May 26th – July 16th
July 16th
Pleasantview Dr lives up to its name. After nearly two months in PA, we have made it to the other side!
July 15th
A local horseman delivering hay stops to ask us if we're alright. He then mentions that a nearby farm would be willing to water Finley! When we arrive there, the barn owner extends the offer to stay. I lay my bedroll on some bales of hay in the barn. Finley is stalled in sight.
July 14th
I buy an arsenal of weapons to try and fight Finley's rain rot. More corona ointment, aloe vera, banixx spray, eqyss micro-tek shampoo, and cornucrescine. The cornucrescine smells like pickles, and I like how thick it is.
July 12th
Finley has free rein of a beautiful pasture on our days off. He is happy here. One night, I come to visit him in the quiet hours after dark and he rests his head on my shoulder, as if embracing me in a hug with our faces pressed together, all the while being careful not to put too much of his weight on me. We rest like that for a little while.
July 12th
My darn tough socks are nearing the end of their life! They will enjoy no retirement. I will wear them clean to death.
July 12th
Finley's rain rot is back. It exposes a bald spot on his withers. This is a nightmare manifesting. (It was never really gone, was it?) Thankfully, we are able to layover for a few days to allow his back to heal as much as possible.
July 11th
My hosts for the night have a makeshift building, a shed of sorts, that they call "The Carriage House." I lie my bedroll down there.
July 11th
I approach a property to try door-knocking, only to see up close that the porch is littered with beer bottles. I hastily turn around.
July 11th
On my walk across America, I found a red bandanna in Utah, discarded on the side of the road. I cherished it ever since ... until I lost it on this journey on route to Tuscarora State Forest. For such a little thing, it was a devastating loss. So I am overjoyed today when I find a new bandanna on the side of the road!! It is a peculiar thing, looking pink or red depending on the lighting.
July 11th
I knock on a door to ask the resident's if my horse can drink from their fountain out front. They say "go for it!"
July 11th
A woman pulls up beside us as we're resting outside a convenience store. She says, "What are you doing?! I am going to call the police on you!!"
I'm like "WHAT!!"
And she's like "I saw you walking your horse earlier, and now I'm seeing you again."
"SO??"
"Well, where are you going?"
For a split second, I honestly consider lying to her because I think her head might explode if I tell her I'm crossing the country. Except I'm a terrible liar, so I admit to what I'm doing.
She takes a picture of my business card-- I get the impression to post it on some local nosy neighborhood moms Facebook group--and hands it back to me. She then eases up shortly after, even trying to brainstorm where I could stay for the night. Pittsburgh and its surrounding hoods are so weird.
July 11th
As we're crossing the Beaver River, a middle-aged Karen rolls down their window to say, snottily, "Your horse doesn't look happy," before driving off.
July 11th
I give Finley his electrolyte paste. He hates the taste of it--blech!--and spits some of the orange goo out. "But Finley, it's good for you! Like broccoli!" He says, "I don't care. Two hooves down." 👎
July 11th
July 10th
Finley stands like a perfect gentleman, untied, as I remove his tack for the day! I repeatedly walk back-and-forth, even disappearing from view for a few seconds, and he remains!
July 10th
.... a couple who lives along this roadside appears out of the blue to offer us their place for the night! (2/2)
July 10th
This is a beautiful place to be stuck at. Just as I'm staring longingly into the fields surrounding us, wishing we could be among their grasses for the night .... (1/2)
July 10th
Whenever we have excess water, and it's a hot day, I pour the remainder on Finley to help cool him down!
July 10th
Shadow art. I'm still getting used to seeing myself ON Finley.
July 10th
Finley has done absolutely positively amazing with the hustle-and-bustle of traffic on the outskirts of Pittsburgh today. This has got to be one of our craziest days yet. So much so, I accidentally doze off halfway through the day on a graze break.
July 10th
The banks along rivers/creeks often contain loose soil that Finley sinks into!
July 10th
A kind stranger offers Finley water in Mars, PA!
July 10th
My hosts from the night before kindly escort us around a potentially dangerous bend in the highway, with little visibility. Finley takes into a trot much more readily when I ask him to. We then arrive in Mars.
July 10th
July 9th
I knock on the door of a property with acreage and, presumably, horses. No answer. As a last ditch option, I then knock on the door across the street of a home with a large, un-fenced in yard. They agree to host us!! Phew. I picket Finley in their yard, and they treat me to a late night 10 p.m. dinner at Dennys!!
July 9th
We arrive at a busy highway intersection with "No Pedestrian" crossing signs, so I think, hell, lets hop on Finley. Then I won't be a pedestrian. 1/3rd of the way through our light turns yellow. Normally, I'm happy to allow Finley to mosey along in his couch-potato way, but this calls for haste, so I have to put more leg on Finley to encourage him to trot, and some city slicker yells "You're abusing that horse!!" at us from their car window. Oh, Pittsburgh.
July 9th
I stop inside a convenience store to utilize their WiFi. We don't have a place to sleep tonight. I'm scrambling for a solution. My panic is punctuated by the sight of Finley's red fur shining so brightly in the setting sun. "Wow."
July 9th
Finley and I pass by this glorious boarding facility. Acres and acres of lush, empty pasture. The owner turns us away. "We don't have the room." I understand, but can't help feeling disappointed.
July 9th
My horn boots make for a lazy cup holder. Some sloshing is to be expected.
July 9th
I buy a gallon of water and cut off the top for Finley to drink.
July 9th
Finley hit a mailbox and eviscerated one of our saddle bags!
July 9th
We are nearing Pittsburgh! Navigating around the city has been tricky. I knew I wanted to skirt north of it.
July 9th
I am obsessed with this cheesecake-flavored chocolate milk! Someone outside this gas station graciously allows me to borrow their phone to call my mom, since I am still without mine.
July 9th
Finley bravely traverses the pedestrian walkway on the bridge across the Allegheny River!
July 9th
I find this random fun-sized sponge on the side of the road. On warm days, I like to sponge bath Finley in creeks, and up until this point I've been using my tiny kitchen sponge, so this is a great upgrade!
July 8th
My host offered me a cot in their backyard!
July 8th
I ride Finley on a stretch of HWY 56 out of Leechburg. It is the busiest road I have ridden him on yet with lots of speedy, commuting traffic. (We made the mistake of hitting it around rush hour.) He is BOMBER! Including over this bridge. It has a low guard rail I could easily pitch over to my untimely death.
July 8th
July 8th
The bridge over the Kiskiminetas River has a pedestrian walkway in Leechburg.
July 8th
Grocery store attendants in Leechburg offer Finley ice water in the parking lot!
July 8th
July 8th
Finley doesn't know about this step.
July 8th
Downtown Leechburg!
July 8th
July 8th
The road into Leechburg is no good. It's your usual recipe for an elevated heart rate: windy with little shoulder, fast traffic, and a rock wall you're trapped against. Typical for the Appalachians.
July 8th
I have to unsaddle Finley to correct his shifting saddle blanket again. I can't keep doing this, it's miserable for both of us. Amazingly, Finley stands still without being tied to anything for the first time as I saddle him!
July 8th
This flower got unexpectedly caught in my stirrup. What a lucky find!
July 8th
My hosts' daughter made me this wonderful drawing!! I will carry it with me the rest of the way.
July 7th
I get to sleep on a TRAMPOLINE!!! So, okay, my hosts' did offer me their couch, but how could I say no to the trampoline?! I had to mark it off my bucket list. It also allowed me to keep a closer eye on Finley.
July 8th
It is so, so heartwarming to see Finley bond with others! Here he is with my hosts' daughter, sharing a moment. 🙂
July 7th
My hosts' daughter leads Finley to the lush field in their backyard that he will be picketed in for the night! Finley tries to sneakily stop and snatch at grass along the way, haha.
July 8th
It was absolutely spectacular staying with this family in PA! Finley and I had the best time.
July 7th
On graze breaks, I get the opportunity to stretch my legs!
July 7th
Old HWY 56 is quiet! I ride Finley the majority of the day. "At last!" It's such a nice change.
July 7th
July 7th
My wonderful hosts from last night! It was such a delight to happen upon them. Incredibly, they have arranged for me to stay with another family tonight!
July 6th
The dairy farmers were a bust. Out of sheer desperation, I try knocking on the next door down as the sun is setting. They say yes to having us! I lay my bedroll down in the hay loft; Finley has a whole indoor arena to himself down below.
July 6th
I have to completely de-saddle Finley outside the Sheetz to correct his shifting saddle blanket.
July 6th
I hate Finley's Weaver New Zealand wool saddle blanket!! It constantly slips out the back, no matter how tight his cinches are. It's maddening!
July 6th
I hide from the rain in a Sheetz. Someone inside gives me a possible contact, a dairy farmer down the road that may be willing to host us.
July 6th
We meant to cross this HWY but there was a cement barrier blocking the way, so we had to travel along it to the next traffic light. At the traffic light, our turning lane wouldn't turn GREEN. I think the road sensors couldn't pick our presence up. Finley went from standing calmly to all of a sudden threatening to lose it. I had to circle him in place to distract him. It reminded me of our first day on the road in NJ when Finley panicked beside a HWY when we were stopped. He is better in motion, when I am actively giving him direction. Stationary, his mind begins to wander ...
July 6th
Yesterday, while mounting Finley from the ground, my burner phone slipped out of its pocket. I had to backtrack to find it. Today, the same happens, but I don't catch it in time, and it's no where to be found when I spend an hour retracing my steps. I can't believe I've lost it. I'm back to having no service/WiFi again. Stupid!! | Shortly after, Finley spooks at a deer shuffling in the woods next to us and this makes me grin, as I don't lose my balance at all.
July 6th
I decide to hop off the Ghost Town Trail. I don't like being on edge, knowing we're breaking the rules by taking it. The back roads we hop onto give me peace of mind, and they are some of the remotest in PA. I trot Finley for the first time, briefly.
July 5th
"Ma'am, do you have a minute to talk about our lord and savior Jesus Christ? If not, I've been meaning to reach you about your cars extended warranty."
July 5th
Rainy weather calls for a rest day. (It's funny, I'll wake up one morning, totally put out, and decide to stay where I am ... only to face mind-numbing boredom a few hours later and regret not getting a move on. "The grass is always greener.")
July 4th
I thought I had found the perfect fallen tree limb to act as a saddle holder. Meanwhile, Finley thought he had found the perfect butt scratcher .... and knocks my saddle right off with the force of his caboose!
July 4th
Finley tries to nab some of my food in a ziplock bag when I am not looking! I must wrestle it out of his mouth.
July 4th
Just our luck- we get caught red-handed on the Ghost Town Trail by the county commissioner! He confirms we are NOT allowed on the trail and barks questions at us. "How many of you are there? How far do you intend to go?" He makes it clear he does NOT give us permission to continue the trail, but also doesn't object to us seeing it through, when I admit that was our intention. I'm not going to lie, I actually had no idea what a county commissioner was when I spoke to him. I thought it was some dork-role like a small-town board member. It was only when I called my grandmother afterwards that she told me county commissioners are big wigs!
July 4th
The Ghost Town Trail is most populated around Ebensburg. We have many pedestrians and cyclists pass us, including at speed, and Finley handles himself beautifully! When we started this journey in NJ, I intentionally avoided a rail trail like this because I knew Finley couldn't cope with people that close to him.
July 4th
Sometime's my ankles get sore from riding, so I take my feet out of the stirrups to rest them. Strangely, I've just discovered that when my feet ARE in the stirrups, one of them has to be a notch higher than the other for me to feel balanced.
July 4th
Finley poops on the outskirts of town, by a trailhead. I don't have a bag to clean it up. I try to kick it off the path with my foot but instead make matters worse by leaving this ungodly poop smear. We flee the scene.
July 4th
I am proud of Finley for his willingness to approach the fire trucks!
July 4th
The Nanty Glo fire department offers Finley water!
July 4th
I hop on the Ghost Town Trail. As I'm balancing precariously on a pole, about to mount Finley, a snobbish male jogger passes by. He says "What are you doing here?" followed by "I don't want to be kicked by that thing." We pass a sign post stating the Rules and Regulations of the trail; no mention of horses. This suggests they're allowed, as the police officer told me yesterday. My excitement over this seemingly positive confirmation is quickly burst as, half a mile later, we spot a "no horses" sign at a trail head.
July 4th
The view from my window as we're returned to Ebensburg, PA.
July 3rd
Finley's rope halter has rubbed a bald spot behind his ears. It's not from the friction of the halter alone. It's rain rot. What's worse, the rope burn on his neck and chest from last week became flaky after a day or two. At the time, I thought that was par for the course. Now, I realize it was rain rot all along. It will manifest instantly at any point of weakness.
July 3rd
... Finley is agitated by the sound of the fireworks since they are loud, like gunshots, but he keeps his cool, aside from a very furrowed, concerned face and some pacing in his stall.
July 3rd
My hosts' neighbor is letting off 4th of July ... (1/2)
July 3rd
Finley did remarkably well for his first time trailering in over a month (and only the third time in general!)
July 3rd
Finley and I wait at the lakeside in Ebensburg for our hosts to arrive. Jalynn from the Silver Stirrup has arranged for us to stay with friends of hers, but they are located too far away for us to reach on foot, so they have offered to pick us up in their horse trailer! This is the first time we have trailer-ed anywhere since beginning the journey. It feels a bit like cheating, but we'll be dropped in this exact spot tomorrow morning to ensure we don't skip any miles.
July 3rd
We make it to Ebensburg, PA!! The start of the Ghost Town Trail.
July 3rd
Check out that den of slumbering dragons we pass by on our right hand side!
July 3rd
Every time we go to a grocery store, I am obligated to buy Finley Oats & Honey granola bars. I must.
July 3rd
A friendly police officer stops to chat as I'm chowing down on a sub at Sheetz. He thinks horses are allowed on the Ghost Town Trail, which is reassuring, and slips me $50!!
July 3rd
I ride Finley into Cresson, PA. It's the first town I haven't led Finely through!
July 3rd
We make it up Cresson Ridge Summit. Finley carried me almost the entire way! Elevation: 2430 ft.
July 3rd
I ride Finley along Old Rt. 22 out of Duncansville. Unfortunately, it is busier than I had hoped, but I am so proud of how Finley does on the road with traffic! And what's more: I AM RIDING FINLEY AGAIN AAANNDDD ... IN HIS ROPE HALTER!!! 😀
June 30th
After trying over a dozen saddles on Finley, we settle on this one: a used Circle Y Flex-Lite, born the same year I was. 2000. It's $800--I'll have to put that on my credit card--but it's beautiful and, most importantly, it feels right. I purchase an Impact Gel pad and Weaver NZ wool saddle blanket to go along with it. I'm happy to be back in a western saddle.
June 29th
Sorry for the stinky foot picture, but I want to be honest on their condition, and there is no truer way than to just show them, in all their ooey gooey, cheesey glory (oh gosh, that description is making things even worse-again, sorry!)
June 29th
My new picket rope vs my old one. The new one has a MUCH better weave and is just as soft as well as slightly longer.
June 29th
I buy a new picket rope, liniment, corona ointment, nu stock, gall salve, and an electrolyte paste for Finley at the tack store.
There are certain people I meet along my journeys that stand out to me. Jalynn will always be one of them. It’s no secret: at this point in our journey, things were at a low point. A breaking point. I was dejected and lost and bracing for another punch to land because it felt like that’s all that was happening, blow after blow, and we couldn’t catch a break. And I was ashamed to be made so vulnerable, to have to ask for help, again and again. That’s why I sat outside the tack shop for so long, staring a hole into the ground. I couldn’t ask for help again. But Finley needed help, and it couldn’t be from me, and that hurt my heart. Jalynn’s appearance marked a turning point for us. She gave us sanctuary, respite; she fitted a saddle for Finley; she showed us a mother’s love. I will always remember Jalynn.
June 28th
"Silver Creek MINIstries is a mentoring program promoting faith based family fun using miniature horses." Finley and I take a few days off here to allow his back to rest.
June 28th
The Silver Stirrup's owner, Jalynn, approaches me as I'm sitting outside. I reluctantly tell her what I'm doing and how I'm in search of a saddle, but I'm not sure which to choose. She listens, quietly considering me for some time before telling me that she will help me fit a saddle, she knows how, and that I don't have to find a place to stay. I can stay here, in a building they use for their youth ministry program.
June 28th
Finley and I make it to the Silver Stirrup tack shop. I'm immediately paralyzed by my shyness when I enter, awkwardly shuffling through the store, glancing over the saddles without understanding what I'm looking at. What will fit Finley? I don't know. I just don't know. I am quickly overwhelmed and slip back outside to sit beside Finley who's tied at a hitching post. The store is going to close soon. We don't have a place to stay tonight. We can't keep our current saddle. The only thing I can think to do is stealth camp in the nearest State Game Lands and come back in the morning, hopefully with a clearer head. Now, all I have the strength to do is keep my head down to cry. quietly.
June 28th
Finley & I sneak across the monastery's land and across the creek to avoid a lengthier detour around the downed bridge. The water is no higher than my waist.
June 28th
We hit a dead end. A bridge is out beside a monastery. I'm undeterred.
June 28th
The weirdest things pass us on the road.
June 28th
When I rouse in the morning, I see Finley rolling, carefree in the middle of the field. He's still here. I'm happy I untied him. Our host graciously fills my water bottles with ice cubes before we pack up to leave. Today, we will make it to the tack shop.
June 27th
I decide, screw it, I'm not going to force Finley to be picketed here. I won't do it. I'm despondent over Finley's saddle fitting issues. I don't want to have brought him pain. I'm ravaged with regret and I'm just so, so sick and tired of it all. I remove his rope so he can be free. He can stay if he wants. He follows me up to the barn where I've lied my bedroll down in an open stall.
June 27th
Our hosts for the night have this lush empty pasture. It's the most beautiful space we've come across. I picket Finley out with his 25 ft rope, but then I feel sorely about this. His perimeter circle looks so puny, he'll have such little access to all this beautiful land. The guilt if this gnaws at me. I walk the perimeter of the property, fixing fence line, only to face the reality that the fence line can't be repaired everywhere.
June 27th
HWY 36 out of Roaring Springs is brutally busy.
June 27th
Shoot. Behind this ambulance is a "No Pedestrian" crossing sign. Good thing horses can't read.
June 27th
Finley bravely marches past this clothing line in Roaring Springs!
June 27th
I nab some McDonalds napkins ... A man in the parking lot chases after us to ask if his baby can pet Finley. 😛 Yes! Boop. Finley blesses the baby.
June 27th
I buy a burner phone. I need one. I'm going on a week without service/WiFi.
June 27th
An Amish buggy passes us outside of Curryville! I cut off the road and into the grassy shoulder to give us as much space as possible. Finley remains so much calmer than last time, never spooking! At best, he looks alert.
June 27th
I twist my ankle and fall again. This is the worst one yet. Just pure, momentary agony. Finley wonders what's up.
June 27th
Finley is a God among cows. They love him. Every time we pass some by.
June 26th
My journal is gunky from an unknown substance (the likeliest culprit is my deodorant or shampoo leaking in my bag). Thankfully, it's not too worse for wear! I can't say the same for everything else. My saddle is waterlogged from a storm overnight, and so is Finley. I feel bad to saddle him wet. I notice ridges on his back that weren't there before. That's not good.
June 26th
We stealth camp off a quiet back road, up a little ridge. Even though it's a secluded spot, I feel strangely vulnerable. I had forgotten what it was like to have to survive the night.
June 26th
Stonestown, PA. I have a strange encounter with a man here while I am sitting in a nondescript field bordering a car wash on the edge of town, allowing Finley to graze. He was just weird. The sort to give off bad vibes, immediately. When he pulled up beside us in his car, I told him my horse wasn't friendly and walked away, pointedly not engaging any further.
June 26th
The back roads leading up to HWY 913 are lovely. I am relieved to find out that the gas station in Saxton has free WiFi. These days, being without service/WiFi in between towns, I am left desperately trying to cram as much web-searching/phone-calling as possible into the 30-60 mins I sit inside said gas stations while stress-eating chocolate milk.
June 26th
The views here are gorgeous!
June 25th
My host has free range chickens and geese. I get to try a goose egg for the first time. WOOOOT!!
June 25th
For a few seconds, my mind is racing, wondering where Finley could be. He could have run for the hills as soon as he got loose. He could be anywhere! But ... I don't have to wonder for long. I spot him just a few feet away in the treeline bordering my hosts' yard. He didn't go on the lam, nor did he try to join my hosts' herd in the neighboring pasture. He is just standing alone in the woods with his head down, looking like a lost puppy. I go up to him, sadly. "Hey, bud."
June 25th
I left Finley picketed while I went to visit with my hosts' extended family. I came back to him nowhere to be seen. He wrapped himself around this tree then stripped its bark and tore up the earth underfoot to escape, in a panic. I don't know how long he's been missing for. This is the first time we've ever had an accident picketing. (Update: and, as of Nebraska, the only time.)
June 25th
My host showed me his collection of authentic and replication McClellan saddles, with some dating back to the 1800s!
June 25th
My host's molly mule. He used to be on the mounted patrol for the local PD. I made the mistake of leading Finley through their pasture to reach our sleeping quarters, which suddenly meant fending off his gelding (or, more like, keeping Finley from instigating a fight, as he was the real one egging things on!) Rookie mistake!
June 25th
This is the hunting cabin at the edge of my host's property that I am staying in!
June 24th
Finley is set for the night, picketed with a bucket of water and corn!
June 24th
HWY 655 is busier than I anticipated, and the state forest is impossible to reach from it. Just as I get to a crossroad where I have to decide whether to continue on, in the hopes we find something suitable.
June 24th
Something about this view stirs my heart. I think of what a wonder it is to feel like I’m not meant to be anywhere else but here.
June 24th
"Be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
June 24th
I love exposing Finley to new things, like this herd of school buses!
June 24th
Finley scratches his head on a tree limb and BOOM! bald spot.
June 24th
Finley's Orthoflex saddle setup. It was crafted with love and long riding in mind, with its flexible panels, multiple tie-off points, light build (just 18-22lbs), real fleece booties, no-pinch biothane stirrup leathers, etc. And yet, despite the numerous d-rings, it's difficult to attach my saddle bags. I have to constantly retie the horn bags as they will slip forward onto his neck, and the cantle bags sit over his flank too much. Both Finley and I will be relieved to see it go.
June 24th
Finley rubbed his butt on a tree and scratched the fur clean off! "I can't go anywhere with you!" 🤣 I'm afraid it's rain rot, and that's why he's always so itchy. He constantly wants to rub his butt on things like Baloo. I've taken to letting him use me as a scratching post; it's been a great bonding tool, ahaha
June 24th
Sometimes Finley seems reluctant to be ridden. Other times, he almost seems more comfortable with me on board. I don't want to risk it, so I only ride him up hills, rarely more than a mile or two, and am back to walking the vast majority of the day.
June 24th
June 24th
Sometimes the mountains constrict travel to certain highways. I'll have to hop onto HWY 655 from Waterfall through New Grenada. I hope to stays in the green tonight; public lands. I'm curious as to what "Gracey Trail" is. I hope its a viable route off the highway to a camping spot.
June 23rd
On our way back to the house from caving, I spot this magnificent brown mouth ... crumbled. It reminds me of our circumstances, travelling. It makes me sad. I try to shake it off.
June 23rd
My hosts' backyard cave. I am in AWE! It is marvelous!! When people ask me who my favorite hosts were on this journey, this night will always come to mind.
June 23rd
My feet are not looking hot. The leather of my boots is wearing into the base of my toes, rubbing them raw.
June 23rd
I was planning to camp at Rothrock State Forest when a family I met at the gas station, who are AT enthusiasts and awesome human beings, invited us over instead!
June 23rd
The path up to Rothrock State Forest.
June 23rd
Pizza and chocolate milk are my go-to guilty pleasure foods at gas stations on the road.
June 23rd
I park Finley right outside the Shade Gap gas station, tying him to a pillar by the entrance.
June 23rd
Grated bridge? No problem!
June 23rd
I had a great time with my host family last night!! They were so welcoming and sweet, with a beautiful property and animals galore. The kids grabbed their bunnies to pose for a group photo!
June 23rd
My host's son drew a picture of me riding Finley. It looks just like us. I will love and cherish it forever.😭🤣
June 23rd
My host's daughters surprised me with this beautiful drawing! I tuck it into my ziplock bag with Finley's paperwork. It will be carried across the whole country with us!
June 22nd
A dairy farmer stops to chat with us, having heard of our venture from the folks at the broom factory. I ask her if she thought one of the employees there would be open to hosting us. They are! I sleep in the hayloft above the barn, which is AWESOME!! Finley is below in a stall. This is the first night my phone doesn't charge at all. It's officially toast. I have a spare for navigation, but not service. I am cut off from the outside world.
June 23rd
Remember the barn wall Finley kicked down? I receive word that it's been repaired. Wonderful!
June 22nd
June 22nd
The tips of Finley's hooves are flared from walking on gravel. I'm a little concerned, but this vanishes as quickly as it came about!
June 22nd
We're short on water. I knock on the door of a broom factory to ask for some. They happily oblige! A young Amish worker there darts behind Finley, running to fetch some, which gives me pause for a half second. It's gratifying to see that Finley doesn't care, where once that would have terrified him.
June 22nd
The sweeping meadows and not-so-distant distant hills are a gorgeous sight on this plateau.
Finley catches his breath while admiring the view of the valley below that we just came from.
June 22nd
Finley bravely carries me the whole way up this mountainside. He has to stop 3/4ths of the way to catch his breath. We also have to carefully maneuver around a parked jeep in our path. By the top, he is slick with sweat, but he has a look of determination on his face to make it.
June 22nd
We discover that the connector path leading to Concord Rd is gravel and it goes straight UP for a mile!!
June 22nd
The flies here are bad. The horse flies are the worst, but it's mostly gnats that we are contending with. Small, but annoying. Our bug spray doesn't help much. Finley bites back at himself, often.
June 21st
I don't have the motivation to go on. I pitch camp just a mile or two shy of our hosts house last night in the state forest. I immediately collapse into my tent and fall asleep, only to be abruptly awoken a few minutes later by an explosion of noise: machinery! There's an active lumber operation on the other side of this treeline! I hastily grab Finley and throw my tent a safer distance away.
June 21st
Poison ivy.
June 20th
Finley's Orthoflex saddle isn't working. I don't understand what's wrong with it, really, but it doesn't matter. He's showing signs of discomfort, especially if we're travelling downhill. We're 114 miles away from the nearest tack shop. I am devastated, beyond belief.
June 20th
My host and I pour over maps of Tuscarora State Forest. I intend to take Bowman's Trail to an unnamed connector path to Concord Rd.
June 20th
Tonight, as we approach our host, Finley seems eager to go up to them, as if to say, "I'm here!" This is a new phenomenon, something I'm amazed to watch. It's clear he's beginning to recognize what late-in-the-day strangers mean: sanctuary.
June 20th
Amish encounters aside, I also rode Finley across a grated bridge for the first time today, and we snuck through this construction zone, passing right underneath an excavator! "Good thing horses can't read."
June 20th
WOW! Today was a real whirlwind. While racing the clock to reach our hosts before sundown, we had a pony pulling a cart that contained two young Amish women sneak up behind us! I swiftly dismounted while Finley whirled around to face them. He reared, only to make contact with his bit and come back down, off that pressure, just as they passed. I swear something clicked in his mind, then. He was like "OOOHH!!! Oh ... okay," and settled down. Next, a wheel loader with an entire Amish family sitting in the front bucket approached. I remained in the saddle as Finley wheeled into the closest field, only to stop and stand, readily, in place while facing them. I'm so proud! Of him, and myself. Before, I was deathly afraid of him spooking. Now, I'm gaining confidence with it. When he spun at the wheel loader, I thought for the first time "huh ... that was kind of fun."
June 20th
I am so glad we had a last minute change of plans and went south. Hidden Valley Rd and Couchtown Rd are so idyllic! Once we hop onto Fowlers Hollow Rd, we encounter four wheelers, tractors, trucks towing pallets, and more!
June 20th
We spy Finley's worst nightmare slumbering in its den and creep quietly by ....
June 20th
Because we're in Amish country, there is a hitching post conveniently placed outside Dollar General! I debate buying a burner phone here since mine is about to break. But I'm not sure I can spare the money, not when I already have a replacement phone on the way. I drive myself to tears over the indecision before leaving, empty handed.
June 20th
DUN DUN DUUUUN.
June 20th
I am at a crossroads. This part of PA doesn't have true east-west roads. The mountains make everything .... squiggly. I now fear, in reviewing my maps, that the highway I've chosen over the next mountain range will be too busy, that I should cut south instead. Especially since I know of a potential host in the Tuscarora State Forest. Even if they aren't available, there are public campsites there. I am so tired of being uncertain of where I will sleep.
June 20th
The highway into Linville.
June 20th
Weirdly shaped vehicular contraptions pass us constantly. Rarely do I manage to snap a photo of them! They're a welcome sight to further desensitize Finley!
June 20th
The thorn that pierced my finger two weeks ago is still here. It's nearly worked its way to the surface!
June 20th
Finley got in a fight with my host's horses last night through the window of the barn and kicked the barn wall to smithereens. I didn't hear a thing. Except for one ferocious, high pitched squeal, like a velociraptors call, before I fell asleep. Finley says "I regret nothing." I am terribly sorry and leave $200 for repairs.
June 20th
My host comes into the barn at 5:30 a.m. I'm meant to be up, too, since she has to leave early for work. She sees the damage before I do and rouses me.
June 19th
We're in a dead zone. "Emergency Calls Only."
June 19th
This red light in the dark signifies my phone charging. My phone will no longer charge unless the cord is positioned just right. I fear it will break completely any day. (1/2)
June 19th
I thought by now my feet would be "broken in." They are still suffering. My suspicious is that my Ariat boots weren't, really, meant to go the distance.
June 19th
I work up the courage to try door-knocking for the first time on "Kansas Rd." Kansas was the friendliest state I passed through on my walk across America, so I choose to take this as a good sign. I am terrified silly, over-analyzing each house we pass. We get a YES on our first try! I pitch my tent in the barn. Finley's on the other side of the wall.
June 19th
The Appalachian mountains intensify. Roads are rarely flat any longer. We're always going up or down. And I'm always out of breath or about to be!
June 19th
If we're in the middle of nowhere, I'll drop Finley's lead rope so he can wander about to graze.
June 19th
Finley & I find quiet back roads to ride on. He is reluctant to go forward, and I fear what this might mean.
June 19th
I first met this gentleman in Duncannon yesterday. He offered to treat Finley & I to lunch today to hear more of our story!
June 19th
I was parched when I came across this unopened bottle of Gatorade, in a flavor I've never tried before, strawberry watermelon. SCORE!!
June 19th
I love random roadside oddities. "Keep smiling behind the mask."
June 19th
A vulture eats a foal that had been struck by a car along the highway.
June 18th
As I was leaving Duncannon, a family became concerned about my presence on the road and tailed us with their blinkers on. They then asked, in passing, if I were alright. I went out on a limb, as I seldom have the guts to, and inquired about a place to stay. They welcomed Finley & I with open arms, in the nick of time!!
June 18th
Duncannon!! Finley and I miss their Appalachian Trail Festival by a few hours. I take Finley straight through town on the sidewalk. He is ogled by curious locals. I see backpackers slipping into buildings here, there, and it reminds me, sinking-ly, that we have no where to go tonight, despite being in a town bursting with travelers.
June 18th
This brown moth alighted on the blanket my grandmother laid out as we readied Finley with his new saddle. A good sign? I hope.
June 18th
I plead with my Grandparent's to come to my rescue one more time, to deliver the Orthoflex I should have bought before. I think it seems like a good fit on Finley. Len Brown, the creator of Orthoflex saddles, designed them with long riders in mind.
June 18th
I just can't carry Draft Pony, my backpack, on foot any longer. My grandmother said to me over the phone the other day: "Gin, you're going to end up walking across america again, leading a horse!?" and she's right. That's what's happening, and I don't want to do that.
June 18th
Finley and I cross the Susquehanna River, which I grew up playing beside, on a pedestrian crossing. It's narrow and long. There's not enough room for another pedestrian to pass us safely. As we near the end of the walkway, I have to signal to an approaching backpacker to stop and wait for it. Thankfully, they do!
June 18th
June 17th
We have gone so far, and not far at all.
June 17th
The view atop Peter's Mountain. The sun is setting fast, but we have a few quiet moments to admire it before we have to start running.
June 17th
I get so fed up with HWY 225 that I consider hopping on to the Appalachian Trail, which forbids horses, because screw their stupid rule, but I don't work up the resolve, in the end.
June 17th
Finley and I can't find a place to sleep. Worse, we have to hop on HWY 225. It's narrow and windy so cars struggle to see us in time to pass safely. And it's STEEP, so I'm out of breath, ready to keel over, when we can't afford to stop. I realize all this too late to turn back. It's the worst road of our entire trip; I am resolved to never be on another like it.
June 17th
I twist my ankle, terribly. I keep doing this. This is the most agonizing incident yet.
June 17th
This is the ridge we just crossed over.
June 17th
Draft Pony continues to be a ticking time bomb 💣💥
June 17th
It's my last day on the Horse Shoe Trail! It has treated Finley and I well.
June 17th
It's AWESOME to be able to ride with others! Once again, Don carries my backpack. Finley and I mostly trail in the back, though I find out if we DO lead, he has more of a pep in his step. We go up and over a mountain. Our first of many, many more to come in the Appalachians!
June 17th
Me & Finley, Don & Scarlett, Kathy & Ghost, and my host from last night, Debbie. The whole gang together!
June 17th
My host last night didn't have a barn or pasture of their own, so they asked their neighbor if Finley could use theirs ... they said YES!
June 16th
I use my 15ft lead rope as my reins. Saves weight and space, having one interchangeable rope. Only problem is that I have to be extra careful to avoid having this happen ....
June 16th
We hit sand and instantly Finley's down and rolling. I somersault over his head. Okay, that's it. I'm pissed and let him know it. I have to: lying down while saddled can not be tolerated. He could crush my leg or break his saddle. (Future update: thankfully, as of Nebraska, he has never tried to lie down again while being ridden.)
June 16th
I ride Finley SOLO for the first time on our travels today, as Kathy leaves midday. Though I must dismount when we get to this property with two barking and lunging dogs on a high line along the trail. We have to walk in the bushes pictured to the left hand side to avoid being within their reach.
June 16th
"Are you to talking to me??"
June 16th
I feel bad, I saw a gigantic clump of laternfly nymphs on a leaf earlier today, easily over a hundred clustered together, and did nothing about it, as I did not know what they were at the time.
June 16th
This is one of my all-time favorite photos. 🙂
June 16th
Don captures me and Finley in action on the HST!
June 16th
Thankfully, Don and another member of the HST Committee just happen to be nearby, doing trail maintenance, so they come to the rescue!!
June 16th
The stirrup leather's on Kathy's saddle I'm borrowing pinch my legs--ouch!-- so she offers to duct tape them for me.
June 16th
This is my first time riding Finley saddled on the road; Kathy let me borrow her Orthoflex English saddle for the day!
June 16th
Kathy, an endurance rider and friend of Don's, joins me on her Arabian, Ghost!! She brushes out Finley's mane before we head out.
June 16th
What a beautiful moth with the most spectacular white and black speckling! A giant leopard moth.
June 15th
Crossroads saddle shop is a bust. They mostly cater to English riders and have few western saddles. The only saddle I consider is this Orthoflex. It has a flexible panel rather than a solid tree to fit a wider range of horses. Though it's designed in more of an English style, which I'm not accustomed to, and ... I'm just not sure about it.
June 15th
My grandparent's take me to Crossroads Tack shop. I am crossing my fingers they have a saddle in stock for us.
June 15th
My grandparent's and I try to gauge Finley's saddle size with a hanger.
June 14th
Finley is being such a butt on our day's off at the boarding barn. He's impatient to come out of his stall. Then, he's impatient to come out of his grassy lot. When I halter him and stand with him in place, anywhere, he stomps. Stomp. Stomp. See him here, sticking his head through the fence? What a bugger.
June 13th
After being unsuccessful with a hammer and nail, we put some duct tape to use, as a temporary fix.
June 13th
Annette lets me have a sleep over with an old friend at her house. We get into midnight shenanigans and accidentally knock down a board in one of her cousin's pastures. Uh oh!
June 13th
My mom's old friend, Annette, who used to hold Bible study's at her house nearly a decade ago, takes us in! I am delighted to see her again after so long apart. She is as kind and genuine as I remember. Since she doesn't have a barn herself, Finley stays at her cousin's place across the street. This is the path there.
June 12th
Finley and I take shelter under a patio by a shopping complex across from Hershey Park to wait out a thunderstorm. Though we only reach it after getting drenched!
June 12th
Finley sees his very first roller coaster! I believe it's "Lightning Racer." He is such a trooper about it!
June 12th
Check out this cool tunnel carved out of the branches of a tree in Hershey! Finley and I encounter a freight train for the first time shortly after, and he does so well with it!
June 12th
We've made it to Hershey, PA! I remember when I found out I was tall enough to be a "Twizzler" (which means you can ride ALL the roller coasters!) Hershey Park is THE amusement park of my childhood.
June 12th
I have decided to get off the Horse Shoe Trail to save mileage today. I fear we won't make it where we're going in due time if we don't cut corners. The catch is that this will lead us through downtown Hershey.
June 12th
It's that time of the day. (Any time of day.)
June 12th
Dauphin County. I spent some of my formative years here.
June 12th
Today is a big day for us. Lots of mileage, through the heart of Hershey, and we're in Amish country, to boot. A buggy could be around any corner. Just when I think things couldn't get worse, the strap on my backpack, which I've affectionately named "Draft Pony" snaps. I sit on the ground and stare at it in abject horror for a few minutes, lost on how to proceed forward. Finally, I figure out that I can tie the broken shoulder strap to my waist strap. We go on.
June 12th
This is the most beautiful turtle I have ever seen!!!!
June 11th
Finley & I have a wonderful night with Don and his wife! Though Finley gets a little offended when Don tries to hug him as we're leaving. Finley pulls back in shock with a wide eyed "good sir!" look on his face that makes me laugh. He's still learning to lighten up with people. But he's getting there.
June 11th
I was bragging to Don over dinner last night about how Finley has always been so easy to catch, so of course Finley decides to embarrass me by doing the exact opposite this morning when Don is watching. 😂 I had to use some reverse psychology and walk away for him to then follow.
June 11th
I cross over the interstate astride Finley!! I grew up alongside the PA turnpike, so it is remarkable to see it now from such a different vantage point. We make it to Don's for the night safe & sound
June 11th
Don joins me on another ride! I am overjoyed to be able to ride Finley again. I even feel confident enough to snap a quick photo! Last time, I didn't want to try my luck letting go of his mane or the reins to dare try. He doesn't care to lead the way or to even stay with Don's horse, Scarlet. He's content to just mosey along behind, so they often have to stop for us slow pokes to catch up.
June 10th
There are a few of these boxes along the HST with a guest book to sign your name and the date of your visit.
June 10th
My bank account has $4.64 in it, and my bank won't sending me daily (passive aggressive) emails about it. 🤣
June 10th
This baby Jersey cow was enamored with Finley and wanted so, so badly to go up to him. A worker spent like 10-20 minutes just blocking her forward movement and herding her away. 😛
June 10th
The folks at the Pretzel Hut give Finley some hay and a bucket of water! I soon realize it was unwise of me to tie him in the midst of their petting zoo, as I have to tell multiple people he's not part of the exhibit.
June 10th
We're officially in Lancaster county. A horse-drawn carriage pulling a wagon full of tourists passes us on route to the Pretzel Hut. Luckily, they are far, far in the distance, so Finley's reaction is mild. Still. It reminds me of one of those early scenes in a horror movie, where you just see the monster out of the corner of your eye for a while, until .... 😂
June 10th
The HST goes straight through The Pretzel Hut's property. Which is good, because with the lack of resupply points along the trail, I'm starving!
June 10th
"When it's dark, look for the stars." Random, weirdly motivational graffiti is my favorite kind of graffiti.
June 10th
Any soft, loose soil, like you'll find by a creek bed, is guaranteed to make Finley get down and dirty!
June 9th
Finley and I got into our first marital fight. I tried to make him back up at liberty, and he resisted. Then, when I went to halter him, he got agitated and swung his hind end towards me. We had to have a lengthy a conversation about this, then.
June 9th
A path along the HST in some State Game Lands. We're spotted by a trail cam, and right where I was hopping to pitch camp. I'm glad I saw it. I worry there's more.
June 9th
"Good sir, would you please put me down? This is undignified in the utmost way."
June 9th
Here I am, minding my own business on a rest break, munching on some cold left over pizza when ... to my utter shock ... Finley shows interest in it! He has NEVER been interested in human food. Heck, he has snubbed apples and carrots. What kind of horse snubs apples and carrots? After some hesitant nibbling, he takes half the slice out of my hand. I break out laughing.
June 9th
This is an example of what the official HST maps look like!
June 8th
I run into a serious dilemma on how to collect drinking water from a spigot for Finley without any sort of bucket of dish. I get creative by pouring it into a giant ziplock bag. It is messy but (just) doable.
June 8th
The clean up crew or poop patrol is hard at work making our campsite presentable the morning after our stay ... I have to pick up Finley's manure and his leftover hay.
June 8th
The HST runs through Dutch Cousins Campground. Don generously calls the owners in advance of my arrival to get permission to stay AND drops off a bale of hay for Finley for the night, since he won't be able to graze on grass overnight.
June 8th
A couple asks me "are you on the trail?" as I pass by their driveway, which catches me as guard, as so few know of the trail. They offer us water and apples! Shortly thereafter, I have a very unfortunately creepy encounter with a mentally-challenged middle-aged man in a suburban neighborhood, who attempts to follow Finley & I down the sidewalk. We escape without any real confrontation.
June 8th
Finley and I are rejuvenated from the kindness of some incredible new friends and are ready to begin again!
June 7th
My incredible hosts for the night!! Though one of them isn't present, as they're holding the camera. 😁 They treat me to the most wonderful dinner and conversation!
June 8th
Holy smokes, check out this turtle's color! Its head is such a vibrant orange!
June 8th
This day wouldn't have been possible without Don. He carried my backpack while leading the way with his horse.
June 7th
What began as a horrible, no good day, with me stumbling listlessly forward, ends on a high note: I ride Finley for the 1st time on our journey, like I never expected: bareback and in a rope halter!!! I have absolutely no real control over him, but it doesn't matter, because he never strays.
June 7th
Don and I meet. Don has been my right hand man for the HST, assisting me from behind the scenes from the start. We connected through Craigslist back in December when I was still ISO a horse. He mailed me the maps I use to navigate the trail and has set me up with every host we've staid with along the way. Finley, still on edge from our Amish buggy encounter, frantically pulls back when Don and his horse first approach, threatening to breakaway. He settles down surprisingly fast once they are within talking distance. I don't make the best first (in-person) impression, either. My mood is at an all-time low. I'm just completely dejected and out of sorts, and I don't hide it well on my face. And for that I am sorry. I owe a lot to Don.
June 7th
I managed to filter some creek water to drink earlier, but not nearly as much as I should have, so I am overjoyed to run across this random water bottle .
June 6th
Look, I had to be selective on what went in my backpack. I had to make sacrifices.😂 "Why carry a spare pair of pants when I'll only be travelling with my backpack for 1-2 weeks?" Well, jokes on me. Now I get to look REALLY homeless. 🤪 There are no stores around here!
June 6th
The field I scouted in William Penn State Forest is perfect for our purposes. Finley is in heaven with all the grasses, and he particularly adores these purple flowers, whatever they are.
June 6th
We cross our first grated bridge over a small creek!
June 6th
I tie a knot at the end of Finley's lead rope. This way when he goes nutso over the next Amish buggy, maybe I can keep hold of him. Or maybe my body can be dragged behind him. Semantics!
June 6th
Finley, poised and regal
June 6th
I get a minor rope burn from trying, unsuccessfully, to hold onto Finley when he made his getaway. 😛
June 6th
An Amish buggy comes towards us on the main street through French Creek State Park. I think "gee, Finley's been a trooper with traffic so far- cars, semis, motorcycles. This should be a breeze!." When the buggy near, he pulls back and rears, knocking me onto my butt, before running away.
June 6th
The Horse Shoe Trail is windy and meandering. Sometimes, this is a bit disheartening, because it means we might walk 15 miles only to have gone 7 west, as far as the crow flies, but I wouldn't trade it for the solace of a quiet trail.
June 6th
Thank goodness, French Creek's ranger station has a small concessions station. I haven't eaten in a day and a half.
June 6th
Wow! This big, beautiful rat snake scurried by us. Finley didn't give it a passing glance. Really, I don't think he noticed it.
June 6th
The pouch for my water filter has ripped. Duct tape to the rescue! Wait, never mind, abort the mission. It's too far gone. I must throw it away.
June 6th
I picked up a bottle of Betadine at the same tack shop I got Finley's fleece halter covers. I've been lugging it around for the last few days, waiting for a warm enough day with water nearby to bathe Finley. I was hoping for a hose, but the creek will have to do!
June 6th
We make it to French Creek State Park! I let Finley graze freely per usual, and when I go to pick up the end of this lead rope to continue on, he cheekily runs from me! I chase him for a good 50 ft before he relents. 😂 His privileges to graze without me holding onto his lead rope are now REVOKED indefinitely.
June 6th
We encounter a formidable foe for a horse: a downed tree limb!
June 6th
My backpack continues to balloon like that blue girl from Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
June 6th
I've decided to download a 7-day free trial of an app called "OnHunt" that lists property boundaries to accurately scope out camping spots. Tonight's destination is this field in William Penn State Forest, where dispersed camping is allowed.
June 6th
This is a sample of what the Horse Shoe Trail handbook looks like.
June 6th
At least someone has their act together. (I'm kidding, we're dysfunctional co-dependents.)
June 6th
My back pain remains when I wake up. I awkwardly go to hoist myself out of bed, impossibly trying not to bend my back ... and pierce my finger on a thorn that I then can't remove. IQWNFKEJWBKMD KLGNRGDMFS KLNVDM <VFMGW$E
June 5th
... I tear something in my back. AARRGGHH. I lie in defeat for a few minutes before awkwardly crawling into my tent, where I will be in agony the whole night (2/2)
June 5th
I always give Finley's picket rope a tug after tying it to ensure it's secure. In the process ... (1/2)
June 5th
After crying like a baby about being lost in the woods, Finley tells me "get a grip, woman!!" and starts to lead the way. I am amused enough to let him.
He leads us the wrong way.
June 5th
We're lost in the woods. Finley is helping with directions.
June 5th
We narrowly escape a pack of wolves .... 20+ screaming elementary school kids at a playground. Phew. This calls for a water break.
June 5th
.... "F*** them kids," and scratches his head against the tree.
"NOOO!!"
June 5th
Baby birds! While I am marvelling at them, Finley says .... (1/2)
June 5th
Another dawn. I am beginning to start each day with a sense of impending dread, and it is no good. We have a place to sleep tonight, at least.
June 4th
I get to weigh my backpack before departing for the day. It's 25-27 lb! Slightly less than my perpetually aching back surmised . . .
June 4th
My host for the night is so incredibly kind! Finley gets his own pasture and I get pizza. She notes that Finley has an Arabian--esque head. I have had a few other people make this observation. Mostly, people assume he's a quarter horse if they don't see his brand first.
June 4th
No day is complete without a midday roll.
June 4th
Horse Shoe Trail Rd! It's such a little known trail. Seeing a road named after it makes it feel more "real."
June 4th
The Horse Shoe Trail has little access to services along it. We make a mile detour to 7-11. Someone calls the police on Finley when he's left alone for a minute.
June 4th
The Horse Shoe Trail is marked with yellow blazes. I'm in better spirits today. I have learned it's easier to carry my pack if I rest the straps on the tips of my shoulder bones.
June 4th
Brightside Farm Park. Finley is in heaven with how lush the land is here this time of year. I have taken to dropping his lead rope on graze breaks, entrusting him not to stray too far.
June 4th
I'm a little confused as to where Finley is when I first wake up ... I'm relieved, and a little bemused, to see that he is so comfortable lying down when alone in a strange place.
June 3rd
I do recon on our stealth camping spot for the night. Gotta see how close it is to an elementary school. This day and age, I imagine people are a little wearier of a scraggly-looking stranger in the vicinity of their school. Good thing it's summer break.
June 3rd
Today is not our best day. In fact it just straight up sucks. I get fed up carrying my backpack every 5 minutes. Really, I alternate between angrily sitting down, thinking "oh, this isn't so bad," walking on, thinking "this is the WWOORRSSTT" and teetering over again. We make it 5 miles before I call it quits. The irony of struggling to carry a 30lb pack while I lead a 1,000 horse capable of easily shouldering that weight is not lost on me.
June 3rd
Miraculously, my hosts last night are willing to drive me to a tack store to pick up a fleece cover for Finley's rope halter, so it will no longer rub him raw and his bald patches can heal! He looks like such a dork now.
June 2nd
Our host's for the night are Horse Shoe Trail board members! They surprise Finley with a bale of hay that they bought from a neighboring farmer.
June 2nd
I was counting on the Horse Shoe Trail to be the perfect place to start riding Finley for the first time. Now, I can't. The weight of my backpack is too awkward and heavy, I couldn't find my balance and would topple over like Humpty Dumpty. I must continue to lead him, and that is disheartening.
June 2nd
We have made it to the Horse Shoe Trail. It is a bittersweet moment. A milestone, something I've been aiming for since the start. "If we can just make it to the Horse Shoe Trail ..." I've been telling myself, like a whispered prayer.
June 2nd
I have never seen a pedestrian crossing button ... for horseback riders! Ha!
June 2nd
Midway through Valley Forge, I turn around to see this bald spot on Finley's face. I am astonished. His face looked NORMAL just a few hours prior, and his rope halter has never rubbed previously, despite being on 24-7 when he was wild ... I thought taking his saddle off and continuing on bareback was, surely, the end of our struggles. What more could go wrong? Well, this. Apparently. Another extension of his rain rot. Maybe, even, brought on by the rain today. I am at a loss for words.
June 2nd
Spot the rainbow! It's been storming on and off throughout the day, but the warm weather makes the rain enjoyable.
June 2nd
There is a walking path paralleling the main thru-way of Valley Forge. This is the view along it.
June 2nd
So. As it turns out, horses are not allowed on the bridge into Valley Forge. Except, it's our only viable way to cross in. Good thing horses can't read.
June 2nd
We have arrived at Valley Forge!! 😀
June 2nd
We survive Norristown, a heavily trafficked area, and hit the Schyulkill River Trail!
June 2nd
The whale goes down for another roll while we're resting in a church parking lot. Then he just lies there .... sunbathing? A concerned passerby stops to ask "ugh ... is he okay?"
"Yeah, he's just a weirdo."
June 2nd
My grandparent's visit again. Finley has become so much more comfortable in their presence! The difference is drastic.
June 2nd
Meandering through the countryside. Too bad we can't hop on trails at the "Farm Park" in King of Prussia, as it doesn't allow horses. What kind of farm park forbids horses?!
June 2nd
We had to scurry through a four-lane traffic light with "no pedestrian crossing" signs to reach this lovely backroad. Worth it.
June 2nd
Finley is LOVING life without a saddle. Here he is, having been beheaded by a car! Just kidding ... he rolled down a hill, being a goof.
June 2nd
This is one of my favorite photos of Finley & I. I look at it and go "Yeah, that's us. Two schmucks." 😂 Finely is offered some carrots here, and I have to turn them down, as he doesn't like carrots ... or apples! (Future update: turns out, Finley does indeed like carrots and apples, he was just too weary of being poisoned by no good, stinky humans at this point in his character development. LOL!)
June 2nd
My grandparent's come to the rescue, taking my saddle and delivering me a backpack to carry until Finley's back heals.
June 2nd
Finley's rain rot made a bald patch by his withers. Being saddled is exasperating it, turning it into an open sore. We cannot go on like this.
June 1st
Our host's for the night have YURTS in their backyard (and a homemade ice skating rink!) They let me sleep in one!
June 1st
Siiiggghhh. Walking is so exhausting.
June 1st
Finley is doing phenomenal on the 202 Trail with pedestrians, cyclists, and the traffic raging on the highway a few ft away! I have my head on a swivel for passerby's to give them the widest berth.
June 1st
The 202 Parkway Trail! It's a beautiful day, and that kind of sucks, because it means cyclists and pedestrians may be out in full force. Finley has never encountered them so closely before. We avoided the Henry Hudson Trail for a reason.
May 31st
The business cards that I madly whipped together at 1 a.m. the day of departure have arrived! Aren't they nifty?
May 31st
Finley embraces me by resting his head on my shoulder as I stroke his face. He's never shown such unabashed affection before. I am so, so happy.
May 31st
When I wasn't looking, my cousin went outside and brushed Finley's mane out. No stranger has ever gone up to him alone while he's been picketed. I am shocked. She said he did GREAT!
May 30th
Since my memory foam pad was a bust, I try concocting a new foam pad out of an old mattress my grandparent's have lying around. It is a fail.
In other news, I have a good laugh with two policemen in my underwear in my grandparent's suburban yard this morning, as they got a call for "a loose horse in the neighborhood."
May 29th
Finley's barn manager and I have a falling out. The last things she says to me as I'm fetching Finley to leave is "Gin, your horse's water is WARM" with the haughtiest disapproval she can muster. Ugh ... yeah. It's the summer. His water is going to be warm. Warm water is actually easier to digest than cold water? What do you want me to do, dump out his 150 gallon trough and fill it with cold water that will warm again in an hour?! 😂 Well, better not to get into the situation there more ... best to RUN!!!
May 29th
Finley's rope burn after a bath and a good scrub. It's pink, but not raw or infected. Skin deep. I am delighted and relieved! Though if you asked my barn manager how it looked (or even if you didn't ask) she would say "DON'T YOU KNOW HE COULD DIE IF YOU DON'T TAKE THIS SERIOUSLY!?! *pterodactyl screeching*" Her dressage friend who has Oldenburg horses imported from Europe comes over later and tells me, unprompted, "I heard about your trip ... it sounds like a disaster."
May 29th
I saw this raised, wart-like bump on one of Finley's legs and thought "oh god, what now?! is this an extension of his rain rot?" Come to find out, they're on all of his legs. They're on every horse's legs. Ergots. Weird.
May 28th
My arsenal. Things I have gathered from around my grandparent's house on the fly to treat Finley's rope burn and rain rot. Some Google-recommended home remedy's are in the mix like apple cider vinegar and mouth wash.
May 27th
This is an example of what Finley's rain rot looks like. White, pasty scabs that strip the fur from his hide.
May 27th
I go to see Finley the morning after we return to Doylestown, worried about how he'll feel about me, given what I've put him through the last week...will he be easy to catch? Will he run away? When I round into sight, he's already standing at the edge of his pasture waiting for me.
May 26th
My grandparent's lane. My grandmother is in tow in the Honda.
May 26th
Hansell Park, right down the block from my Grandparent's house. I used to come here as a kid. It's strange to return as a different person with a horse from another world.
May 26th
I expected my grandparent's to skedaddle after greeting me at the Delaware River bridge. Instead, they join me the rest of the day!
May 26th
Old Carversville Rd! A gravel path lined with trees and beautiful, offbeat homes.
May 26th
WOW! Where did these people come from? It beats me. They just popped out of nowhere! Quite the commotion, but in a good way. Finley did wonderful in the limelight!
May 26th
One of my favorite photos of Finley and I, on the other side of the Delaware River bridge, having made it back "home" to my grandparents.