Farah Moves Back North!

When I'd visited Farah the end of February, I'd known that she just wasn't happy.  Renee was taking great care of her - but something about her spirit had changed.  I've missed her so very much, not a day goes by I don't think of her.

Mt. Rainier~ 

As things sometimes go - I heard from a friend - another friend had mentioned to him - she was looking for a horse "just like Farah".  At first I dismissed it, but later spoke to Renee about a possible change. 

I contacted the acquaintance.  She was pleased to hear I was thinking of a change for Farah.  We discussed details & a plan emerged.  Renee was very accommodating.  The three of us, found a date that would work for the transfer.  After discussing all this with daughter Courtney, my flight reservation was made.

Arriving in Seattle late on the 24th, Wednesday morning we left Duvall, horse trailer in tow.  The weather couldn't have been more perfect.  We made a smooth 2-hour drive down to Renee's farm near Roy.  

Together again~

Farah came to me the minute  she heard my voice.  Renee had all of Farah's things packed in the totes I'd sent out.  We admired the amazing view of the mountain & took a few photos, before I loaded Farah.  We were anxious to get back on the road to stay ahead of traffic.

Farah, Connie & Mt. Rainier~

We stopped for lunch in Puyallup before heading north.  Our timing kept us just ahead of the afternoon traffic.  Courtney parked along the main street of Duvall, pulling in behind the trailer, to follow us to the farm.  Farah unloaded & took a long look around at the views before dropping her head to grab mouthfuls of the tall, green grass.

At the Farm~

 We put Farah in the round-pen while Courtney & I took a tour of the barn.  A brand new facility for what seemed to be several comfortable horses. 

Farah meets a new friend~

One of the geldings was turned into the pasture next to the round-pen.  The two touched noses, before the gelding took off at a gallop in an attempt to impress Farah.  She too - leaped into motion - with her beautiful floating trot - tail in the air.  I loved watching her!  

At Cascadia College~

Today, my daughter challenged me with the job of picking up granddaughter Cassidy at her college in Bothell!  I used Google Maps!  The Pathfinder & I found our way!  Cassidy & I stopped for lunch in Redmond, before the drive back to Duvall. 

Tomorrow - I'll be back at the farm to give Farah a good grooming - or bath - weather dependent.  I want to unpack the totes & enjoy time with the gold girl!

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!

Visit with Farah - Last Day's Ride~

The view out the window of the studio apt. was beautiful!  The light of a almost full moon over the tall evergreens.  The next morning the expected sun did not appear, but at least it wasn't raining!  Renee made us smoothies, before we went out to saddle.  Colder than yesterday, but great riding weather.

After we'd mounted, Renee wanted to close the driveway gate.  I decided to see if Farah would remember her one & only gate class?  She did!  We closed one side, closed the other & latched the lock!  Time for a cookie!  :-)

On our way~

I asked Renee if we could visit the lake again, it was almost on our way.  We were going on a tour of the reserve!  Farah again walked right into the water & would have gone deeper.

Rocquell & Farah

Farah has made friends with Rocquell, even going so far as to let her eat her hay, when the storm took down the fence between them. Since she was born on the farm, and Racquell is dark, as Farah's dam was, it may be that she feels friendlier?

Yawning!

I loved to see her yawning again. One of her favorite things was always standing in Pilchuck creek & yawning. Tule Lake is large, at 60 acres. About in the middle of a huge area that had belonged to Weyerhaeuser & probably inaccessible to the public - it's pristine.

Lake Tule~

This is a view that will be imprinted in my mind for a long while.  My once ornery, opinionated mare, seems more subdued now.  Of course I am too...

Us~

At one point we were doing a nice little trot & I lost a stirrup.  Farah instantly gave me that moment to regain it.  She could feel the difference in my seat, but now on day two - I was adjusting.

Into the woods~

We would go from the roads, to the trails & back as we wove our way around.  At one point, out on the road, Farah stopped & I could tell she heard something.  I warned Renee & in another minute a truck came around the corner pulling an empty, banging, utility trailer.  Racquell handled the noise without batting an eye.

The truck & trailer continue on~

It wasn't long after until we made a turn & started up a decent climb.  We could hear the sound of a chain saw & soon saw the man operating it.  We were on the trail & he was cutting a tree that had fallen across.  Though I yelled, he couldn't hear us, so again we took to the road.

View from the climb~

The clouds were just low enough to obscure our view of the Cascades.  Mt. Rainier was not going to appear for us on this day.

Renee & Racquell

Farah loved the climb & wanted to take off, but I told her no.  I didn't feel comfortable enough to let her fly.  Besides, with the terrible winter weather, she hasn't had any conditioning.  Renee & I exchanged stories.  When I mentioned Farah's prowess at endurance, she replied;  "Your glory days."  

Mahonia

The Mahonia has always been one of my favorite NW natives.  The color looked absolutely brilliant on the overcast day.

Our route & Mt. Rainier

Eventually, it was time to turn back.  I was dreading that...  At the farm, we again unsaddled.  Renee led Racquell away - Farah didn't move.  We were both happy to have some alone time.  I worked to do All of her favorite things.  I'd mailed her Epona face cloth to Renee, but it was lost in the mail.  I'll have to order another.  She loved having her faced rubbed with that cloth.  (In the Iowa heat it was especially appreciated.)  She reminded me of all the things she loved me to do & I loved doing them all for her again...  I went over every inch of her, more than once.

Into the distance~

Finally, we both just stood there. I told her how much we love her & she can be certain we'll always watch out for her. I tucked my head into our favorite spot, she moved into me & we both knew the visit was over. I walked over to the car & got the bag of carrots. She ate all that were left, except for a couple we saved for Racquell. I turned her out & she walked over to her water.

I said my goodbye's & thank you' s to Renee, before going back out to the Pathfinder.  Farah looked up from her hay & continued to watch as I drove out the gate.

Novelty Hill~

Needless to say - it seemed like a very, very long drive back north. It was after three when I left, but with new directions, I made good time up to Hwy 167. The only traffic hold-up of the trip, was on Novelty Hill in Redmond, where I sat for ten minutes. I arrived back at Courtney's just as the sun set. Courtney was waiting on the front porch & boy did her hug feel good! It was my longest road-trip since my vision was impaired, well over 400-miles. It felt good to have accomplished it!