Archives for July 2011

Once again we headed out the Mohawk Trail, this time following it all the way down to the same parking/camping area for lunch again, then afterward heading up the other half of the A trail loop that we had missed last time. Our original plane had been to include the D and E loops, but the first part of the ride seemed to take so long we decided it was too late in the day, and we’d have to come back and do those again on another day. Once again, a lovely, varied terrain, still different from other areas of the forest. After leaving our lunch spot, we made a small diversion on the wrong side of the creek, only to return and cross the creek to the right side. One of the few areas where there was water on the trail, but the horses didn’t seem interested in taking a drink. Not long after that, we headed up a long vertical climb under the power lines, all grass but practically straight up for half a mile. The horses took it all in stride, though they did take several breaks along the way. Then it was deep into the woods once again, winding our way from one gorgeous section to the next. At one point, unfortunately, a couple of teen dirt-bikers came up from behind us on two very loud, unmuffled motors. We heard them coming from a long way away, and pulled the horses off the trail to prevent any accidents. The youngsters almost didn’t see us, we had to yell to them before they spotted us. One of them had the good sense to turn his motor off, the other one had to be told, though not before Apollo had to be calmed down. They walked quietly past us, and I told them to go another 50 feet or so before I said they could start up again. By that time, the second kid’s overly large shorts were hanging halfway down his overly large behind, and we had the unpleasant view of an overly large crack that no one should ever be subject to. I know I sound like my parents did, but I really don’t understand these fashions these days. At least I saw the point of a miniskirt in school, I don’t see the point of exposed bra straps and shorts hanging down to the knees, courtesy of no waistband. Oh well, it’s just a sign of the times I suppose. Anyway, not long after that we came up to a road, and while comparing it with the map, the park ranger came by in his truck, and I asked him if motorized vehicles were allowed on the trails in the summer (it’s a snowmobile trail in the winter, but that’s not the same, right?) And he said absolutely not, but I suspect he knew who the kids were. In any event, they were long gone, so there wasn’t much to be done anyway. Other than that, it was a great ride, and it was still a good five hours minus the lunch break. Once again arrived back in camp, tired and hungry, but satisfied at another wonderful day.

What a fabulous ride today! Another good night sleep, another leisurely breakfast, and finally got on the trail a bit after 12:00, having packed snacks for us and oats for the horses. Headed down to the Mohawk trail, then turned left to follow the A trail clockwise. Lots of varied terrain, forests both pine and deciduous, ascents and descents, rocky sections, muddy sections, perfect dirt and pine needle sections. Coming downhill near the southern end of the A Trail it got very muddy, and at one point Apollo stepped right out of one of his Easyboots, not an easy thing to do! Had to stop and pick it up, but it was so muddy I couldn’t see me being able to put it on again until I found some water to clean it up a bit. Shortly thereafter, we came to the halfway point, a lovely parking and horsecamping area with tables, fire rings, two sets of two stalls each, right off a road. A half hour later, we were back on the trail again, heading back up the Mohawk Trail, which would connect back up to the intersection where we first took the A Trail. A really wonderful ride, arriving back in camp tired and happy at about 5:00. Got everyone settled in, including ourselves, for a much deserved relaxing evening!

Though Hubby felt better today than early yesterday, we took the day off to rest up, relaxing as much as possible so that we’ll be fit for a long ride tomorrow. Spent the day reading and watching movies. At dusk (which starts at about 9:00 and lasts until nearly 10), I climbed the fire tower to see if I could spot any fireworks. We had heard a lot last night, apparently the big Watkins Glen show was after a race, we couldn’t see it, but we certainly heard it. Tonight I saw a beautiful view of the remnants of a beautiful sunset, and as it grew darker, I saw quite a few fireworks all up and down both Keuka and Seneca Lake, though Keuka was definitely more active. It was a beautiful 360 degree view, absolutely stunning. It was too late to get Hubby up there, but I promised myself I’d bring him up tomorrow, thinking that there surely would still be more fireworks to come, being that tomorrow was the actual holiday of Independence Day. Eventually climbed down and came to bed, looking forward to a long ride on a beautiful day tomorrow.

Had another wonderful night sleep in perfect upper 50’s temperatures, another perfect sunny morning, though a bit warmer than it has been. Headed out to ride about 11:30, this time taking a longer loop, heading out to Onandaga Trail, then up a steep incline on the B Trail, then over toward the Mohawk where we had a brief misstep going down to a Lean-to and back again. What a great ride! Though there was a lot of mud in some areas, and a lot of stone in others, with the horses’ boots on they took it all in stride. There were a few significant inclines and descents, though most were fairly mild, yet larger than the gentle terrains of Maryland. In other words, a perfect step up for the conditioning of the horses. We trotted whenever the terrain allowed, and even managed to get a few canters in as well. Really enjoyed our 2-plus hour ride. We might have gone longer except Hubby had woken up with a sore throat and a stiff neck and a general feeling of unwellness, but he dosed himself up with Tylenol and gargled with H202 and felt good enough to ride, but we didn’t want to push it. Gave the horses a rinse off before letting them graze again, they are really enjoying being able to move around the yard, albeit dragging a 10 lb. Weight behind them. Relaxed the rest of the day, taking a short nap in the afternoon, reading outside for a while, watching TV in the evening, just a lovely, wonderful way to spend a holiday weekend!

After picking up a trailer load of hay this morning, and running down to nearby Watkins Glen to pick up a few things, we got back just after noon, grabbed a bowl of cereal for lunch, then saddled up and headed out, deciding to just take the short Cayuga trail up to and around a little pond and back. Trails were a bit muddy in spots, and rocky in others, but we had put the horses’ boots on before we left so that was no bother. Very wild looking trails, despite their obvious heavy use, some wide enough for two abreast, others so narrow you can hardly see the trail for the ground cover. Out just over an hour, just enough to stretch the horses’ legs, getting some jogs and even a couple of short canters, though the trails didn’t really have the best footing for that. When we got back, we tried something new. Several of our neighbors have been letting their horses graze on the fresh grass and clover of the campground, so when we went shopping today, I had an idea. I bought a 10 pound boat anchor and a fifty foot anchor rope, which I cut in half, then added another hook to the second half. I tied them to the boat anchor, then clipped them on the horses’ halters. That gave them the freedom to move around, but not very far, as the weight was enough to slow them down considerably. They enjoyed the grass for several hours in the afternoon before we hooked them back up to the highline for the night. They seemed to appreciate the freedom, and I was happy I have finally found a solution to a problem we’ve had many times, how to let them graze safely. I had considered hobbles for a long time, but never could fine any I liked. I was also worried about the horses hurting themselves, or getting farther than we wanted, but the anchor seems to be the perfect thing. We’ll see how it works, anyway. We sat out and kept an eye on them for awhile, they seemed to adjust fine, as they seem to do with everything we ask of them. We relaxed the rest of the evening, still tired from our busy week. Still planning on a good long ride tomorrow though!

Thought we might get a ride in today, but we slept so late (perfect sleeping temperature!), and got busy on the internet (I have a better signal here than I had in Maryland!), trying to finally resolve our accommodation challenges for our next stop. Also had a call from a potential client about a possible date, and I had to do some work on that. Frankly, too tired after our long day yesterday to ride, so we settled in for a long day of work and rest. Met the neighbors and started to inquire about hay, we’re getting low and there isn’t much on craigslist, so I thought a local source might be good. Finally met a guy names Keith who found some for us. It seems there’s been a really wet spring, and everyone’s hay either got rained on or didn’t get cut until way past prime, so it’s scarce. Nevertheless, this source has last years cut for just $2.50/bale, hoping the horses will like it, but beggars can’t be choosers at this point. Gorgeous day, though, sunny, mid-70’s, absolutely perfect!