A Walk in the Park~

Nika & I have taken two walks this week!  The first, heading to the bus barn.  On our way, the big yellow bus picked us up!

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Nika at the Park

 The second yesterday - when we joined Jean's Lake Walk group.  As we were walking to the park for the rendezvous with our friends, Kay drove by & offered us a lift!  I had to say no - it would have defeated the purpose of the walk!  :-)

Along Keg Creek~

  Leaving the park, we walked along the creek & decided to head for Kay & Linus's house.  The day had really warmed up & I'd worn a flannel shirt!  I consumed a glass of cold ice tea & Nika had a good drink of water before we started for home. 

On our way back, we took the Big hill past the water tower.  Though I didn't wear my Garmin, I think we got in an honest 4+ miles.   It's been a while since I've hoofed it that far on my own two feet & I'm feelin' it today. Without the usual riding I've always done, expending my usual excess of energy will be a challenge...

Signage posted today!

We've applied for yet another variance, to place a pre-built building on one, of the two lots we purchased.  The plan is to make it into our little cabin & storage.  A spot in the timber by the creek would have been nice, but practically speaking, difficult to access during the winter months.  Fingers crossed!

Blastin' Along & Havin' A Blast!

Well...  I knew it was going to be WARM... I'm using the term warm - because I know the temperatures are supposed to climb & I'll need to use that other word - starting with H sooner or later!  Roxi invited Renee to ride with us today & what Fun we had!

Roxi & Connie

Mentioning something about being used to riding with kids...  I told Renee our fearless leader must be insinuating we are more mature :-)  With Roxi taking the lead & moving like a bat out of you-know-where, I didn't even have time to be warm...

An Owl!

As we rounded a corner - I saw a very large bird take wing right across the trail.  Thank heaven Renee wanted to adjust her stirrups & I got a good look at this owl.  Even though Farah didn't think we needed to get a picture - I managed one!

Water!

The first time out we did the two-loops at an average pace of over 12-mph - the horses worked Hard & were dripping sweat by the time we came in.   After a very short break & sponging them down, we went out again, this time only averaging 7-mph.

Does this horse make my butt look Fast?

I loved Roxi's t-shirt!  Way better than another version I've seen - of course it's blurred, since the horses were in a very competitive mood.  I was happy I'd had Farah out once already this week, she's becoming so fit!  I've got to hope for cooler temperatures eventually - so we can make it to at least one ride.

Renee enjoyed her ride on Sovereign!

This team was hot on our heels the entire way!  Farah liked Sovereign - thankfully - he made a move to pass & she just gave him a look.  Once back from our final loops, we hosed the horses down.  A lady who'd set up camp next to where I'd parked came over & said; "I think you met my parents earlier this week - they mentioned a beautiful horse with a sliver tail!"  Of course - the couple I'd met on Tue.  The next question was about our tights.  Here - if you wear tights - you are a sure-nuf endurance rider.  :-)  Her question was as to whether they were cooler than jeans - normal riding attire.

Making friends~

I had a few nuts & cherries, Farah rolled & grazed a while before we started back.  I called my friend Rebecca - who's horses I'd visited last week & asked if she wanted to meet us at the park.  It wasn't long before we drew a small crowd :-)  I don't know if a horse has ever been at the park - but there's always a first time!  Farah was great, everyone enjoyed meeting her & we did our best to encourage a few more future horsewomen!

Walk in the Park~

Another day with blue skies, brisk air & sunshine!  First official day - of our first Winter in Iowa!  We hadn't been to our favorite breakfast hangout this week, (The Gathering Place) so today we headed there for hot homemade soup & my usual grilled cheese on homemade bread!  Yep, spoiled we are :-)

Glenwood Lake

On our to-do list for a while now, we took Nika & went over to the park to walk around the lake.  She's been so good as a house dog - but we feel bad that she has no where to run :-(  That will change in a few more weeks - when the new fence will finally go in!

The Omaha area is experiencing such a boom, there's a wait for any fence contractor.  Then - we've been waiting for a survey of our property corners.  Butch finally went up to the Assessors office to do what research he could.  The mother of one of the surveyors works there.  When he left - armed with legal descriptions - his next stop was the survey office.  He was greeted with;  "You've gone to see my mother!"  We're now on the list for Friday.  :-)  As they say - it's all in who you know.  Butch is gaining a reputation for getting things done.

A bit of a melt from the frigid temps of last weekend~

We wanted to walk a Lot more, so cut up the hill & found a wonderful area of hiking trails!  They were color coded, so we took each turn that looked like we'd be going farther out & up.  We climbed higher & appreciated some great views.

One of three water towers~

One thing about living in hill country - there are lots of hills with views at the top of them all!

Signage

 We'd done the trails in the reverse & found this sign as we were coming back!  There's a trail going down through a wooded area, then across a bridge & to the schools.  I'm sure the track & cross-country teams take advantage of this area.

On the Trail~

 The light was so golden.  It was warm enough - I ended up taking my coat off & tying it to my waist.  Next time I'll wear the Garmin & see how accurate the mileage is.  Once you leave the trails, you're back in the area of the museum & the beautiful barn below.

Stunning barn~

I'm looking forward to seeing the inside of this one.  Also visiting the museum & learning more of the history of the area.  We'd been out a while, so had one more stop to make before heading home.

No "Honey Buckets" here!

We had the biggest laugh!  Each day feels like we're on vacation - we'll take it!