Lord Hill Learning Experience~

Joan & I had been planning to meet here for weeks.  Today, we were so lucky to have such a beautiful day!  Jennifer rode Cody - who was thrilled to have Farah for his companion - while Joan hiked & pointed us in the direction of the trails she wanted me to see :-)

Farah & Cody

One portion of a new trail - 2.7-miles was as beautiful as any I've seen here. There were several trailers in the parking area & we ran into quite a few riders - one group honing their Search & Rescue skills.

By one of the wetlands~

It's so nice to see an Equestrian park that gets so much use by Equestrians!  As the only one in Snohomish County - we hope that our numbers support the continued use of these trails as bike groups lobby for expanded space.

Jenn on Cody~

This park loved by so many for so long, is a gem into & of itself.  With such an incredible diversity of the native plant communities - that manage to hold their own - even against the ever increasing invasive species.

Erratic Rock!

Riding this trail - it's hard to miss this incredible boulder!  Joan told us that it is an erratic rock - transported by a Glacier & left behind as the Glacier melted.  To think of the size of an ice sheet capable of moving a rock this large, is truly beyond the imagination!

Other side of the rock~

Farah was very good today, especially since she hadn't been out for over a week!  Just one big buck on a steep downhill with a nice drop off the side!  I know I'll have to get her out again & let her open up a little to burn off some steam :-)

Beautiful little bowl~

This park hosts so many Equestrian events;  with room for over 70 rigs, it's one place where large events can be held.  The new trail I rode today - designated LH2 adds distance & is for horses only.  Even if only 2.7-miles - it's a very pleasant ride - so nice to not have to be watching for the next bike to fly around a corner.

The old Quarry~

Already the bike lobby has increased their footprint here - with bike only trails.  Originally bikes were allowed in on a trial basis - continued use would depend on whether conflicts between the user groups occurred.  Another concern was possible degradation to the sensitive/natural areas.  As most of us who ride the Victoria trails know - mountain bikes have compacted the trails to the point where the horses slip on the downhill sections.  Now, bikes have trails in the central & north pipeline areas here.

If you do search some of the bike sites - you'll be shocked at the bad publicity that's out there regarding horses on trails.  Environmental impact studies are relatively new - since the numbers of mountain bikes on the trails have increased exponentially the last few years - at least in our region.  If you read too much - it might scare you as to what the future may hold...

Our route~

Again - it takes participation - Equestrian participation at planning meetings, trail-clearing parties, charity events, wherever we can keep our right-to-ride in the public eye... 

Riding with Lynn~

It was not from lack of trying - but it's been busy out for me.  Finally - we found a day that worked for us both to ride!  It had been way too long!

Waking to cool temperatures & cloud cover seemed strange after the string of sunshine days!  I even took my jacket.  We decided on Lord Hill - one place that isn't too long a drive for either of us.  It was only my second visit this year.

On the trails~

 It's easy to forget how lush & beautiful these trails are.  Both mares were in season, Farah giving Sophie snarky looks - I smacked her for it.  Lynn was a perfect trail guide.

On the newer trail~

The string of wetlands through here are so beautiful & the quiet of the morning was wonderful.  Besides a few birds, all was serene.  Taking one trail early in the ride, Farah came to a quick halt.  I looked down to see where a very large hole had opened in the trail, going all the way across into the Salmonberry.  It looked deep - so we backed the mares up & went a different way.  It will take a Lot of rock to fill it in.

At the River~

On the way to the river, Farah was walking down the middle of the old road, when I felt her drop & a front foot had broken through into another pretty deep hole.  I was thankful that we weren't trotting!

Connie & Farah

The Snohomish River was So low!  We could see fish jumping.  Farah waded out quite a distance from shore before she started yawning :-)

Lynn & Sophie

Sophie was totally distracted by something in the distance - No swishing tail!  Both mares had a nice sheen of sweat by the time we'd started looping back.  I could feel that the humidity was high & was surprised when I downloaded my Garmin that we'd done over 1,400 feet of elevation gain.

Falling leaves!

Leaves were already starting to fall from the huge Cottonwoods!  It even smelled like Fall!  Of course the cool, cloudy day contributed to the feeling.

Our route~

I had to ask Lynn to cut our ride a little short.  We got in almost ten-miles & if I'd had more time, Lynn said we could have squeezed in about 13.  The only place we missed was the lookout.  Hopefully - we'll do that next time!

Lord Hill~

The morning started off cool with some fog.  As I loaded Farah, I thought about going back for a jacket, but with 80+ forecast, I just couldn't imagine I'd need it.  The spotty fog continued through most of our drive to Snohomish.  Traffic was light, it didn't take as long as I expected to arrive at the Lord Hill parking area.  I was surprised to be the only one there - just cool enough that I would have used that jacket - at least until about 5-minutes later when the sun burned through!

On the main trail~

Within just a short time - two more trailers came in, along with our friends;  Scott, Karen & Jeannie.  Farah's attention was diverted by the sound of sheep baaing from the neighboring farm. :-)  It wasn't long before we were all out on the trails.  It was so much cooler in the dappled shade of the forest.  Farah was totally relaxed & happy to be out with her friends.

On the trail~

I was somewhat unjust - when I wrote that Farah chomps the bit & is unhappy going on slow rides.  Not true.  She's done many, many rides with other horses where she's acted like a lady.  Sometimes,  I think she makes her own assessment of how competitive the other horses are.  As long as her dominance isn't in question - she can be just fine.  It's only if another horse wants to go fast past her - that she lets me know that's not what she thinks should happen.  Or, if we're behind a horse walking slowly for a long period of time.  We're working on that!   Of course after riding Khari for years - who didn't mind in the slightest being last - it's been my challenge to keep Farah's forward without the ornery.  Today - she was great!  Not bothered by letting Sherman or Rico lead.  Dash is such a nice mare, the two of them seem to have an understanding.

Karen & Sherman, Jeannie & Dash, Scott & Rico

 As were were coming back - a hiker told us that a truck hauling a large trailer - had broken down half-way up the Big hill!  Back at the trail-head, there were horses everywhere!  The trailer had been unloaded & there were probably fifteen horses tied to the hitching rails.  Our impression - was that this was a group ride that included Veterans.  I was standing at Scott's trailer when a lady with the group headed toward Farah, taking photos.  I asked her not to approach & was rebuffed by her comment;  "If you're going to ride a sliver bay - you might as well get used to it!"  She also commented that she had fifteen horses!  I replied that I only had one & her color was chocolate.  :-)  I Googled silver bay - if you follow the link - you'll see a lot of beautiful horses of every shade!  Lots of reading on the genetics of color, none quite like Farah.

Driving down the hill on our way out - we passed the truck.  As we'd been told, blocking the uphill lane, mid-point in the climb.  With an unobstructed view - we could easily get by.  At the bottom of the hill, another rig was blocking the road, waiting for a gate to be opened. 

Waiting~

A short delay & we were on our way - really a fun ride!

Leave No Trace~

The flyer~

Sometimes, it's all about timing...  I've been appalled - more than usual lately by the way our local trail-heads are being abused.  Even Lord Hill, where I seldom go & is usually clean - had many piles of manure left on the gravel of the parking areas when I was there last week.  I've picked it up myself & hauled it away - but why should I have to do that?

The Bracken Road parking area on the Pilchuck Tree Farm, was so dirty last week that I could hardly take a step without walking on manure...  What's happening here?  Is it that horsemen take these areas so for-granted that they forget it's a privilege to ride there?

  

During the last few months, Butch was corralled into taking on Leave No Trace, for our local Traildusters Chapter of Back Country Horsemen.  We also belong to the Cascade Horse Club.  Both Chapters sent us to this class & we were looking forward to the weekend.

   We left Fri. night about 6:30, had dinner at South Hill, outside Puyallup & made camp at the Cowlitz Ranger Station in Randle - by 10:30 p.m.  Pulling in so late, we weren't there for the work of getting the tents set up.

Our spot~

 BCH is the only organization with a program to teach LNT.  This Awareness Class, was the first in a series of three - with the purpose of educating horsemen on ways to lesson our impact on the environment.

Our alarm went off early to a brisk sunshine morning!  Breakfast was at 7 & class started promptly at 8 a.m.!   I had on my thermal pants & warm jacket - but the tents were already warmed by a nice propane fire.  Jane Byron was our instructor - otherwise known as;  "LNT Jane" :-)  She did a wonderful job of leading us through the program in an easy to understand fashion.  We were challenged to think about what impact we may have - before we make one!

Gar Abbott came by to welcome us to his neck of the woods :-)

 We learned each of the seven principals - throughout the weekend & how to use those principals to think first - as we take our horses out - trail riding, horse camping & interacting with other user groups.   This all goes back to having respect for the land.

"Trail"in the grass~

 After watching the "Soft Paths" video - we went out side & walked single file through the wet grass - later in the day we checked the area & could still see the circular path we'd taken.  It only takes a few times, riding off trail - to make a trail where there was none.  Something we don't want to do.

High Lining

 We enjoyed the benefit of having some very experienced instructors - to teach us how to high line, while doing minimal damage to the ground.  How to mitigate that damage by putting the high line on ground that is best suited - the most durable surface available.

"Doc" lectures on high lining~

 Fire building is discouraged now days - with the increasingly heavy use that the back country receives from it's multitudes of visitors each year.  Camp stoves are convenient, light weight & do a good job cooking meals.  We did learn some great techniques to keep a fire footprint to a minimum!  We were divided into groups & asked to build fires using different methods - that we had to keep burning for four hours.  Of course the wind was blowing - so getting them started was a challenge.

This one on a fire barrier & on top of rock!

 The one above did scorch the grass & soil.  A rock barrier under the fire barrier would have helped, or a deeper layer of rock.

Ours, in a pan.  Butch raised it off the ground & filled the pan 1/2 way with mineral soil.

 Ours, that Butch set up - did very well.  It was hard to light without a wind block, but once it was going, just a little fuel kept a nice fire.  By the following morning - when we moved the pan - there was no sign that there had been a fire.

We'd built it in a rut - there was no scorching of the grass or soil!

 Below is an older model of a fire blanket.  It was made from some tough materials, but can you imagine having only that between you & a out-of-control fire?

Portable fire blanket for Fire Fighters

 Another lesson, digging a proper pit for human waste.  A minimum of 6" deep, removing the top layer of grass or plants intact, dig beneath - then re-fill.  A minimum of 200 ft. from any water source.

Hole in the ground~

 It was a very busy weekend.  We moved from books to do-it-yourself instructions throughout both days.  Our meals?  Well - they were incredible!  Lewis County Chapter volunteers provided three meals a day, dutch oven, plus mid-morning, mid-afternoon snacks & a sack lunch to go on Sunday!  If we'd been there any longer - we would have all gained weight!  The chocolate lava cake - dutch oven style with vanilla ice cream topped the list when it came to good!

Brochure

I can't say enough about the army of volunteers who provided the support for this event!  It takes a village - but in our case - it was more like an army!  With tents to set-up, tear down, stock to haul, gear to provide, the list goes on.

Becoming a member of Back Country Horsemen is more than sending in your yearly dues.  It's a commitment to a cause!  The cause of keeping horses on the trails in every sense of the word.  Leading the way in educating others when it comes to minimal impact on our fragile environments - whether they be in the Wilderness, or on our Front Country Trails.

Another Two-fer Day!

Amanda & Cato, Lynn on Sophie

 After the morning fog burned off, the day was as stellar as the weather man had promised.  I was up early & on the road to Lord Hill to meet-up with Amanda & Lynn.  It had been way two long since we'd ridden together & now that the weather is cooperating - we have no excuses!

Cato & Amanda

 Farah was thrilled to see Cato again & I think he felt the same about her :-)  Sophie got extremely dirty looks if she made the slightest attempt to get between them.  Lynn graciously took up the rear & saved me from having to work harder than usual to keep Farah's mind on the trail.

Amanda & Cato~

 The new trail was built by Snohomish High Seniors to fulfill their community service requirement.  It's beautiful & well engineered.  For the first time we get a perfect view of the wetland - on the far side - where we only had a glimpse through the trees on the original trail.

Lynn & Sophie

 Sophie looks as great as ever!  Every time I see her on the trail, I'm in awe of her soundness & Lynn's management.  I can only hope that Farah does as well into her 20's!

Farah admires another wetland~

 As you can tell from the Google Earth image below, Lynn directed us on a beautiful loop.

Our route~

It seemed early when we headed back, but both Lynn & Amanda had things to do in the afternoon :-(  I was disappointed - but we've made plans for anther longer ride next week & lunch too!  I'm going to hold them to it!
_____________________________

Heading home from Snohomish, I found myself looking over at the Centennial Trail.  Why not I thought?  It was the three-year anniversary today of my point-to-point ride.  Really hard for me to believe that it's been that long.

Leaving from the 20th Trail-head

 We parked at the 20th street trail-head.  Lots & lots of cars in the lot, along with one other horse trailer.  Heading north - I was amazed at the changes.  The industrial area seems to have grown or expanded, or both.  Noise coming from every direction.

Further along~

 The first section is far from scenic & far from quiet, with Machias road running parallel.  Farah was less concerned with the traffic, than with all the big yellow boxes :-)

Underpass - Hwy 92

 The underpass cost so much - but got the trail through!  It's not bad at all, unless a big noisy truck goes overhead as you're going underneath!  :-)

Farah spots a horse~

 Farah going by was probably the most excitement this old guy had seen in a while :-)  We continued on - about mid-way to Lake Cassidy, we found a new paved trail going to a new subdivision of homes being built somewhat adjacent to the trail. 

Gate to Thomashire~

Their access gate has a access pad & will be handy for the new homeowners.  Prices start in the mid- 700's.  At Lake Cassidy, we had our lunch break.  So many people were out enjoying the day & Farah drew attention :-)  That gave me the opportunity to promote the trail & invite people to our monthly meetings.

Eagle on a nest~

 At the end of the dock, you could look back toward shore & be rewarded with the view of a Bald Eagle sitting on his/her nest :-)

Lake Cassidy~

 The lake was as deep a blue as the sky!  People were fishing off the end of the dock, while others took a break at the picnic tables.  I tied Farah to the hitching posts while I walked out to see the Eagle & visit the potty.  Very handy!

Heading back~

 This four-mile section of the trail, boasts several places where the horse trail splits off from the main trail - it's so nice to have that separation.  Just enough for a hand gallop.

Bleeding Hearts!

 Bleeding hearts are popping up everywhere, almost overnight it seems!  The sunshine brings out the best in people & plants too :-)

Making new Friends~

When we came upon this group, the baby's eyes were as big as saucers when she saw Farah.  Taylor, the young girl, was as thrilled as her little sister - who reached out & had touched Farah's nose!  Very brave!

The only downside to our ride, happened when we were more than half-way back.  Walking along, around a corner up ahead, came two flags - attached to a fast moving motorized Trike.  He was coming so fast & of course those flags were moving around.  Farah lost her marble, bolted, whirled & I instantly lost a stirrup.  On our second rotation, I yelled the first thing that came to mind;  "WHOA!" The gentleman got his trike stopped, I'd regained my stirrup & dismounted.

I introduced myself as the Chairman of the CT Coalition,  the rider apologized, saying that he knew he was going over 14-mph when he saw us... & that he had met the right person.  As a Veteran, he explained that the Veteran's Admin. has a new program where they will pay the cost of one of these trikes for Veterans who qualify.  This gentleman is thinking of opening a shop in Lake Stevens, since currently these bikes are only available somewhere down south.  (Farah, in the meantime - decided he was very interesting & tried to put her nose in his beard - which she loves to do with Butch :-)

Centennial Trail

The trail is not for motorized use...  I will have further questions regarding this issue.  Of all the people I greeted, the bike riders were the least friendly.  Maybe 30% returned my greeting.  They all looked to be on a mission...   A trail courtesy that was common in the early days of the trail, was to always make the comment;  "On your left, or - on your right"  When passing another trail user.  The bikes come whizzing up - almost silent.  That tends to give other users a start or scare!

On days when the trail is so busy - it seems that everyone needs to be a little more considerate & that speed should be reduced for the safety of all~

Lord Hill - Revisited~

OH MY GOSH!  There are Sheep over there!

It had been a long while since I'd ridden at Lord Hill...  When Lynn & Amanda invited me I was looking forward to seeing those trails again.   Yes - we're stylin' now :-)  While we wait for the new breast collar, using our western one :-)
The giraffe look was evident - the neighbor's sheep were making sheep noises through the trees :-)  Today - our third ride with the Heraldic.  When I saddle Farah up at the barn, then go to walk her down to the trailer, she has always waited until the pressure hits her halter before stepping forward.  This morning, I said my usual;  "Let's Go!" & she moved out instantly!  Such a small thing - but it blew me away!

Farah & the handsome Cato!

Farah was very pleased to see her friend Cato again!  Sophie was the third wheel as far as she was concerned & she made it very clear - if Sophie even tried to get close!  So, Cato led on the way out - Sophie, as usual on the way back.

A very dry wetland~

Even though this park has so much shade, leaves were falling & the drought conditions were evident.  This was a good test for the saddle.  Farah being in the rear - she did do a few of her antics, but no bucking & only one shy.

Relaxed~

Both Amanda & Lynn said that they really thought Farah was the most relaxed they had seen her.  They were with us on some of our very first rides, so should know.  I didn't feel quite right though.  The saddle was comfortable, but the pitch of the seat didn't put me where I like to be.  We were walking & trotting, both of which are not the same as riding in competition.

Another very low river...

Farah's face is the driest I've ever seen it - she has matured & come into her own this year...  The horses really enjoyed standing in the river, the morning clouds had burned off & the humidity had gone up.  All three had a sheen of sweat.

Great Blue Heron

 We were thrilled to see this Great Blue Heron enjoying the extremely low water in the wetland.  I'm sure food is getting scarce, but what there is - probably easier to catch!

Amanda, Cato, Lynn & Sophie

We were heading back when Amanda & I realized that it was the first time this year we've ridden together!  Even Lynn & I haven't gotten in that many miles, I've been staying closer to home.  Hopefully cooler weather isn't too far away & I'll feel more like traveling farther.  I've yet to ride most of the Fall City trails~

Heading back down~

Once home, Farah enjoyed her bath.  Afterward I turned her loose, she had one big roll in the yard, then took off at a full trot to her pasture, where she rolled again, leaped five-feet in the air & took off with a short burst of speed!  I don't think I have to worry about any pain issues!