Sky High~

2802' - Above it all~

A long time coming - how I'd missed being up here~  Our route to Stimson Hill goes up Mt. Washington.  With the heavy logging & truck traffic, it's been impossible to get even close during the week.  It's fun to have a partner for this ride - since it's long & difficult.

Charlotte had the time - so we made a plan to meet at the MHC & just see how far we could get.  It was a hazy, cool morning & as usual we were the  only ones there.  It was super to see Fancy again!  The mares recognized each other & Farah was So happy to have Fancy as her companion for the day!

The End of the Trail!

We took the usual forested trail out, the one that has always gone past the quarry & still did my last visit here in February.  Before we'd even reached the spot where the trail turned to go by - the trail disappeared.

Clear-cut & Mt. Washington

 Slash from the logging everywhere & deep in spots.  No sign of where the trail had been.

New View of the Quarry

We did some hunting - I got off & looked for a way around - we came out to a newly made & rocked road.   Now, I knew we would be able to get out.  The way around the end of the gate on the power line - is now treacherous, narrower than ever & getting soft - with a nasty drop off the edge if a hoof were to miss the footing :-(  Past that!

On our Way!

Gunfire alerted us to a group firing off high powered rifles - luckily at a shot block - which put the four of us on edge.  Both mares just dug in - attacking the first levels of the climb with minimal effort.

Mt. Rainier on the Skyline~

We couldn't have picked a more perfect day, moderate temperature, light breeze & at least the haze wasn't so thick that we couldn't see Mt. Rainier.

Charlotte & Fancy - from Mt. Washington

We took a short break after the first long, hard pull~

Connie & Farah, Mt. Pilchuck to the left~

I'd told Charlotte that I could find my way over to Stimson & that was our goal, which put a lot more climbing ahead of us...

View south from Barbara's Bench~

Before long we reached just over 2,000 ft. at Barbara's Bench.  We both had to climb up & get photos!

Toward the North with Victoria in the distance~

It's such a unique feeling - to be able to see over to where I ride so often & admire it's rise above the surrounding country.  From this viewpoint - 500 ft. higher than the highest point there.  We were still going, up & up.  Soon coming to an intersection that gave us a choice of up or down.

From Stimson Hill - Whitehorse~

At ten-miles, we decided to go on another mile - then if there were no views, turn back.  About half-way up this hard pull, here came two hikers with walking sticks.  They stopped, raised the sticks over their heads - Farah instantly 180'ed :-)  They explained that they'd hiked in off Cedarvale Loop.  We went for the views!  I did this ride for the first time New Years Eve of 2013, but we'd taken a lower fork.

The Whitehorse Trail from 2802 ft.

 What a thrill to recognize the Whitehorse Trail, my Green Valley & Cloverdale Farm below us!  The line of trees in the upper third, of the right side of the photo above, is the trail.   We stopped just short of the break-spot where Joyce & I had rested another time (post) we went exploring this far - right at the apex of the climb. 

Victoria's peak~

Heading back, we were on foot, talking away - when I realized that we'd taken a wrong turn!  Joyce & I had gone that way in 2013, exploring the lower road, but it wouldn't get us back to the MHC.  Luckily, I caught my mistake before we'd gone too far out of our way.  I programed my Garmin to take us back to start - & it did a fine job of telling us when a turn was coming up.  Once back, it read;  Returned to start :-)

Our route~

It was, as it always is - an impressive ride.   Twenty-two miles, total elevation gain of 4,131 ft. & high point at 2,802.  Moving time;  5hrs. 40 min.  Total time 6 hrs. 40 min.  Average moving speed 3.9 mph.  Both mares impressed us as much as the ride.  Farah learned so much from going out with an experienced, professional, exceptional mare.  I wish we had the opportunity more often.  She was so good all day, until on the way back, when she shied twice - while we were doing a good trot.  I should have turned her back etc., but by then - it was almost 6 p.m. & we all had dinner waiting!

Another Fall on the Whitehorse~

At Darrington

Finally - the highway to Darrington is back open.  The last time I rode this end of the trail was Oct.18th, of last year.  Today, I was to pick Ben up for a weekend visit - so I again had an excuse, not that I needed one!  :-)

About 1:30 p.m.

 This trail is beautiful right from the start & the day itself was as perfect as a fall day can be!  It's not far until you make the turn & head west toward Arlington.

Whitehorse

Once you do - your next view is of the iconic mountain that looms over the small town.  With it's cap of snow at a seasonal low - there's a craggy look about it.

Trail repair

At the bend in the river, the bank had been severely eroded last time I was here.  It had only gotten worse through the winter months.  With the work source crews deployed by Fema after the slide, this section was cut further back - from what was left of the crumbling bank.

The Stillaquamish

The river was again very low, the couple of days of rain we've received haven't done much to add to the flow yet.  This trail, unlike the others, has the peaceful feel that comes from the quiet - being far enough away from the highway. Places where you don't hear traffic whizzing by - just the sound of the river & on this day, the birds.

Typical Bridge

There are three bridges on the way to Fortson, two with wood decking & the last with concrete, all well built & sturdy.  Nice & wide with beautiful creeks flowing under.

Mirror perfect~

 With this six-miles open - it's only a taste of what will come once the remaining 14 bridges are decked & this trail gets to open in it's entirely. 

Getting closer to the mill~

We were making good time, but I had to keep stopping for photos.  When we reached the Bluegrass Festival grounds, two people were working on the grounds, trail & surrounding camping area.  They asked what I thought of the work on the trail - I told them it was amazing.  They've cut all the shrubbery way back from what it has been.  Their hours of hard work will be appreciated & enjoyed by everyone who loves this trail.

The pond at Fortson~

Beautiful, quiet & full of fish :-)  There were a couple people fishing when we arrived, Farah saw them before I did!

Where we're stopped

At Fortson, the bridge decking is too far apart for a horse to cross, just enough space between the planks that a hoof could easily slip through.  So - at about 6.5 miles - we turn back.

Wetland & Whitehorse

Of course, going back is just as beautiful as it was coming down.  I'm sure over the next few weeks, the colors will only intensify & I might have to come back ;-)

Close up~

Farah stood still long enough that I could zoom in on the mountain & I was surprised at how good this turned out.  Our pace on the way back usually increases by a couple miles an hour :-)  So we made good time.

Once back at the trail-head, I let Farah graze, telling her that we were waiting for Ben.  When Jentry pulled in Ben jumped out of the car, he walked over & threw his arms around Farah's neck!  I swear - if a horse can smile - she did!  :-)

Rumor has it, that with luck, ALL the bridges will be decked by the end of this year & the trail may actually open for it's entire length!  27-miles - connecting Arlington & Darrington!  I hope too - that Farah & I will be the first to ride it point-to-point!

Free Ride!

Whitehorse Mountain & Three Fingers

 Jury duty had finally caught up to me!  Today I was to appear in Arlington & of course it was to be the last day without rain for the next several...  I was not happy to be leaving home without the horse trailer on the back!  I arrived on time, I sat in a rock hard chair for about an hour & then - I was dismissed!   Lynn & I had planned to ride - at least until I remembered that I had to report -  so I called her first thing.  She'd already made other riding plans & I wasn't invited.  No problem - I'd played with the idea of going up to Victoria to give Farah an opportunity to do some moving out!

Haze moving in~

 I think Farah had the same idea - we hit the trails at a trot & trotted all the way up to the Monument.  We took a short break, Farah looked up from her grazing more than once - out the way Linda usually climbs up, but I didn't see or hear anyone.

Still to be identified!

These tiny beautiful pink flowers were opening up along the sides of the trail - I've looked but have yet to identify it.  The leaves are so similar to the Bleeding Hearts - but not the blooms.

The Trillium's are almost past their prime & turning pink~

It's amazing that the amount of times the area has been logged - that there are still spots of hardy natives that have survived & are thriving.  I was almost down to the lower end when my phone rang & it was Linda!  Yes - she was riding - had seen my rig - but was on the far side of the mountain.

Coyote Ridge Trail

Now that the trails are open, I was following the one above & ended up coming out in an area that Linda & I had ridden in a couple years ago - planted with Western Red Cedar - which we don't see often.  Since I couldn't remember how we got back - I decided to turn back & finish our loop.

Where we turned back~

Farah was really cruising - we did a long gallop & trotted the entire way back up the big climb!  The bugs were out in force so when we did stop - it wasn't for long!  We didn't see a soul the entire afternoon & finished up over 18-miles in good time.  Farah was happy - I was happy.   I stopped by Linda's for a coke on our way home.

With her eighth birthday coming up this week - it's hard to believe that she's been with us for almost three-years now.  I'm starting to believe that eight is the magic year - since our girl seems to be enjoying her life on the Homestead & her work - always head up & eager to go!  She's tough, strong & has shown me more than one flash of brilliance.  Once home, she got a warm bath, I got soaked & now it's time for pizza & a movie!  Really great end to what's been a fun week of riding!

Incredible Day!

Whitehorse & Three Fingers

With the upgrade of my desktop computer to 8.1 - I've lost the photo editing software that I used everyday...  Until I can find something else that works in the "app store" - I'm stuck using them just as I took them!  Even so - today's view from Victoria was breathtaking!  The snow so shockingly white on the peaks against the blue sky. 

Mt. Baker peeks over the foothills~

Lynn & Jack were kind enough to make the drive up to ride with me & it was sure a fun ride.  This time I re-traced part of our path from last week & we did what I'm now calling the "Double Loop".  At just over 17-mi. it really made for a nice ride, with a long steep climb all the way back to the top - which we took first at a trot, then canter & finally a good gallop!  Both mares feeling very competitive - at least Farah wasn't as ornery as she'd been on our last ride.  A couple rides out on our own seemed to help her to settle down again.

Flowering Currants & Farah

The wild flowering currants were in full bloom, I was trying for a close-up when they started swaying back & forth?  Oh!  Farah browsing on the greenery!  :-)  The third portion of our loop is a long stretch of the old logging road - it's beautiful with all the grasses starting to grow.

Lower road

So with the nice place for some long trotting, then the climbs back to the top - this makes for a nice conditioning loop.  Farah's heart rate is staying lower & I'm working for more consistent speeds, while picking up the pace.  Sophie has such a nice trot & is always game for whatever we do - an amazing mare at 20-years of age.  As I've told Lynn many times, I can only hope that Farah will still be as strong by that age!

Great day, great ride!

Keeping an "Eye" on the Girls!

Whitehorse wearing clouds~

What an incredible morning for a drive to Darrington!  Once I drove out from under the fog & gray cloud cover around Arlington - the day brightened.  I even had an excuse for the trip, an opportunity to watch our two youngest granddaughters while their mother was away a couple hours.

Well...  It took both eyes!  I thought I was in some kind of shape - but after a morning of chasing after two two toddlers, I felt like I'd ridden the Derby!  :-)

Skyla goes fast!

Then - not that long ago, Josie was just starting to walk.  Now - she's into a full run most of the time!   Two such sunny little personalities, such a joy to see in "action"!   Thank heaven their mother is young & agile! 

Skyla & Josie

I did manage to get the two of them in one spot & grab the camera at the same time :-)  By the time mommy had returned & we had lunch - I think it was past nap time!

Sunshine & flowers~

 It was a absolutely beautiful day.  A little chilly, light breeze, a few gold leaves falling lightly to the bring green grass of the yard.  Tall trees, shedding those leaves against a clear blue sky~

Tis the Season~

The Sun wins~

Wrapping presents, baking cookies, making candy - taking time for a hot cider, enjoying a calm day between storms...  It's that time of year, time for reflection, celebration, enjoying Christmas music, time with friends, family & holding close all that is dear to us~

Clouds part~

On my trip north a couple weeks ago, I was very lucky to witness these views.  When we speak of the Washington "Alps" - the title does not go undeserved.  I was spellbound by the rapidly changing vision of clouds & mountain.

The peak appears~

I offer this glimpse of the beauty of the Pacific Northwest Cascades & especially the magnificent Whitehorse Mountain.  On the Homestead, we're looking forward to the holiday with our two girls, sons-in-law & grandchildren!  Amazing how it only took ten-years to go from our first grandson to a second, then three Granddaughters!  Five!  How did that happen?  :-) Our very best to you & yours this Holiday Season! 

Merry Christmas!

Winter!

Whitehorse through the clouds~

We drove up for Ben's 12th birthday party & actually caught a view of the mountain on the way by!  Fresh snow on all the mountains, but not low enough to make it to town.  It was cold, we thought for sure we'd be driving home in snow, but it began warming up late in the day, turned wet, then by evening the sky was clearing off.

I should be out riding today, but now am coming down with Skyla's cold.  Have two scheduled rides for the upcoming week though - so time to scrape the mud off the gray mare & get in gear for another ride season!

Whitehorse in "Winter" White!

Whitehorse

Lots of snow up here!

Yesterday, I made the drive to Darrington again.  This time - between the storm clouds, the mountain appeared!  What a site!  With this much snow & temperatures still running ten degrees below normal, it certainly looks "wintery"!  (Wish I'd remembered my tripod.)

Wild River

The Wild Sauk River~

I love wild rivers, any time of year -- especially this one, since I'm lucky enough to be close enough to visit it occasionally.   It's also lucky for me that I have access at a relatively remote spot.  Does this look like "Spring" to you?  Behind those clouds hides Whitehorse Mountain.  Last summer this part of the river bed had Alder trees that were 2" around & 6 ft. high!  No more!  The seasonal change over the last three years that I've been watching, has been dramatic to say the least.