Farah needed a ride, I did too! Bracken is the shortest drive - so that's where we went. It's hard - when I have so much to get done - to take the time to ride. The whole while I was thinking about what I should have been doing at home.
Our rig back at the parking area~
Farah was threatening to spook at about anything... Getting ridden once a week is not her thing! I circled her, then had her back up - which is how we took this photo. We have our somewhat standard loop now, through what is usually the muddy trails. Even with all the rain - the trails had held up well.
Dogwood Blooms!
At the shelter, I was surprised to see the dogwood blooming! Either it's a late blooming variety - or the wonderful late summer weather we've been having fooled it into a second bloom.
Mr. Bear~
Distracted... As we headed down the hill toward the river - something big & black caught my eye - moving down the lane about 150ft. ahead of us. For only one second, I thought it was a big dog, but as it ambled along, there was No doubt it was a bear! I pulled Farah up - got out my camera & took the photo. The wind was blowing right at us - I was surprised Farah had very little reaction? What to do? He was between us & where I wanted to go! As he moved forward - we followed - I started singing & by the time we were going past the fence - he had disappeared into the bush.
Such a truly gorgeous day - we went over Tin Bridge. Now, there was a bitter sweet quality to the crossing, the realization that it might be one of our last times across.
No more bales~
This year, the field of my Green Valley was cut & put into the round bales - a change from last year.
Looking at the new section of trail~
The trees that were taken out are still waiting to be hauled away - but the ecology blocks are off to the side, which opens a short section of the trail. As I regretfully resigned my position as the Centennial Trail Coalition Chairman - at the last meeting - I heard of the success of the
History on the Centennial Trail
event. The most common question asked; was when the Whitehorse would
be paved... I had wanted to attend this event - I could have maybe
changed some minds - but life got in the way.
Compaction~
Recently Parks released this information on the trail usage. "Over 12,000 people annually are already enjoying the trail, but when it is fully ready for use the projections expect almost 15 time as many visitors per year. Part of the future of the Whitehorse Trail builds on the expectation that Snohomish County needs to be ready for a 25% growth by 2035. As noted above, the most consistent question from people is about the surfacing plan. The proposal plans to put down a compacted surface adequate for ADA use."
As you can tell from the photo above, compaction for ADA use is hard - very hard - but certainly not as hard as paving.
Soft~
The softer, somewhat sandy surface that was of course my preference - won't happen. We are in desperate need of a BCH person willing to take over as Equestrian Representative for the Coalition. There are also upcoming changes proposed for Lord Hill - & Joan too, is in need of help & support. If no one steps up - the rolling stone - already covered with moss - will be rolling on paving - as more & more of the area's once designated for horses could be lost.
Current surface~
The leaves are already starting to fall & the smell was incredible. The most optimistic plans now are for the Whitehorse to open about this time next year. One of the things I'd hoped to do - was to ride it point-to-point :-(
Farah~
Farah picked up on my melancholy mood... She's watched as we've been cleaning out the barn, all the people who've been visiting - strangers, friends & family. A big change is in the wind for us...
Dripping sap~
We headed back, we got in Farah's little run - but thinking of that Bear - I didn't let her hit her higher speeds. I know I've been bored - if I dare say that! Having ridden these trails for so many years, as riding partners came & went... Looking so forward to seeing fresh areas, riding new places & having new friends to ride with!
Post Script~ This ended up as my last ride as a Washington State resident. It was beautiful, it was fun & it was fitting~
Yesterday, when I was driving west on 84th toward Marysville - I was the only car on the road. That doesn't happen nearly as often as it used to! Up ahead I saw a logging truck start to pull out - loaded with the logs from my trails :-( Sickening...
Today - with higher temperatures on the way - I had to squeak in a ride! Normally, I would have ridden out from home - no longer... Bracken it was~
In the cool of the shade~
Only a couple trailers in the parking area & we ran into two ladies riding out as we were going in. Harvey Creek was our first stop. Even before she took a drink - Farah was yawning :-)
In the creek~
We did what's become our usual circuit that gives us just over ten-miles, unless we take additional detours or short cut back. It was warm, but with a nice breeze that kept the bugs away.
Once a beautiful trail~
Deciding that I'd like some fresh blackberries, we took the hill down through them. No luck there - the weather has been too warm & dry for the second crop. At the bottom, we took what was a beautiful trotting trail - one of the best here, until the tree farm did some logging. The deep track from the Excavator was never repaired.
I've posted photos & information on these two horrible invasive weeds several times. If you take time to read the link - you will understand the importance of eradication. It's such a shame that Snohomish County doesn't have the funds to do more... Private landowners could help - but most don't.
The knot-weed is in full bloom - it's really beautiful stuff - too bad that it's SO invasive! Roots that can go 90 feet deep! What's worse is to see it gaining a foothold - spreading over a larger area of the shoreline than it had even last Summer.
Farah's windswept profile~
Even if it's not one of those long beautiful manes, it is thick!
Farah's sleek profile :-)
We'd already had our lunch at Tin Bridge, I didn't want to go out into
the hot sun for the trek to Cloverdale. There is good news though! Last Sunday, Butch & I stopped to see the progress on trail.
The Whitehorse!
How sweet it was to see the infamous Hole no longer an issue & the trail has been pushed through! Rumor was that the hole was declared a wetland - if you can imagine that! The area was dry. A large amount of work now completed - since I'd been here on July 20th. Post~
The Hole is to the left~
The slight re-route did make a little curve through here. We walked all the way to the end of the work area. The blackberries have again closed off the trail - just since I rode all the way through last June. Post~
Where the trail will continue~
Today, we walked along the river bank so I could take a photo of Tin Bridge. The river is really low, probably near the same as it was this time last year.
Tin Bridge~
We went all the way under the bridge, there was shade there after all! I looked up to see what was left of the branch that had been stuck here since the first time I took Farah over. Post~
Stuck under the bridge~
Just as we were leaving, I looked down & found a large bolt that had fallen off the bridge! It weighed at least 3 lbs! I contemplated trying to fit it in my saddle bag, but instead started carrying it. I love rocks & have quite a collection - always looking down while walking in rocky areas.
My next find!
How could I miss this?! Some type of man-made brick - but the incredibly interesting thing - was the chunks of marble that were embedded in it! I have to wonder where it came from & what it was? I did some checking & was surprised to find that marble has been mined in Washington.
Upstream - North Fork of the Stillaquamish River~
Now, I'm carrying a 10-pound brick & the rod & bolts from the bridge! After we climbed back up, I decided to hide both until Butch & I can hike in on foot to collect them! I want to give the bolt to Parks - the bridge might need it :-)
Farah & I headed out on our own again today. I wanted to build on the nice calm rides we'd been having with Linda. I also had a time limitation, with a Centennial Trail meeting tonight. Our rides, after almost five-years together, have a sort of yearly rhythm to them now. I vary the places close to home where we ride, keeping it as fresh as I can for both of us. It's fun looking back over the years I've been doing the blog - to see where we were & the changes over time.
Farah at Harvey Creek~
At the Bracken Trail-head - we found many, many trailers & lots of messes too. I again put flyers on all the trucks & before I left picked up six piles. If every trailer there had done the same, the place would have been cleaned up.
We took the longer route around, finding that most of the downed trees had been chainsawed out of the trails! Thanks to whoever that was! Del was working at the shelter on getting things ready to install the fire suppression water tank for the tree farm.
Old water tank~
At
the horse water tank - we came out of the woods to find Dory & her
friends from Fish Creek. I know Craig through Facebook, but don't think
we've ever actually been introduced. They were running the solar pump
to get their horses used to the sound & drinking from the tank.
Farah walked up - took a sip & we were on our way.
Stimson Hill from Cloverdale
Finally - after spending a lot of time on Google Earth & seeing the view from the top - I now recognize the mountain in the photo above as Stimson Hill! Mt. Washington - is to the left of Farah's left ear. Looking up - at where I was looking down from - gave me the full perspective.
Peak of Mt. Washington to the left of Farah's ears. Stimson Hill to the right~
The cooler day that the weatherman had promised, was not much cooler, warming into at least the mid-70's. Happily the on-shore flow breeze did materialize & what a relief, it kept the bugs at bay.
Side of Mt. Washington & the road we were on - Sunday~
The photo above is fully zoomed in. The canyon between the two peaks is the one we ride around & where Joyce & I ran into knee deep snow in May one year.
On Tin Bridge~
We stopped at Cloverdale, then headed back, taking a longer loop. Twice on the return, Farah wanted to take a different trail - she was enjoying herself.
I've admired the flowers above for years & finally took the time to find them! Such a pretty ground cover. Click on the link for further information. Enjoy every one of the native plants you see, each is such a natural beauty!
Left over fire debris~
On the main road across the top of the tree farm, we found this :-( Really disheartening, disgusting & dangerous to say the least! This is the kind of thing that could get us closed out of these trails forever... I didn't see any tracks of motorized - hard to believe that fellow horsemen would be so disrespectful - but I do wonder....
Another Summer like Spring day in the Great Pacific Northwest!
When we came down to the creek, no less than FOUR very large Bald Eagles lifted into the air & flew upstream! Amazing! I'd already dismounted & to adjust the cinch. No one seems to make black leather latigo's so I was sent a brown one... I didn't want that - Jackie is sending me black beta. In the meantime I returned the brown one & was using one off my kid's saddle. Not the best solution, making me thankful for the roller buckles on my Montana Cincha!
Here's one of the big guys~
We took the muddy route through the forest & over the bridge - I realized that we were being watched! I zoomed in to get this shot, but he was pretty close! There was - what I think - was a Huge female, bigger than this guy - or maybe a youngster - in a nearby tree. No white at all & the head looked slightly different, wish the photo had come out.
At the Stillaguamish~
Farah was Way too Full of Energy! Way! As we got past the bridge & onto the trail with enough rock that we usually walk it - I was suddenly grabbing leather as someone burst into a Full gallop in a split second! Transition to a huge trot, we were wasting No time getting to wherever it was we were going! None!
The Stonewall Sport
I finally figured out why I was so sore from my last ride... You'd think after all the miles I've ridden I would wise up & raise my stirrups before I get sore? I'd ordered a slightly longer fender, which resulted in longer straps - maybe I'll remember to measure my length one of these days. Once I had the stirrups up where I had some bend in my leg - everything was Much better :-)
On the Whitehorse
It was beautiful out along the river, we went about 1/2 way to Arlington before I had to turn back. The rock was a little settled & Farah was still wanting to trot, so we did with a short gallop thrown in.
Lots of silt in the river~
Eagles were on short sandbar tearing into something. Didn't look like a Salmon - I doubt there are any & do wonder what the Eagles are doing for food this year?
The pretty part
Heading back, just past this point, two huge trees were down across the trail. Someone had broken off some of the branches, I got off & Farah made both jumps. At the Apache Junction corner, the sign was missing :-( Such a shame, we all enjoyed it. Again, Farah surprised me with another gallop, this time popping up & over 25-mph, in a very short sprint - with me asking for a slow down! She seems to be the happiest she's ever been under any saddle & is letting me know :-)
Sweat pattern
Today, she worked up a full sweat, for the first time in weeks & weeks! I had that feeling that the energy had built up & I was right! Even with her winter coat, you can see that it's a very nice pattern. The pad is no longer slipping out the back either - what a relief after all the times I had to re-position it while using the Classic loaner. The saddle fits!
It was really a super ride - so mild that I ended up taking my coat off & riding in just my vest & thermal shirt. Doubt I'll bother with the thermal - if our weather stays this mild!
Another simply gorgeous day! A very cold morning - became a very warm afternoon. I was just walking Farah down from the barn when the phone rang. Justin at the gate! I had totally spaced our farrier appointment! I was meeting Dena at Bracken Rd. & I knew she had to be on her way! I called - she was just past Lake Stevens on Hwy 9. I ran to the gate, let Justin in - then gave Dena directions to get to the Homestead. I had caught her just in time for her to make the turn! Thankfully - she had the day off & plenty of time to wait & watch as Justin did Farah's new shoes!
Bella & Farah
Soon, we were at the parking - saddled & on the trail. Dena hadn't been to Harvey Creek, so we went that way & the mares got a drink & touched noses. Ever since Bella had kicked Farah at the beach a couple years ago, we keep them somewhat apart.
Maples in yellow~
We meandered through the woods, enjoying the day, the colors & catching up on all that we'd both been doing. It had been almost a year since we'd seen each other. I'd missed the turn to the trail going to the river, so turned back. When I did & started past Dena & Bella - in a split second - Farah kicked out at Bella! She connected with Bella's shoulder! It was a relief that Bella didn't a have mark, but I instantly unloaded with my stick & hit Farah as hard as I could three times! At the third hit - she was ready to buck me off, I'd made my point.
Dena & Bella
Both of us were amazed - Bella had done nothing & Farah had caught everyone totally off-guard. So very reminiscent of when Bella had kicked Farah for no reason that any human would understand. It's hard to believe that Farah would have held her grudge & waited all this time to get back at her x-friend - but it's interesting to contemplate. We continued on our ride - over Tin Bridge where we stopped for a short break. We tied them a good distance from each other & neither bothered the other. Bella got an apple, Farah got her carrots & all was good in the horsey world!
Farah & I headed out on our own today - I wanted to stretch out the area that I'm trying to memorize. I'm still sad to have lost one of my favorite riding partners. It was fun last Sunday, to be the first visitors to Joyce's new home & see where her trails will go!
Heading down to Harvey Creek
Bright sunshine, light breeze - a literally perfect first day of Fall... The best riding weather imaginable & only a few trailers in the parking lot. Farah was in a good mood today - the Stonewall is working so very well for us both, making me anxious to get mine! I'm still playing with the rigging. Jackie said to either have it on the pad or below the pad. I like it on the pad, but when I raised it again - it puts it under my knee. It really didn't seem to bother me - even there.
The usual breeze at the River~
I went ahead & ordered a pad from Stonewall, that will fit the saddle. When it comes, I'm going to see where the rigging works best. Of course adjusting it - makes a difference in the length of cinch too. I'm using my 26" right now, but may yet order a shorter one. The only problem I've had, if you can call it a problem - is the pad slipping out the back. Today - with the rigging on the pad - it stayed in place better.
The beautiful white rock, under water in the north fork of the Stillaquamish!
If you check out my post from our last ride here, you'll see what this rock looks like & of course now we know why :-) This spot is such a peaceful place, Farah & I enjoyed it. She has it figured out now - first we're under the bridge, next we're up on it!
Over Tin Bridge
No yellow jackets this season - sweet relief! We went on across, up to Cloverdale - no changes yet, just the spots where the survey crew has been checking to see where a straight rail bed needs to be re-established. This is spite of a landowner who is unhappy with the trail going through. Over the years - there have been a lot of those...
There are off-set survey marks~
The infamous "hole" is just to the left, in the trees - where the rail bed ballast was stolen. We didn't go this way today... I'm hopeful that it won't be too long until this section sees some work!
The rock ballast ~
I usually walk the half-mile of ballast that gets us to Cloverdale & let me say - it's No Fun. It also goes on forever, which I found out when I rode to the Cicero Bridge. There's just no way that the trail is going to be getting much use At All - until all this ballast is mitigated with a top dressing of fine rock or sand.
At our meeting last week, this was discussed & it is on the work schedule - but with everything else going on - no date has been set. There's only four bridges left to deck - so hopeful those will get done before the year end - when the funds will dry up. I also found out that currently there are No funds for the bridge grating that was supposed to be installed to prevent slipping. Not sure yet how to tackle that obstacle. Guess getting it all OPEN is the first priority - & that is now pushed back from the middle, to the end of next year...
