! :-)

I am so totally grateful to our oldest daughter & her family for taking me in!  Their living room is now my guest suite!  I have a 31- step/hop route to the rest room - so exercise isn't an issue.

The leg has to remain straight for at least six-weeks & non-weight bearing for twelve.  I see the surgeon again on November 4th & hope to gain his permission to fly home!  With the old femur break on my right leg from 2003 & now this - I can really claim to be bionic! 

Of all my friends, only the usual suspects ferreted out something was up - when I went into silent running mode...   Their calls, texts & support are priceless!  As a long-time friend mentioned; "This isn't your first rodeo!"

On Our Own~

How sweet it was!  Our first time riding out by ourselves, since I'd sent Farah to WA, two full years ago.  The first year - we rode out with Farah's breeder, from her property.  The last year, we had to trailer to trails.  Not to complain - I'd go to the moon if it meant a ride on the gold girl.

Heading out~

 We had rain most of the day on Saturday, then received a pouring rain in Duvall that evening.  Waking yesterday to crystal clear skies, was a true gift from above!  Linda was kind enough to come by the farm with my helmet.  I'd left it in her trailer, we'd both thought we'd be riding together soon & hope to yet this week.

I finished saddling up as Linda left.  Farah & I followed her out the drive.  Riding onto the tree farm, I hoped to remember the way back out.  I took directions to reverse my Garmin tract - just in case.  I really wanted to check out the Whitehorse Trail.

Onto the Greenway~

 It was almost exactly the same distance to Tin Bridge, from the farm, as it had been from the parking area.  Farah was so funny!  On a loose rein, she hit her swinging walk & we moved out!  The minute there was a place to trot - she took the opportunity!  We cruised right up to 14-mph.  I'd almost forgotten the thrill of feeling her surge of power.

Blocked off~

 Coming to the intersection of the trails, the Whitehorse toward Arlington was still closed due to the mud slide in.  It was such a beautiful section, one I used to enjoy fairly often.  There has been a problem with people going through the gate below onto private property to access the river.

Gate to private property~

With the trail now open down to the river from the tree farm side, there's no reason to go this way.   We turned our usual way - to go over Tin Bridge.  Three people on bikes came over the bridge just before we started across.  They were disappointed the trail was closed on west.  I mentioned involvement in the Centennial Trail Coalition might be something for them to consider.

Over Tin Bridge~

I used the wide-angle on the phone camera.  It distorted the bridge, but sure looks interesting.  On the far side, on such a perfect day, we stopped to admire the views.  I still remember the first time we came this way after a change was made to round bales.  Farah thought the big white balls didn't need to be there!

On to Green Valley~

 Of course, we had to stop for lunch!  Courtney had given me some organic full size carrots & Farah enjoyed them, before turning to graze.  I - on the other hand - had forgotten any snack for me!

Farah having her lunch~

Seeing the trail wide open beyond Cloverdale farm, was a real treat.  All the years of working toward getting this trail open, is finally paying off.  The rude renter, who'd had a manufactured home on the far side, was gone, as was the manufactured.  Now just a vacant space, rapidly becoming overgrown.

West bound toward Darrington~

 As we moved on past the farthest point we'd ridden in forever, Farah perked up even more.  She loves going different places & I could tell she was as interested to see the changes as I was.

Through the "Gap"~

 The new finer grain gravel covering the old railroad ballast makes a huge difference in the footing.  I do wonder how hard it will compact over time.  Shoes are a must, but they always have been.  We were coming to one of of the most beautiful sections of the trail.  The sound of the river was so wonderful.

Farah - North Fork of the Stillaguamish River~

 There was a couple with a dog playing in the water on the far side.  We stopped to watch.  Continuing on, we crossed both bridge #2 & #3.  I would have liked to ride on to see if it was possible to cross Hwy 530.  I don't think any crossing improvements have been made yet.

Straight on toward Hwy 530~

 We continued up to 138th, before I decided to turn back.  Neither of us wanted to, but it was getting later in the afternoon & dark is coming earlier.  I also wasn't sure I'd remember the trails back to where we needed to go.

Heading Back~

 I love the light this time of day, this time of year & in this place.  Part of the reason Farah & I used to stay out so late in the day.  We'd sometimes get back just at dark, as the season progressed.

We trotted!  We galloped!  We blasted & I yelled Yippee at the sheer thrill of her amazing power & speed.  Not up to what had been her very high level of fitness, she still gave me as much as I could have asked for.

I gave her, her head, just to see which way she would go.  I surprised myself in remembering more than I thought I would.  As we came to the last few turns, there was twice she wanted to go the wrong direction.  I think more because she wanted to stay out longer, than anything.

Our Route~

I dismounted at the gate to the farm.  I'd walked a few times, out on the trail too, just to loosen up.

Farah~

Back at the farm, I unsaddled Farah & gave her a short bath.   Too tired to argue over washing her face, I'll leave that to Debi.  :-)   It's so sweet to use the big nice wash stall & have her clean again.  She did let me do a little more around her udder.  Before long, she'll be used to it again.  The tail is gradually lightening.  I hope to find time to pick up some bluing while I'm here.

I have to thank Mel for an excellent shoeing job!  I didn't hear one click, nor did Farah have any difficulty at any speed!  Really wonderful for a farrier's first shoeing!  Thank you, so very much to Debi too, for sharing Farah with me!

To Whidbey Island~

Yet another in a string of cool, smoky, gray days...  Courtney & I decided to take the ferry to Whidbey Island & go rock hunting at Ft. Ebey.

Loading~

 Since this is such a short run, we didn't bother to look at a schedule.  We only had a short wait, until we were loading.

On the main car deck~

The sea & sky were almost the same color - slate gray.  We climbed the stairs to the main deck.  Planning to go out to the front of the boat, usually my favorite place to take the ride.

All Blocked off!

After paying $23. for the two of us to make the crossing - we weren't allowed to go to the front of the boat!  Why?  The wind blowing up on the bow is so strong I doubt a Covid germ could travel a  millimeter!  What was really funny - every other stall in the bathroom was blocked off with a red Danger ribbon!  OK - but the sinks - where you stand closer to wash up - were wide open!

Out on front!

Not to be deterred from the views, back down we went.  Walking up the main car deck to the front of the boat!

Sister ship heading for Mukilteo~

It was really quiet out on the water, just the noise from the boat.  Courtney noticed what seemed like more debris than usual floating in the water.  I took the video below.

We drove north up the island to Coupeville for lunch.

Downtown Coupeville~

 There were more people in town than we'd expected, but not as many as usual.  Usually the start of a spectacular time of year, the gray haze was more reminiscent of a winter day.

One of the pretty old homes, converted to shop space~

 We made our way over to Toby's Tavern.  Butch always liked their selection of beers & the local seafood is excellent.  Even with social distancing, we did get a table without a wait.  Mussels & clams were our choice & both were delicious!

Sailboat on the water~

 Courtney found artisans' dying silk scarves in one small shop.  They had a three person limit, so I waited outside & enjoyed the views.

Seaside~

 Leaving town, we went on to Fort Ebey State Park.  If you follow the link, you'll see pictures of it on a sunny day!  A yearly pass was $30., the kids always buy one.

On the Beach

 I wore slip-on's, the water was cold but not freezing.  It had started to drizzle, but we both were prepared with our rain jackets.

Connie rock hounding~

 Courtney has made a dry-creek bed in her front yard.  More rocks are always needed!  I was told I couldn't go back to the car without a full bucket!  I found some really pretty small ones, for plant pots at home too!

South down the west side of the island~

 We spent a couple hours & hiked quite a way north.  A few people were out, but we enjoyed the solitude.

A Giant out of the Past~

 I was shocked to see this huge giant Western Red Cedar on the beach.  I know he wasn't here the last time I was on this beach?  Now, I'm going to go home & look at old photos to see if I'm right.  Our rain jackets were dripping water, by the time we were back to the car.  There's a hose bib by the parking to wash the sand off shoes etc.  That water was cold!

We decided to drive north, go over Deception Pass & make the loop.  The bridge at Deception Pass is under some kind of repair.  It sure wasn't worth taking a photo of.  There was plastic flapping in the breeze, rows of porta potties etc., the entire length of the span.  I'm sure it needed to be done, but I felt sorry for the tourists who may never be this way again & will miss the beauty.

Stopping for coffee for the road home in Oak Harbor, there was a line of cars coming onto the island.  The town had grown, a hillside of trees bulldozed to dirt & more traffic than I've ever seen!  There were enough cars at one of the grocery stores to have populated Glenwood!

We ran into most welcome rain just north of Mt. Vernon!  Hopefully it will help put an end to the smoke filled skies!

Happy Again!

 Monday morning came.  Linda still had all of Farah's things in her trailer, so arrived early to pick us up.  The drive to Farah's new home was blessedly shorter than the long trip we'd planned to the eastside.

Debi had asked to purchase Farah outright. One of the reason's I agreed, was her wish to keep Farah on the same exact program, she had been on with us.  (Dean's program.)  She also asked to purchase all of Farah's tack.  Astute enough to realize - there was no reason to mess with success.  We're close to the same size, my saddle fit her well.  She had just purchased a Saddleright pad, so now will have two to switch out.  Having used the Mylar Combination bit on her other horse, she was happy to find I used the same & of course Farah works best in it.

The first thing Debi mentioned - I would be welcome to come & ride Farah anytime.  With access to trails, I won't even have to trailer.  Debi's concern, is for Farah's on-going soundness & happiness.  She will be to Debi, as she's been to me all these years, her #1 priority.  (I think there was a bit of collusion between my friends.)  Several times over the last few day's, either Linda, Scott or Barb would say;  "We need Farah to stay here - where you can still ride her."  If it took a sale rather than a lease to accomplish - I was willing to comply.  (Should at any time in the future, Debi be unable to continue to care for her, ownership will revert back to me.)

The changes in her program, differing methods of horse keeping, training etc. had been an on-going worry & strain on me.  Sometimes, even as badly as you might want - things just do not work out.  Having been taught by the toughest of professional horsemen - has been something of a blessing & a curse.

Linda & Debi with Farah~

Farah's new home is exceptionally well managed, safe & clean. The three of us unloaded Farah's things.  Debi wanted to watch as I gave Farah her first bath in forever.  The wash stall was huge, with a nice spray head.  The warm water felt good to us both!  The dirt rolled & rolled off in waves!  I scrubbed & scrubbed as Linda & Debi figured out who they knew in common & caught up on the last few years.

Healing~

Loose hair came off Farah's hock, showing the healing cuts from the trailer door.  I worked on her tail too - soon it will be silver again.  Once outside, it was obvious Farah was happy to be clean.  Totally relaxed, she grazed while we talked. 

Farah clean!

Debi had things to do, Linda & I met Courtney, Mason & Cassidy in town for lunch.  Afterward, Linda left for home, while Courtney & the kids wanted to go see Farah in her new surroundings.  When we arrived, we looked in the turnout where I'd left her.  No Farah?  Finally - Cassidy's sharp eyes picked out a white blaze - in the deepest shade of a big cedar tree.  Someone was fast asleep!  I'd forgotten how much Farah too, had enjoyed her alone time.  Every afternoon, when we weren't riding, she would take a nap.

I brought her up & the kids fed her cookies.  She put her muzzle on Mason's shoulder & spent several minutes sniffing in his scent.  Mason stood very still, with a huge smile on his face.  I can't help but believe she remembered him.  Helga was bringing horses up & told us we were welcome to take Farah to her nice, big, well appointed stall.  A huge stack of hay, no more nibble net!

Farah in her turnout~

Farah checked out her water, feed bucket & the hay before turning back to us for more cookies :-)  It's with a huge feeling of relief that I'll be leaving her in good hands.  After Debi's first ride, she told me riding Farah was like gliding along on the trails.  The second ride, she asked if Farah's nickname might be Ferrari?

I'm already looking forward to my next ride, on Sunday.  We'll probably be on our own.  After two-years, an on-our-own ride will be most welcome.  Hopefully next week, the smoke will clear out & views will open back up.  Linda & I are looking forward to riding some of our favorite trails.

Across the Stilly to Tin Bridge~

Another smoky day.  Early morning, it was just damp enough to seem like fog.  Scott told me we'd be leaving from a friend's farm.  The owner stopped by as we were saddling up & admired Farah, saying she knew a person, interested in talking with me.  A call would be made to make arrangements.  Our revised plan at this point, was to leave tomorrow for the eastside, so time was running out.

Just a short distance away, was access to the tree farm.   Once we passed the gate, our goal was the to me "old" trail to the river.  This particular trail had been out of commission, when I was still riding here.  It had been a nasty, muddy, bog most of the year, almost unridable.  Many a shoe had been lost going through it.  In the past year or so, water bars had been added.  The cottonwood limbs were chain sawed & the trail to the river re-opened!

Barb on Rio, Scott on Kelly~

The color of the days has remained the same.  A strange somewhat pinkish/gray.  Far from the beautiful blue skies I'd hoped to enjoy.  Riding again today, I wasn't sore at all!  Of course we've just been walking, doing little more than the horses would be doing if they were home.

At Harvey Creek~

The creek was at the lowest level I can ever remember seeing it.  Just enough water the horses could cool their feet.  I - of course - just enjoyed crystal clear water - running over rock.  Both are at a premium in Iowa.  Only up in northern IA, have I seen a similar creek.  Our Tinkle Branch Creek, has a soil bed, no rock & only when we haven't had rain for weeks, runs clear.

Into the Cottonwoods~

Once we were on the forested trails, we could almost ignore the foggy smoke.  I again enjoyed immersing myself in the calming shades of green.  Farah never missed a beat.  Riding her smooth as silk stride gives me so much pleasure.

Farah views the river~

We took the twisty trail dropping down the hill!  I can't say how impressed I was, with the hours of trail clearing to complete this project.  Our first view of the Stillaguamish was a shocker!  Again - water levels were So Low!  Soon the Salmon should be running - I sure hope we get some rain before then!

We rode a way along the bank, before Barb found the spot where we would cross over.  Even low, there are some deep areas with a good current we wanted to avoid!  Scott reminded me to stay behind him & not get off course.  With my vertigo, I followed his lead.  Farah stepped right in, the water came up to her belly.  Riding a long-legged mare has it's benefits!  :-)

View of Tin Bridge from the south~

Splish/ Splash - we were across!  This was this was the first time I'd seen Tin Bridge from this direction!  Farah & I have always claimed ownership to Tin Bridge.  Our favorite from our earliest rides together, even before the chain link was installed.

Bridge #1 on the Whitehorse Trail~

We tied the horses to convenient logs & sat down for lunch!

Only Japanese Knotweed - which Farah thankfully ignored.

The sound of the river was so soothing.  Looking toward the bridge, I spotted a good sized Bald Eagle!  He flew over the bridge & right over our heads!  A younger bird, with luck, soon the adults will be coming to fish.

Farah helps clear trail :-)

I had to ask - almost sure there was a way to cut up to the trail on our side of the river & of course make a loop - to include crossing the bridge.

Scott ponying Rio~

Barb walked ahead of us, clearing a path through the heavy growth!  I felt useless - no equipment to help her!  Farah - though - did her best!  :-)  The Reed Canary Grass is one of her very favorites & she was grabbing it by huge mouthfuls!

Barb re-mounted once we reached the edge of the hay field.  We spaced out before letting each horse tackle the steep, short uphill to the Whitehorse trail.  Farah - of course lifted us up so smoothly - I hardly moved in the saddle.

We crossed over once, I couldn't get the right button on the phone to video.  So, I turned back & we crossed again - just so I could record another memory.  I love the sound of her hooves on the boards.  (The YouTube video isn't showing up on phones?)

Back into the lush green - one of my favorite areas of the farm, even if it's not exactly where we're supposed to be...  The three of us reiterated more than once - the horrible consequences - if the owners of the privately owned tracts of tree farm property - decided to close them to the public.  It would change the face of horseback riding forever in western, WA...

On our way back~

My view has changed just a bit.  Farah has never looked good with a bridle path...  At least it will grow out!  We were out about 3-hours, the horses hadn't broken a sweat, we didn't want them to.

Our Route~

Back a the farm, a woman came walking toward us & introduced herself.  She sat on the trailer fender & watched as I untacked Farah.  Quiet & totally unassuming - she told me something of herself & her history with horses.   I told her of Farah & our history together.  She had been looking for a horse that would go on trails alone, without success.  Of course, that's what Farah & I have always enjoyed most.  We talked for quite a while.

Arrangements were agreed upon - while Farah listened...  Debi watched as we quietly loaded all three horses.  I tossed the lead over Farah's back & she loaded herself.  Debi commented on how incredibly well behaved our horses were.  Tomorrow, we'd meet again & the exchange would take place.  As Farah nuzzled me, her parting words were;  "That mare loves you..."

We returned to Scott & Barb's.  I again brushed Farah & walked her around on her lead, letting her graze while I spoke to Butch.  To say it was a tough evening & tougher night is an understatement.