May 20th – May 26th
May 26th
We have made it out of NJ alive and this has me smiling like a fool because I know if we could survive that, we're ready for whatever lies ahead.
May 26th
Forget being allowed on this bridge, the real Q is: how will Finley DO on it? He has never crossed a bridge like this before, over such a wide body of water. He could panic, freeze, freak out. My plan of action is per usual "well, I guess we'll see, won't we?"
May 26th
The Washington Crossing, New Hope, and Stockton bridges don't allow horses. That leaves us with one choice: the Lumberton pedestrian bridge. There are no signs forbidding horses, but I don't press my luck by inquiring with park rangers.
May 26th
I had a gnat sucker punch me in the eye and as I was struggling to get it out ANOTHER gnat whammed me in the eye and Finley took advantage of this. I should have known he would.
May 26th
We were looking forward to the Delaware and Raritan Canal Trail. It's CLOSED! Also, apparently, this section doesn't allow horses, anyway. Rude!
May 25th
I was fretting about the busy highway we were walking beside, ready to be off of it, meanwhile ... Finley decided this looked like as good of a place as any for a little lie down. What a weirdo.
May 25th
Finley's memory foam saddle pad has ripped in half in less than a week of travelling. It was too fragile, we must try something else. Sooner than later.
May 24th
As we passed by a business complex, this man came out to greet us. "All my colleagues are staring at us through the windows."
May 24th
A sign at Zion Crossing Park shows me that we have made it to our final county in NJ. Wow!!
May 24th
Okay, Finley's not really meant to lie down while saddled, and he knocked my horn bags off no less, but ... how can you be mad at that face? Just look at that smile. So innocent. Yet so mischievous.
May 24th
We unexpectedly came across this staircase. Cue me Googling "can horses climb stairs?"
May 24th
... unless I duct tape my feet! (2/2) There we go, they're good as new.
May 23rd
My feet are continuing to balloon. Check out that pinky toe! Yuck. Kind of fascinating, in a gross way. I don't think I can walk tomorrow .... (1/2)
May 23rd
Our worst nightmare is born. It's still in its infant stage. That won't last long.
May 23rd
Finley has rain rot. When I first spotted it on our 2nd day out, I stupidly mistook it for bug bites. It's undeniably rain rot now.
May 23rd
Finley's first bridge crossing! It's a rickety wooden bridge, no more than 10 feet across. A Level 1 opponent. He hesitates to step onto it for a good few seconds before committing. (Next: the Level 100 bridge over the Delaware River)
May 23rd
Finding trails in NJ to hop onto feels like slipping into a secret door to a hidden world. New Jersey is the most densely populated state, after all. These trails make for a beautiful respite from all the N O I S E.
May 23rd
Snapping turtle!
May 23rd
I'm pretty sure the Indian family heading back to their apartment complex on their community walking path did a double take at the hobo spongebathing her horse in the creek, ahaha.
May 23rd
Sometimes as we're walking it just hits me, "Hey, we're really doing this! And ... we're not dying! ... We're really getting somewhere!"
May 23rd
Finley and I sneak onto the private gravel road and encounter our first train. An Amtrack, going 100+ MPH!! We then get caught by a cop. The only house along the train track just had to be owned by a cop.
May 23rd
A gravel road in NJ? How peculiar. Oh, wait, there's a "no throughfare" sign. That explains it ...
May 23rd
Jesus said, "You must be born again."
May 23rd
Finley gets more experience cross tying!
May 23rd
Voight Farm takes us in with open arms, and I am beyond thankful. Finley is exposed to lots of new sights and scenes here. People, horses, everywhere! He gets another refreshing hose down.
May 22nd
My feet are waterlogged from walking in soggy socks, and raw and blistery from being broken in. They will get worse before they get better. From this point on, I will be limping across NJ.
May 22nd
We cross over interstate 95. It has 12 lanes with traffic raging to and from NYC!
May 22nd
This area is brimming with tractor trailers. I'm scared silly we will encounter one ahead, on our first narrow interstate overpass ... until I see this sign. PHEW!
May 22nd
May 22nd
Psshhh, I should have known Finley would lie down when taking a rest break by a dry creek bed! Sandy soil makes for the most irresistible place to park your toosh ... for a horse, anyway.
May 22nd
Finley gets his lead rope caught around his pastern in a terrible accident and falls over! He has a slight rope burn after but thank god he is OK.
May 22nd
Friendly faces greeted me first thing in the morning, and invited Finley and I over for a breakfast break!
May 22nd
New friends at American Stables gift me SWAT (fly cream), leftover pizza from last nights get together, and candy!! Unfortunately, I have to toss some water-logged grain.
May 21st
Finley gets to meet the resident goats too!
May 21st
One of the boarders at American Stables has baby GOATS?! and lets me cuddle them, no less! After another stressful day, I am amazed by the change of setting.
May 21st
We covered 7-8 miles today in the sweltering heat. Finley gets a much deserved hose down with cold water! He is a little squirrely about the hose but seems to enjoy it more than previous baths.
May 21st
Finley's sweat marks after the day. I think they look pretty good?
May 21st
Our host for the night, American Stables. They are incredibly kind and accomodating, especially since I just showed up! (Okay, maybe they didn't answer their phone.)
May 21st
A kind stranger gifted us these!
May 21st
New Jersey traffic! We encounter our first motorcycle and Finley lies down by a busy intersection like a goof.
May 21st
I lie in the dirt against an abandoned Playstation while Finley dozes off. So far so good.
May 21st
It's scorching hot, in the high 90s. We seek respite beneath this underpass where there is shade, grass, and a creek.
May 20th
I couldn't imagine a better camping spot for our first night out than this luscious field hidden from view. 4 grueling miles conquered today!
May 20th
I had my eyes on this spot as a potential stealth camping option. Next to this welcoming sign is a conflicting "no trespassing" sign. My grandmother calls the local PD and gets the OK for us to stay the night!
May 21st
This Cuban man eagerly let Finley graze in his yard and treated me to some snacks. This made for a wonderful midday rest stop!
May 20th
I would describe our first day on the road as "controlled chaos." I try to remain calm and collected while quietly losing my mind inside the entire time.
May 20th
I was so worried about Finley exploding - KABOOM - when I tightened his girth at the beach that I did the exact opposite and made it too loose. I turn around a few blocks in to see his saddle going sideways. Uh oh. Emergency pull over in a church parking lot to correct that.
May 20th
Finley & I pull off the sidewalk leaving Old, Bridge to allow another pedestrian to safely pass us.
May 20th
This Cuban woman couldn't believe her eyes when she spotted Finley. She was so ecstatic about seeing a real live horse on the beach. "Maybe today God will call me, I have seen everything now!”
May 20th
Check out that physique. Hot damn! What a strapping lad.
May 20th
We quickly amass a crowd at the beach! My grandparent's graciously help me answer questions so I don't get too overwhelmed.
May 20th
Finley is reluctant about the ocean and needs some encouragement to touch the water. Thankfully, he doesn't try to drink it!
May 20th
Old Bridge, NJ. Today is the first day of the rest of our lives. Here's to a new beginning!