almost summer

Before Spring gives way to official calendar Summer, I wanted to share three Spring firsts. There were more than three, but for the sake of moving forward on this blog I am highlighting our first hike, bike and kayak of the year. 

Early May, we traveled to Remer, MN for a gun fitting. Never heard of Remer? Me neither. Remer is home of Big Foot ~ and no ~ we did not spot a real Sasquatch. Unless you count the many cut outs. 

We took advantage of the situation and turned it into a mini vacation. As soon as Brad's gun fitting was done, we headed across the State to the North Shore of Lake Superior. Destination Cove Point Lodge. Our room was small, but oh so close to the lake!

We opened the windows whenever we were in the room and listened to the gentle waves. Day and night. Nothing like being shwoooshed to sleep :)) 

Brad relaxing by the window

sunset colors span the lake

The private cove on the lodge property is to the right (above). You can walk 'er climb all the way out on the point. I considered hauling my camera out for the rise/set, but opted to watch instead.

good morning glory

On our first and only full day, we hiked and revisited several nearby scenic locations. 

beautiful scenery

Both of our previous trips to the Two Harbor area were late Fall/early Winter. We have never been there in the Spring. As expected, Gooseberry Falls was roaring.

Brad & I viewed the beautiful middle falls area first

Roar (18 secs)

We hiked down to the lower falls, then up and around to see the upper falls. I get asked if you can get in the falls. The answer is yes, if you have a death wish and want to end up like the tree below. There are no barriers. As you can see, there are safer slow running water areas.

us at the smaller lower falls

We crossed the bridge and before hiking UP, we went in where the water wasn't running.

(19 secs)

heading towards the upper falls

so many cool trees with exposed roots

view from side/top of falls

Take my word, Gooseberry MN State Park is more gorgeous in person. I highly recommend going OFF season (Summer/Fall is peak).

We headed to a small SNA (State Natural Area) that we never took time to see on previous visits. It is known as the "pink rock beach" or Iona's Beach. Named after the women who donated it, so that others could enjoy this rare beauty.

scenery on the way

we were not alone

they were not kidding, every single rock had pink tones



closer look at the rocks (via iphone)

there are many learning opportunities

With sandwiches packed, our next stop was the very popular and frequently photographed Split Rock Lighthouse area. The actual light house area was closed for repair. Normally you can walk around it, not in it. Been there done that, so it worked in our favor. Less people!

Split Rock Lighthouse

Our picnic was planned for the much less visited shoreline, below the light house. It is my favorite spot on the North Shore.

The shoreline is massive rock boulders and stacks of HUGE rocks. We had the area to ourselves, other than a couple that walked down before us. They went to a different area and we couldn't see or hear them. 

Having a picnic with Brad so close to the lake, listening to waves, was heaven!!! I learned as a young girl, food tastes better al fresco ~ and it is an experience. My favorite part of our mini vacation.

north east view (lighthouse in distance)

view to the south

Other delicious meals were at the lodge restaurant. Reservations required. Before supper, we enjoyed one last hike at Cove Point.

Another delightful rocky hike. The actual point was pure rock. It would have been A LOT easier to climb the point without my heavy camera and mid-lens dangling from my neck. I wasn't missing out and just climbed more cautiously. 

Killdeer away

cute fish house from previous cove owners

heading out

the actual cove (lodge & fish house on left)

cove point was amazing

surrounded by such a powerful lake

(25 secs)

We were exhausted in the best of ways. After another delicious lodge supper (best salmon I've ever had) we were back in our room. Enjoying the ever changing views. Sparkles included.

8:22 pm

9:01 pm

9:04 pm

The next morning, before heading home we rode our bikes. We tackled a more discrete section of the Gitchi Gami bike trail. Who wants to ride right next to a highway? Not me. Have to admit, biking was my least favorite part of the trip. We did it and I survived ha haa!

The trail was beautiful. I was recovering from compromised lungs, making the non-stop steep hills more brutal. Constant shifting is not my idea of a relaxing bike ride. Not to mention the trail itself was patched every few feet. Thunk-thunk, thunk-thunk. On repeat. No doubt from natures elements. With that said, I would like to try another area of the trail. Under different circumstances. 

us at lake picnic

Our short trip was a welcome get-a-way. The very next day (Sunday) we took our kayaks for our first float, near home. It was memorable and a great way to kick off Spring, with a~bunch~a firsts! 

Tick, Tack, Toe we had three fun days in a row!!

thank you shirley

I want to thank Shirley from Ride a Good Horse for recommending Streamz Bands!!

Koda has been wearing two bands daily (during turn out, 9-10+ hours) on his front legs for almost a month. Most days, there is little to no sign of lameness. Even after he comes running up to the gate. 

In addition, the bands fostered an interesting change in Koda. A welcome change in attitude. Koda doesn't seem to be so "angry/anxious" anymore. The less than desirable behavior he developed appeared to come from being in pain. 

Koda suddenly stopped whipping/spinning/kicking when turned out in the morning. We (mostly Brad) tried many many training methods when this extended behavior surfaced. He also doesn't yank hay out of his stall hay bag, sending it swinging, while giving you the stink eye. Koda seems calmer overall. More like the horse we've owned the past 17 years. He is 18. I was under the impression horses got easier/better the older they get. I was wrong.

Since we started using Streamz bands, Koda either stands at the gate or slowly walks away when turned out. Like he used to. The changes we have observed could be a coincidence, or a combination of factors. Altho nothing else has changed. 

We believe Koda is more comfortable and simply feels better. I've asked him, but all he says is "more hay please" ;) Hopefully the bands will continue to help him for a long time. They won't cure his lameness, but it is safe to say they clearly help.

It warms my heart to see Koda less agitated. 

Koda & I

Archive photo from our favorite Nicolet National Forest lookout

that time of year

Our horses had their bi-annual Wellness Spring Vet visit this week. Yes, it is that time of year. Most everything was good news, except for Koda's ongoing lameness. We are all well aware, as I mention it frequently. I have to be the voice for Koda. I will keep asking/sharing/looking for ways to make him more comfortable.

My Spring review starts with my complicated boy:

Koda: 1279 lbs (+ 22 lbs) Fecal Egg Count: Low Shedder 

It took little to no time for Koda to walk down the barn aisle for our vet to say "I don't like the way Koda is walking". I thought he was moving stiff, but fairly well compared to how Koda walks most days. 

The plan of action (all things we've tried in the past) is to take him off Equioxx (no longer seems to be effective) and try the low dose Bute method. For those who may not know, it like an aspirin. He asked us to give it 2-3 weeks. From what I saw day one, Koda looked worse. Perhaps Equioxx is somewhat helping? He doesn't like the taste of Bute. We are trying a flavored powder form.

If that doesn't help, plan B is to try padded Navicular shoeing again. Last time we tried, in less than 24 hours Koda was unable to walk - at all. Broke my heart. Shoes were instantly pulled and he was back to usual. We use a different Farrier now and are willing to try corrective shoes again. Koda did show improvement for a day and a half with a shorter toe trim = less nerve pressure. However, it was very short lived. Nice to see his brightness and spirited "not in pain" eyes.

There have been no known advancements in Navicular lameness. One thing neither of us are willing to do is "cut the nerve" treatment. I guess it works for some horses, but if it doesn't that horses life is over. 

We discussed trying a shot of Osphos again, although it didn't seem to help the first time. Also, our vet felt we would not gain anything by stalling Koda even part days. We completely agree. No clue what plan C might be. Pretty sure we will need one. 

Koda getting his teeth done
3.26.25

(Brad & our son in distance)

Nemo: 1217 lbs (+ 60 lbs) Fecal Egg Count: High Shedder

All is well with our big guy! It never ceases to amaze me how soft Nemo becomes around our vet. He stands like a rock. I swear he remembers how much relief he felt when our vet helped him with alllll those bladder flushes over the years.

He also got his toofers floated and continues with maintenance allergy shots

Cierra: 1183 lbs (+ 26 lbs) Fecal Egg Count: Moderate Shedder. 

Cierra is also doing well! Brad started Spring riding her (and Nemo). So far her allergies/breathing has been okay. She also continues with maintenance allergy shots. I think it will be a different story when bugs start biting. I would like to look into some kind of protective neck guard or more effective bug repellent for Brad's girl. Neck guards I've seen need to be attached to a full sheet. Guessing Nemo would render a sheet useless.

Harmony: 1132 (- 5 lbs) Fecal Egg Count: Low Shedder

She is holding her own for a 25 year old. I have noticed the start of visible aging changes this Winter. Harmony (and Koda) are our gassy sloppy ploppers. We discussed adding Senior feed or beet pulp for both. Pasture grass should help, of course that requires having some :))

Any thoughts on adding Beet Pulp vs Senior Feed?

Hope: 821 lbs (+ 112 lbs) Fecal Egg Count: High Shedder

Our almost two year old had a touch of "stranger danger" going on this visit. Nothing terrible, just a couple scoots when the vet approached. I am fairly certain she remembered the guy that poked her with needles last October! Interestingly, once again she did not mind the two nasal "shots" at all. Most horses do, and make funny faces afterwards. Overall, Hope was a really good girl and super interested on the vet hoof testing & floating Koda lol. It was cute!

Hope did not have any Wolf Teeth. I learned about 50% of mares do not get them. We opted to wait until Fall to float her teeth. We don't plan to introduce her to bits until then. She will be about 2.5 years old. Lots of other things to work on! Our three girls at home will get teeth done (if needed) in the Fall.

Hope

I told our vet the Barn Feeding Manager can keep his job for another season :)

springing along

I spotted my first early Spring bloom!! My favorite crocus is oddly named Ruby Giant. It is neither ruby nor giant. I've grown these lovelies for decades. This early small blooming group is growing in a southern facing "hot spot" garden bed area that borders our house.

3.24.25

3.25.25

Many other types of bulbs in this bed are cautiously poking up a little more every day. I have to be careful where I step! In other areas, my bulbs have either just started to surface or continue safely covered. Waiting for more moisture and warmth. Same with my perennials.

While taking the Labs for our daily walkee, I gave thought to the pending warm up that causes an EXPLOSION of short lived Spring blooming color. Giving way to more heat tolerant perennials & annuals. 

.....................

Very close to the same area a cardinal was recently singing a melody to me, a winged wonder did a curvy dip and dive fluttering past ~ right in front of me. I was stunned!! Off it went! As butterflies often do. 

I tried to keep my eye on the early Spring winged wonder. I fumbled with my phone, while trying to keep the dogs away. I cannot tell you how many nature shots the dogs ruin for me! My apologies for my wobbling bobbling videography skills. 

Mourning Cloak Butterfly
3.25.25 (35 secs)

It seems too early and cold to see butterflies. We are still dipping down into the mid 20's (F) some nights.

Most of nature is not as colorful with age. Mourning Cloak are no exception. I still find them interesting! They live 10+ months and are among the first butterflies to emerge in the Spring. Lotsa info online, including about their symbolism that revolves around transformation. 

"While named for mourning, they are a sign of renewal and hope,
as they symbolize the arrival of spring." 

~~~

"Live your life now"

Interestingly, I posted about the very same first two Spring sightings about two weeks later in the season (April 9th, 2023). Things that make you wonder and go...hmmm?

spring sunning

First Calendar Day of Spring

3.20.25

early morning view through our window

spring snow quickly melts

beads of water droplets caught my eye

I took the labs for a late afternoon walk, on the first sunny day of Spring.

Hopee

She frequently joins up with us on walks, our most photographed horse.

this will be a big year of growth

spring light is so varied and inviting

listening is important

Upon the hill I heard then saw, a bright red cardinal singing. 

The bird was perched high in the trees, looking down at me.

It sang and sang as if to say, I am still here with you today.

3.20.25

The very next day, not a sign of snow anywhere.

Harmony, Hope and Koda

3.21.25

Nemo joined the spring sunning