The Way West~

 We were making this trip to attend Grandson Mason's Celebration of life.  The gathering would be held on August 11th - what would have been his 23rd birthday.  We discussed flying out, but both of us felt like traveling cross-country. 

8-7 Crossing the Missouri River at Chamberlin, SD

We left bright & early Wednesday morning the 7th.  Butch had made it home a couple days early, so we had plenty of time to plan & pack the Explorer.  We'd sent both the girls our itinerary & maps of our planned daily drive.  This drive is now more familiar to Butch than it is to me.  My last time was going the opposite direction when we made the move to IA from WA. 

Rain, passing Sheridan, WY

We'd planned our first nights stop for Rapid City, but The Sturgis Motorcycle Rally was in full swing & room rates were outrageous.  We decided to drive 620-miles to Sundance, WY.  We think it was Finn's first time at a motel, but he was so good!    

8-8 We ended our drive with a cool one~

The following day, Thursday the 8th, we finished another big drive of 636-miles stopping in Missoula, MT for the night.  We put Finn's bed in a quiet spot & fed him dinner before we left for ours.  When we returned, he was waiting patiently & very happy to see us!

The following morning, our goal was within reach!  Camano Island, WA where our youngest daughter & her family live.  Things greened up as we crossed into ID & WA.  Spokane traffic had tripled since my last time through.  It was our first real slow-down of the trip.

The Columbia River at Vantage, 2:19 p.m. ~

Once we crossed the river, we made a stop at the fruit stand just outside Cle Elum. Smoke was thick in the air & had been off & on the further west we drove.  

We'd be coming down Snoqualmie Pass & into Seattle during the Friday afternoon rush hour.  I-90 jammed up early on. Both the exits for the back roads we used to take to go north, were backed up for miles. 

I-90 West Bound, 4:38 p.m.

Taking the exit ramp off I-90 & finally going north on I-405, I was amazed at how Bellevue had changed!  More high-rise buildings & cranes in the air!  I'd commuted to my office in Bellevue from the Homestead for several years.  In those days, it had taken under an hour each way.    

I-405 northbound - Bellevue, 4:52 p.m. 

The highway was undergoing yet another widening as we approached downtown.  After merging onto I-5 near Lynnwood, it took us 40-minutes just to pass the Bothell exit.

Bothell 5:28 p.m. ~

Rather than continue to sit in standstill traffic, we decided the state could send us a bill & took the HOV lane.  If you enlarge the photo above, you will notice the fine for violating the HOV lane is $536. There were other signs stating that if you had two occupants or more & didn't have a pre-pass, you'd receive a bill in the mail.

North Broadway, Everett - 6:07 p.m.

I finally asked Butch to take the Everett exit so we could take a potty break!  I was hopeful we'd be able to follow Broadway north, cross the Snohomish River Bridge & return to I-5. Plenty of people had the same idea.  The other thing we didn't expect - was to find the bridge closed down to one side, only one lane each direction due to construction.

Our camp!

Jentry had messaged me & sent the above photo of our camp!  She had left work, gone home for her trailer & set it up at the campground!  It looked so inviting & kept us motivated to finish the 540-mile drive that was taking hours longer than it should have.  

As we took the Stanwood exit, we left the traffic behind.  We stopped to pick up a few things at the store, before crossing over to the island.  What a relief it was to pull into our camp site!  It was about 7 p.m. & dusk.  Jentry, Ben, Skyla & Josie drove over to welcome us!  Finn was ever so happy to meet our family!  The hugs were the Best!  After the kids left, we sat outside for a while to enjoy the peace & quiet.  We'd missed the fresh, clean air of the Pacific Northwest.

The Cold Continues ~

 I think every person in our state, is ready to be Done with Snow!  In the month of February, it just kept coming, setting all-time records.  Saturday, we had a nice dusting overnight.  It was just enough to cover all the dirty snow from the snow plows going by.  I'm not complaining - since while I was in Washington - we had 15" & the neighborhood streets didn't get plowed for days.   This same weekend, our first March here, I was riding Farah at Indian Cave St. Park in NE!

North on 29~

 I have a difficult time explaining Iowa weather to friends in WA.  To have terrible weather one day & wake to brilliant sunshine the next is very different from there.  I don't miss the days or weeks on end of slate gray days.  So far, that has not been our experience here. 

Plattsmouth Bridge~

By Sunday, yes, the sun was shining!  That didn't stop the cold!  As we enjoyed our drive, the thermometer in the truck ranged between 1-3 degrees.  The 15-20 mph wind made it so cold that I was shivering just to get my photo!

I had Butch stop in the middle of the bridge so I could take the video above of the frazil ice floating down the river. 

Lake at Pony Creek~

We ended up going by the Pony Creek Nature Center.  The lake in front was totally frozen over, except for the outflow.  Hundreds of ducks were surrounding the open water.

Snow drifts~

I decided to walk out & around the cabin today & see what the timber looked like.  Butch kept the path shoveled to the porch.  As I walked around the west side though, the drifts were higher than the top of my muck boots!

Crusty snow!

The frozen crust on top, was about 2" thick.  I broke through & there was a crunch sound with every step.  Too deep for me to take Nika on our usual walk.  She breaks through it in the yard & has made a track around the edge, but this is a lot of snow! 

Pristine Timber~

The timber looked so pretty with the deep layer of white stuff. I could just see the wood pile I'd been working on in January. To think - that I thought then - we might have another mild winter! Not! It could be weeks before we see the ground again, especially since our forecast holds more snow showers past the middle of March!

Nika waiting at the corner of the backyard~

Nika's fur coat is the thickest it's ever been.  She seems to enjoy her time out each day, but is always ready to come in when I call her.  I knew full well, when I enjoyed those beautiful snowdrops at Jentry's & flowers at the Seattle Flower Festival, that it would be a long while before I get to enjoy any blooms here at home!

My Way Home~

I'd had a busy few weeks.  The best part of the trip was being around for Grandson Mason during most of his cancer treatments.  The successful outcome was a blessing beyond measure!  He has a period of recovery ahead of him, but with his positive attitude & the support of his family & friends, I'm sure he'll break records getting back to school!

We drove south to Sea Tac at oh dark thirty...  Leaving the house at 4, there was no traffic until we were closer to the airport.  Courtney dropped me off & I made my way to TSA.  By the time I was at my gate, she was already home!

Mt. Rainier~

The plane was again half empty.  Whether the change in the Alaska scheduled daily flight to Omaha, or that it was a Tue., I don't know.  We all stretched out, I had a perfect view out my window in the 7th row.  Looking across the isle, I could see Mt. Rainier out the windows on the far side of the plane.

Over the Cascades - dawn~

With that entire row empty, I moved over to get the photo.  Something to remember next time I reserve a seat.  It felt like a luxury flight, with many of the passengers sleeping.

Room for tea~

Again, I had to bring a little plant!  At the Seattle Flower & Garden Festival on Sunday, there was a booth near the end, full of geraniums. I was amazed to find a small plant who's leaves looked all too familiar!

Appleblossom Rosebud

None of the small starts left were in bloom.  I asked the salesman what the blooms looked like & he brought up the photo above on his phone.  He also confirmed that there is a red variety!   I couldn't believe that after all these years I've finally identified my geranium.  I'm looking forward to my first pink blooms!

The flight went fast -  the entire country covered in a blanket of blazing white snow!  I was so looking forward to getting home!  Since September of last year, I've spent more time away than I ever have.  I was getting used to living with a busy family with two teenagers & enjoying every minute!  :-)  But, as they say; there's no place like home & I couldn't wait to see Butch's smiling face!

Over the Missouri!

We were dropping very low & ice crystals were at the edge of my window. It looked positively frigid down there!

Ice flows in the Missouri~

It's some strange looking ice, not what I would have expected & totally different from the blocks of ice that I witnessed in February of 2017 in the Elkhorn River.

Elkhorn River 2-10-2017

Of course the Missouri, is the longest river in the US.  By discharge rate, it is the tenth largest.

At Eppley, the parking area was closed.  Butch sent me a text & told me to call him once I was outside.  I called - he pulled up quickly - but just before I turned into a frozen statue!  The blast of cold wind felt especially brutal since I'd become accustomed to the more moderate, if wetter cold of the NW.

2-27-2019 The swing~

 Butch & I stopped for lunch in Council Bluffs before he dropped me at home & left for the bus barn.  I emptied my suitcase, watered the plants & sat back with a hot tea!  Our normal highs in March are usually in the 40's.  This week we're to break records for both below average day-time cold highs & nighttime lows!

Solar Eclipse!

View from the park~

Like everyone else, we were excited to see the solar eclipse!  At our house, we were in the path of about 98% of total.  Butch took the day off & since the Grand-kids were visiting we decided to go south.  We wouldn't have to travel far to find a spot where it would be total & decided to go to Indian Caves State Park, NE

A busy place!

At the Park's suggestion, we purchased our day passes on-line.  On the drive down, there was probably the most traffic we'd ever seen on I-29.  At the park entrance, we were surprised to see all the volunteers, very well organized & just a short line of cars.  We handed over our pass & were looking for that perfect spot within minutes!

Cassidy, Courtney & Mason

With the most people I've ever seen at the park, everyone was courteous, friendly & the atmosphere was one of subdued excitement.  The cloud cover was heavy, but the clouds parted off & on while we watched.  Each time, the crowd would cheer & we could see a larger & larger chunk being taken out of the sun!  The photo above was just a few seconds before total - which lasted just under 2.5 minutes. 

"Sunset"

I think we all expected it to get darker earlier in the eclipse, but once it started - it came on Fast!  Seeing the Sunset - was the most beautiful part for me!  It never did rain & was the coolest day of our Summer!

At the Cave~

We packed up & headed over to show the kids the caves & have a tail-gate picnic lunch.  By then, the sun had burned through most of the cloud cover & once we'd parked, we again got out our glasses to watch as the Moon's shadow left the Sun.

Petroglyphs

Here too - there were many visitors from as far away as Canada, Texas etc. all enjoying the unusual day.

Portion of the cliff face above the caves~

A little too crowded for us, we went on down to the river - so the kids could say they'd been on the banks of the Missouri!

Mighty Missouri River~

Soon, we were on the road for home & that's where we sat in a very long line of traffic.  There had been a big fender bender at the intersection before Brownsville.  We took a gravel cut-off & once back on I-29 traffic was about normal for the area - i.e. none!  :-)

It was great to have the opportunity to see the eclipse with the kids & experience a couple minutes of total darkness!

Spring at Indian Caves State Park~

I didn't even think about Friday being the early start to the 3-day weekend when I loaded Farah for the trip south!  In WA, I wouldn't even have attempted a 200-mile round-trip to anywhere!  Here though - there was no traffic on the way to Roxi's.  We caravaned to Indian Cave State Park.  It was a beautiful day that became very warm & humid.

Farah & the Missouri River~

Roxi invited her cousin Jackie & friend Cathy to ride with us - both interested in trying out endurance riding.  Mounted on two of Roxi's accomplished horses - they took direction on the finer points of staying topside while moving out :-)

Cathy, Roxi on Sovereign & Jackie

We did quite a bit of stopping for tack adjustments on the first loop :-)  Stirrups up/down - wherever they needed to be.  The horses of course were more than game for a fast ride & very competitive!  I took point, the size of Farah's stride makes it easier on me to have her in front & not have to hold her back.  

On the shaded trails~

Having seen the park after a fresh burn on my first visit, it was nice to see everything so green.  I did recognize a jack-in-the-pulpit, but it looked like all the other ground-covers were more sprouting weeds than native plants...

After our morning loop - we had lunch in the shade.  Our friend Shannon was here too - camping for the weekend.  She gave us directions as Roxi & I went out again - for a faster loop.  Jackie & Cathy left for their own ride at a slower pace.  As Roxi & I busted up one of the nice long climbs - I heard Roxi say; "Hi!"  A little girl was standing in the middle of the trail to our left!  Her eyes were as big as saucers as our horses crested the top of the hill!

Making friends~

We were impressed that this family had hiked all the way up onto the ridge to camp!  I retreived Farah's carrots from my pommel bag.  Both girls held their hands flat & gave one to each horse.  Not sure where we were going; we continued turning uphill & ended at the top of ridge trail again.  Those views are some of the best anywhere - it was a great place to be.

Bend in the Missouri~

We had a blast!  I even had to pose for "view selfie" :-)  I took my electrolyte's all day & even with the temperature hovering near or over 80 & what felt like high humidity - I felt fine.

Here we are :-)

After our ride, I washed Farah down & checked her for ticks.  Thankfully,  I didn't find any.  She rolled in the grass.  Afterward, I sprayed her again.  I'd sprayed myself down from top to bottom before we rode, then wore a bug band.  Butch rode out to the barn with me to drop Farah off.  Dinner in Mineola ended the day.  At home I found a tick under my bra line!  YUCK!  A desperate yell to my husband - he couldn't believe how hard it was attached!  I dabbed the spot with alcohol.  Next time even my bra will be sprayed!

Indian Caves State Park, NE~

The weatherman had promised a sunny day.  I'd heard about Indian Caves State Park - but had thought that it was quite a distance away.  Shannon & I had been trying to get together for a ride for a while now, but we'd been stopped either by snow or cold.

Entrance~

This time, the weather cooperated & we were both excited to get out!  We discussed our meet-up plan & I couldn't find the exit # in Iowa?  No!  It was in Missouri & Shannon actually lives in MO!  :-)

Farah patiently waits~

Butch was up for taking us - he likes to see the new-to-us riding places as much as I do.  It's always a relief to me!  Google maps on my smartphone took us right to where Shannon was already waiting in just over an hour.  From there, we turned west & next thing we knew, we were crossing the state line into Nebraska.  It was a three state day!  By the time we arrived the day was going from wonderfully warm - to almost hot!  We filled out the form at the Ranger Station & wound our way around to the horse area. 

On our way!

Sitting up high on hills, this park is beautiful, with the miles of trails lacking most places we've been.  The only disappointment - if you can even call it that - was the park had just experienced a planned burn.  This must be done to control the brush & invasive plants - but I'm interested enough to look into it a little more.  Everything was charred & still smoking in places.  I didn't take a photo of the sign - but I was amazed to read the park is home to the Southern Flying Squirrel! 

Lower view point~

Shannon told me this was her favorite conditioning area - with lots of very steep hills.  I had to think she was pulling my leg.  After all, this is the mid-west, not the mountains.  Boy was I wrong!  We did nothing but climb & climb again!  Even Farah asked to stop to get her breath on the steepest - called; "Thigh master"!  The trail went along the top edge of the bluff - with steep drops off both sides.

Along the high point~

As Farah admired the view here, I reminded her she is probably one of the very few horses who have seen both the Columbia & the Missouri!

At the Columbia River - 5-2-15

The wind had been blowing when we started out & was really whipping up on the ridge.  You could see for miles & miles!

Farah & the Missouri

To say we did some climbing was an understatement!  Shannon's pretty mare Haily & Farah seemed to have an understanding.  When Farah stopped - at a large, burned tree - Haily moved forward & right past it!  If either was in the lead - the other was not to be left behind!  Put two endurance riders together & between swapping stories & riding - we had a ball.

Still on the Ridge~

The ridge went on for quite a way - the signs of Spring we'd hoped to see just weren't there.  The landscape had a stark look due to the burn.  It did open up views that will be gone once the tree's leaf out & things do get a chance to turn green.

Heading down~

The footing here, as you can see, was perfect for our unshod horses.  While we were out riding, Butch & Nika were hiking around the park & went to see the caves!

Petroglyph of Horse & Rider

 Butch got this great photo of one of the several amazing petroglyphs of unknown date or origin.  This area is rich in history.  After seeing Butch's photos, I want to go back & do some more exploring.

Our route~

When we returned to the trailers, both mares were sweaty with their winter coats soaked.  The wind if anything had picked up & we heard a large tree crack & fall.  Both mares had a good roll in the grass & good drink of water.  We'd only found one place on the trail that had water, the other spot was dry.  Once I got home & downloaded my Garmin I was amazed to see we'd had over 1,700 feet in elevation gain in the ten-mile ride!  I won't doubt Shannon again!  Great ride at a super great place!

Plattsmouth, NE

 A sunshine beauty of a weekend for our birthday's!  We love the Classic Cafe in Malvern - it's our usual spot for a late Sunday breakfast. We wanted to do some more exploring, so we turned toward another historic town, Plattsmouth, NE.

Heading over the PlattsmouthToll Bridge~

 To get there, the most direct way - you take the toll bridge - built in 1929.  It is a real beauty - with it's cantilevered truss style construction.  The sides aren't high & the drop down looks like a long way...

Looking over at the Train Trestle~

 A toll has been in place since the bridge was built.  The $1.50 expense is more than worth the trip over to the NE side of the river.  Now, the funds collected go to maintain the structure.  Even though it's the shortest way to get there from Glenwood, most of the traffic now goes further north & over the new bridge on Hwy 34.  Once across, you enter the town in less than a mile.  I didn't take any photos of the town itself, but we walked the main street, which was quiet.  As we passed Rohan Photography, Dan came out & invited us into his shop!  He had a beautiful book of photos from his trip to Washington State!  We ended up spending quite a while swapping stories & admiring his amazing photographs!

Next, we drove out to the Shilling Wildlife Management Area - just at the end of the town's main street.  The sun was getting low in the sky - perfect for taking a few photos - even with my smartphone.

Greenbriar gone wild~

 I've been researching the invasive species in Iowa & still think I've identified this plant correctly.  To see how destructive it is once it gains a foothold is downright scary!  As damaging as Blackberry is to Washington state & without the yummy berries!

Thorny too!

 Just the small needle sharp thorns make it difficult to walk through - the vines are so small & tough that they tangle your feet at every step.

Huge Tree!

 Some of the trees are huge - so beautiful to see - yet there are almost as many that are dead & bleached white.  I've been told that the big flood of 2008 drowned the root systems.

Where the Platte River joins the Missouri~

Here, the Platte River almost looks to be wider & bigger than the Missouri. What fun to stand where Lewis & Clark camped on their way to the west coast!  We've also visited Fort Clatsop, at the western end of their great trek! 

History on the banks of the river~

 As we watched the two rivers flow by - we heard the unmistakable sound of ducks!  Lots of quacking ducks!  Looking up - huge flocks were flying overhead!  Wave after wave of them - across the deep blue of the late afternoon sky...

Ducks flying over~

Magical~

Sunset~

It doesn't take long once the sun goes down, for the temperature to drop.  We had to remind ourselves that it was February after all!  A very far away place from where we've spent our birthday weekend for the past several years on Whidbey Island!