Riding from the Morgan Horse Club~

Saturday was a busy day.  Linda & I had planned to leave for the eastside, but I was invited to stay over.  Unknown to me, my friends were networking, in the hope of finding someone local who would be a good match for Farah.

A huge load of hay had been delivered, Farah's shoeing had taken a while too.  An old BCHW acquaintance stopped by to chat & admire Farah.  He & his wife are almost ready to replace aging mounts.  They are one of the few couples, who still pack into the back country.  After his departure, the trailer truck & trailer were by the barn, ready to go!  Barb packed snacks, we were going to ride!

Farah, back in black!

Every aspect of being with Farah, every moment, is golden.  Tacking her up with her own tack - was a pleasure.  Our only issue came, when I asked her to take the bit.  For the first time ever - she refused - clamping her teeth.  Barb looked over questioningly?  I had to take my time, talk softly & good girl she is, she accepted.  We laughed, watching as Farah realized the bit was hers & started to lick & chew.  I used the new little cell phone pouch Joyce made for us - for the first time!  It worked Great!  Very quick & easy to pull my phone out for photo ops!

Obscured views~

Once we'd gone through the woods surrounding the camping area, it was like a different world.  Over four-years - things change.  We both remembered this clear-cut.

An eerily quiet day~

We moved on across it & an upper part of what had been such a beautiful forested trail was still there.

On the trail through the woods~

I never ask for a destination when I'm riding with Barb &/or Scott!  It would almost be sacrilege, having never been on anything but amazing rides with them!  My mind went into a time warp - I would have been happy if it had lasted forever.

Barb has the "clip & go" down pat!  :-)

It's been so very dry, the branches of the trees had curled & dropped low.  I wished for my clippers, but TSA would not have approved.

The infamous bridge~

Barb wanted us to check out the trail going to the bridge Farah & I had fallen off of back in June of 2014.  I actually spotted the turn - emblazoned in my memory.  The bridge had been removed & placed off to the side, shortly after our accident.

A new trail had been cut around the creek/washout bed.  Now, someone had put the bridge back across...  Probably a bike rider.  Much too dangerous now, it becomes another item on Scott & Barb's long list - removing it yet again!  We'd had a big work party & cleared the trail to look like a freeway - but years of growth have obscured it again.

Farah waits~

Farah has never forgotten either.  When we've come to the area, she lets me know, she does not want to go that way!   We did cowgirl up & do the new trail with Joyce - but both of us were nervous wrecks until we were safely past the spot!

A smoke filled sky~

Above is one of my favorite & most beautiful areas of the climb.  Especially in the fall with the huckleberry & vine maples turning color.  The views off to the east are amazing too.

Farah listens~

With the blackberries finally ripe, the Bears are about!  We stopped for our lunch break in the clear-cut area below, where Scott had installed tie rings into the big stumps.  He now has to paint them a matt color, to prevent people from spotting them, pulling them out & stealing them.  You've got to wonder at the mind-set of people who do these things?

Rio & Farah wait~

Rio long ago made it plain to Farah - she is ignored :-)  So dry - nothing either horse was interested in munching on.  The apples Barb brought sure hit the spot though!  I got a dirty look for feeding Rio Farah's apple core :-)  We watched as the smoke came & went.  Once in a while you could just see the outline of the peaks, but then even that would disappear...

The Sun~

It reminded me of the day Linda & I rode just before a big earthquake hit.  The quiet was palpable...
We turned back, about 1-1/2 hours to return to the trailer.

Our route~

Once back, I discovered my knees really didn't think I needed to drop to the ground from the saddle.  I used the trailer fender for the first time ever to dismount!  All the bike riding I've done & my knees said;  "No"!  :-)

We were just a little later than Scott had expected us to return :-)  Pizza sounded like a really good idea!

Extraction~

 Up early, daughter Courtney took me first, to the Grateful Bread.  Cinnamon roll in hand, we continued to Tractor Supply in Monroe, where we met Linda with her truck & trailer. We arrived to pick up Farah on time.  She'd been moved to a different stall & when she saw me, she knew something was up.  Linda & I loaded the storage boxes with Farah's blankets.  (Courtney had picked up my saddle a day earlier - withstanding a non-stop verbal barrage.)  I looked through Farah's tote, full of brushes I'd never seen.  I removed them & only took what was left of mine - all I'd marked with Farah's name my last visit, when I'd had to look in every other horse's tote to find them.

I'd been told if I did not share Farah's destination, her medical records for the last year would not be released.  Since no lessee can withhold medical records - I had to make more calls than I can count to Pilchuck Veterinary Clinic - to get this straightened out.  A clinic I will never use again.  I had gone in last year & made it clear my mare was on a care/lease.  Somehow, over the last twelve months, my name had been replaced on her records & the lessee shown as owner.   (When I originally purchased Farah, it had taken me months to clear her registration.)

Now, I found myself again going through an unnecessary, time-consuming reiteration of ownership.  This also explained why - when I found out about Farah's trailer loading injury & called for a Vet to check her, they refused to go.  I was told there was no need.  I'd plainly explained I would pay the emergency fee of $175.  Any request from me was ignored.  I'd pleaded Farah just be hosed & walked until I arrived.  Instead, she had been lounged & ridden in the arena.  Talk about feeling helpless...  Especially from 1,700 miles away.

On our way~

Farah loaded right in; we couldn't get on the road quickly enough. Once underway, I felt a huge sense of relief. Back north, friends had invited us to stay, ride & relax for a couple days. Farah was unhappy with me. Leaving horses who'd she'd become familiar with, I'm sure it seemed to her, every time I show up, she has to move.

Farah - smoke filtered sun~

By evening, as we all sat out talking, we could see her demeanor change.  She began to relax, recognizing our old friends & their horses too.  We'd been camping, riding & had enjoyed many good times together.

When I'd asked, Farah's shoeing was at five-weeks.  I'd planned to remove them, once she was at her new destination, on the dry east side of WA.  I'd been incredibly unhappy at the farrier work she'd received & repeatedly asked for a change back to the farrier I'd used.  All to no avail.  Just the day before I left home, I received a text telling me the shoes had been pulled & her feet left untrimmed.  Turnouts were 5/8ths gravel, I cringed - barefoot & gravel are not a good combination.  I made calls trying to find a farrier who could come on such short notice.  I'd really hoped to get in a ride.  Desperate, I thought of an old riding friend who I remembered had, at least at one time, done farrier work.  I messaged Mel & she arranged her schedule to make time for Farah on Sat.

The worst of her unbalanced feet~

I woke early Sat. morning - back to doing horse chores felt SO Good!  I stood & watched Farah eat her breakfast.  Mel found her way to the farm without a problem & was thankful Farah's hooves were left untrimmed.  It gave her the ability to correct the now obvious lateral/medial imbalances.  As you can see from the photo above, there are numerous problems to correct.  White line was beginning to develop & small rocks were imbedded too.

Farah was fine with her front feet, but very nervous as Mel worked on the rear.  Mel took the time to pet & comfort her.  As Mel said;  "She's not being mean, she's just very worried."  This made us think she'd experienced discomfort during previous shoeing's.  It took quite a while to get the job done.  (Mel too, noticed a weakening of Farah's topline & reduction of muscle definition from earlier days.)  We turned her out in the large round pen & watched as she stalked around adjusting to the new shoes & change in balance.  It wasn't long before we could all notice the swing was returning to her hips.  Her stride lengthened, head dropped, neck stretched out & her relaxation was obvious.  I asked Mel about whether I could ride & we all agreed a walking ride would do her good. 

While holding her for Mel, Farah began to bond with me again.  I was forgiven & I can't tell you how that made me feel...  Mel's kindness in making time for us too - was so appreciated.  

Back to WA & Farah Moves On~

 It's been seven long months since my last visit to WA.  It always seems way too long between those hugs & smiles & happy times!  Courtney's family is busy as usual, with a backyard full of projects.  I have my spot already picked out.

The patio~

Ben is working in construction, Mason is a graduate, Cassidy is in her senior year.  Skyla is studying the violin & Josie wants to learn guitar.  Jentry too, never lets the dust settle between her projects!  Her most recent - re-vamping the front flower beds!

Flower beds~

Then, there's a mare I can't wait to get my hands on & a view - I'd like to experience one more time.

2-10-2020

There may be a trip to the Vet & it won't be Pilchuck!  Farah's right hind leg was caught in a closing trailer door, as she was loading.  It slammed into her hock.  If necessary, finally having it looked at will  give me some peace of mind.  My gold girl will be moving to the east side of the state - for the time being.

New views~

She will have wide-open views to enjoy, tons of space & a couple friends to run with.  Shoes pulled & months for her feet to grow back the way she likes them.  No more training, no more arenas, no more endurance or limited distance training rides.  A private farm, old family friends, open country, plenty of trails, mountains to explore & a sunshine climate.

I've taken off the rose colored glasses.  I'd been thinking more of myself & the one or two times a year I might get in a ride.  The angst of the decision has been ongoing.  Those who've commented on Farah's saddened expression - can rest assured she'll have great care & plenty of space.

Driving the Farmall!

A very warm day, but again, low humidity!  With even more heat, possibly a record breaking 100+ coming at us over the holiday weekend, I wanted to get in one more ride.

Field of drying corn~

 Silver City is pretty much my go to on hot days.  The section of trail from there to Malvern is mostly in the shade.  It was Friday, Mari Jo & I had made plans to exchange a pint of my zucchini relish for one of her Chile sauce!

In the shade~

 The temperature drop of the shade is always very welcome!  Speedy made really good time all the way to Agriland.  Butch had the hose & was spraying off the apron to the shop.  After sitting in front of the fan, we took a walk-a-bout to see what projects he'd worked on during the week.

The 1942 Farmall

I just love the old tractor the crew has restored!  Butch asked me if I wanted to drive it?  I thought he'd said;  "Take a ride."  My mistake!  There's no room for two-people on this tractor.  Before I knew it, I was in the seat, being shown how to start it up!  Wow!

Driving!

 I cleared the shop door & kept it in second!  That was plenty fast enough for me!  I just can't imagine the hours farmers spent on these plowing the fields.

Butch took it for a spin too, so I could get video.  He, of course, upped the speed.  The front end still needs work, but the plan is for the old tractor to have a new job moving tanks around the yard.

Notice the seat spring!

 Nothing like todays modern equipment, but I'm so happy it will still have a useful job!  I knew it would be a long, hot eight-miles back.  There were only a few birds braving the heat & a few squirrels still running out for the walnuts.

Under the train trestle~

I surprised myself, grinding on the uphill grades & only making one stop for water.  Back in Silver City, I finished loading Speedy, then chatted with Mari Jo in the coolness of her shop.  Butch arrived & we had dinner at The Hood.

Hot & Dry ~

From cooler & a misty rain shower yesterday, to 90 & amazing low humidity today.  Heat or no, I was looking forward to a short ride.

Speedy & the Bronco, enjoying the shade~

 I left from Minneola, the first mile doesn't have a lot of shade.  Very strange to be out in the heat, without the humidity.

Nature's filigree~

 With things so very dry, the leaves are starting to fall without changing color.  The sun was in just the right point in the sky- to light up the leaf above.

Leaf to Speedy's right~

 I was truly amazed to spot it - but Speedy takes the credit.  We arrived in Silver City, where Mari Jo was sitting in the shade.  I cooled off as we talked for a while.

Pavilion with new railings~

 You can tell from the grass in the park, now brown, how dry we've been.  Starting back, my legs felt much better than my last ride.

Dry field of corn~

 The fields are drying up too fast, only a few local fields look very promising for any kind of harvest.  No one is sure what the final outcome will be...

A Rear View~

It was a relief, to ride into the shade of the trail~

Speedy has a new rear view mirror~

 After almost two-weeks, it was nice to be back on Speedy.  We've experienced several days in a row of unmitigated heat & humidity.  Instead of riding, I mowed & weed whacked.  Nika & I took breaks inside to cool off.

The week wasn't a good one.  Thursday, I had my first experience with a cryotherapy procedure.  Not fun & no sun for me.  Saturday, I received news of a family member seriously injured...  I can only pray for a full recovery.  I was still reeling from that news, when Butch informed me the Bronco & Explorer had been ransacked.  I'd heard the sound of car door closing very early Sat. morning. Thinking it was the neighbors, I didn't get up.  It wasn't the neighbors.  Neither were locked, so the windows are fine.  It was a grab & run.  My ancient iPod was ripped out by the wires.  Besides taking cash & change, no damage was done.

First of the leaves falling~

 Today, continued our up & down weather trends, with temperatures below our seasonal norm.   The cottonwoods are starting to loose the first of their leaves.

Speedy on the trail~

My mind needed a break - just the sound of the tires on the limestone was somehow comforting.  Not hoofbeats, how I miss the mare that made those, but comforting none the less...  I could almost hear the silence.

Beaver Dam~

The rivers & creeks are very low now.  The lack of rain telling in so many ways.   I went south to Agriland, where Butch had my icy coke waiting.

Back toward Silver City

I only saw two other riders in my 17-mile round trip.  The Cardinals are the predominant birds still near the trail.  A little black squirrel ran right towards me, then stopped just sky of the front tire!  He shook from top to bottom, for a split second, before doing an about-face!

Dust on the far off road~

The dust on the gravel roads is really bad.  I could usually see from a way off when a vehicle went by on one of the intersections.  I waited for it to settle, to prevent being covered in grit.

The rear view~

Speedy's newest piece of equipment worked well.  No one was out there - but if they had been - at least I wouldn't have been surprised.  I have to remind myself to check it though - especially when my mind drifts off to problems I can't seem to find a solution for...  Speedy doesn't do so well navigating without me!

Butch met me in Silver City & fixed a small problem with Speedy's front brake.  We enjoyed a beautiful evening - the days are getting shorter!

Over 500-Miles to Date~

Without the challenge of keeping a talented equine athlete fit - I'm left with my own level of fitness...  Having always used my Garmin to record Farah's fitness, now I'm using it for personal goals.  This week - I passed the 500-mile mark riding Speedy - since April 15th.

Keg Creek~

 Either of the nearest trail-heads to our home are just under ten-miles away.  Not bad & I'm thankful for it!  I threw myself under the bus today though!  :-)  Since it was slated to be the last decent day in the next week, I decided to do two sections with good uphill grades.

Snake!

 With hot sunshine, along with the effort of pedaling a section of trail without the shade I'm used to  I Did see this guy slither out!  I stopped & carefully approached, wanting a photo this time!  He hissed, showing his forked tongue.

Why does the snake cross the road?

 He proceeded to continue out onto the trail & cross it - before disappearing into the grass!  I'm really, really glad these guys don't seem to like our place!

Coming into Margaritaville~

 Leaving Mineola, my destination this direction, was Margaritaville.  I rode on to Dumfries, to get in a full four-miles. 

Underpass at Dumfries~

 I turned back, soaked in sweat.

Speedy posing~

 Speedy insisted on a photo, she did look cute with the colorful sign.  The fun part was next!  Four-miles of downhill!  Yippee!  We flew!  Seventh gear got a good workout!

I didn't even stop - when we returned to the trail-head at Mineola.  Passing the Bronco, I headed south, toward Silver City.  It's another uphill grade, but only two-miles before the trail surface turns to concrete & another 2-miles of downhill.

Mari Jo was at her shop, she asked if I was going on to Malvern?  My answer?  "NO!"  Butch had a class to attend, so wasn't there to bring me back to the Bronco anyway.  I didn't feel like stretching my limits to over 30-miles.

circa - 1890 -1905

I always like asking questions about the towns in our area & their history.  Mari Jo is a wealth of information on Silver City & shared the above photo with me.  Happy Trails Cycle Shop was originally the newspaper office!   The large building on the right - was the lumber yard.

It was after 4 when I started back to Mineola.  This time, the climb came first.  The last two-miles to Mineola are a fine, fast ride!  Once home, Speedy got a bath.  When Butch is gone, Nika & I watch horse movies :-)  I highly recommend "Chasing the Wind".

A week or so ago, Grandson Ben went to visit Farah.  His phone was on speaker & he asked me to call out her name.  When I did, Nika came running - checking out both the front & back door - looking for Farah!  :-)  It did my heart good to know she still remembers our gold mare.

On I go - toward 1,000 miles on a bike!  More difficult than the first time with Farah!