On Our Own~

How sweet it was!  Our first time riding out by ourselves, since I'd sent Farah to WA, two full years ago.  The first year - we rode out with Farah's breeder, from her property.  The last year, we had to trailer to trails.  Not to complain - I'd go to the moon if it meant a ride on the gold girl.

Heading out~

 We had rain most of the day on Saturday, then received a pouring rain in Duvall that evening.  Waking yesterday to crystal clear skies, was a true gift from above!  Linda was kind enough to come by the farm with my helmet.  I'd left it in her trailer, we'd both thought we'd be riding together soon & hope to yet this week.

I finished saddling up as Linda left.  Farah & I followed her out the drive.  Riding onto the tree farm, I hoped to remember the way back out.  I took directions to reverse my Garmin tract - just in case.  I really wanted to check out the Whitehorse Trail.

Onto the Greenway~

 It was almost exactly the same distance to Tin Bridge, from the farm, as it had been from the parking area.  Farah was so funny!  On a loose rein, she hit her swinging walk & we moved out!  The minute there was a place to trot - she took the opportunity!  We cruised right up to 14-mph.  I'd almost forgotten the thrill of feeling her surge of power.

Blocked off~

 Coming to the intersection of the trails, the Whitehorse toward Arlington was still closed.  Probably due to the now old mud slide.  It was such a beautiful section, one I used to enjoy fairly often.  There has been a problem with people going through the gate below onto private property to access the river.

Gate to private property~

With the trail now open down to the river from the tree farm side, there's no reason to go this way.   We turned our usual way - to go over Tin Bridge.  Three people on bikes came over the bridge just before we started across.  They were disappointed the trail was closed on west.  I mentioned involvement in the Centennial Trail Coalition might be something for them to consider.

Over Tin Bridge~

I used the wide-angle on the phone camera.  It distorted the bridge, but sure looks interesting.  On the far side, on such a perfect day, we stopped to admire the views.  I still remember the first time we came this way after a change was made to round bales.  Farah thought the big white balls didn't need to be there!

On to Green Valley~

 Of course, we had to stop for lunch!  Courtney had given me some organic full size carrots & Farah enjoyed them, before turning to graze.  I - on the other hand - had forgotten any snack for me!

Farah having her lunch~

Seeing the trail wide open beyond Cloverdale farm, was a real treat.  All the years of working toward getting this trail open, is finally paying off.  The rude renter, who'd had a manufactured home on the far side, was gone, as was the manufactured.  Now just a vacant space, rapidly becoming overgrown.

West bound toward Darrington~

 As we moved on past the farthest point we'd ridden in forever, Farah perked up even more.  She loves going different places & I could tell she was as interested to see the changes as I was.

Through the "Gap"~

 The new finer grain gravel covering the old railroad ballast makes a huge difference in the footing.  I do wonder how hard it will compact over time.  Shoes are a must, but they always have been.  We were coming to one of of the most beautiful sections of the trail.  The sound of the river was so wonderful.

Farah - North Fork of the Stillaguamish River~

 There was a couple with a dog playing in the water on the far side.  We stopped to watch.  Continuing on, we crossed both bridge #2 & #3.  I would have liked to ride on to see if it was possible to cross Hwy 530.  I don't think any crossing improvements have been made yet.

Straight on toward Hwy 530~

 We continued up to 138th, before I decided to turn back.  Neither of us wanted to, but it was getting later in the afternoon & dark is coming earlier.  I also wasn't sure I'd remember the trails back to where we needed to go.

Heading Back~

 I love the light this time of day, this time of year & in this place.  Part of the reason Farah & I used to stay out so late in the day.  We'd sometimes get back just at dark, as the season progressed.

We trotted!  We galloped!  We blasted & I yelled Yippee at the sheer thrill of her amazing power & speed.  Not up to what had been her very high level of fitness, she still gave me as much as I could have asked for.

I gave her, her head, just to see which way she would go.  I surprised myself in remembering more than I thought I would.  As we came to the last few turns, there was twice she wanted to go the wrong direction.  I think more because she wanted to stay out longer, than anything.

Our Route~

I dismounted at the gate to the farm.  I'd walked a few times, out on the trail too, just to loosen up.

Farah~

Back at the farm, I unsaddled Farah & gave her a short bath.   Too tired to argue over washing her face, I'll leave that to Debi.  :-)   It's so sweet to use the big nice wash stall & have her clean again.  She did let me do a little more around her udder.  Before long, she'll be used to it again.  The tail is gradually lightening.  I hope to find time to pick up some bluing while I'm here.

I have to thank Mel for an excellent shoeing job!  I didn't hear one click, nor did Farah have any difficulty at any speed!  Really wonderful for a farrier's first shoeing!  Thank you, so very much to Debi too, for sharing Farah with me!

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.

On the Whitehorse Trail ~

Three Fingers Peak~

Grandson Ben rode the train up from Astoria, OR to Duvall.  Arriving Wed. night - to visit his cousin's Mason & Cassidy.  Of course Uncle Dave, Aunt Courtney & me too!  This day, we borrowed the Highlander & with Ben driving, he & I took a cruise to Arlington.  The last time I'd ridden with Ben, he'd just received his drivers license! 

It felt like dejavu when we turned onto Hwy 92 & the Cascades came into view. Covered in snow, they looked as though cut from ice. Ben pulled off to the side of the narrow road several times to let me get photos. Though not the view from the Homestead, the one above was as close to it as I could get.

Mt. Pilchuck~

I've always loved this barn, with the view of Mt. Pilchuck behind it.  We continued on to Arlington.  Several changes there, a new pharmacy off Hwy 9 & more houses under construction.

Great Food!

 Ben & I had a plan though!  A stop at Nutty's for lunch!  We spent most of the drive trying to decide what we'd have & then changed our minds once we were there!  With lunch to work off, Haller Park was next.  Parking for the Centennial & Whitehorse Trails.

Grandson Ben on the Haller Trestle Bridge~

 We'd decided to hike out to the arch & walk the Whitehorse trail to Tin Bridge - always Farah & my favorite.  I thought of her often on our walk & told Ben stories of how she would step on the metal transition plates to make her steel shoes ring.

Grammy~

This bridge is at the convergence of the north & south forks of the Stillaquamish River.  A favorite place for locals to come & cool off in the hot summer months.

North fork coming down from Darrington~

It's supposed to be winter, but you wouldn't have know it by the temperature, in the mid-40's.  The warmest first two-weeks of January on record.

New signage~

I was really dismayed by the new signage by the Resilience Arch.  It asked;

Are You Ready?

I thought it a real shame to put signage so close to the beautiful & artful arch...  I doubt the artist would be too pleased either...  If I were still the chairman of the CTCSC, I would have disagreed with this addition to the trail.  It's not as if most everyone who lives in the state is not aware of the hazards associated with living near volcano's...

Commemorative Bricks~

We visited our bricks :-)  I have the originals that were taken out - on our back deck.  (They hadn't been etched deeply enough.)  It seemed sad not to have Farah with us.

Ominous signage~

The Whitehorse was closed.  I had heard about this from friends - I'm not sure how long ago.  As usual, Ben & I wanted to see what we could see & started out on the incredibly deep gravel.  It makes walking, biking or horse riding difficult.  Eventually it was to be resurfaced with rock that could be compacted.

On our Way~

 So familiar, yet different, since I'm no longer ten-feet tall.  It was Ben who spotted the beautiful doe looking out at us from the brush.  She was so well camouflaged that I needed Ben's help to see her.

Doe~

I hadn't brought my  Garmin :-(  But I knew the distance to Tin Bridge was 2-miles.  We'd gone about 1.5 when  we saw the second sign & the beginning of the slide.  It was right where a slide occurred in 2015.  This time, I'm told there's no effort underway to remove it.

Slide area ahead~

Ben points the way, while standing where a large portion of the trail has slid into the river.  Less than half the width had slid down.  It seemed to have been eroded from below - possibly undermined by water coming off the hillside above.

Ben on the trail~

Looking down at the river~

Smaller Slide~

What amazed us both - was the Huge boulder that had come out of the hillside! The size of the Bronco at least, it was smooth, black & unmarked.

Ben on the boulder~

Ben climbed up for a photo, so I had to do it too! Luckily there was an uprooted stump that was jammed into the dirt behind the rock & gave us a handhold.

Grammy on the rock~

From that viewpoint & could see almost over the top of the large slide ahead. Almost half the hillside was now either on, or below the trail.

Slide & uprooted trees~

I climbed up to the top of the pile of debris. It had settled & I doubt it will move further without heavy equipment to push it off the edge & into the river.

Climbing over~

I always dislike seeing Cedar trees go down... But at least the one above had been uprooted.

The trail continues~

At this point there was a deep hole in the trail surface, where another tree had fallen in.  It was also getting late in the afternoon.  We were so close to Tin Bridge, Ben had never been there.  It was hard to turn back, until we though about how long it would take us to reach the car.

Ben waiting~

This is such a beautiful stretch of the river, one of my very favorites.  Farah & I would stop here often for our break.  It was also a great trail to ride in the winter, when you were in no hurry.  Ben & I spotted an Eagle on our way back.

Haller Park~

There was a lot of construction going on at the park.  My old parking place for the horse trailer was now under piles of dirt.  A new splash pad is planned!  The park has been under an ongoing improvement plan for years, it looks rough right now.

We drove past the Homestead on our way back to Duvall.  No, it didn't look anything like home to me anymore...  We both would have liked to walk the woods & could see where the top had been blown off one of the Cedars.  A large vine maple was down too.  I doubt we could have made it through.

Traffic!  It was 4 p.m.  as we got to the corner of 163rd & 84th.  Just to get out from our corner into the steady stream of traffic took several minutes.  Lucky for us, we were traveling against the flow & made the 35-miles back to Duvall in time for dinner! 

Adaptations~

  There's something about Iowa, a richness you can almost taste...   An earthiness that feels so totally different from the logged wastelands of the foothills I was so familiar with in Western, WA.  You can smell it of an evening - when the heat is lifting off the land.  Even under cultivation forever - it has somehow retained it's soul~

Today was forecast to be the coolest of the week, I couldn't let that pass me by, after the last days soared into the 90's.  Farah was very happy to see me.  She had a nasty, crusty thing the size of a dime under her jaw & the fly's are now out in full force.

On the lush green trail~

After a quick grooming & lots of bug spray, we were on our way to what has become our usual hangout - Waubonsie State Park.  It was a surprise to see one couple there, sitting in the shade & getting ready to leave.  Another gentleman pulled in & they all spoke of the heat, so I didn't feel like such a wimp.

Pawpaw Trees~

We were quickly on the trail & into the most welcome shade.  Farah seems to enjoy our time together, as much as I do.  I think we both appreciate the other more - now that we don't see each other every day.  That has been one of the many things we've both had to adapt to.  Just the out & back to the stable is a 15-mile round-trip & I'm lucky she's that close.  Add the 33-mile trip south, once I'm out on Hwy 29 & riding has become an expensive hobby.

Small slide along a Waubonsie Trail

Looking at this little slide today - it reminded me of the area on the Whitehorse Trail.  The Loess Hills being comprised of wind-blown silt from the glaciers.  The Western, WA soils, volcanic.  Each of different composition, but unstable when the rains come.   Here, the trails become so slick as to be unrideable.

Slide on the Whitehorse Trail, Jan. 19, 2015

We did our first set of loops - what's become our usual direction, it was so beautiful & cool in the woods.  I saw a very large Wild Grape vine, that had wrapped itself up this very tall tree.  I'm so glad I got them all cut away from our trees & shrubs along the creek.

Grape Vine~

After going back to camp for our lunch break, I decided that we'd do the loops in the reverse.  This was the first way I'd ridden the trails here & soon realized it's the way the signage directs & most riders go.  You do have plenty of hill work either direction, but going with the signage gives more downhill.  I had a new acquaintance tell me the other day; she felt the hills here are too difficult for a lot of the horses.

Warning sign~

It is steep, no doubt about it, the short ups & downs so different from the very long downs & very long up's of our old favorite place to ride, Victoria.  There, in just two-more miles, we only had 1,482 in elevation gain, compared with 1,717 today.  It seems a lot more fun with more change in the topography & Farah loves it.

In the greens~

Here, most people call the woodlands, Timber.  The same term used in Western, WA by logging companies to describe an area that they plan to clear-cut.  Cedars, Douglas Fir, Hemlock etc.  The Iowa DNR- uses the word for the same purpose.  A description of what they harvest to; "Meet forest management objectives."  I have to wonder what the objectives are to bring back even a portion of our native forest lands that been lost nationwide.

Maidenhair Ferns~

Forget what I said about the ferns not being up!  This hillside covered with Maidenhair ferns was just stunningly beautiful - my camera didn't want to focus on them for whatever reason.  I'll have to try again!

Shell Bark Hickory~

Neither of us thought the loops were as fun this direction, but our pace was faster than our last visit & it was very warm.  By the time we were back at the trailer & as I started to unsaddle, Farah's belly was dripping sweat.  She again didn't drink during our lunch break - but emptied two small buckets on our return!

Tail on the move~

Another bath - for us both!  The flies are horrible now, they swarm the trailer the minute we pull in.  Even spraying inside the trailer didn't deter them.  I've probably spent a fortune on fly spray now & have three different brands. 

Once back at the stable, I used Equi-spot this time & asked how to turn the fan on in Farah's stall.  I'd also bought Shoofly horse leggings long before we left WA.  I got them out - they were supposed to have been smalls - but no - they were large & she walked out of them...  I don't even remember where I ordered them.  A trip to Council Bluffs to buy more - soon!  Yes, we had annoying pests in WA - but not like here.   Farah - who has never liked bugs & been a prima-donna up to now - is learning to adapt too...

Butch & I decided to bring Farah & go through a year - before making any further decisions.  She's my horse-of-a-lifetime, but here, horses stand more than they're used & I now see why.  Riding as much as I was used to - has not happened.  (Most horse people here, take summer horse camping trips to other nearby states.)  With Butch working & the projects we have at home, our priorities have changed.  Realistically - riding in cooking hot summer temperatures & freezing cold winter ones - even if there is any place open within 50-miles to ride - isn't something I enjoy...  I wonder now what further adaptations we may have ahead...