Gravel, Man

Finally! Gravel was delivered, twice, on Friday. He pegged in the 'cattle carpet,' and we were waiting impatiently for the gravel to arrive.

First load was dropped on the run-in shed site.

This gravel is the same type that is used as base for most road beds. With the geo-textile fabric on the bottom, this stuff will set up like a rock and never, ever, be muddy.

Life Is Good!

Spreader

A new spreader arrived, mostly not assembled. This is like the old-fashioned erector sets, with missing pieces, extra screws and washers, not enough of the right size.

We'll use this liquid spreader to 'burn' the pasture, fertilize, or dampen down the barn aisle.

Ride Time

Feeling adventurous, instead of turning left we went right - right on down to Sykesville. We were really taking a chance, because we hadn't been that way since October. The trail had been blocked by an enormous Sycamore, that was laying on the trail, with no safe go-around. Honest.

Since that time a Herculean effort was made by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and a youth group, Conservation Corps. I know they used mechanized equipment because of the wide path that was left. An incredible result was achieved.

No longer a treacherous billy-goat path, precariously perched on the side of a true cliff, can now easily pass another rider, hiker, or bicyclist.

We rode into Sykesville, with the train stopping traffic on Main Street for us! We hitched up next to the police station, the boys enjoyed a nice shady rest, and we had a delicious lunch.
On the way back we traveled through the Gorsuch Switch area, to the meadows where the big Poplar is located. This tree is massive. Situated on the meadow edge, its location is above Skip's left ear. It is taller than all the other trees, even though it is far down the hill, it is higher than trees on the ridge above it. We love to run through these fields, flush out deer and fox, and commune with this ancient tree while the boys enjoy a grassy snack while catching their breath.

Backyard View

Have waited for this scenario nearly my entire life. A dream delayed is a wish full-filled.

Front Gate Paint Job

The front gate has become faded and rusty around the edges

Sanded lightly all of the bars and hinges

Painted with 'Regal Red' oil-based paint

Pony The Pony

We had a nice ride with friends that brought their youngster, Gibbs, along for the ride. He was a pretty good sport, keeping up fairly well, and when he did get 'loose' he didn't go anywhere. He saw a couple trains, crossed the river a few times, walked on the train tracks, hopped over logs and puddles, flushed out deer and was tired when we got back.

By the time he is old enough to be ridden, he will be a solid trail horse.