Is it Hot Again?!

The coolest part of our ride~

It was amazing how nice an evening we had yesterday - just perfect, then the coolness swept in & it was a nice night for sleeping too!

Today- Linda & I wanted to ride - but neither of us were very ambitious.  A trail Linda had hoped to have a volunteer clear yesterday - didn't get done, so we decided to just do our somewhat usual loop. 

Looking NW

There was still a layer of haze out over the islands & water, once we were in the sun - it was instantly warm.  The trails literally were washed with Tuesday's hard storm - all the tree detritus that usually covers the dirt trails - had been washed downhill & left in big piles at the bottom of the hills - making the climbs extremely slippery.  Farah's new shoes helped!

Farah grazes

Once at the monument, we took a break, ate our lunch & weren't in any hurry to leave.

Linda gets "mail" :-)

Count is enjoying his new Reactor Panel girth - Linda has worn through two - this is her third!  :-)  Finally - we decided to move on & out.

Out on the ridge~

The above trail is getting hammered by invasive plants, the thistle, & scotch broom are taking hold.  It's up there on the list of trails yet to get done before it's too late, but that will be another day...  Cutting the trail won't remove the weeds...

Whitehorse & Three Fingers - still have snow

Looking east, the air was much clearer & the view of the mountains was really outstanding.  Before too long, the storm clouds will again roll in & I'm looking forward to seeing those changes.

We were back early enough that I could move my Chiropractic appointment. up an hour.  I was almost late, went running down the street & passed a tall guy with ear buds in.  I was laying on the table, happy to be flat - when Jay walked in & said;  "Busted - for running past your Chiropractor who's told you to TAKE it EASY!"  :-)  Almost done with my treatment, I am feeling much better - but was reminded that there's still some healing to do :-)

Adjusting & Adjusted~

It was hard to stay home from one of our favorite rides, but all in all - following Linda's advice & seeing a Chiropractor has set me on a new path that at this point is working well for both me & Farah.  My shoulder has finally moved back into the vicinity it belongs, low enough that people can see my ear again!

Dr. Jay rides a mountain bike & does a lot of hiking - so he understands people who want to keep on doing what they love to do.  He agreed that we could continue on - just not at the rate/speed/distance that going to a ride would entail.  He is also very good at turning some of my comments back at me!  Like when I mentioned that I'm one of those "type A's" always about how fast I can get it done.  When I complained that I'd have to come in yet another day - he said;  "I thought you were the one that's all about speed?"  If I keep up with the schedule - my neck will improve quicker.

Farah waits for her adjustment

 On Thursday, I walked Farah down the sidewalk on 172nd & you should have seen four lanes of traffic freak out at the sight!  :-)  She helped with yard work while we waited :-)  Watching while Jay was working on her - it was obvious that something was happenning.  She'd had one spot up by her poll on the off side that she's been snarky about since I bought her.  No longer!  The difference in her today was readily apparent.

With yet another new pad~

As much as we've both liked Linda's saddle, it has been making "waves" on her withers - especially when we do a lot of up/down hill which we do a lot of anyway.  I'd tried foam inserts in the Woolback - but she didn't like that.  We went shopping to buy a crupper - but couldn't find one locally.  Instead - since Everett had mentioned a pad he bought that worked well to keep the saddle in place - I found one of those at Bony Pony - a Tucker "Tacky Tack" pad.

Morning fog~

Linda wanted to head out early to beat the heat & it was a good thing we did.  The ride was Great, cool & beautiful - we saw two deer.  When you ride with Linda - you ride trail & we did plenty - up/down & all around!  The saddle stayed in place & by the Monument I took it off to see what things looked like.  Farah's back looked great - not as sweaty as usual under the Woolback & the waves actually looked a little better!

Linda & Count!

 Linda is smiling in this photo - because she enjoys torturing me!  Enjoys it!  :-)  More than once over our years of riding together - one or the other of us has had to work through stuff & there's no one better than Linda to work you through it!  Each ride - my confidence is improving - Farah still taking a second look at the small bridges we cross!

Fog burning off, Sun coming out Hot!

 By the time we headed back - the sun had burned through & the temperature went up about 15 degrees in 5 minutes!  We have plans to clear trail tomorrow morning - we've picked the trail & we're hoping for another foggy morning!

My new Crazy Legs!

Diane wanted a photo of me in my new tights - so here it is!  I removed my half chaps to better show off the pattern on the tights & yes - I removed my helmet too!   The cotton works perfectly for me & good thing - since Di mentioned something about... if THEY were too hot - I'd be riding naked!  NOT!