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!