The ride that wasn't

So last we left off on our intrepid adventure, I was packed and ready for Ride the Loup, at Loup  Loup Ski Bowl near Twisp/Okanagan, WA. It's an EDRA ride (Equine Distance Riding Association) and set at 4000 ft elevation. Camp was in the parking lot of a ski lodge and we had access to the ski lodge AND heated bathroom with flush toilets! Luxury!

As the weekend approached there were lots of weather warnings for an unseasonal storm forecast to hit Friday night and last over the weekend that would bring snow, not usual this early in fall, even at that elevation in the Cascades. Rain? Absolutely normal, but the cold temperatures that accompanied this system meant snow.

 Regardless, we were determined! I packed for every weather eventuality, but especially for snow. I met Cortney and her mom along I-90 close to Snoqualmie Pass and we caravaned up to ride camp together. In retrospect, I would have preferred to meet them along Route 2 but now I feel a bit more confident driving out there. The safety blanket of following them was perfect.

Sign reads: Loup Loup Pass Elevation 4020 ft
We were about to turn and climb a little more to get to ride camp

 Western washington was chill and rainy, but as we crossed Snoqualmie pass the skies cleared and our drive north, on the eastern side, was pleasant. The weather on arriving into camp was low 60s and sunny. As we set up, Cortney and I slowly stripped layers until we were both in t-shirts. It was beautiful weather.

My homemade panels get a second use! 

 We essentially combined our ride camps. Gwyn got the space between both trailers which worked out really well. She had a lot of space in her pen. Amira and her buddy Snoopy were on the other side and they could see each other.

Once most of our camp site was set up, Cortney and I set out to stretch our legs on the trail and do the initial trail out of camp. Both horses were confident and sassy. The fall colors were brilliant against the evergreens. We weren't the only ones out riding either.

 This is my first EDRA ride, though I'm fairly confident I've ridden with several of the people here before when I attended my very first endurance ride in Spokane. I like EDRA as an organization from what I've seen and really appreciate the way things have been set up to track rider and horse mileage. Their rules and decision making processes were put to the test this weekend and it shone.

For those unfamiliar, there was a split from AERC and EDRA was born out of that division. There is a history there that I watched unfold from Michigan. The folks I met have been absolutely stellar.

 There was a tailing clinic that I didn't attend in favor of amazing chili dinner made by Trudy and then the rider meeting were we went over the trail (sounded challenging but fun!) and the alternative options that might occur depending on the weather. We departed with a promise to have another rider meeting at 6:30am the next day to determine the action plan.

As we left the lodge, it started raining. And gradually, near 9pm, that rain turned to snow. I was planning on camping in my trailer again like I did in Michigan, but the siren song of a heated camper, even if it was a shared bed with Trudy, was too strong to resist, and I moved a blanket and pillow in, along with all my clothes, relishing in the warmth. I was able to sleep in a camisole and leggings, rather than my typical bajillion layers that assure warm sleep in freezing weather.

Everyone was blanketed. Gwyn had a wool cooler beneath the rain sheet and was waiting impatiently for more hay from Cortney

 Cortney was planning on riding the 50 and would be leaving first, 7am originally but that got pushed to 7:30 at the meeting the night before to account for the morning planning session. We all woke up with her and looked outside to see a blanket of white across camp. It was still snowing. The condition for the ride proceeding as planned had not been met. Snow was there, so rider meeting at 6:30 was on.

We bundled up and headed to the lodge where coffee and small breakfast items were available for everyone.  Then we got the bad news.

One of the volunteers had gone out to scout the trail to the first set of water troughs, about 5 miles in, on ATV. He had not returned yet, which did not bode well. As the meeting progressed he did come back. There were downed trees everywhere due to snow weight, trail markers were gone, pulled down again from snow, and all hazards were no longer identifiable as they had been marked with lime...

The ATV was struggling on the trails. Ride managers determined that the trail was challenging enough without snow, and now the rescue vehicle that would be used to get emergency personnel out in the event of an emergency couldn't get out? The folks who regularly ride the trails were getting lost and couldn't find the trail?

Nope, not happening. They were so safety conscious this whole time, and incredibly transparent and open about the issues being discussed. They already suspected that plans were going to change because we weren't required to pay up front. We would pay, and they would record, only what we would have ridden. So if the 50s could only do 30, they would only pay for 30 if the ride managers had to shorten it.

Posted by ride management:

What a difference 24 hours makes. Terry James, ride manager, had to make the hard decision to cancel Ride the Loup. He was up at 1:30 am checking trails—it had been gorgeous all week and we were all hoping the forecast of snow would hold off. However, when it became apparent that emergency vehicles could not get up trails in case of a wreck, when trees were breaking under the weight of snow, and horses were snowballing walking through camp— it was obvious. Still hard. Terry is bummed and wants to thank everyone— volunteers, vets and riders and their horses— for being hopeful we could ride this one out. On the upside—- stay tuned for some awesome snow photos from Dave Honan!

 We were disappointed, how could you not be? But I absolutely understand the reasoning and I like that I was kept reasonably informed as well. As a group, we all decided to have a group photo. Cortney's husband Dave is the ride photographer and we grouped up at the base of the ski hill to get photos (to come!)

 He also had us leave one by one so we could get individual photos set against the ski hill. I can't wait to see them! Dave is the one who took my maternity photos with Gwyn.

May 2012: Still hilarious, miss that barn though...

After pictures we had breakfast, and started packing up. But I wanted to ride. We promised ride managers we'd stick close to camp and wouldn't take any hills. Amira was in shoes and the snow was balling in her feet.

I love how happy Gwyn looks

 Both horses were confused. They knew they'd vetted in. But they also had been watching horses get packed up, loaded and driven away so things were 'done'.

Gwyn and Amira used to live with each other. Amira was Gwyn's first Washington friend. They remember each other. <3

 We rode 1.6 miles in a winter wonderland. It was perfect.

All gone....

 This was a leave no trace campsite and we had the option to pull our horse waste into piles and leave a donation for the Okanogan 4H group to come in and clean up. I left double the amount. It was still snowing as we left...

I followed Cortney down the mountain and we stopped at a fruit stand near Chelan (FRESH picked honeycrisp apples!)  Then I continued on Hwy 2, while Cortney continued south to i-90.  We were worried about the pass I'd be taking as it was higher elevation, but the roads were clear by the time I hit the pass (1:30pm ish)

Leavenworth, the Bavarian always a holiday town

Coming up to Steven's Pass, a similar elevation to Ride the Loup

Snow and wet, steep roads

 Ride managers posted these pictures of the trail as they tried to retrieve more water stations. They made the right call.

 And then back in Monroe, it was blue skies and 60s F. So far from what I woke up to!

 Stay tuned for Gwyn's new digs!

The Road Trip

 When last we left off I was panicking realizing I didn't have 'enough hay' for the trip for the quantities I expected the animals to consume. Wonderful old owners of our house, the Mauzy's, offered a couple bales in a very generous gesture. Problem: Solved.  As it ended up though, they didn't eat as much as I anticipated. At least they'll have some to transition over to hay in Washington.

The day Cheri was going to arrive, she texted me that she had missed her flight. Her arrival suddenly got switched around, but that was okay because I realized I never registered my horse trailer in Michigan under my name... And I needed to register it in order to easily register it in Washington. So that prompted a trip to the SoS office as it opened where I was 16th in line before the doors opened. A hit to my wallet later, I had my temporary title in my name, albeit with my typographed middle name that I never bothered to fix.

Cheri's flight snafu ended up being beneficial in that I wasn't rushed waiting in line. When I did get to the airport, however, her flight was WAY delayed. So I got to sit around for over an hour waiting for it to arrive. When it did, though, it was wonderful to see her again. I got her back to my house where Gwyn definitely remembered her.

 I spent the rest of the night prepping grain for the trip and finalizing the packing of the truck and trailer. I was up super late. Cheri needed a minimum of 8hrs sleep with her medicine, so Eric helped me out because he's the best.

The next day I got my next lesson in "Be Flexible" as it is ridiculously hard to wake Cheri up. After the house fire in 2011 (which is what led to me getting Gwyn) Cheri developed fibromyalgia and is no longer as mobile as she used to be. Her stamina is shot as well.

Note: She will easily discuss this and gave me strategies to help her get going in the morning.

So my grand plans of leaving by X time went out the door. We were on the road by 11am however. I hadn't planned for very long days of driving so our arrival wasn't too late in the evening despite the later than intended start. We made sure to stop at a Tim Horton's for Cheri to experience before we left Michigan, easily navigated outer Chicago suburb traffic and then it was flat land and farm fields as far as the eye could see.

Hay bags kept the tiny donkey from escaping forward.

 Saffron was my biggest worry for loading, and the reason I wanted to have an equine saavy assistant on this drive who could read her body language and apply pressure as necessary without getting hurt. However, we loaded Gwyn first and Saffron, with a little coaxing, did actually want to go with her. I think with time we could get her to be a trail companion because she really doesn't want to miss out.

Suddenly dubious about this whole trailer thing...

 At our first rest stop after Chicago I discovered that Gwyn had yanked an entire bale of hay under herself. This proved to be a reoccurring item.

Blinking in the hot sun in Illinois.

The farm land we saw in Illinois and Iowa was incredibly flooded. Rivers were well over their banks and low spots just weren't draining. We saw many river front homes that were either close to or flooded. It was sobering.

Crossing the Mississippi River!!!

 We crossed the Mississippi into Iowa and were close to our destination for the night!

 There was very little in the way of Horse Motels for this first leg. This was, as a result, my most expensive stop, at $40/animal. However, Gwyn and Saffron got to share a little paddock that was great for stretching legs and rolling and laying down. The mosquitoes were AWFUL. This was at a dressage and eventing facility that was a bit run down but had good bones. All of the horses looked well cared for.

 After nearly 8 hours in the trailer, Saffron did NOT want to be parted from Gwyn and Gwyn was similarly bonded.

 We got them tucked in with soaked grain and hay bags and I dropped my payment off in the owner's office. Then we were off to find a grocery store and the hotel!

 We each snagged a salad, though mine ended up having bleu cheese (which I'm allergic to) to my dismay (it was hidden by the label) and ate back in the hotel. Our room was 'pool view' which meant it opened to an inner courtyard and we could walk right into the pool. I had neglected to bring my bathing suit but decided a camisole and underwear were sufficient for the uninhabited pool.

No regerts

 We slept fairly well, this time I factored Cheri wake up time into my morning plan, we grabbed breakfast and coffee from the hotel breakfast and set off to load up the animals. Iowa City, Iowa is apparently on the list of 'giant roadside attractions' for a giant wooden nickel that was erected in protest of some tax. So we stopped to tourist at it, then hit the road. We had all of the rest of Iowa to get through!

It was still decorated for christmas, with a giant snowman on top.

Saffron: "Look, I know I said I wanted to go with Gwyn, but don't you think this is taking things a LITTLE FAR?!?!"

*boop*

 We reached the edge of Iowa and followed the river border with Nebraska until Nebraska ended and we popped over into South Dakota (nothing like a road trip to teach geography) Cheri was thrilled to see Sinclair gas stations so we turned into one to fill up. Their logo is a dinosaur and she hadn't seen them since her childhood. So we had to give a hug to the dinosaur, like tourist idiots, LOL

I wish these gas prices were in Washington...

 South Dakota was pretty flat and uninteresting and we were both eager to see the Badlands, but were unsure at which point we would reach them. Everything was super green and lush and agriculture as far as the eye could see.  Eventually, we reached Mitchell, SD for our second night.

Giant sculptures off the highway. You can visit this place (we did not)

I had technically reserved two pens, but neither animal wanted to be apart from the other, so they shared this pen. It was narrow, but sufficient for over night. There were other horses nearby so they could have buddies, though they were gone by the time we got to them in the morning. 

Distant alpacas in the pond

Gwyn notices the alpacas

 They both settled in nicely and Saffron laid down immediately. She was so tired. We ended up giving her bute that night just in case she was sore from all the driving.

This cool lion artwork was on a Tesla in the hotel parking lot

The cool barn set up in SD

Before loading

 Saffon was unhappy at the prospect of getting back on. But would step up once the person behind her stepped away to go get treats.  Donkeys.

Nothingness

Taking in the sights of the Badlands (and I-90)

Saffron also takes in the sights

 There was a scenic overlook in South Dakota that Cheri and I agreed we needed to stop and see. It made for some epic photos. I busted out my good camera for them but you'll have to wait until I've moved to Washington to see them. So not until July when my stuff gets delivered.

 We met a lady at the scenic overlook who said that the intensity of the green was because they've had unusual amounts of rain lately. This should be much drier and browner.

Coming into Wall Drug

The Black Hills!

 We drove through (and stopped for gas) Rapid City, SD, the gateway to the Black Hills. The last time I was there I was a kid on vacation with my family. My memory of the place is spotty, but driving through, now paying attention to where things were, I felt unusually disoriented because my memory of the place didn't match up to what my map was telling me. However I knew that since monuments don't just up and move, that it was my memory to blame. Funny how those things fade and morph over time, and how kids just really don't pay attention to where they are.

 Just over the line into Wyoming we stopped at the welcome center for a potty break and to check out just how much of a re-route it would be to go see Devil's Tower. I have hiked around it (again, on that vacation) but Cheri had never seen this part of the world. And to be honest, I kind of wanted to go there again too.

 We figured out that detouring up to Devil's Tower would only add about 40 minutes total to our driving that day, not including a stop for souvenirs. We decided it would be worthwhile. It ended up timing perfectly with more bathroom and snacks.

 My horse went to the KOA at Devil's Tower 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂

 After we rejoined I-90 we went through the most harrowing stretch of Wyoming. A super long bit where there were no gas stations. I had 5 gallons of gas in the back just in case, but I was running low and we had to go through a small canyon/valley thing. Thankfully Cheri had an app which told her where the next gas station would be so there was more peace of mind than normal and we made it through okay. But that was probably the closest I cut it the whole trip in running out of gas.

We had some gorgeous views of the Grand Tetons and the Yellowstone area (from afar)

 The equine accommodations that night were near the Montana border and on a private farm. The gentleman was extremely nice. We made sure to clean up as they were at church when we packed up and left. We did make sure to do a photo shoot with Gwyn since his farm had an amazing mountain view. Again, gotta wait for the good camera.

 Then it was into Montana and Big Sky Country! Boy were they right! There's practically no trees anywhere so it's just giant rolling (or not so rolling) hills of grass and scrub and the sky feels heavy on top of you. It's amazing. I want to go back.

My friend Dave recommended that we stop at a steak house (no services...) off of I-90. For a hole in the wall it was PRICEY! But oh so delicious. Cheri and I shared a giant steak and split the generous sides that came with it. I was stuffed full of amazing beef. We had enough for dinner leftovers that night.

 Our final stop for the night was in western Montana, in the mountains. It was by far the biggest paddock and our favorite (except for the gopher holes)

 We had a cabin all to ourselves with beds in the loft. It was peaceful.

So peaceful. Even with the trains

I'd live here.

Trout Aquarium in St. Regis

Entering Idaho!

 We hit Idaho in less than an hour. The truck handled the steady climbing with aplomb and has automatic trailer grade braking that kicks in when you hit a certain percentage of downhill grade. My mantra was "steady up, slowly down" and while I was white knuckle when idiot sedans flew past me or when I was passing semis, it wasn't that bad at all. It was helpful to have Cheri there next to me for extra eyes.

We hit Washington quickly and were back to lowly rolling flatland. Once we hit Washington though, we fought the wind the WHOLE WAY. It sucked down my gas and I had to have an extra gas stop more than I predicted because of it. Ridiculous.

Driving down into the Columbia River Gorge was harrowing, more so than the passes through the Rockies, which my husband told me had the worst of the climbs and grades.  The wind was worse in the river gorge. And then the climb back out was just low grade and FOREVER.  But my baby held steady and the temperature gauge never wiggled. I will say that I was worried about having only a half-ton truck in Washington, but this trip has definitely proved that she can handle the hills and elevation fully loaded with gear. The new trucks are just fantastic.

Gwyn: Wait... I know this place. I KNOW THOSE PEOPLE

 We unloaded near dinner time in Duvall, WA. They will stay here until I find a place for Gwyn to live. There are other horses they share a fence line with, but they are in a pasture with several calves, cows and two surprisingly sweet bulls.

Gwyn: Saffron! THERE ARE COWS OUT THERE!

Also, look at how SHINY she is!!!! 🥰🥰🥰🥰

A BULL! RUN AWAY!

So far I have already received several phone calls from their temporary Mommy to ask me how I prefer things done. She is taking very good care of them and I hear that Gwyn has already lost her fear of cows enough that she is bullying them away from their beet pulp at breakfast because she figured out they get fed first.

I just got notice today that we were approved/picked to lease a house in the Bothell/Everett area. It has a fenced backyard and tree house, is within easy walking distance of two elementary schools, a park with splash pad, and grocery store. We are also only a short drive away from my college roommate, Cheryl. We move in on Kaylee's 7th birthday.

I am leaving Gwyn in Duvall until our house sells here in Michigan, as our budget will be pretty tight with the rental choice we have until we get to stop paying mortgage too. I think that will also mean showing is not in the cards for a while. But I'll have Cortney to trail ride with again. And I can get Gwyn legged up for fall endurance rides with actual elevation. It might be the best thing for her SI and canter.