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 - 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!

Ride to the River!~

Our Route~

Monday was "one-of-those" days.  I'd originally planned a ride with friends to Heart Lake, but when one had to cancel, it seemed a long trip for the remaining two of us - without our friend, who has yet to go there - so we decided to split the difference in mileage & meet-up at Lords Hill.  I was tired from the road-trip to pick up Annika too - but really wanted to get out before the mid-week warm-up that's predicted.

Lynn again lead us out on a nice jaunt through the mostly wooded paths of the park & then on down to the Snohomish River - this time the water level was so low that there was plenty of room for the horses.  Farah - as I've posted before - has an aversion to water.  In the lead at the time, she didn't even want to go down the short, steep, sandy hill to that Big water... but with urging she did!  Once there - she walked up to the edge, wanting a drink - but jumped back like struck by a snake when the water moved!  :-)

"In" the river ~

Thirst won out & in we went, after some pawing to be sure that yes... it was water!  She did wade in a ways, I was sure she was comfortable with it before we headed back.  Would like to return with a line & shorts to lead her in a ways & see if I could get her comfortable enough to "play" in it.  What would we do with the eight river crossings at Golden Ears?  Maybe one day we'll try it to see :-)