Sunday, was a busy day all-round, but the sun was shining & Mary & I were both determined to get in another ride. Leaving on Tue., I knew Monday would be too busy to make another trip to the farm. Today would be the day. Besides, it was important for Farah to show Mary her favorite lunch spots! :-)
Connie & Farah on the trail~
I asked Mary to take us on the trails the way she usually rides. It was the beautiful sections through the ever growing Cedars. The day was so spectacular. October was always one of my favorite months to ride. In Washington & in Iowa too (At least until the Asian Beetles hatch.). It's hard not to appreciate the thin, golden light & rich smell of leaves.
Mary & Ollie~
Always appreciative of the sword ferns, I could tell they'd had a very good year. Probably in part to the record rain in July. The trailer parking had been completely full when we arrived, a little later than we'd planned. Mary had to park her rig off to the side, but we didn't see a single rider until our way back.
When we'd finished riding Mary's trails, Farah & I took over as we led the way to Tin Bridge. With the Whitehorse trail closed between Arlington & here, I was glad that the bridge remained open. Farah didn't hesitate a stride!
On our bridge~
Hearing the thud, thud of her shoes on the wooden planks was a music to my ears. We didn't seen any Salmon in the North Fork of the Stillaquamish flowing beneath us.
Shadow Riders~
On the far side, Green Valley opened ahead of us. As beautiful & as green as ever, with the hay all cut.
Stimson Ridge above the valley~
Our favorite riding spot loomed over us on the far side of the emerald valley. I wish I'd had the time to take Mary up there, hopefully on another visit. The picnic table was still there! Mary was pretty impressed that our lunch spot actually had a table :-)
Enjoying the water of the Stilly~
After lunch, it took more than one pass to find the tiny trail through the trees to the river. The start was hard to find, with the weeds five feet tall. Farah remembered - the second time by - we took the turn.
My favorite view~
Being between the ears again was sheer bliss... We rode back to the bridge & across before taking the other trail going under the bridge.
Back to Tin Bridge~
That trail was easy to find & we came out on the much heavier rock. A fisherman had just caught a large salmon & his dog was trying to help him land it.
Fishing!
Mary took some great photos of him & they exchanged information.
Kisses :-)
In the meantime, I was enjoying every minute with my mare. Each minute I knew would have to last me through the months until I can visit again. Butch teased me - saying I would just come home to re-pack for the next trip!
Along the Stillaquamish~
We did try to ride a section of the Whitehorse, I was hoping to show Mary the slide, but the blackberry had taken over the trail. It was just high enough & tangled enough it would catch the horses legs. Farah was still game to go on, but I wasn't.
On our route back, we had our running hill & yes, we did Run! I warned Mary, to beware at the top, telling her the story of the day Dena I blasted up the hill - spooking a flock of turkey buzzards! Both mares had jumped ten-feet sideways. We both narrowly managed to keep our seat!
It was dusk again by the time we were back at the trailer. We decided on dinner in Arlington before the drive back to the farm. It had been so much fun to be back in Farah's saddle, riding our old trails. The horses were happy to be home & stuck their noses in fresh hay. I stood in Farah's stall - in the darkened barn - feeding her carrots as fast as she could eat them. She knows now, that when the carrots come out & I get sad, I'll not be back for a while.
Even sad, my spirit is much lighter, knowing Farah seems happy & relaxed in her new abode. She's back on a hillside with mountain views, has a new friend in Mary's young black filly & is back to her old self. She & Mary seem to get on well. Mary & I did some brainstorming about Farah's future both with Mary & with me too! :-) I'm looking forward to future visits with my gold girl.
Here it was, already my last Sat. in WA. The time, as usual, had gone way too fast! I didn't just spend all my time with Farah! My schedule was planned around Grand-daughter Cassidy's 16th Birthday! The last time I'd here to celebrate, was 2016, just prior to our move to IA.
Mason & Dave had a full day planned & so did we! Up & on the road early, we stopped at Starbucks before heading to Ferry dock. The three of us are all rock hounds, so a day trip to Whidbey Island for walking the beach sounded perfect. We arrived at the Edmonds ferry in record time - traffic was light on a Saturday.
Just light rain, we were so lucky to be one of the last cars loading, without the wait for another boat. Once we'd boarded, I hurried up front to admire the views. The three of us were standing there, when suddenly Courtney said; "We're going to Kingston! We're on the wrong ferry!" It had dawned on me about the same time, we should have been on the Mukilteo ferry to Clinton!
Cassidy & Grammy~ I'm still taller! :-) Not!
You'd have thought we were all newcomers to the state! But, what the heck, it had been a long time since we'd been on the peninsula. The rain had stopped, the sky was clearing & it was going to be one of those days when Washington pulls out all the stops.
Tug boat leaving Kingston~
We gave Dave a call, telling him of our change of plans & decided to make the loop! In all the years we lived Butch's home state, we'd never visited Port Townsend. Courtney started telling me of a beach there - great for finding sea glass! As if I needed any convincing.
On our route, we crossed the Hood Canal Bridge. Butch & I had gone that way with the camper, our last trip with the kids in June of 2015, on our way to Fort Flagler. Crossing this beautiful bridge - new since we first moved to WA in 1981 - is so much fun.
It wasn't much of a drive until we were entering Port Townsend. What a beautiful, quaint seaport town. The Peters family had been there before. Courtney knew of one of the best restaurant for lunch. Clam chowder had been on my list for days & I finally got to indulge! Yum! We took time to walk the town & do a little shopping.
We found a shop that sold rocks, all kinds of rocks, we were there awhile...
Flowers everywhere~
Cassidy & I left Courtney to check out the tea shop & were amazed at the variety of tea's! We both sampled & ended up buying tea to bring home. When Courtney caught up to us, we decided if the purpose of the day had been to rock-hound, we'd better head for the beach!
The parking was far from full, we grabbed our buckets & started hiking along the water. The temperature was perfect, a light breeze, blue water & fluffy clouds. I admired the amazing views at least as much as I searched for agates & glass! Until - Courtney & Cassidy started finding cool stuff!
Out across the water, this guy caught my eye. I had to zoom all the way in, but managed to get his photo, riding on the kelp.
Me & my bucket :-)
All those colored buckets we'd bought the grand-kids over the years, to fill with goodies, are still in use today! I filled mine with rock, I later had to sort down to only my favorites, to pack for the trip home.
By the time we'd loaded on to the Salish, the sun was setting over the Cascades. It was a stunning end to a magnificent day. We stopped in Mukilteo for a quick dinner at Ivars, before heading home. Who can ever get enough seafood? :-)
The first day of October & another day of sunshine! We had Farah's trip to Pilchuck Vet scheduled for tomorrow, having already changed it once to take advantage of a clear day. I wanted to ride out from Victoria again to see if I could find our way back to Pilchuck creek.
A golden morning~
Since it's a longer ride, we didn't go around the mountain or up to the Monument. Instead, we started off the shortest way I knew, to reach the eastern trails. I thought for sure the start of the trail I was looking for was overgrown, but no! Just as I'd about given up hope, there it was! There was excitement in my voice, when knew we were on the right track! Of course, it was such an amazing day any ride had to be the Best of rides!
Big Western Red Cedar & Doug Fir & my much loved & missed ferns, aong the trail~
It had always been Farah's favorite summer spot. On hot days, we'd make the long trek through the shaded trails. Once in a while I'd remove my boots & we'd both soak our feet in the creek. Farah would doze off, while I gazed at the pristine, quite landscape around us. I'd promised Farah last winter; somehow, someway, we would ride again on our old trails & she would soak her legs at her favorite spot.
Farah "clearing trail"~
The single track, trail, with young trees crowding in on both sides, is as beautiful as can be imagined. I dismounted to stretch my legs. Farah took
full advantage of all the rain-washed greenery :-)
The turn I'd found, is only the first of several, but from that point
on, memory served me well! We rode through the small stand of cedar
plantings, taller now! Next, through the lush & heavy greenery of the trails along the river. A system where it's easy to get lost, since there's no real high spots to gain perspective. We looked for landmarks over our shoulders, to recognize on the return trip, as we
rode.
With Farah in the lead, she was just ready to step into the creek, when we both saw something splashing in the water! Sure enough, Salmon were spawning in the rock area's just upstream of our entry point. What a thrill! It had been years since I'd seen salmon in this creek. They used to be so abundant in the waterways above the Homestead. In the early 90's - when Butch & I rode - the horses at first - would refuse to enter!
Mary & Ollie
Both horses stepped in & Farah played in the water with her nose. Ollie acted like an old pro & walked right out into the middle.
Farah flipping water~
Farah promptly took up her napping position! Woe to either Ollie or me, if we dared to interrupt her snooze! Ollie's eye's too, were getting heavy as his head dropped lower & lower... I sat in the saddle, watching as the wind blew the tops of the trees. Bald Eagles sailed overhead - finally landing in the very top of the tallest tree. Waiting, I'm sure until we'd leave so they could get back to fishing.
Longer ride? No problem, another lunch break!
I missed a turn on our way back & we did a few extra miles of some truly beautiful trails. New signs with trail names - were hung from the trees. Eventually, I recognized where we'd come out. I knew the relatively easy ride I'd planned, was now going to end with the big climb from the very bottom, back to the top!
This route would include our running hill. Both horses were ready for a run. Farah had already seen people pushing their bikes up the hill & any bike at all is fair game! I gave a shout; "Horses on your left!" as we flew past!
It was dusk as we reached the trailer. We'd ridden thirty-miles in two-days. The horses were loving it, we were loving it & I knew it would all come to an end way too soon :-( By the time we'd returned to the farm & bedded the horses in, I was past my curfew :-)
Courtney said the next morning that granddaughter Cassidy had come downstairs about 9:30 p.m. & said; "Grammy is late!" :-)
It was a sunshine & chilly Monday morning! I arrived at the farm, the horses were loaded. Mary was riding Oliver, who Farah had only met at a distance in the barn. We put Farah in front & Oliver behind. After double checking to be sure we had everything - away we went - picking up a hot drink for the road. Driving up Highway 9, I requested a drive along Burn Rd. toward Arlington. I had a brief glimpse of our old Homestead through the Cedars, so huge, only a corner of the barn roof is visible.
We were the only ones at the trail-head. I was glad I brought Farah's tack with me. It was worth the hassle of two bags, for both of us to be totally comfortable. Her girth was a notch lower than what had been her usual.
As natural as breathing, swinging my leg over & settling back in her saddle... Farah knew exactly where she was, taking off with her usual determined pace. The swinging stride more familiar to me than my own walk. We were - of course - heading for lunch!
Our first break spot~
I asked many times to stop for photos. We lead the way onto our old trails, unfamiliar to our riding companions.
Ollie allows Farah's inquisitive nose~
The camera was in it's usual place on the side of my pommel & Farah did her one click wait - before moving on. Moving up into the trot, our horses decided to be a little competitive! Way fun! My time at the Y - has paid off.
Heading up to the top~
Three-years of tree growth had obscured most of the view, from the trail up the back of the mountain. It was well-cleared & some of the old dips had smoothed out. Once we were out on the road, Farah wanted to gallop. Ollie was game, as the gallop became a run :-) I asked Farah to slow as we were reaching the crest of the hill & she did. Only one slight side-ways look at an old stump.
First view of the monument~
Maybe because it's been so long, we both enjoyed this view more than ever. Dropping her head to graze, Ollie was allowed to graze too. We were sitting on the seats, eating our lunch when Ollie decided to do a little trot right past us! We both jumped up at the same time. To his credit, he stopped, but was looking off toward the far trail. Farah had raised her head, but we decided to keep them in hand.
Farah enjoys "lunch"~
I wanted some photos of us, it was such a perfect early fall day.
Us, Puget Sound & the Islands~
Mary & Oliver~
Farah & Ollie - "Friends"?
We took the trail back around the side of the mountain. I love the section through the big woods. Mary was taking photos, while Farah & I just drank in this place & time.
I couldn't believe how much the trees had grown since our last visit! It won't be long, until the view is totally obscured - unless the tree farm management does some trimming.
Through the forest~
Further along the trail, we did get a look back at the lake~
Second view~
We took the long way down the hill & down what I'd always called our running hill. We toured the east side trails. It was late in the day by now, we turned back at the bottom. I could feel Farah getting ready to do her blast! I asked Mary if she was game for a run & she was! We took off & started flying! We know every inch of that run so well. When we hit the dip - Farah launched herself into the air & we hit 24 mph on the steep uphill grade.
Reaching the top, we pulled up & watched as Mary & Oliver came flying up! Oliver was determined Farah was Not going to get away from him!
Through the last stand of timber~
It was so stunning, as we were heading back to the trailer, with the sun setting through the trees. Once back, the horses got a bit of wet mash. Farah always accepts food. We were both starved & stopped for dinner at my favorite Mexican restaurant in Arlington.
Once back at the farm, we put the horses away. Both seemed totally happy with our day's ride & started in on their hay. I was a bit late getting back to Courtney's!
The weather hasn't exactly cooperated... Rain, more rain with occasional sunbreaks turning the Western Washington world into a lush, fresh smelling, blazingly beautiful landscape. This day, Grandson Ben drove me to the farm. We found Farah in her stall & she soon realized that Ben was actually BEN! :-)
Ear itches are still a Very Good thing! :-)
Even as distracted as she is, she was happy to see him! She is so busy getting to know the horses in the barn, it took a while to settle her for a good grooming. Her tail is finally growing to a respectable length, I still look forward to trimming it off the ground.
Plans were discussed for Farah's day. She's fat & out of shape for the first time in all the years I've had her. She was full of energy - we decided on lounging. Mary wanted to get to know her on the lead.
Farah responded to Mary's easy but firm hands
It was so interesting to see her being worked & watching as the two of them did get a feel for the other.
The Sun!
The sun broke through the clouds, turning Farah's coat to a shimmering gold.
Soon, Farah was moving & it was a relief to see her stride so smooth. She moved as good as ever, even after a year away. We'd had her shod by a new Farrier in the Roy area, recommended by Mary's long time Farrier, now retired. Finding the right farrier for endurance hasn't been any easier since we'd moved. Farah was puffing & had a light coat of sweat in a shorter amount of time than I'd expected.
Us in the Sun~
It was darn chilly & I'd forgotten all about Ben's allergies to hay :-( He watched as long as he could before going to the car to use eye drops & Kleenex. We delayed ground driving with Farah, but Mary did hand over Leo's reins! He was so responsive & it was really fun! My long ago lessons with Dean hadn't been totally forgotten.
Weather willing, we'll be heading out for a ride tomorrow!
