Haller to Nakashima - Centennial Trail~

Cool, cloudy, so a good day to do my due diligence.  I drove to Haller Park in Arlington, to ride the north end of the Centennial Trail.  I was so mad to see the tagging on the Trestle...  All these years, such a beautiful bridge & fools have to deface it.  Crazy how much time & effort it costs our hardworking Rangers to clean up after these idiots...

Haller Trestle heading north~

I walked Farah across, there were people playing in the river on both sides & underneath - I saw no point in risking a spook - since she was in one of her moods.

Looking west, Highway 9 crossing the Stillaquamish~

The views from the Trestle are so pretty - any time of year.  The flow of the river is down, but not as low as last year.

Looking east at 530 crossing the Stilly~

Farah was acting foolish & I get so tired of it.  When she's looking for things to shy at - it's far from relaxing.  The sides of the trail were freshly mowed, which made for perfect footing!

Picnic table gone?

I'll have to ask why both the picnic tables are gone from this nice little area.  I was disappointed here too, trash lying about.  Though it doesn't look it at this point, there's a lot of branches down, some shrubs that could be cut back & some pick up work done.  Since tp paper littered the ground - I'd be wearing gloves :-(

What happens to BAD horses!

After Farah refused & threatened to spin at a rock - yes - a rock that she's passed twenty times before...  I got off & had her butt moving in a circle so fast that my head was spinning - all the while smacking her with my stick on her rump.  As we saw the gate above - I explained that it could happen to her!   : -)

Ready to cross Hwy 9

By the time we got up here, she had finally settled down.  Even riding defensively - we were making really good time & both of us had a layer of sweat from the humidity.

Over Pilchuck Creek~

Here too, people have found a way to access the creek & were down in the water enjoying the warm, if cloudy afternoon.  A few people were out on bikes, most very pleasant - but one guy who thought he had the right-of-way on the bridge.  He soon found out that a horse can take up pretty much all of the width if they have a mind to!

Horse path mowed too!

We saw a pile of bear scat in the center of the trail!  So, either the bears up at Victoria do come down this far, or there's more in the area near the creek.

At the Barn~

All the beautiful native plants that were put in as part of the landscaping are being overrun by invasive weeds.  The little strawberries are working to cover the ground ahead of them!  Most of the trees & shrubs are doing fine & we watched Red-winged black birds flying in & out of the cattails.  

From the unimproved to the trail~

I rode up the unimproved part of the trail & we stopped for our lunch break.  There was plenty of tall grass for Farah to graze on.  I thought about riding up to Hwy 9, but it was pretty overgrown.  Butch was picking Ben up on his way home from work - so I wanted to get back at a decent time.

Native roses blooming~

Butch has taken on the task of painting new mileage markers on the paved portion of the trail.  The design of the stencil is our trail logo - the mileage numbers will be in the center.  It's much larger than we'd envisioned - soon we'll be out one evening getting mile #1 positioned & painted.  Before that though - the mileage points have to be marked.

Looking south from the barn~

We checked out the barn before we left, just a few cars were in the parking lot.

New sign~

I like the new little sign as you head down the trail - cute & so true!  I didn't see one single piece of trash in the area - with trash receptacles provided - there's no excuse.

Coming back to Pilchuck Creek~

The day hadn't gotten any brighter - pretty quiet on the trail for a Friday afternoon.  We were moving out about 9-10mph most of the way - so it didn't take long.

Ramp at the Quarry ~

The ramp that is almost between Farah's ears, will be the access from the new parking area to the Whitehorse Trail once it's completed.  That will be such a boon to horsemen - since it will have trailer parking spots.

From the Whitehorse Trail~

I rode a way down the Whitehorse from the Arch to see how things were progressing from this angle.  It's looking promising!

 I thought I'd filmed all the way across - but I goofed up.  We were almost across by the time I realized it & turned the camera back on. It still gives you a glimpse of what it's like.  I'll have to do another next time.

Google Earth view~

 I couldn't resist seeing what our crossing looked like on Google Earth :-)  I guess we can walk on water!

Farah enjoys the pasture~

We covered almost 16-miles round-trip.  Once home, Farah got a bath & we both got soaked :-)  I turned her out & stood there admiring our girl.  I'd thought about going to Renegade - it's been a few years - but our weekend is full-up!  Hard to believe that the Fourth is almost here!

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~

Good News for our Lineal Trails!

Proposed New Parking Area~

I've been very appreciative, of being elected as this year's Chairman of the Centennial Trail Coalition.  The first time - I think, that an Equestrian has held this position.  Of course Russ, Division Manger at Snohomish Parks had a rue smile on his face.  He knows well, that my main goal is to obtain further parking for all user groups - but especially for our horse trailers!

The last year or so has seen the advent of an influx of a few homeless tents, trash etc. just east of where the Whitehorse Trail converges with the Centennial.  The park Rangers do their best to keep the mess picked up.  The Sheriff's dept. has moved the squatters off on several occasions.

A private property owner has built a ramp up from the Cemex property to & over the Whitehorse Trail.  One of the park Rangers, spoke to the managers of Cemex - to find that they are interested in increasing the availability of access for trail users.  The hope is that with more use, the area will be less inviting to the homeless...

Tent on private property~

 My last ride there in December - I saw only one tent & a few piles of trash.  I know several people who refuse to walk through this area.  When the river rises, the homeless move to higher ground, which is the trail.

So, with diligent work & the prospective cooperation of the private, corporate & county entities - we may someday have a place to park that will give us access to the length of the Whitehorse Trail going east toward Darrington & the Centennial Trail - for almost 7-miles north to the Nakashima trail-head.  Both beautiful stretches of trail well suited for horses.  Fingers Crossed!

Whitehorse Trail - Arlington

I'd hoped we'd get my trails open over the weekend, but with the pouring rain, we sure didn't feel like hauling the chain saw up there.  Instead, with the trailer hitched & ready - if the weather sounds plausible at all, I just plan to drive, to ride.

Filtered sun through the fog~

The Whitehorse sounded good, no mud there & I wanted to ride to the Arch in Arlington.  A check to see how it's holding up & look at the area where the homeless keep trying to move in.  As we were leaving the trail-head, the day didn't look as promising as it had in the sunshine at home...

On the Whitehorse

But...  before we were very far out, the sun burned through!  Riding into the sun was so bright, the river running gray with silt.  Things warmed up, everything was dripping - the rock of the surface - the crunch, crunch, crunch - the sound of Farah's feet almost rhythmic.   About half-way to the Arch - our goal, we stopped for lunch.  

Farah & my shadow :-)

By now, it was warm!  My jacket came off - the stop was short & we went on.  Walking along the river is one of my favorite places to ride anymore.  It's still remote enough that it doesn't get much use, there were a few tracks from bike tires, but we didn't see anyone.

Not rock, old volcanic soils~

Water was seeping out of the hillside, shining in the sunshine like tiny sparkling diamonds.  One of the prettiest sections of the trail, also one of the most unstable - since these hillsides could easily slide, or crumble - which a section did last year.

Ramp from the Quarry

Out at the Arlington end, this is the ramp that may become access for horses to the Whitehorse Trail.  I'm hopeful too that the County can work through all the paperwork that's required for us to have trailer parking here on the Quarry property.  The Quarry is willing, the County Engineer is working out the details & I hope to have an update shortly.  The underpass you see in this photo is where the Centennial Trail goes over the Quarry entrance.  Parking here, would give Equestrians a perfect spot to access the Whitehorse at it's beginning & also the north end of the Centennial Trail without having to cross the Haller Trestle.

At Resilience Arch

The new bricks that have replaced the old ones, are so much nicer!  The etching is deep & the bricks themselves are a better product.  Bricks are still available for purchase with personalized engraving!

Our brick~

We turned back from here~

Looking East~

This is the section of trail, close enough to Arlington - where homeless people have tried to set up camps.  They've been moved out a couple times now, over the past two-years, but still return.  This private property is between the river & the trail.

Homeless camp~

The thing that gets to me the most - is the mess...  Trash Everywhere!  Homelessness is one thing - leaving trash everywhere is something Else!  Our Park Rangers are busy enough - without having to continually pick up all the mess.  The hope is, with more access for Equestrians & use of the trail - they will move out & move on.

Wetland along the trail~

I'd expected to see more water in the river after the days of rain, but the level was about the same as the last time we where.  A Bald Eagle flew over us on our way back.  We'd returned to Tin Bridge when I realized that I'd lost my sunglasses...  When we'd stopped at our break spot on the way back, I'd shook out my jacket & put it back on.  That was the clue that we had to turn back.  This time, it was more of a trudge than a walk :-)  Found them, at the side of the trail in the leaves.

Looking upstream - North Fork of the Stillaquamish

It was getting late by now, clouds had moved in & our sunshine was gone.  We did a lot of trotting to get back to the trailer & made it just after 4 p.m.  Driving home, the sunset was spectacular - in our gate & just enough time to do chores before dark.  I think we're all counting down to the Winter Solstice - looking forward to the longer days on the far side!

Haller to Nakashima - Centennial Trail~

North Fork of the Stillaquamish

It was a gray morning, light drizzle - I loaded Farah & drove to Haller Park.  The last time we did this ride was in July & I love seeing it in the Fall.  With the leaves dropping so quickly now, I wanted to enjoy what was left of the color on the trail.

Bitter Cherry Trees

Our native cherry trees can create a mess, the cherries are Not edible - but their fall color is so lacy looking!  The drizzle was steady all morning.  We did a lot of trotting, so I soon removed my light weight rain jacket & just rode in my vest.

At Pilchuck Creek

There was enough water flowing in the creek that it sounded louder than what we've been used to these last few months.  Only one jogger was on the trail & he turned back long before we did :-)  Farah's mane sparkled with tiny dew diamonds.

Big Leaf Maples

The Big Leaf Maples on the far side of the bridge were stunning - it was like riding into a picture postcard!  It didn't seem like long before we were coming up on the north end of the trail~

Nakashima Barn

Once past & onto the unimproved portion of the trail, we stopped for our lunch.  Nice wet & long reed canary grass was what Farah wanted!  Then we continued on...

Red Dogwood

The dogwoods were just so Bright!  Their color was so intense, especially against the bark of the Alders.  Once up at the top, cars were whizzing by on Hwy 9.  We trotted up the road, headed up the hill, then turned south on the Mainline.  At the end, we dropped down the hillside to the ditch.  I dismounted &  as I expected, Farah leaped it - easily clearing about ten-feet with her jump.  More obstacle training :-)

Soon, we were back at the bridge over Pilchuck creek~

Our pace was steady all afternoon,  the few miles pass quickly heading back to the Bryant Store & on south toward town.

Centennial Trail South~

The only other people we saw on the trail had umbrella's :-)  They kindly spoke to Farah - as she was totally unsure just what they were up to?  Guess I need to get out my umbrella one of these days!

Onto the Trestle

Soon, we were back on the Trestle & happy to be back to the park, we were wet!  Really a great ride - it's finding trailer parking somewhere besides Haller Park that's the struggle.  Many horses, or their riders either - don't appreciate having to cross the Trestle to access this beautiful trail & the beginning of the Whitehorse.
Post from last year~