Ridin' Sunny!

 Well...  When I get these ideas in my head...  Personally, it's always been about how far can I travel & what places are there to see?  In elementary school, at day's end, I would cut up to the first ridge of the mountains, visit the horses there, then run back down.  Always arriving home, before Mom realized I was late!  I was ready for some time out-on-the-trail.  It's spring, Farah is not here, so I'm on my own.

My round-trip~

Sunny just managed to fit in the back of the Explorer. My plan was to leave from Silver City & ride to Malvern on the Wabash. Afterward, I'd meet Butch at Agriland & he would drive me back to Silver City. A nice one-way ride for my trial run.

I checked my tires, as I was leaving, to find my rear tire totally flat... I called Butch, who suggested I meet him at Agriland, where he'd fix my tire. Fine - I could still ride, but now, whatever I did, would have to be a round-trip.

Leaving Malvern

Butch replaced the stem on the tire & I was on my way.  It was a totally beautiful late morning.  Mid-60's & a light breeze.  Concrete for the first mile or so, was a nice bonus!

Creek Crossing~

I came to the first creek crossing & expected I'd see several more before I reached the spot where Butch & I had stopped on Sunday.

Between the bars~

There was quite a bit of traffic noise.  I knew I was heading toward Hwy-34.  

Under 34 

Sunny was rock solid through the tunnel!  No spooking at all :-)

Silver Creek Trestle Bridge~

Coming to this bridge was a bit of deja-vu.  It looked so similar to Tin Bridge in WA, on the Whitehorse Trail.  Silver Creek was flowing under, not nearly as large, or as noisy as the North Fork of the Stillaquamish.   This was about the 1/2 way point, on the way to Silver City, at four-miles.

Silver Creek~

The old wrecked, rusted train cars were lining the bank.  Whether by accident or design I don't know.  I was peddling along in second gear & making good time.  

Trail work~

Maintenance work was being done along portions of the trail.  The one thing I noticed, riding on & off of the bridges could be a little rough.  The transition from trail surface to wood plank was covered with dirt & sand to lessen the bump. 

Sunny posing in Silver City~

It took us, just over an hour, even with photo op stops.  There was no cell service, even in town.  I was going to call Butch & let him know I'd arrived.  Hum...  This means - heading back...

Oxymoron~

Sunny was in great shape.  Tires had stayed inflated, even when we'd crossed a couple roads of rough gravel.  I had myself convinced the trail was relatively flat, so how difficult could it be?  

Uphill grades into the horizon~

Well...  The wind had really come up - really.  Heading back to Malvern, I was peddling right into it.  In places, I was almost blown to a standstill.  It was obvious...  now...  What I thought was flat - was - in reality a nice uphill grade.  Sunny is Not light - by any stretch of the imagination - at 34 lbs.

Back at the beautiful creek~

It was enjoyable to hear my Garmin make it's familiar buzz sound at each mile.  Funny, how hearing that sound for so many miles & so many years sticks in my head.  

Nice old sign~

At nice bridges, we'd take a break.  I was very happy to see this sign!  Only four-miles to go! 

Sunny - 4-miles from Malvern

We passed four boys heading the other direction.  They all said; "HI!" & complimented me on my wheels!  I crossed the last road, back onto the concrete.  In no time, off the trail & back at Agriland, where things were absolutely humming!  Trucks going in, trucks going out etc.  I stopped by the office & just as I did, Butch went by, on his way to the shop.  He'll bring Sunny home in his truck.  

Sunny & a Tractor!

We're thinking of putting the bike rack on the Bronco for my next outing.  Climbing gratefully into the Explorer - ah - felt so nice.  The round-trip mileage was 17-miles.  I finished in just over two hours.  Just don't ask about my knees!  :-)

On the Trail - Bracken~

I've spent an inordinate amount of time watching the weather forecast!  In Washington state, it's about as changeable as weather can be.  Even so, for a few days, we were promised sunshine today!  I was at the farm early to groom Farah & wash her tail.  Two of my favorite tasks & I was determined to get them done while Mary was finishing up a lesson.

Leaving Bracken Parking~

We really wanted to go to the higher country of Victoria, but it was cold & Carrie wanted to ride with us, on a limited time schedule.  It made a lot more sense to ride closer & lower in.  The nice thing about winter riding in WA - which I never truly appreciated when I lived here - is it's possible!  In IA, there are no gravel logging roads & the trails are unusable.

Back between the ears~

 I took a huge breath of the incredibly fresh, rich, air!  Almost sweet, after the much dryer climate I've become used to.  Farah is always so happy to be out.  Now, I think we both cherish every minute & every mile we're together.

Mary, Oliver, Carrie & Remy~

To have riding companions is new to us too, after a few years of riding almost always alone, both in WA & in IA.  Carrie was excited at the prospect of seeing new areas.  Of course we had to take her over Tin Bridge to our Green Valley.

It was a surprise to see the heavy rock on this section of the Whitehorse Trail - had been top-dressed with a much smaller stone surface.  New, since I rode here last October.  It hadn't compacted & I hope it doesn't.  Farah wanted to open-up & away we went!  Flying the mile or so to our old lunch spot!  Perfect footing & yes we did leave some divots that will soon disappear.

My cinch wasn't tight enough & the pad slipped during our gallop :-)

By now, the elusive sunshine had broken through the clouds & the scene was something out of a fairy tale.  I polished off an apple,  Remy finished the core.  :-)

Farah's ears are telling - yes, she wanted to lead!

 Remy, not as experienced on the trail as Farah, tried leading & did well, until she decided she preferred Farah in front.  Poor Oliver, escorting two mares, did his best to let them know he wasn't going to take any guff!  We commented more than once, we were all on very forward horses.

Back at the Bridge~

This side of the bridge, the decking was somewhat dry, but the far side, in more shade, was so slick, we dismounted & let the horses slip & slide over the boards.  When I was still active with the Centennial Trail Coalition, the bridge decking & mitigating the wet season slip & slide, was a topic on our agenda.  I have no idea where it is now.

Through Remy's ears, photo by Carrie~

We had some magnificent gallops!  More than one turned into a in-hand race!  At least we liked to think we had things in-hand!  Mary lead us back to where Carrie knew the way to her trailer.  Mary asked if I wanted to continue on & she needn't of asked!

Later in the ride~

 We did a couple more loops through the trees, staying where we knew the trails would be dry & away from the mud.

Connie & Farah~

 Last ones back to the parking area, what had been Farah & my usual routine.  With the sun down, the air cooled even more & we blanketed the horses before loading them.  We stopped in Arlington for dinner on our way back to the farm.

Unloading our horses, the horses in the barn had been fed & stalls were well bedded. What I did find out, as I turned my head backing out - was my neck was very sore!  Very!  By the time I'd returned to daughter Courtney's in Duvall, I couldn't turn my head.  I'm absolutely sure it was from wearing my helmet for over four hours.

Butch told me I'll need to wear an old helmet around home while I'm working in the Timber!  Can you just see that?  My reputation around town for being a bit eccentric would reach new heights!

Riding at Bracken~

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.