A lovely scenic trot out from about two weeks ago. Zoe and I discussed - Where to go ? On the days we are working within a time frame, we want to have nice trot AND a nice view. Also -- Keri and Teasel like a challenging trek. I suggested returning to find the stone work we came upon one day while searching for something else entirely. Sounds good..... Several choices for approach. We trotted along a trail that comes out onto Pleasant Valley... down onto a dirt road that leads up into Mount Ephraim from another side. Here is the view as we near the mountain trail entrance.
This is a photo of the same mountain above - in July. I remembered Zoe and I had spotted that cabin and have added that to our list of places to investigate. I'd like to get over there and snap a photo from that side looking this way :)
The trail at the end of the road... leading up onto the mountain. We are on the 'new' trail - one we rarely travel. Keri and I are thinking... Geezum crow - steep embankment.
We reach our destination... we came by here once a month ago looking for another trail that has since disappeared and spied this stonework. At that time -- no camera -- so we just had to return to get photo's. Keri and I are on the other side of the stream -- I wonder if those are root cellars ?
There are two bridges for crossing the brook -- we are on one of them in order to get this of the prettier of the two.
This is all newer work -- steps leading down the bank.
Not much in the way of waterfall here this day but there were several tiers -- and this odd water valve off to the side ??? was there a piping system here at one time that one could turn off and on ? Curious.
Well as you can imagine - I took loads of stonework photo's -- but it's time to head out to our second objective of the trip.
Trotting down another one of those fabulous dead end dirt roads of Vermont that lead to more trail.... this is all part of the old Boedtker farm from long ago.
Very beautiful along this little road. This is about the end of it -- as a bit further it becomes private with a huge estate.
We are headed off to the right however -- to investigate the Boedtker family plot :)
I have only visited here a few times - but I love it. An opening surrounding by forest.. it's peaceful with a fabulous view.
There are a few more recent burials here but most are very old .. dates from the end of the Eighteenth Century. The earliest interment
recorded on a surviving headstone is that of Philarmon Robertson, who died in 1795, aged 7 years.
Keri and I investigate the stones and lettering. These are all slate markers.
I read somewhere that these stones face west which is opposite most English and Christian practice. No surprise given the historical time period of the burial plot -- most of the stones are memorializing children.
There are two revolutionary war soldiers buried here.
Now - on to the next destination.. which seems to change as we trot along.
OK -- where now ? Probably time to pick a route and trot toward home.
We trot and canter up Boedtker Road toward Pleasant Valley Road... is this the quintessential Vermont country lane or what ??
This is a gorgeous autumn day !
Zoe and I decide to take Whitney Road home. Last time we were trotting this back road it was in the cart with Nimue in harness.
More beautiful views - we look over at the mountain side we were just traversing.
We have just passed the Rhoman-Wai farm which can be a feat in itself. This dairy is enormous with many, many, many dairy cows lined along the narrow winding dirt road -- all in stanchions eating and clanging and moo-ing. Quite a sight ! We are presented with more options for return routes. We decide to take Roach Road which turns to trail and leads out onto Poppe Road.
This is a pleasant trail with excellent cantering opportunities. We always comment how we MUST get back in here and explore some more. There are off-shoots from the main trail that may or may not lead anywhere --
As we trot down the other side -- where the trail comes out onto Poppe Road - we are startled to find .. someone has excavated a large piece of woodlands .. and closed the road from the Poppe side. Drat !! Luckily for us - horses can inch by almost anything. But we are nosey enough to ride around the future building site. Someone is going to have a gorgeous view from their eventual home. Not that long ago - this was all heavily forested property.
Here we find the best color of the month ! Time to trot home as we have been out a very long time zig-zagging our way through the countryside. We canter up Pleasant Valley Road and meander our way through the trail behind the Church to home base quite satisfied with our journey :)
We just received these certificates and ribbons recently even though they are an award for last year's riding time and miles for ICHO. Zoe and Teasel came in second place.... Of course Zoe rides as much as I do -- and more.. but not always on her beloved Mister "T" --
Keri and I earn first place which I am thrilled about :)
She and I traveled a lot of miles together and experienced many adventures.
How often do I - as an aging trail rider get to be CHAMPION ??? And Keri as a sometimes silly mare who is also getting up there in years... great Job Keri !
BUT -- keep in mind that both these horses make an awesome team :) Zoe and I are so lucky to be a part of that team !
There will be more news of rides and farm stuff soon -- as I try to catch up on the posting.
Enjoy ~
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