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!  

Late November - Pierce Creek~

Thanksgiving week!  Already!  Where did the year go?  I was determined to get in a ride at Pierce Creek & see if the new trail our BCH Chapter worked on, was ride-able.  The weather called for mid-50's with the rest of the week substantially cooler - so today would be the day.

At the SW Corner~

The wind was whipping all the way south & relentless as I was saddling up.  Farah was higher than a kite on a string.  It took all my persuasion to convince her forward - was what we were going to do.

Going SE across the dike~

The sun was shining, it was a totally glorious late November day.  November has now become my favorite month of the year - at least this November has been amazing.  I rode up over the middle east hillside of mowed trails & had turned along the east fence line when suddenly Farah 180'ed & bolted.  I had to work - to keep from being catapulted off the back of the saddle in what would have been a very nasty fall.  I her pulled up within 100 ft. or so & my new stick got a workout!  When I turned to see what had caused this reaction, a huge buck & two does were leaping across the newly harvested corn field.

Looking back , wind whipping the water's surface~

At the bottom, I turned her back up the middle at a controlled gallop!  She'd broken a good sweat & decided paying attention to me might be the thing to do.   We headed for the Timber & soon easily found the entrance of our newly cut-in trail.  I was surprised it was so easy to spot.  The battered yellow ribbons we'd re-hung were still there.  I want to add survey tape before Terry comes through to widen the trail.

On the new Trail~

Farah had no problem finding her way.  It was so much fun to ride, our layout couldn't have been any nicer.  Meandering through the woods & staying to high ground, the half-mile seems much longer.

Along the NE edge of the park~

By now, clouds were moving in across the hazy blue sky.  We could see through to the fields to the east.  We came to the spot where we'd stopped clearing & forged our way through.  I turned Farah back, more than ready for our lunch break.

At lunch~

The day had gotten so dark it was almost like late evening.  I started hearing what sounded like a T-Rex in terrible pain!  The noise was incredible & I actually thought something was coming our way.

Erie filtered sunlight~

 When we arrived back at the lake, I could just make out a van on the far side.  The noise was coming from the trails on the west side of the lake, where we were heading.

Van on the far side~

We climbed up to the SE corner & it was just so beautiful!  Now that the crops are almost down, the wind has a raw feel & the temperature had dropped several degrees.

From the top~

All the colors are more subdued - just the browns of the grasses & blue/gray of the sky.

Back across the dike~

On the far side, I started along the lake front, but the noise from whatever, seemed right above us!  Farah kept stopping to look - trying to see through the brush.  Puffed up to twice her normal size - I decided to dismount.  I led her to nearest trail that would take us to the north side of the road leading to the dock. 

Just 100ft. in, a skid-steer with a huge brush hog on the front had just stopped.  The operator was out & was talking with another man on a tractor.  I recognized Terry.  I managed to yell loud enough he heard me & came over smiling.  I mentioned - that I was sure - he wanted me to go swimming on this day!  He shut off the equipment so we could talk.  Farah deflated a little, putting her nose on the skid steer to see if it was alive or not :-)

Away from Terry!

Terry was surprised I was alone.  I was surprised he wasn't working on our new trail!  I mentioned I'd just ridden it & how nice it was going to be.  He was finished with harvesting - so I'm hopeful the work will get done sooner than the projected date in January.

On our way back~

Farah finally got her chance for a good gallop, but since we'd spooked up no less than four different groups of deer, I kept her as controlled as possible.  The noise had pretty much ruined one of the things I enjoy so much about this park...  the quiet...  Too bad it couldn't have been done on one of the days the shooting range is open.

The Bronco waits~

Farah had been her own worst enemy today.  She stood tied, with a hind leg cocked while & brushed her down.  I enjoy this park so much.  What a feeling of freedom, to be out miles from anywhere & surrounded by wide-open space.  Our Mills County Trails meeting was tonight, so we had to start back.  My husband spent his weekend putting new shocks on the Bronco & they are wonderful!  It was like driving a new rig, even in the strong side wind!  The sun was just setting by the time we arrived back at Farah's stable.  Another great late fall ride~

Two Rivers State Park - Birthday Ride!

When the weather forecast was for 60+ degrees, I just kept my fingers crossed that it would be true!  On my birthday no less!  Sue & Jo invited me along to ride at Two Rivers State Park, NE - just about an hours drive from home.  My husband was kind enough to agree to drive us over.  That included hitching the trailer up over the sheet of ice that had formed just in front of the hitch.  It took 4-wheel drive to get the job done!

Farah checks things out!

 After the trailer, Farah comes next!  Butch managed to get the trailer turned & stay on the road - which was sloppy & slippery to say the least!  We used the GPS & pulled into the park right on time.  

Butch talking with Sue & Jo

 Butch & Nika were planning a nice long walk & had packed a lunch & good book!  Sue thougth that the trails might be too muddy, so we'd just planned to ride the roads - until - we saw that the trails were in much better shape than expected!

Sue - with feathers on her helmet :-)  & Jo!

 It was just so beautiful out!  We let the word "spring" spring from our lips more than once!   I loved the tour of another beautiful park!  Horse camping available here too, complete with corrals.

Entry to Horse Camp

 We took the trail along the Elkhorn River!  It was amazing to see all the sheets of ice moving in the current!  We could hear some deep sounds - the ice breaking off & entering the main flow.

Downstream ~

 The first time, the mares spooked, but on our return, even as a large piece broke away - Farah - to her credit - just kept going.

Between Sue's mare's ears :-)  Thank you Sue!

Such different views from those we've known so well - for so long.

Blocks of Ice jammed up against the river bank~

The sun felt So warm, we were soon peeling off layers!

Farah looking ahead!

 We stopped back at the Caboose Parking area to drop off coats, then headed out one more time, to the very north end of the trails & circled around an area where the Boy Scouts have been working to increase pollinators.

Pollinator Habitat Project~

 I'm looking forward to another trip here in the spring to see what has been planted.  The only major spook of the day, was when a couple hiking came around a corner & Farah thought it was a good enough excuse :-)

Returning to the parking area~

 I should have taken photos of the Cabooses!  They are available to rent & have beds, a kitchen area, bathroom with shower etc.  Very nice!  Even air-conditioning in the Summer!  We met with another group of riders, Tammy (Originator of the Great Trailriders Distance Derby) & I actually met face-to-face for the first time!  Too fun!

Our Route~

Here, where there really isn't back-country - the parks must be shared by all.  It seems that this has worked out for everyone & having trails to ride is what counts!  I'm hopeful that our new BCH Chapter can contribute trail-clearing hours at these beautiful park lands.

My first birthday in my home state for many, many years!  It was tough this morning - no happy birthday call from my mother...  But thanks to two new friends Sue & Jo - it was a Wonderful Day!

Iowa Bound! On the Road - Day 2

Our next reservation was at the Gallatin Fairgrounds just outside Bozeman.  It would be a four-hundred mile day, with a mountain pass or two along the way :-)  By now - I was used to driving the U-Haul & the feel of the Bronco on the car hauler behind us.

Following Butch - with Farah~

It was much easier - to follow my husband on the road.  The U-Haul didn't have the ump of the diesel.  Butch often left us behind on the climbs.  The U-Haul rattled & rolled & sounded like it was beating itself to death - but we kept right on truckin'.  Courtney mentioned once, we'd lose weight just from the vibration alone!  :-)

Coeur d'Alene~

We were across the WA state line quickly & into Idaho.  The fog coming off the lake was just breathtaking!  Courtney took photos out the window & we were both open mouthed at nature's splendor.

Sun breaking through~

We had more than one mission on this day.  We were connecting up with Jim, who we'd met at the Back Country Horsemen Rendezvous in Ellensburg, earlier this year.  The Bitterroot Bench furniture booth was the hit of the vendor show.  We'd asked Jim to make us a custom entertainment center.  When I mentioned our upcoming move - Jim managed to get the piece done in time for us to pick it up on our way through Missoula.

Connie & Jim!

We were close to our scheduled time & Jim pulled in minutes after!  When he unwrapped the layers of padding - it was like Christmas!  Such fine craftsmanship & our first new piece of furniture in years - for our new home in Iowa!  It was fun catching up on BCH news - while Farah did some grazing along side the fence.  Great Harvest Bread caught our attention & after a Great lunch - we were back on the road.

Afternoon Rest Stop~

We'd lost some of our momentum in Missoula - the day seemed a long one.  The sun was setting when we found the fairgrounds.  Next - was finding the correct gate & our way to the horse barns.   The temperatures had dropped into the 20's - with snow on the ground.  The barn was large & cold.  Butch found the lights - I put Farah's heavy blanket on.  Since all the hookups were off for the winter & restrooms closed - Courtney called to find a room in town for the night.

We ended up at Bridge Pizza for dinner.   It was packed, loud & took forever for a waiter & eventually, our Pizza.  Food is food when you're hungry!  We dropped Courtney off & returned to the fairgrounds - where we parked just outside the barn doors.

Waking to sunshine, we loaded fast & picked up Courtney in town.  She brought hot breakfast for the road!  Next stop - Sheridan!