Learning Opportunities~

 Another cool, cloudy morning!  Very strange & very nice - as least as far as I'm concerned.  I loaded Farah late morning & we were on the road to our friends farm outside Monroe.   We were invited to a birthday party! 

Karen, Jeannie & Connie

 I unloaded Farah to a stall & within a few minutes everyone had arrived & we enjoyed getting to know each other a little better & share our past experiences with horses.  Of course it had to be the foreshortened version - or we could have been there weeks!  :-)

Arena~

Yummy cupcakes, I'd brought organic cantaloupe & seedless watermelon - plenty to eat as usual!

Such a beautiful farm~

 By early afternoon, we were all saddling up & ready to do some arena riding!  Farah was pretty at ease, she's made friends with Scott's gelding Rico & after the Clinic with Russell - she was familiar with the stable.

Scott & Gem...  Farah - ready :-)

 It was one of those Friday afternoons where everyone is just ready to kick-back & enjoy the last day of the week.  We appreciate being invited so much - it's really great for Farah to have time in the arena with several well-trained horses.  I'm doing everything I can to teach her that everything we do is not necessarily a race...

Just hanging out with friends :-)

We worked on a few things & I was surprised that Farah remembered more than I thought she had!  Slow trotting has never been her thing - but today we did some & she was praised for it!  Scott also took the time to bring Gem over & Gem tried so hard to befriend Farah :-)  Finally - Farah caved & we let the two touch noses.  The first time for a long time that Farah has met a mare & not acted snarky.

Then there's the view~

You could never call riding in this arena work!  The views are so jaw dropping gorgeous - it's hard to stay focused :-)  We finished up the afternoon on a really nice note.  It seems that as time goes on, my goals do change.  Now that I've contributed to Farah's type A personality - it's time to see if I can teach her to appreciate some new challenges~

Farah is Ten!

Returning to Camp - Quincy Trip~

It's almost impossible for me to believe today is Farah's tenth birthday!  Five-years since we brought her home (Post) to be my retirement ride.   The year I turned 60, Farah was five.  You can do the math - but if our luck & health hold, I'll be 75 the year she turns 20.

Farah at Ancient Lakes

Riding this mare is the thrill of a lifetime.  Every ride, every stride I appreciate her magnificent style.  She has brought miles & miles of joy to my life.  Each morning when I walk up to the barn & see those gold eyes looking at me - I smile.  Every time I saddle her up - I smile.

Heading out with our friends~

 What I've wanted for her from the very beginning, is to build her to be a well-rounded mare.  One that can do it all, from trail riding with friends, to an occasional endurance ride & anything in-between.  I don't think being fit enough to compete at endurance - should exclude the laid-back quality of a good ride with BCH friends.  Each time we are included in one of these rides, my admiration & respect for the people & the horses they ride, grows.

For her birthday present, I've scheduled an evaluation from a trainer who has a solid background in the thoroughbred racing industry.  My go-to place thanks to Dean's mentoring. :-)  I'm looking forward to getting some new insights & perspectives.  In making life as good as I can for her, I'm investing in our future together.  Working on our partnership, allowing it the room to grow & expand.  Steps to continue the learning process that should stand us in good stead - over the upcoming years of our next decade together!

Ladies Ride~

As I drove up to the Glass School parking - I was halted by a crew working on the lines.  With the stabilizing leg down on the truck, there was no room for me to get the trailer by.  The delay was only maybe ten minutes.  They brought the boom down, retracted the leg & we squeezed by :-)

Crew at work~

I was meeting up with Linda, Kerry & Toni for a mid-week ride :-)  It seemed warmer today than yesterday, the humidity was higher - the haze heavier.  It was a good excuse to get Farah out with more than one horse - a rarity for us & good for her.  Nice for us both to enjoy a group ride.

 Linda, Kerry & Toni

The bugs were again out in hoards - my spray didn't seem to do much, Linda's worked better.  We were all glad to reach the monument & the breeze that is almost always there.

Haze above the Sound~

The horses enjoyed the 6" high grass, full of blooming dandelions.  Kerry & Toni were amazed at Farah grazing on her own, I hope this practice doesn't come back to bite me :-)  Toni had to be back by mid-day, so after we brought them back within easy reach of the trailers - Linda & I left for another loop.

Higher on the mountain

We took the roads & stayed higher on the north end of the tree farm.   Khody seems to be enjoying the work he's been put to & led a lot of the way.  Farah was disinterested - still fully in season, but again I sure enjoyed her quiet demeanor.

Linda & Khody

We did go down one trail a short way - Linda thought there was a blow-down & yes, there was.  More chain saw work.  Farah seems to like Khody - I know she has a preference for buckskins - after her long time friendship with Amanda's handsome Cato.

After listening the the weather report, it sounds like we'll be moving back into temperatures more normal for this time of year & I really don't think I'll mind!  No bugs would be welcome!

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!
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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~

Fall Fun with Friends~!

Beth on Kate, Amanda on Cato

I'd wanted to get together with these two - plus Lynn for a ride for a while!  Finally, schedules merged - except for Lynn's...  We met at Bracken Road, several rigs already there.  It was a nice dry, if brisk morning.  My usual loop is roughly ten-miles & everyone was game for that & a break at Cloverdale.

Farah in a huff~

I thought Farah would be so happy to see her friend Cato & she'd usually gotten along with Kate.  It had been a long while since we'd been out with more than one horse.  She was so ornery...  A threatened kick toward Kate, put her in the rear.  Cato was setting a super nice pace.  I tried all my usual tricks to calm her down, but it took several miles until she settled enough to start enjoying the ride.

Toward Cloverdale on the Whitehorse

It's always a pleasure to follow these two buckskins!  We'd brought rain jackets, just so we wouldn't need them.  The temperature felt like it was dropping by the time we'd had our break & started back.  Now, Farah trotted beside Cato & Beth & I got to visit a little side-by-side.

As we finished up our ride, Amanda mentioned lunch, so I called Donnie to get the name of the local restaurant in Arlington - that she & Pat had recommended.

We didn't do much talking - we were too busy feeding our faces!  About all we said was "YUM!"  I had the onion rings & they are truly the best I've had.  I won't say no next time Pat suggests coming here!

It was just such an amazing Fall day!  Not too cold, the super charged fresh air & good company!

Curve of the Earth~

From Stimson Hill

Another - cool gorgeous late Summer day!  All in all, the last of a very nice string of days comprising our Labor Day Weekend.  Today - I rode with Joyce, Charlotte, Mel & Mel's friend Heather.  The ride plan was for Stimson Hill.  We started out mid-morning & wondered early on if the big gray thunderheads with white billowing edges would drop rain?  No, they just continued to sail overhead as we started the climb.

Heading up~

 Farah was Very full of herself, more time spent airborne than moving forward.  Happy to be out with Target, Jesse was ignored :-)  I was anxious for the climb - hoping it would take a little of the edge off.  I was disappointed - she continued to be handful for most of the ride.

Views open~

We took the more gradual roads on the assent - everyone enjoying the day, the bright sunshine & a ride through this amazing country.

Heather, Charlotte, Joyce & Connie (Thanks Mel for taking the photo)

Just below Barbara's Bench, we stopped for photos.  Heather's Quarter Horse hadn't signed up for the ride he was doing on this day :-)  This was my fourth ride in the Stonewall Classic & longest to date.  It's such a welcome relief to be riding in a comfortable, no issue saddle again.  I can feel Farah walk out better than ever & her transitions - if you could call them that today- were totally fluid. 

Clear-cut at Victoria, just behind the little tree in the middle~

Once you get this high - it seems so strange to be looking so far down.  Seeing Victoria below gives you the perspective.  Looking down, from up high has always been one of my favorite things :-)

Joyce, Charlotte, Heather & Mel~

We reached the apex of the climb, then went on out toward the ridge for a way.  We used to be able to drop down & get back to Joyce's - but those roads are now closed off.  Instead, we turned & started back.

Going Down~

It's steep & it's amazing - we dismounted for most of the way~

Target looking for Farah, Joyce, Charlotte & Jackson

 Joyce said that Target worried if Farah got out of his sight :-)  They touched noses several times & he is not intimidated by her antics.  We took the short-cut coming down, it was overgrown - but both Joyce & I were surprised that the blackberry weren't as bad as we'd expected.  The trees are getting all enough to shade more of the area where they've been known to get ten-feet high. 

Our route

This ride is still one of the best around.  Tough & hard - but I'd do that most any day to experience the high country views.  I've been so jealous of some of the views that I've seen from our eastern, WA derby riders & am determined to go visit & see them for myself!  Until then - I'll stay more than satisfied with the ones that are in our backyard :-)

Glorious Day to Ride!

Unedited Stellar Day!

Aarene & Patty usually ride out at Victoria on Thursday's with their group - Joyce had been invited a few weeks ago & invited me on this day.  Mel would be riding Jesse.  I was happy to be included - it's too seldom that we have the opportunity to ride in a group.  First one there - as I parked & walked around the front of the Bronco...  There was steam escaping from under the hood!  No!  No Way!  Not after just putting $1,500 into it in the past couple weeks!  I got the hood up to find water & antifreeze everywhere!  I called Butch!  He said he would come up!  Thank heaven!  I put the hood back down just as everyone else arrived.

Mel on Jesse, Joyce & Target

Though we all left as a group, with Farah in the lead, soon Patty & Aarene moved on ahead - riders on a mission :-)  Farah wanted to go catch them, but she was also enjoying the company of her VBF Target!  Jesse gets totally ignored if Target is with us :-)  Joyce wanted to do the south loop - so we headed that way.

Mel does the heavy work!

We went ahead & took the short trail that connects the two roads that make up this loop.  Someone had marked it closed with rock - but I hope to ask at the next PRA meeting about this section.  Farah remembered that a vine maple had almost gotten me last time we were on it & stopped just short!  Good Girl!  Joyce had her saw & Mel did the work to removed the maple!  Thanks Mel!  She also plans to come help out at Linda's trail-clearing work party the first part of June!

That loop - without going to the Monument - is 14.5 miles & we did it in under 3 hrs.  We walked the long downhill - & included the maple cutting :-)  Butch kept me posted - he had arrived at the Bronco, diagnosed which hose had the hole, then gone to Mt. Vernon.  That was a mistake!  He said the traffic of people going to the Tulip Fields was Awful...  He was back at the Bronco & had it finished when we returned!  Yippee!  Farah was surprised & happy to see Dad - she had a hopeful expression;  "Did you bring any mash?"

After her bath :-) All Shed out & sleek!

 Once home, Butch & I had lunch out on the patio, then Farah got her well deserved bath!  I was flat out amazed that her shoes had stayed on for this ride!

Nails hanging out the hoof wall~

We're at just under six weeks & we've gone quite a few miles - a lot of it in the granite sand of the high desert of Southern, CA.  Justin is due today - good thing!

Cruizing with Friends~

Joyce on her new mare Penny, Charlotte & Aliento, Mel riding Jesse

Joyce was determined to get me out today :-)  She knew the Bronco was in the shop, but said;  "Can't you use the big truck?"  Well...  yes - I could - I've only driven it twice... the second time was last night - when - after I told Butch I wasn't riding because I didn't have the Bronco...  He hitched up the horse trailer to the truck & said;  "Now you're driving us to the Centennial Trail meeting!"  Hum... I'd just gotten back from a ride, had made myself a hot mug of tea & was looking forward to kicking back on the way up there.  Instead - I got a lesson in getting out our gate, driving "his" diesel truck etc. :-)  Tea was still hot for the meeting :-)

Away we go!

It was Penny's first time on the trail & she was a champ!  Mel will be leasing Jesse for the ride season & Charlotte is planning on the first ride of the season!   

My first trillium of this spring

I was far from the first in our area to spot one & this specimen wasn't the finest - but there it was!  The harbinger of Spring in the Northwest!  Not as warm as yesterday, with some overcast & a little humid - it was a perfect day to be out on the trails.

Logged trails~

We rode through the leftover mess from the logging - it had settled a little, but with deep ruts & holes full of water, the horses had to pay attention to where they were stepping.  Finally we were through & I was thinking of how beautiful this trail had been - it was the one where we could really move out at the trot...

Rock here~

 We did a nice pace for the first five-miles, but Penny was tiring, so Joyce & Mel broke off to head back, while Charlotte & I did another quick five.  Farah actually went behind Aliento without much fuss, the bit was oh so nice!  Then - Farah lead & enjoyed the pace.  Besides both horses threatening to kick the other - after a short time, they actually were working well together.  When we stopped to chat - they grazed nose to nose.

Heading home, my final "worry" was getting back in our gate.  I cut it wide, very wide & slid through easily!  Yippee!   My husband was in meetings all day, but I sent him a text to say that his truck was home safe & sound!  :-)