Christmas Tour with a side errand or two

Today we woke up to a lovely morning -- excited about our planned Christmas Tour ride to Chester Green. Ended up, I had a few things to do in Chester - so I decided to run those errands on horseback while I was there. We dressed for the holiday --  Gabby transported us to a location from which we started our tour. He snapped a few photo's of us - which is great since there are so few photo's of Zoe and I together as a portrait on horseback. When we went to halter up the horses and bring them to the barn -- when Keri saw she was trotting out with Mister T- she was dancing :)

I have known Gabby for quite awhile and he's so patient with our plans and ideas- no matter how off the wall they might seem.  Once we unloaded, we began to decorate.  Keri wore a Santa hat -- Teasel had antlers.

   We are both pretty well bundled -- I felt a bit like a snowman perched in the saddle.. but I was cozy.

What the heck are these two saying to one another ?

We're off to ride through the Chester Green.... hopefully spreading some holiday cheer.

There goes Gabby - off to his next stop.

Green is coming up.... but wait --
pit stop for a hat fix !!

Mister T sporting his hasidic looking ribbon/garland sideburns.  His antlers are laying too flat -- we'll have to perform a bit of surgery on those when we get home.

even with the decorations - without the snow, it just does not really seem like the holiday yet.

The Inn which was built in 1840's

Misty Valley bookstore

Now you have witnessed most of the Chester Green first hand.



We are off to run an errand.  Trot down Main Street -- cross over past the Jiffy Mart

to the bank -- My Dad sent me money to purchase the GPS that I have had my eyes on.. since I am already in Chester, I figured I may as well make a deposit.  My Dad is so supportive of my rides :)

The far left lane is strictly for drive up ATM... we need to stay in the right lane and use the pneumatic tube... that will take a bit of maneuvering - easier if we could trot up to the window.

But, if Nimue could do it -- Keri should be able to also.

Now I have to twist that little tube open -- all these bulky winter layers are hampering my dexterity.




Meantime -- the tellers are snapping their cameras through the window.

Here's a good shot of the antlers doing what they are supposed to do.  We are just waiting for our deposit slip.

I can't wait to use the GPS on the trail... it's going to be outrageously awesome :)

One example of how it's going to aid us in our journeys -- one day we were on a long loop.. headed down Baltimore Road. We spotted a little dead end road off to the left - Bemis Road. In Vermont so many dead ends turn into trail. In 2006, the Vermont Legislature passed a law regarding old roads.  Towns had to add the elusive roads to official town maps, ensuring that they remain public, or turn them over to owners of adjoining land.

At any rate - we spent a hour or so traipsing through the woods atop Old Shincracker mountain to find a possible access to somewhere-- I guess there was no old road.. at least that we could find.  With the GPS - we'll know that ahead of time.

OK -- I grab my deposit slip and it's off to the next destination.  Trot up through Chester Depot and off to Stone Village to visit our neighbors at work to wish them some Holiday Greetings.

Probably the most colorful house in Chester.  They have several artificial Christmas trees on the porch -- also in many varying hues.

Some of the garden statues have Christmas hats on

I didn't even remember snapping this photo until I went to edit the pictures..   Is Teasel smiling or grimacing ? Whazzup Mister T ?

Passing by Pinske's -- where there is always something to catch the eye.

Barre Pinske is a local chainsaw carver/artist who is quite famous world wide.

Most days when we trot by, he is out working - perhaps it's too cold today.  He donated a nice piece to the riding center a few years back for a fundraiser.

Trotting down the sidewalk - into the Depot.

Perched directly next to the railroad tracks and the Depot Station -- a handy store that carries nearly anything and everything. If they don't have it - you don't need it.

The Yosemite Fire Station - volunteer fire department of Chester.  It was built in 1879.

We reach Stone Village -- I am surprised there are not more decorations.

I have featured a tour of the Stone Village before on the blog .. it's listed in the National Register of Historic Places. All the houses were built from a near-by quarry. Many of the homes have secret rooms and tunnels which were part of the Underground Railway for slaves.

Their unique construction dates back to 1838, when the cost for a stone house was five dollars a week plus a jug of good rum.

 All the homes were constructed by two brothers using what's called the “sneckled ashlar” technique which required stones ranging in size from 4 x 6 inches to 3 x 4 feet to be laid end to end, with cross stones placed horizontally every few feet for added stability. The resulting walls, which could be up to 24-inches thick, were then internally reinforced with moss and horsehair.  Pretty neat.

Just outside of the Village - on Route 103 is the Stone Village Farmer's Market owned and operated by my neighbors. We thought it would be fun to drop in to say hi -- but it looks as though no one is here.

For those of you who attended my Curly Horse Get Together this past summer --- this is where Denise and Deb drove to pick up the sweet corn for the grill.  We rode on the long and round-a-bout route to get here so we could include the entire "tour".

Gone Fishin' ??? !!! If you want a tree or a wreath -- you'll have to slip the money under the door, so states the sign.

I guess with the extreme cold we've experience the ice fishing should be a booming venture.

Well - time to head home...  we trot back to Flamstead Road to trot homeward.  Here's someone who procrastinated a bit on the whole lighting thing --  he's just putting them up today.

It's starting to snow now .. a perfect day !

whoops -- fly-away hat SOS.

Here's a few little video snippets of our tour .... ending with a nice canter up the hill of Flamstead Road.  We had loads of fun on our trip... Keri and Teasel make a very special team.

We hope to get out on Christmas Eve for a quick trot out ... but in case we don't -- Happy Holidays from the dynamic duo and their riders.




Enjoy ~

We Work and Play or Look Dick Look ~ See Jane Splash !

I am dating myself gain :) Anyone remember the readers from kindergarten and first grade starring the infamous Dick and Jane ? In mid-November, one of my favorite large pony mares OYY Beltane's Lady Jane finally had her chance to get out on the trail for the first time.



This could have been hard work, but she's such an imp -- it became playtime for her ! Here is Jane just mounted and headed out... she is sired by our Mead's Chocolate Chip and out of ChesterBelle Honey - with some old time Curly bloodlines.  I have retained Jane for a future lesson pony.. I think she's going to be a perfect therapeutic lesson mount.

Out on the back dirt roads, Jane is feeling sassy and confident -- in the lead -- Keri is along as nursemaid and to show Jane how it's done properly :)  In the pasture, Jane has had issues with crossing water - we are headed onto a trail which has many water crossings.. we'll see how it goes.





Jane has completed the obstacle course a few times.. but here -- she balks a bit.. leave the road ? walk between the two trees ? It looks a bit rough in there.

Keri waits patiently while Zoe urges Jane on.

She gets this close a few times and backs off.. but this time -- she goes ! One of Jane's positive attributes -- she never reacts with any dangerous or iffy behavior when she refuses.. and once she does it -- she's good to go. 

The swamps and little ponds have just a skim of ice today -- it's still mid November and although cold .. not as cold as usual at this time of year.

In the woods, on the trail --  this is easy !

Just ahead is Jane's first big downhill.  Keri went first .. Jane did great.

Uh-oh water ahead ! You can see Jane leaves the trail momentarily to re-group.  Keri is thinking an Eeyore thought -- harrumph.

To quote another ...
Keri assumes the Simba attitude ~

Danger? Hah! I walk on the wild side... I laugh in the face of danger... except instead of laughing, Keri pretends to drink instead.

Come on Jane - you can do it !   Admittedly this is a large puddle... but this is what brave trail horses do.







Silly Jane... !! 

We exit the trail out into the open field -- Jane says -- Finally... !!  



This little trail is perfect for beginner horses as it offers just about everything they need to learn and is not too long of a loop.  Road, walking between trees and around obstacles, downhill, uphill, narrow spots, mud, brush and water !



Jane had a successful initiation and graduation.

OYY Hollis brown left for his new home.. he'll be living in New York state with another Top O' The Hill Farm "baby"  OYY Abraham - who is being ridden and driven. Abraham is out of our Sudie Bee - and he is around 10 now. Hollis just turned 3 in the spring. He is a full brother to OYY Little "Z" who departed for Georgia in the beginning of the summer this year.  He is maternal brother to Elektra. Nice family ! 

Here is a short little video of Hollis we made right before he left.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yqCQ-qyhbK4

Speaking of OYY Little "Z" -- here are some photo's of her at her new home.  Her new owner was riding her days after her arrival -- even though she was just about ready to deliver her third daughter !


This is one of those homes that you dream of for your offspring... the perfect sale into a very loving family.  Z was 4 when she made this trip south.  By the way -- she did the same trail that Jane completed.. but she did hesitated at nothing -- just trotted along good as gold.

Here she is being nosey with the two older girls.

Zoe and I have discovered, being nosey runs in the family as Elektra also likes to poke stuff with her nose and Mom Ahmet uses her nose as an investigatory tool often -- twice she got quills in the muzzle for her troubles ! 





 Since it's nearly the end of the year -- I am going to throw in some left over photo's and news to use it up before twenty eleven arrives --   here is my farm fox playing around.  Foxes are a bit homely in the summer... but I guess they are built for quick and sly.

These rocks are good hunting ground for mice and such.

I received an e-mail kind of out of the blue from an owner - this family purchased a lovely colt sired by Colonel's Pasqualie Kid, out of our old gal Dream Curl ---   I named the colt Wildest Dreams... in keeping with the tradition of using the word Dream in all of the "dream babies".   I called him Wilder.. which fit him nicely as when he was born he reminded me of Gene Wilder anyway.

It's been ages since I have had contact with the family -- the young daughter has grown up quite a bit - and look how gorgeous this colt is now !!

 While I am on the subject of my "babies" -- here is news from the Ray family in New Hampshire. They own two of my horses -- one of them is currently a member of the equestrian team at Colby-Sawyer College.   Daffodil is sired by Colonel's Pasqualie Kid also and out of the old mare, Honeybee Gal ~ so she is related to silly Jane... Jane's dam is a full sister to Daffodil.  This photo is taken at IHSA at Colby-Sawyer.  Daffodil is a large pony mare.. she also drives. I rode Dilly quite a few times and had a blast.

Sometimes I forget how many "kids" I have
out there !  It's so great when they are out there making names for themselves (and me too :) )  Everyone is impressed with this mare -- she has done well in pony club for years with her young owner - who is growing up fast now.



Lately the weather has been quite raw, windy and bitterly COLD...  we've managed to get a few short rides in. Now the much talked about hunting season is over -- and we can get back on the trails. Today, in fact, we are planning a trot out... more news on that in a later post !

Enjoy ~

Rides, Drives, and all stuff in between

Per usual, there's much to report after a lengthy hiatus from blogging. In addition to the untimely demise of my computer - We've been riding and driving -- working with horses and every day .. getting closer to being prepared for winter. Hunting season has kept us from the trail for the most part... this weekend is the last of that.Zoe and I have been making plans excitedly for some new trail loops and of course our Christmas ride. 

There were a few days during which there was no hunting - while the transition was made from rifle to muzzle loader.... we took advantage and headed out with the Keri-T team... off onto some trail we have not been on in some time.  I snapped a quick photo of our new gear.  I bought an Equi-pedic saddle pad - which both Keri and I love... it is not quite long enough for the flaps of my London which is mildly disappointing, but the pad itself is super ! So much nicer and better than my Skito pad. 
Plus the memory foam inserts are guaranteed for life AND Keri looks lovely in that rich burgundy.  !!  I also purchased a backpack for snacks and serendipitous trail finds. Such as this awesome item I spotted alongside the road as I was trotting -- a candelabra made of deer antler !!  just sitting alongside the road ! It did not fit into the carrier so I had to tie it to the back of my saddle.



 

This trip we head up my property into the pine woods-  Moving in and out of sun and shadow.

Amazingly, when we took this trot out, the ground had not even frozen yet. After our long summer drought, fall deluge has created rivers out of forest trails. 

We river walk up the mountain - out at the top to pass down past Zoe's house on the other side, Where we have to cross the highway. 

Trotting across the highway, up Fletcher Hill Road - and onto the maze of trails where we are hoping we remember the turns we need to take to arrive at our destination.  

We took a couple of wrong turns, but finally found the one which led to the far side of the beaver pond - which has grown tremendously since the last time we were here. 

There's a more narrow dam up ahead... right where the trail used to be. Last time we were over here.. we were able to walk through the water and over the dam to continue on down this opening.  Now, there is a long wide dam to the left -- the water is considerably deeper - Keri says - No way. :)  We can hear a beaver gnawing down a tree somewhere pretty close.  Keri has never been fond of beavers. 

We have to peck our way through the forest to find an alternate route .. there is sun, but it's still brrrrr cold !


I have missed the trail with all this hunting foolishness.

Zoe and I are investigating GPS systems for trail. I have read quite a few reviews and am saving up for one. Snowmobilers and ATV'ers use them to find trail and also keep track of their voyages.... with the right model, you can see how fast you travel, how many miles you have been and find all kinds of ways through the brush. 




We exit out onto Pleasant Valley, trot up to Breezy Hill Road - where we find the road is iced over as it's so shaded and "breezy" :)  Back into the woods - cross the mountain for home ... always fun with Teasel and Keri. 

The last few weeks, Keri has a new 'favorite' riding partner -- not that Teasel will ever be replaced.. but Keri loves to go out with Elektra.  The one advantage of trotting out with Elektra is - she moves out with huge strides and loves to go fast... so it's easy to 'spur' Missy Keri into long canters and some gallops.  If you are banned from the woods - and have to repeat the same old 6, 8, 10, 12 mile loops - it's better if you can do it fast and furious :)  

Nimue has gotten out a few times also -- to keep her in shape. She loves to drive out with us.. and now I have her on the sales list so it's good to get her out and about on a fairly regular schedule. 




Yesterday -- I grabbed her out of the pasture and did the 6 mile loop as part of the Ride A Curly "Ride With Me" ... we had a blast !

I had purchased some jingle bells at the local dollar store with the idea of having Keri and teasel wear them for our traditional Christmas eve ride.  These bells are for hanging on your doorknobs around the house and NOT made for the rigorous trotting motion... we left a bell about every half mile or so along the loop, arriving home with 3 bells still attached. So much for that idea. :)

This fall - keeping with my usual practice of having several (many) projects going at once...  I have a new shed in the works and am enclosing the outdoor wood boiler room more adequately.   The shed -- this is an idea using something very different than any other shelter I have built in the past. I chose to put it in an area I knew was going to be nearly impossible to dig (by hand anyway)  for a pole style building.. with many roots and large rocks.

I used telephone poles as the base and built up from there.  I notched the base poles.

When the building is erected -- the notches will be on the inside facing each other. 

  Like so !  There will be a pole the horses will have to step over to enter the shed .. as shown here - but at some point I am going to fill the shelter with some sort of material as a base.  To be honest ... I am pretty pleased with the outcome of my attempts. 

I was not completely a purist with the whole post and beam style structure -- I did use very long lag bolts to keep everything together at the junctions instead of the old fashioned wooden pegs. 


While I was turning the lag bolts into the wood, there was quite a bit of screech and scritch sounds of the metal biting into the old wood -- the pileated woodpecker who lives out in the orchard evidently was aroused in some way over the sounds created.. and flew back and forth overhead answering every screech I made with the socket wrench... silly. Wish I had had my camera for that :) 

Here's the inside of the roof almost done -- and the siding partly on.  I am happy to report this shed was made with all materials that were hanging around somewhere on the farm -- recycled from another job... except I had to buy the lag bolts.   

Quite a few people have advised me that I would use a lot less wood if I would only better enclose my outdoor wood boiler room. SO --- FINALLY.. I started that project as well.  Again... I tried to only use materials laying around stacked in this building and that.  I took off what little existing front there was and started somewhat "fresh"...  This is a very old carriage shed... it is sagging a bit.. I jacked up one of the corners a little.. but really didn't want the job of making the entire building plumb and level so was happy with the 3 inches I got.    

I put a new sill in that section of bay. 

There are two plexiglass windows overhead -- all that is missing now is the door... which is assembled but still waiting to be hinged on.  The whole inside now is lined with plastic, roofing felt and insulation.... NOW-- to see if there will be any difference in efficiency.  It will be super if there is, but regardless - it was a fun project and looks a bit nicer.  You can notice my roadside find -- the antler art -- sitting in the little window.


So -- we've been busy at the farm with this and that.... more to follow as I try to catch up blogging before the year ends !!  


Enjoy ~