Perrydale Trails LLC

08/07/2025

These days, above-and-beyond customer service is rare. So when you come across it, it deserves recognition.

I want to share a feel-good story about my experience with Elmer’s Flag & Banner in Portland.

I’ve been a customer of Elmer’s for a decade, buying a 10' x 15' American flag every couple of years. Mike built a 60-foot flagpole — he had to have the tallest one in Perrydale, you know. We can see our flag waving proudly from three miles away!

To extend the life of our flags, Elmer’s recommended an extra layer of fly-end material — a bit more cost upfront, but worth it. It worked well in the past, but this year, the reinforcement came undone after just 45 days. Granted, we get a lot of wind during summer, but I expected it to hold up longer.

When I called Elmer’s, they connected me with the owner, Dave Anchel. He was polite and helpful. Even though it wasn’t clearly a defect, Dave offered to repair the flag at no charge. I told him I wasn’t up for the drive into Portland, so he offered to come to Perrydale! I couldn’t believe it. I suggested meeting halfway in Newberg instead. Dave's wife, Debra, and their college-bound daughter met me there with warm smiles and appreciation for being a long-time customer. “We’ll fix it and ship it back to you, no charge,” they said.

Fast forward two weeks. We had a special event scheduled here for Saturday, August 2. Dave assured me the flag would be shipped and arrive by Friday.

At 7:58 a.m. on Friday, our dog Andy started barking. Who’s here this early?? I looked out the window, and there was Dave Anchel, walking down our driveway, carrying a neatly folded American flag in his arms. He had driven all the way from Portland to personally deliver it in time for our event. He was worried the shipper wouldn't make it.

Talk about special delivery.

Elmer’s Flag & Banner has been in business for 63 years, with only two family-owned generations at the helm -- each one dedicated to quality and service, supported by an excellent team of employees.

Our magnificent flag doesn’t just represent our country. Like it always has, America's flag respects good people doing great things.

08/01/2025

I think sometimes I may waste time looking at the internet. But it's "research" when I find ideas for Perrydale Trails.

The Grass Shark migration is on!

07/31/2025

Two very special girls ride here at Perrydale Trails ... and their happiness is contagious. Marci Voohrees and Megan Gipson spread sunshine wherever they go!

Marci posted this wonderful video that perfectly captured their day.
https://www.facebook.com/reel/3055634707950578/

Send a message to learn more

07/25/2025

How old would you be IF you didn’t know how old you really are?

What an intriguing question! Doesn’t your mind swirl with wonderful memories? What’s your favorite age? For most, I’m sure the overwhelming desire is to be younger.

But then again – what about all the life experiences that shaped you into the person you are TODAY?

Here’s how my mind wandered down this trail and answered this question. I have an enormous photo collection, just ask my computer guy: “You have 12,000 pictures stored on here???” Yes, some should be deleted, but not many because of the precious memories they hold.

The picture I’m sharing here is one of my very favorites. Mike and I have always been trail riders, but not until later in life did we camp with the horses. The Oregon Equestrian Trails campsites gave us a helpful start with an appreciation for organization and experience. Soon we desired more. So, armed with additional advice, GPS skills, and topographic maps, we struck out for the central Oregon wilderness. Our two good Appaloosa geldings were trustworthy and up to the challenge.

Oh my, we were happy campers! No other riders or horses ANYWHERE in sight, we were alone, enjoying magnificent scenery with our horses and dogs. Ride early, explore, return to camp about 3p, give many thanks to our wonderful horses, and relish a truly happy hour with food that always tastes better in country air. After supper, we’d eagerly pore over the topo map, deciding our next day’s destination.

After a week or so, tired and content, we’d load up, our appetite for exploring satisfied. At least, until the next time. It’s true: “there’s nuthin’ better than seeing new country on the back of a good horse.”

This photo was taken in 2009; I was 56 years old. Gunner was 5 and savvy beyond his years. I think of how wondrously happy I was in this picture … and this is how old I feel every time I’m in the saddle, riding my good horse down a beautiful trail.

Just remind yourself of the good things, and don’t let the Old Man (or Woman) in!

07/23/2025

Whew, that was a close call!

It's hard to see in this photo, but the circled "item" is a humongous spider web, intricately woven and Charlotte-approved, which stretched from one side of the trail to the other. Luckily, the sunlight hit it just right, so I could stop and admire its craftsmanship ... instead of frantically clawing it off my face. Although I was an admirer, it was probably best I didn't see its eight-legged architect!

When you ride in the woods with your friends, realize the one in front isn't just leading the way; they're clearing all the surprise construction zones. Now there's some awesome website management skills!

07/17/2025

Yep, keeping Perrydale Trails up and running is a lot of work—but it's the kind of work that fills my heart. The rewards come in many forms, and one of the most meaningful is hearing how much people enjoy their time here.

I’m always grateful for the kind words shared in passing—thank-yous, smiles, and stories of accomplishments made possible by practicing here. But every now and then, someone takes the time to write a note. Those special messages go straight into a folder I keep, and I treasure each one.

Earlier this week, Tracy and her friends visited. It was her first time here, and her gelding’s first experience on an outdoor trail course. Tracy is the busy owner of Pizzacato in Portland, and this ride date was also her birthday! Here's the sweet note she sent:

Hi Rebecca,
This is Tracy Frankel – I rode Juan Pablo today. I had soooo much fun! What a magical place you have created for people who want to have FUN with their horses. Thank you for escorting all of us around your amazing property and your serious and humorous obstacles. I loved every minute.

Hats off to you, and I hope to visit again very soon.

07/15/2025

I love it when my "Thrive on Neglect" flowers surprise me!

07/11/2025

It's time to send out my annual reminder: be kind to your trail ride organizer!

07/04/2025

Five years ago, a group of friends asked to camp here on Independence Day. Clever Sheri Donahoe decorated us with all sorts of patriotic-colored ribbons, scarves, and flowers. After riding for a while, I just had to get a photo of all of us. A company front would be perfect! Well, easier said than done, as some of the horses were "anti-social." After much giggling and advanced horsemanship, we finally made a picture!

Wishing everyone a happy July 4th!

06/30/2025

Yet another use for hay strings ...

How did we ever exist before hay string was invented? It's the duct tape of farm life! With a bit of imagination, it'll solve a variety of problems. Here, the famous Perrydale wind was whipping my granddaughter’s hair in her face… Solution? Hay string ponytail.

Yet another reason to stash a few in your Gator, 4-wheeler, saddle bags, glove box—you never know when a hay string miracle might be needed!

06/26/2025

My eventer visitors are always fun to watch. They are bold and brave in every way. And if there's something they could possibly jump, stand back because away they'll go!

I spied this challenge to replicate here. Any volunteers to be the field crew?

06/20/2025

Looks like my Harley has some bloodhound in him ... he tracked down these treats way too easy!