Wildflowers and Cool Breezes

 

 

Looking back toward Weaverville and Hwy 299. 

Last weekend we went boonie crashing on Underwood looking to create a new loop. Although it was fun, we didn't get anywhere--in fact, we ran into a fence we didn't know was there. Of course it was fun and we didn't need to really complete our mission; we just love being able to ride and we have plenty more days. 

When we got home, right above Jupiter's hoof wall was bleeding. Lynn is a good doctor and put stuff on it and wrapped it up good. She kept an eye on all week and the wild running and bucking that happened when he got to go out on the grass field, showed it wasn't bothering him. We left the wrapping on all week and Adam came to reset Jupe's shoe and look at the hole. He said it was good to go. Lynn did a good job.

I was off for Spring Break last week, so I got to put the horses out every day to eat grass. I will admit, it makes me nervous to be in charge of all five of them. But I did it and it was great. They are such good boys. Jupiter made me feel good because he whinnied and talked to me every day. I know it's more about his belly than his love for me, but it still made me feel good. He turned 16 on Wednesday! I can't believe I have had him for 11 years. 

Yesterday, we drove to Weaverville. We parked near the high school on the west side of town. We did not know where exactly we were going, but Lynn had seen two lakes and lots of trails on Google Earth. The beginning was out in the open where it would probably be hot later in the year, but it was pleasant to be in the sun. We rode well used trails and met bicycles and joggers--all of whom were very courteous and kind. We saw an old mine, lots of mine tailings, and tons of wildflowers. 

We started on the McKenzie Gulch Trail and then rode the Ridge Trail; we kept asking each other if we had ever been there before--probably not. We rode the E. Garden Spur and E. Garden Gulch Trail and the W. Garden Gulch Trail. We saw the ever present directional arrow to Howe Ditch, but did not go there. :) We tried to remember when we were there last--I broke my arm in 2014, but I think we have been back at least once since then. I remember icy bridges and crossing over a field to a bridge and not liking and turning back as we were trying to make our way back to the pickup. I'll have to look at my books.

We had one kind of uncomfortable spot--there were quads out running around as we were making our way back to the truck. They were actually very aware of us and seemed to be looking out for us and not ripping up and down their track. We tried to be courteous and go around them--um, that was a mistake. We ended up fenced inside someone's property! Someone who used to be a pot grower if the raised beds were any indication. It was kind of creepy and I wanted out. But on a closer look, the house (shack) didn't look inhabited. We have such good horses that we were able to climb a steep incline and traverse down the steep back side. Then we found the gate and the walk-through next to it. Sheesh. I was kind of nervous. We actually ended up within walking distance of the pickup!! So it all worked out--as usual.

One of the best parts of the day--dogs ran up to the horses and they were calm and just looked at them. A puppy just about ran underneath Jupes belly and he stood still. Ziva was good and did not get aggressive with bikes, people, or dogs. It's always one of my big worries. The trails were great, the people were nice, and there was a cool breeze. We marveled over the wildflowers everywhere. There was water all along the trail and both dogs and horses had chances to drink. The little lake was pretty cool and we decided to bring PBJs along next time, instead of eating greasy breakfast sandwiches from town. If we get to do it again before summer, we will have to go a little earlier so the dogs' feet don't get hot and it's not too dusty. (And the water doesn't dry up.) Otherwise, it will have to wait until next fall.

Another day of wet saddle blankets! 

Friday Ridge Reconnaissance

 After a week of mourning, Lynn got proactive; she went exploring. The guy at the Forest Service Station told her we should check out Brush Mountain Lookout. We had heard it was full of grows: legal and illegal, so we have never seriously considered going there. Lynn listened to his advice and looked on Google Earth. All the grows are below the lookout and would probably not come into play.

Off she went to drive the road and check out conditions. She approved of all of it except for one low hanging, "dead" Madrone tree that she had a plan for. I always get nervous when she says, "I have an idea." This one was no different. It involved throwing a rope over it and pulling; "It will just pop and break!" Maybe she could do it on Zigs. Um, no, let's not. I said, "Take Lee and the chainsaw." Nope. "I'll ask my brother to drive up there--he needs Madrone." Nope. 

One afternoon, she grabbed Shirley and drove the white pickup to the tree. She entertained Shirley by throwing the heavy rope with the piece of wood on the end over the low hanging, not dead, Oak tree. After several attempts and a lot of laughter, she got it over and tied to the truck. As she pulled the rope taut, Shirley told her, "How long is that rope? We're about to go around the corner!" Then POP! It crashed down on to the road. "It was a lot bigger than I thought!" she told me later. Can you hear me sigh and shake my head?

I do not know why, but I was a nervous nilly as we set off on Saturday to ride out to the lookout. Jupes was like, "Um, you're squeezing my belly. Could you just relax and sit back? I got this." We started off by going up and around the locked gate. Jupes was great--he powered up the bank and slid down the other side without a problem. We rode up the road and looked for possible trails to create. It's super steep for probably half a mile, then it starts to slope outward to flatter potential traversing. We couldn't really see how far, but it definitely has possibilities. 

We rode all the way to the lookout on the road. There was some snow tucked in here and there and we were glad we decided to wear our jackets. Then we got to the top by the lookout. What a view!! It's like being on top of the world. The sky was hazy and cloudy, but I swear I could see the tip of Mt Shasta. The Alps were bright white and covered in snow. It was beautiful. Oh! And WINDY!!! Sheesh, Louise. COLD and WINDY. But awesome. 

We turned around and rode back. It was a short ride to reconnoiter (what a weird word to say). We decided it definitely has potential and we plan to return. When you come over Alisa, we should have some trails! We think we can create some loops and there's a-whole-nother road to explore. There's the trail to the Boy Scout's Christmas Tree lot on top, too--it may lend itself to a trail to that road or loop back to the lookout road. 

We didn't take the dogs with us, but we will next time. We saw some tracks that we couldn't identify at the time, but didn't see anything that might endanger our girls. The road has one bumpy spot we are going to mark with paint so we remember to slow down, but the total drive up was comparable to the time we drive to Underwood--maybe even a little less.

Although the loss of our favorite riding place still hurts--a new adventure awaits.