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? :-)
I met Mary & Farah at Pilchuck Veterinary Clinic. I would have to leave in time to return to Duvall for Granddaughter
Cassidy's Birthday dinner! I had no idea how long the appointment would take. Arriving first, I was watching as Mary pulled in & could see that Farah looked distressed. I called out
to her & she instantly turned her head my direction. As we went to
unload - she was shaking! The first time ever I'd seen her shake...
Both Mary & I think
that she was worried that Mary was hauling her away. The other times
she'd gone in Mary's trailer, I'd been there, or another horse. Once
she realized that I was there & where she was, the trembling
stopped.
It had been September 28, 2016 since Dr. Holohan had seen Farah for a float. Here, in Iowa, we were happy to find Dr. Black at Nebraska Equine. Dr. Black did Farah's yearly physical, float & vaccinations in March of 17. After the problem with vaccinations that year, in 18 we did teeth in April & vaccinations a month later on the farm.
Farah checks out the scale :-)
It had been over a year too, since she'd been seen by a Vet. I was
anxious to see what Brandi found. She had worked diligently, for several years on deep
pockets at the back of Farah's mouth. Dr. Black hadn't said much about
them, so I could only hope they hadn't gotten any worse.
I was right! :-)
First, time to weigh on a scale again in four years! Dr. Black had used a tape & his result was
accurate to what I knew Farah's weight to run in 18. Both Mary & I
thought she had lost condition & gained fat, once back in WA. I
told Mary that she would run between 1070 & 1100 lbs.
Dr. Holohan explained that she had replaced some muscle with fat, but that the muscle would come back quickly. I was surprised that her weight wasn't higher & happy she stayed within her healthy range. Heart rate, 36 :-) Temperature 98, exactly right.
On the scale~
While we discussed her & her weight - Farah stood on the scale with total aplomb!
Farah is sleepy :-)
We had great news on all counts! The pockets were greatly reduced & had partially filled in! The float took about half the time I was used to! We both had a refresher course on the benefits of Adequan, which had always been a part of our yearly maintenance plan. It's always a relief to know that the gold girl is healthy!
Farah loaded back into Mary's trailer like the seasoned traveler she is. I waved goodby & got back to Duvall just in time to leave for Anthony's on Kirkland's waterfront!
With rainy weather & a full schedule for us both, my final ride on this visit, next~
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!
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.
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!
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 priority for this year, was to cut down each & every one of the horrible, Autumn Olive. The thorns are nasty, branches sucker almost quicker than they can be cut & the fruit spreads seed via the birds. I love shade, but after walking the south side of the marsh, I counted more than ten separate shrubs, overwhelming the entire area. Getting them cut down & treated, would at least stop their rampant growth.
The marsh - looking west~
When I cut the last of them - I let out a big Yippee! I'm thankful that they didn't get started in the timber or anywhere else along our section of the creek. The marsh runs from east to west, laying between the hill that drops down from the south fence of the backyard & the rise before Tinkle Branch Creek. I'm moving pieces of broken concrete (dumped years ago) & placing them as stepping stones. The Cottonwood, who's large trunk you can see on the left, grows on the edge of the creek bank. It didn't seem as though we had much rain this summer, but the ground is still wet in the marsh & the timber too.
Looking west - piles of slash~
May, my Mother's Day present is in the photo below. A Ryobi reciprocating saw is the perfect tool for cutting all the branches. As you can probably tell, it's already gone through a few blades & a whole lot of brush!
My saw/zall~
Way faster than hand pruning it cuts through just about anything except the really big stuff. When it does bind up, the vibration is no fun.
Opening views~
The open view from the deck - makes the work worthwhile. The Cottonwood is already loosing leaves... I'd taken down the honeysuckle along the fence earlier this spring. The marigolds love getting more sun & the Zinnia's are now taller than I am! Linus suggested that I plant Zinnia the length of the fence next year. In the middle, where I'd seeded behind the marigolds, they completely hide the fence.
The Elderberry have done surprisingly well! The berries are much smaller than the non-edible varieties of Western WA, but very sweet! The birds are quicker to get them than I am. Next year I'll be ready for making jam.
Flower garden at the Timber's edge~
Another on-going project to remove the honeysuckle from the timber - is starting to show progress too. I moved two huge piles of dry branches cut in March, down the hill. Now, from the front yard, the view through to the timber is open. My red Pelargonium's have bloomed non-stop & are resistant to Japanese Beetles. They're bigger, thicker & doing the best they've ever done! I'll be bringing them in before long.
From a roller coaster ride of hot to cooler days in August, we're now experiencing a wave of heat & humidity. 86 degrees yesterday with the humidity at 72% was no fun at all! Next week we're forecast to be in the 90's again. I'm Really looking forward to fall!
