Mexico to Canada by Horseback

Logging Camp Ranch.

2009-08-22T20:27:00.000-07:00

John Hanson and his wife own the Logging Camp Ranch where we camped before moving northward into Medora. We were welcomed warmly, as has been the case many times before. But, the trick was getting there from Marmarth.

There were no written directions from Marmarth to the Logging Camp Ranch because the roads were not marked, so we went in usual caravan style following Del, the trail boss, who knew the way. However, the lead rig did not realize that we had lost the last half of the caravan. So, Jim signaled for the trailers ahead to stop and we waited until the lagging trailers caught up.

It took quite a while for those last trailers to catch up since they were caught behind someone who decided to repack their trailer right at the time we were all pulling out. This 20-mile trip took probably an hour and a half on winding, unmarked dirt roads before we reached the freshly mown field where we would be camping for the night. It was a great spot with the little Missouri River winding nearby and hills of the outskirts of the Badlands for people to ride on. As always, every location is a little different.

John Hanson told me that this field had at least 3 species of sage growing in it along with the grasses they baled for hay.

If you listen closely and give them a chance, the ranchers will express the love they have for their way of life and the passion they feel that the small ranchers must be able to maintain the life they love. It's tough but they have to be creative, just as other small business owners must be, to keep their business profitable so they can maintain their lifestyle. Ranching and farming do not make it for them so many are investigating guest ranching for people not only from the Eastern states but from Europe to come and experience the cowboy way of life.

That evening two sisters came and sang songs about the local way of life. They hooked up their electric guitar and microphones right there in the middle of the field and sang their hearts out. The older sister, Diane, was a regular performer in Marmarth at the local Mistic Theatre. She had also ridden with our group for a couple of days. It was a fun evening. And very different than any other.

Marmarth, North Dakota

2009-08-22T19:53:00.000-07:00

Just in case you wondered, two of the mini Australian Shepard puppies were "adopted" by members of our group. They are seven weeks old and as cute as can be! That puts the number of newly acquired puppies up to 4 since the beginning of the ride.

Marmarth is a very small town in ND, which almost looks deserted as you drive by on US85. Several of the buildings are abandoned, there is a convenience store and cafe, an Auto Museum/ ice cream store and rodeo arena, where we spent 2 nights. But, if you look more closely and pay attention to the signs there is an outstanding steak house which would rival any you have been to where you live. It is a very high class continental restaurant with a wonderful menu and dessert tray to die for.

Another point of distinction for this small community is the discovery of dinosaur bones in the nearby badlands. Their resident paleontologist, Tyler Lyson, who has lived there all of his life, began his passion of searching for dinosaur bones when at the age of 6, he found a fossilized jawbone. It sounds like he had a wise mother who, as her son was growing up, would go out into the badlands with a lawn chair and book as her son learned how to search for bones. When he was 16 he discovered an intact dinosaur mummy with fossilized skin, which he owns. The dinosaur is leased out in Japan. Ten years later at the age of 26, he is a doctoral student at Yale. He still has the jawbone in a shoebox, under his bed that he found at the age of 6.

He also recently discovered a formerly unknown species of turtles in these ND badlands. Fossils, of course.

There is a new dormitory in town for the people who come to help in his work. I think it is a fascinating story. Keep Marmarth, ND in the back of your mind. I wouldn't be surprised that Tyler Lyson will find many more new discoveries.

The Stearns Ranch

2009-08-14T15:44:00.000-07:00

Every ranch we have camped on has been an experience of hospitality and this is no exception. Susie and Kelly Stearns heard we were coming to their area and emailed Best of America and asked if we could stay at their ranch.

We arrived in the afternoon and before you know it we were being invited over to their barn for a roast beef dinner like you've never tasted before. It was so delicious!!! There were salads and wonderful desserts. We are trying to collect all the recipes.

The Stearns invited all of their neighbors and asked a country band called "the Wagoneers" to come and entertain for the evening. They were very good and invited Del to sing with them.
One of their neighbors brought over a six week old litter of miniature Australian Shepard puppies for everyone to admire and hopefully purchase. I'm not sure if she was able to sell any, but they were certainly admired.

Everyone was so nice and proud of their ND heritage and their ranches and family histories. A couple of the ladies I spoke with told me about two ranches, which will be 100 years old in 2010, just like Furnival's Flowers and Gifts. (I just happened to mention it to them.)

We will be in the North Dakota Badlands and the lands of Teddy Roosevelt before long.

After the Black Hills

2009-08-12T17:04:00.000-07:00

Since leaving the Black Hills and leaving the busy tourist towns, we are back in the smaller towns and villages where we can meet people.

We were rained in on Charlie and Jim Davis' ranch, north of Belle Fourche, for a couple a days, in some of the slipperiest mud you may have ever seen. But, they were very gracious. Charlie made some of the most delicious cinnamon pecan rolls and zuccini bread I have ever had. I hope to get her recipes.

Right now we are staying in Camp Crook, a town of 55 with surrounding ranches. Our singer, Del Shields gave a free concert last evening, which was very well attended by the towns people. The riders always attend. We can never seem to hear enough of his singing. Camp Crook has a wonderful restaurant, which had a featured prime rib special last night to rival any prime rib you have ever had.

Today a few of us who did not ride, took a drive over to Montana to "Capital Rock" in Custer National Park. It's a rock formation that is supposed to look like the nation's capital. It probably used to look a little more like it before some erosion took place but it is very white and basically the right shape. It was a nice drive through some of the Montana country.

We will be moving on to two more ranches before we reach N Dakota. One of the ranchers hired the a country band called, "The Wagoneers", for our entertainment one night at dinner. Isn't that nice?

Black 'N Blue

2009-08-12T16:55:00.000-07:00

It seems that quite a few people heard that I fell off my horse through Nancy K's blog. She reported that we had a catastrophe! Cindy Conant fell of her horse...

Well, to put your mind at ease, the word catastrophe was a bit of overkill. I'll try to think of a better word as we go.

We had been around so many motorcycles by then, I didn't think one more would be a big deal, but Jim yelled from behind that 2 motorcycles we coming from the back. They came up real slow, but I tried to get around a corner before they reached us, so I cut the corner short by going through a ditch. No big deal. We have ridden through many a ditch on this ride. Only this ditch had a deep hole which was hidden by deep grass. So, needless to say neither Gables nor I saw the deep ditch. He went in the deep part and I flew off, skidding across the gravel road.

Yes, I got 5 staples in my head at the emergency room, which Jim has since taken out with his trusty staple remover. But, if you think you have seen black 'n blue, think again.

I think catastrophe would have been fractured skull and broken bones, but I appreciate Nancy's concern. And I definitely appreciate being in one piece.

Mt Rushmore and the Black Hills

2009-08-12T16:26:00.000-07:00

One of the outstanding parts of our trip has been staying in the Black Hills. You can hear about the beautiful parts of our country but until you see it for yourself it is difficult to comprehend. Now, you have to understand that for the first 3 months of our trip we have either been in the desert or in the grasslands, which each have their own beauty. Then to come to the mountains covered with Ponderosa pines so thick they look black from a distance is a stark contrast.

We rode along the George R Mickelson trail which started in Edgemont, SD and ended in Deadwood, SD. It was built on an abandoned RR bed and is beautifully maintained by the SD State Parks department. Bicyclists and hikers from all over the country and all over the world come to use this wonderful trail through these beautiful mountains and valleys. The trails follow streams and wander through small villages. The silence was wonderful as we rode through these forests.

Part of the wonder of the silence was the presence in the towns of motorcycles, ever since we arrived in SD. The huge Sturgis motorcycle rally would commence on August 3 in the city of Sturgis with a presence of at least 500,000 cyclists arriving a week or two early. But, they were visiting and staying in Custer, Deadwood, Spearfish, Belle Fourche as well as Sturgis. The sound of motorcycles was constant, not unlike a Nascar race at MIS. Now that Sturgis is over the motorcycles have magically disappeared. But, the rally and all those motorcycles have been part of our trip.

Mt Rushmore was awesome. You can see pictures of the mountain sculpture, but until you see it in person you have no concept of it's magnitude and beauty. It was interesting to hear the story of it's making and how they chose the sculptor. There isn't much to do at Mt Rushmore except enjoy it's majesty.

Our friend Beth, from Colorado Springs, who visited us in Limon, CO, came up with a couple of her friends who had never been to Mt Rushmore, to visit the National Monument with us. It was great to see her again. And while she was here she not only petted the horses, she actually rode one!!! She's making real progress as a horsewoman.

So, in the Black Hills we progressed from the Plenty Star Ranch to Custer, Crazy Horse Rodeo Grounds, where we watched the light show from our trailer and Hill City. Just outside of Hill City we stayed in a campgrounds where they offered a chuck wagon dinner with entertainment. The group was called "The 3 Fiddlers" They were a family of 3 brothers, 1 sister and 1 brother's wife and they were all wonderful musicians. They took us through our country's history with music on fiddles, Celtic Harp, banjo, guitar, Penny whistle, hammer dulcimer, bass fiddle and Irish Drum. You should have heard those fiddles go.

South Dakota

2009-08-01T09:27:00.000-07:00

This past week we got quite a few new riders who will either be with us for one or two weeks. It makes for quite a different make up of the group overall. Yesterday I think we had 45 riders in all on a 14 mile day. It's hard to keep track of the new people. I can only imagine how it is for them to keep track of everyone's names.

Just South of Custer, SD we stayed at a very nice guest ranch called the Plenty Star. It was a tight squeeze for our 30 some trailers but we all fit. Isa and Jack were wonderful hosts and offered us a campfire each night which was a treat. Isa is an artist and showed us her artwork which she has also made into greeting cards.

The stay in Custer has been a change from all the other places we have been. It is a very busy place because of Mt Rushmore. There is lots of traffic, lots of touristy places to visit and lots of people, of course. But, we were just in time for their Gold Days parade, which we participated in. I think it was the seventh parade we have been in so far and probably the most impressive of the bunch.

Just north of Custer and Hill City we staying near a campground where they offered a dinner and entertainment, which we decided to take advantage of. The chuckwagon type dinner was delicious but the entertainment was the highlight of the evening. The group was called the "Three Fiddlers" It was a family group of 3 brothers, 1 sister and sister in law. They were wonderful musicians! They played music and told stories from the history of the founding of the country. Two fiddles, banjo, a bass fiddle, guitar, penny whistle, Celtic harp and hammer dulcimer and a unique kind of drum made up the group. They were wonderful!!! Anyone who missed it was sorry after they heard the reviews.

The ride is going well. There are tons of adventure riders here for this week and next, then we will be back to our regular group. You can tell that people are realizing that we are getting near the end of the ride. People are starting to look at maps and figuring out how to get home already.

This part of S Dakota is probably the most beautiful place we will be riding on the whole ride. This hundred some mile long George Michelson trail is a beautifully maintained trail that goes from Edgemont SD to Deadwood SD through the mountains and valleys of SD along streams and through small villages. The trail is made on an abandoned railroad bed. They don't allow motor vehicles on the trail, just hikers and bikers and horses. It goes through tunnels. And everyone has gotten spoiled with how nice it has been. This trail is maintained daily by the State Park system of SD.

We will be in North Dakota before you know it and in Teddy Roosevelt National Park. That should be pretty nice as well. Then come the ND badlands.

Wayne Pedigo's wife, Julie, and I went to the SD Badlands on our way to Wall Drugs one day. The Badlands are aptly named. They are desolate but actually beautiful.

Wall Drugs is famous so we had to go. It was a fun place to see. And I'm sure it made the town of Wall, SD survive. In the 1930's that little store survived by the brainstorm idea of advertising to travelers on the highway that they could stop in for free ice water. It saved their business and probably the town. Now it's a tourist stop and fun to go to.

Now we are in Deadwood, SD with half a million motorcyclists who are here for the annual motorcycle rally in Sturgis, SD. It sounds like a race track day and night. I'm sure the local economy is happy.

Just so you know, Wild Bill Hickok was killed in Deadwood and is buried here, along with Calamity Jane. Kevin Costner also had a museum here about the buffalo relating to the movie Dances with Wolves. And did I mention the casinos?

Has the end of July been warm where you are? Here in Custer and Deadwood it has been unusually cool. We have been wearing sweatshirts and jackets because unseasonable daytime temps have been in the 60's and down in the 40's at night. We will probably pay later.

Nebraska

2009-07-17T12:16:00.000-07:00

Nebraska has surprised all of us. It is a beautiful state. We have been riding in the far most western part of the state, which is different that the rest of the state. Starting in Kimball, NE we immediately started seeing bluffs as we drove toward our first ranch destination, the Flying Bee.

Some of you may have seen the Best of America TV show about the Flying Bee, which was a wonderful representation of the ranch and all it has to offer. We stayed at the campground in the lowlands surrounded by the bluffs, which the owner decribed as "National Park scenery." She was absolutely accurate. People don't know what they are missing if they only drive by on the main highways and don't get off onto the county roads to see some of these beautiful sights.

One of the highlights at this ranch was to ride in a Pony Express re-enactment. Both Jim and I carried letters on the Pony Express route as fast as we could and passed the pouch to the next rider. In the re-enactment in June they charge $5.00 per letter just as they did in the day when the Pony Express was in business. Can you imagine how dear those letters were to pay that price in 1860?

We continue to ride northward and Nebraska gets more beautiful as we see pine trees and the terrain becomes more hilly. We have been staying at a series of guest ranches that have treated us like royalty, serving us dinners as they would their regular guests. One of the ranches serves Dutch oven dinners, cooked over an open fire. Delicious.

We are looking forward to South Dakota and Mt Rushmore by next weekend. Unbelievable. It's going so quickly!

Texas to Montana Trail

2009-07-02T10:34:00.000-07:00

One day a rancher and his good friend stopped us on the road and practically begged Tom Seay to let us ride across his land. They wanted to show us where the Texas to Montana trail had crossed his land and a community had been a one time.

So, we had the opportunity to leave the county road the next day and ride up across the hills filled with small, low cactus, following the ruts of the old trail, to a lovely spot where he led us to a couple of small lakes and some trees. He said there had been a small community there at one time on the Texas to Montana trail where travelers could stop to rest and water their animals.

We always wonder how people found water as they crossed these prairies. It is not always easy to find. So, unless you follow the animal's instincts and believe they can smell water from a distance, I don't know how they survived.

Colorado

2009-07-02T09:46:00.000-07:00

The prairies and farmland of Colorado have been beautiful and have gone by very quickly! We have been fortunate that as the ride progresses and our fame is more widespread, farmers and ranchers hear about the trail ride moving northward and open their gates to our ride. Otherwise, we would be riding along the roadsides, which is less interesting.

One of the evening camps was near a small community named Kaylan, where their entire school system consists of 55 students, which has had a senior class of from 1 to 13. They invited the community to our campfire at one of the teachers homes where we were camped at the Smith Cattle Co. He told us about their school district's internet school system of about 200, which is great revenue for their regular school district.

The Atwater Cattle Company was very welcoming and allowed us to stay for 2 nights. Larra Atwater bestowed upon our 88 year old rider, Nate Brown from Wyoming, Cowboy of the Year for 2009. He will be carrying the Cowboy of the Year Flag with him for the remainder of the ride to Canada. He is a lifelong cowboy and they felt, and rightfully so, that Nate represents what a cowboy is. That organization is trying to preserve the lifestyle of the cowboy.

Woodrow, CO, population 13, was a one day stop at a Southern Baptist church. They had a potluck, a short vesper service for us and then we had a fire-less campfire with our resident cowboy singer Del Shields singing for the local crowd and for us. He is a really good singer. I will put a link to his website on this blog for you to look up. Actually you can find his website through the http://www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com/.

One night we stayed in Stoneham, CO, which has a population of around 20. Don't let that fool you though. It's a busy place. There is a post office, 3 churches, a restaurant, a home-based flooring business, community center, 4 or 5 homes and a grain elevator. But, the surrounding farmers and ranchers come to town all the town for community activities.

One of the hightlights of Colorado was in Limon when my college friends Lyda and Steve from Gunnison came to visit. I have not seen them in probably 20 years. It was soooo good to see them!!!! Thanks for coming over.

The other highlight was seeing Beth from Colorado Springs. Beth who started out standing about 4 feet back from the horses and by the end of the day was getting her picture taken petting them. Beth is a friend, orginally from Jackson, and we keep meeting up every few years. It's great. She is attempting to sell the camper that we started our trip with and had to leave in LaJunta NM. Thanks for coming over and you get a bunch of gold stars for trying to sell the camper. Thank you.

Right now we are staying at the Colorado Cattle Company near Kimball, NE. So, just after the July 4th holiday we will be leaving Colorado. This is a beautiful location. Jim is out on a cattle drive as we speak with some of the other riders and some of the guests of the lodge. One of the repeat guests is from Germany, which is often the case out West. People from Europe are fascinated with the American West and come over and over again for vacations. That is what keeps these places going.

Crossing into Colorado

2009-06-19T16:24:00.000-07:00

The landscape changed drastically after we left the Jeffers Ranch from interesting rocky areas with lots of trees to flat grasslands. We rode through the Commanche grasslands after passing through Branson Co where there was an old two room jail. We stayed the first night in Colorado in a pasture and that rancher led us the next day to Kim, Colorado where there was one store/deli/hardware store/video store/library/gas station.

We all decided that someone in Kim, Colorado had some political clout because that tiny community received over one million dollars in stimulus money to build a new rodeo arena and grounds. They had it partly built and it will be a beautiful asset for their area.

Anyone who wants to see the Rocky Mountains will be taking their own side trips into those beautiful areas of this state. We aren't that far from Royal Gorge, Cripple Creek, Pueblo, Colorado Springs etc. But, the ride will be staying in the flatlands along State Road 71. The grasslands have a beauty all their own and if we had the time to study all the different types of grasses we would find out that there are many more species than we realize.

The people in LaJunta, (pronounced LaHunta) planned a weekend full of events for us to participate in. They have a very active Chamber of Commerce, which is to be commended for their active membership. As always, once you get to know people in the towns where we stay they are very nice and always willing to help with anything we need.

LaJunta is the crossroads for the Santa Fe trail and has a National Historic Site called Bent's Old Fort, which is a reconstructed private trading post from the 1830's when the Santa Fe trail was a busy thoroughfare. Private hunters and Indians traded buffalo hides at the trading post, which then were sent all over the country. It was a fascinating place to visit, which everyone agreed shouldn't be missed.

The fort was reconstructed from the ground up from detailed drawings made by a visitor to the fort in the 1830s who was fascinated by it's design. Someone had found his notes in later years and they were able to reconstruct the fort in 1975 for the bicentennial in 1976.

The neighboring town of Swink also welcomed us with open arms as participants in their parade and street fair.

Jim and I had gone early to LaJunta to look into repairs on the pickup truck. While we were at the rodeo grounds one evening a group of kids were riding in the arena and parents and grandparents were watching. So we started talking to them. The kids were part of a synchronized riding group who would be performing at rodeos during the rodeo season. They were doing pretty well for their second practice.

We met some nice people there including the owner of the Frontier Diner in Cheraw who invited all of us to eat at her place whenever we were able to come over to their little town. They made homemade ice cream, which was definitely our favorite. Thanks Evelyn and her daughter Doris!

Yesterday we stayed at the Lewis Ranch where they raise exclusively Longhorn steers. They praised that breed for their intelligence, lean meat, friendliness, among other things. In fact, they served a great meal of grilled Longhorn burgers.

The Lewis's invited a couple to meet our group, Gary and Kay Cole, from west of Pueblo near Royal Gorge who also raise Longhorn's. This couple ride their Longhorn's. They teach them to drive buggys and wagons as well as jump through hoops of fire. Often they are asked to open rodeos with their Longhorns. They ride them in parades and basically take them anywhere other people take their horses. They claim that Longhorns are more intelligent and more docile than horses but just have skin that is looser so when you mount your horse you have to get on more quickly so your saddle doesn't slide off. They use the same saddles as you would use with a horse. Just a much longer girth.

The Lewis' Ranch had a natural spring that put out 360 gallons a minute. They had two large ponds that they had stocked with catfish and perch. Their geese and ducks also enjoys the ponds teaching the newborn goslings to swim. But the banks were so steep that the babies had to be rescued from drowning with a net.

Did you know that guinea hens would keep down the rattlesnake population?

The Jeffers Ranch

2009-06-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

Some of the most hospitable ranchers have been the Jeffers. This family led us for several days across some beautiful country. We met Mr Jeffers Sr on the day his son Lem guided us from Springer. Eddie helped with scouting through a weeks worth of rides where we would end up at his ranch for the following weekend.

The Jeffers Ranch is probably the most beautiful place we have ridden yet. The places they can take us by horseback are breathtaking. It's hard to imagine such places exist when we are so used to travelling by car at 70 MPH.

Everytime we turned a bend there would be a totally different scene. Eddie guided us through deep canyons and wide meadows of tall grass and bright colored flowers. We could see antelope running in the distance. Before long we would be climbing in the foothills amongst the pine trees and he pointed out a tree that had bear claw marks. He led us to a spot where they had built a pond and he thought we could water the horses, but it was dry so we back tracked through the pines to another spot. Before you know it we're in another huge meadow with a deep gulley. Do I cross it or go around it? Oh, just cross it. It isn't that deep.

Did I mention the overlook where we could see for more than 100 miles? What a beautiful sight!
We could see the volcano on the side of which we had camped for one night. It's amazing to me what beautiful ranches these people have. I wonder if they really realize or appreciate what they have.

Anyway, we turned away from that beautiful overlook and started downhill. We rounded a bend and another bend and another... We finally saw our destination. The Jeffers Ranch was a very impressive sight! The red roofed buildings were all surrounded by very green fields with one very green, round field of alfalfa off to the side. It was a lovely sight. And a very small sight. We had a long way to go. A long way to go down this mountain. A long way to go down this steep mountain! After quite a while we met a 4 wheeler. What a relief. We must be almost there. Well, they said we still had 2 miles more to go down this jig jag trail down this steep mountain. It really wasn't difficult unless you got the horse behind you that kept pushing your horse from behind. If I were a horse that would be a little annoying. But we all made it just fine. The trail came out in a pretty little meadow next to a stream where the horses all took a drink before a short walk to the ranch.

The Jeffers put on a branding for us on Saturday morning which was very entertaining. And in the evening we had a campfire for the second time since we started our trail ride. What a treat.

Sandy and Wayne Gifford and I had the chance to take a special tour with the Jeffer's son up to his part of their ranch. He is a history buff and took the time to show us some spots where Kit Carson and his cronies spent some time. Their ranch is right where all those famous guys lived and died.

Matt Doherty, their son, told us how his great... grandfather had had a mercantile and in the 30's when people couldn't pay or their credit turned bad he collected on their debts with deeds of land. That how he got his ranch. Matt showed us his home and the old cemetary as well as the ruins of the old community that are near his home. We then drove up to the summer pasture. He took us up probably 10 miles to overlook Colorado and to step on a part of the ranch that is actually in Colorado as well. The view was breathtaking. We kept driving to a beautiful meadow where his grandmother used to live in the summers. She always came down in the winter because there would be 10 or more feet of snow up there in the winter. It was a beautiful place to live in the summer.

We drove further up to an even larger meadow with a large lake. There were elk grazing, which his dog Maggie immediately chased away. Matt thought we would see some black bear but didn't have the luck to see them on this trip. He said in the summers when they have cattle up there they ride their horses up twice a week to check the cattle. It takes two days to check the entire pasture so they ride half one day go back down for the night and check the other half the next day. They check for eye problems, diseases and injuries. When asked if they carry guns- yes, for mountain lions.

On our drive down from the summer pasture he showed us their solar powered water tanks. Even with all the snow they get in the winter they always have a shortage of water out here. We in the East do not comprehend what they deal with as far as water is concerned.

Poking up next to one of the water tanks I saw a little horn so Matt stopped the car. He walked over to retrieve it and lo and behold it was an entire elk head with large horns attached but a little too fresh to put Matt's wife's new car. Too bad because there would have been a few people in camp that would have loved to take that trophy home with them. In fact, I may have kept it myself.

We stopped at an old adobe house on the way down that Matt has visitors stop in and sign their name as a memento. The roof is deteriorating and he hopes to restore it this summer.

Before we made it back to his house the sun was setting, painting some beautiful pinks and blues behind the mountains. Sandy and I both agreed that this had been a highlight of our trip. Matt's love of history and pride in his heritage was contagious.

The Death of a Camper

2009-06-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

After we left Springer there were a couple of ranches that we stayed on that involved travelling on those dirt county roads. After riding one day, and getting into the routine of watching for storm clouds in the afternoon, covering the saddles as we waited for the trucks to get back with the trailers, we got a call from one of the shuttle drivers that they had lost track of a couple of the trucks.

It had started raining cats and dogs and hailing all at once til they couldn't see anything. They couldn't see Sandy anymore and didn't know which way some of they trucks had gone. Dirt road or paved? Not all the cell phones were working so they couldn't find all the drivers. In the end they found everyone.

At camp it hadn't rained or stormed at all and only a few miles away they had the storm of a lifetime. Some of the passengers even had the presence of mind to take pictures.

It had hailed 6-8 inches along with torrential rain, which on the dirt road was devastating. Windshields froze over almost immediately, and made the clay dirt road slick as ice. But, everyone made it OK except Jim who slipped crosswise on the road. The trailer went in the ditch on one side and the truck on the other. He got it straight but to get out of the ditch he had to drive in the ditch down to a right of way and then out. It wrecked enough of the camper that eventually the insurance adjuster totalled it.

Triple C Trailer Sales in Watervliet, Michigan saved the day by having a used living quarters trailer that was just what we needed and delivered it to Colorado, meeting Jim in Limon, taking our trailer back with them to sell at home. Luckily the trailer had survived the ordeal without any problems and we are back in business within a few days.

The next hurdle was finding somewhere to unload the camper so we could get the truck looked at after it's workout in the ditch. When we arrived in LaJunta we found a storage place where we might leave it for a while. Now we are waiting for parts for the truck; ball joints, seals, front end alignment power steering - all that needs to be adjusted or fixed.

If you think it's just us that has repair issues. Every time we get to a town the local RV repair gets a pretty good line up. This weekend we had two mobile repairmen on duty. The RV Medic came two weekend in a row, following us after ordering parts from last weekend. And a mobile generator repairman has been out 3 days in a row making repairs. They could probably call ahead to colleagues for good referrals. This trip is giving these rigs a good workout.

Springer, New Mexico

2009-06-15T10:28:00.000-07:00

Springer was another small town that had more to it than meets the eye. There was a great rodeo grounds where we stayed for the weekend rest. We have advance scouts who always find the best restaurants, the best shops, where the feed stores are and most importantly for some, where the Walmart is.

The Brown Hotel offered the best food. The Thrift Shop offered the best shopping as well as the best entertainment. It sounded like it would be worth a trip back to Springer on any Saturday for shopping at the Thrift Shop.

Tony, and his cat, who travelled with him in the bed of his pick-up, was the best promotor for a town anyone could want. He believes in Springer and it's people.

Sleeping in a Cemetary

2009-06-15T10:13:00.000-07:00

In Wagon Mound, NM we had the pleasure of camping in between two cemetaries. In the background was a mound that looked like a covered wagon, at the foot of the hill was the little town and on either side of us were the cemetaries, one Catholic and one Methodist.

The Catholic Cemetary had a giant rosary made of lava rocks stung together with re-rod. Every Memorial day they have a Rosary service in the cemetary using the giant rosary beads.

It poured rain that night and the monthly vet check for the horses happened to be scheduled for that time. The poor vet was stuck checking 50 some horses in the downpour.

We are required to have a new health certificate for the horses every 30 days as we travel.

Las Vegas, NM

2009-06-15T10:01:00.000-07:00

From Moriarty it was just a couple hour drive over the mountain to Las Vegas. What a change. The drive was beautiful and the change was dramatic. We went from flat, dry desert to hilly, rainy terrain with trees. And when I stepped out of the truck it smelled so good. The people had ridden horses there said they hadn't noticed the scent of damp sage but it was growing everwhere and smelled so good.

This rancher was letting us settle our city in a big pasture with a barn where we could find shelter from the rain for our potluck and birthday party. It's fun to honor those who have had birthdays during the week and I think it's fun for the birthday boys and girls.

Las Vegas was where we had our first taste of hail. It hailed about 4 inches one day when Wanda and I went in to town for a few errands. Luckily the riders missed that storm.

Moriarty, New Mexico

2009-06-15T09:18:00.000-07:00

It's hard to imagine that there are places in the US where cell phone and broadband coverage is non-existent, but out here in the SW we have found many of the dead spots. So we are sorry about the lapses in blog writing. I'm attempting to catch up.

Moriarty was our last contact with old Route 66. Our refrigerator had stopped working so I went there early to find an RV repair that could order parts and give them time to have it before we left after the weekend rest.

True to form the townspeople were excited to see us coming and joined us early by riding along with us in a parade to the rodeo grounds where we would be staying for the weekend. A team of miniature horses pulling a buckboard led our parade as well as another team of minis which pulled another wagon. There were other horseback riders dressed in vintage-wear to make a festive parade. The Chamber of Commerce and the Rodeo Association put on a delicious BBQ dinner with a great country entertainer for the evening.

Saturday the weather was windy and COLD for the youth rodeo but they had a great time. Sunday was much nicer for the adult rodeo.

One of the most impressive groups of people we met in Moriarty was the FFA. They spend a few hours on Sunday introducing us to their group and what they do. Two of the girls, now in 8th grade, told about a project, which involved extracting DNA from plants, which they did in the 6th grade. They won the National FFA science award with this project against High School students. A couple years earlier another group had come in second in a National Parliamentary procedure competition. These kids were very dedicated, very smart and very proud of their FFA group!

The people in Moriarty have been some of the friendliest people we have met! And by the time the correct part came in for our refrigerator, 1-1/2 weeks later, I felt like a member of the community.

And if you are ever in Moriarty NM be sure and eat at Shorty's BBQ. Not only are they really nice people, but serve delicious food! Located right on old Route 66.

And by the way, the Sam Elliot movie didn't pan out. But, it had been fun to think about.

A Day in the Life of a Mexico To Canada Trail Rider

2009-05-22T12:35:00.000-07:00

Some of the riders get up to feed their horses starting at 4am, others later. Whatever time we get up I pack our saddlebags in the morning with some energy bars, a sandwich and at least 2 quarts of water each. They tell us to drink a gallon of water a day per person to stay hydrated in this dry climate. Before we take off we put on the sun screen and we are ready to go.

We have settled in at being saddled and ready to ride out at 7:30am so we are riding while it is still cool. Normally we ride about 3-4 miles before the water truck is waiting with water for the horses and a welcome break for those who would like a break behind a nearby bush. A good distance for the majority of the riders is about a17 mile day, so that gives us 3 breaks and we can be done riding, without mishap by about 1pm on a good day.

At that time the shuttle drivers will have had time to be at the end of the day's trail to take most of the rider's back to the trailers where the ride started that day. A few of the riders will remain with the horses until the trailers come back for the night's stay. That short 17 mile ride will normally take the shuttle drivers and trailer drivers about 3 hours to complete the circuit. The road around can sometimes be as long as 30 or 40 miles from one end of the trail to the other.

It may sound like a long time to go a few miles but it is like moving a small city every day. Each time we move we must find water for the trailers and for the horses, especially if we will be in a remote location. There have been very few times that there have been electric hookups available for the trailers but that isn't expected anymore it is almost a luxury. Water, however, is a must.

Once you get your trailer to the new camp, pens are set up, the horses are made comfortable, fed and watered. The people can then shower, feed themselves and check their horses again. By that time it is probably getting dark. It gets dark here by 8:30 and by 9pm everyone is going to bed.

We have only had one campfire which was provided by the State Park Rangers at the Leasburg Dam State Park in Radium Springs. Other than that it is so dry I doubt if we would be allowed to have one much less have the energy to get one going by the end of the day.

But, did I say that everyone has alot of fun and enjoys the days very much!

Remote ranches

2009-05-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

Cindy is having problems getting an internet connection so she asked me, Diane, to post an update. I'll write it as if she is speaking...

Following the desert crossing we have been going from one remote ranch to another. We went from Fite Ranch to McKinley's, (or was it Williams?) to Hinckley's and then Arnold's. The ranches are 17 miles apart, each one being the other's closest neighbor.

Wes, a local rancher, has been riding with us. He has been our liason to the ranchers, getting permission from the local ranchers to ride on their land and to stay overnight at their ranches.

We ride on county roads as much as possible as the ranchers are trying to protect their grass. It is so dry that the grass is brittle. Also, they don't want the cows to be sent running as they will lose weight. The ride is often long, hot, and dusty. Everyone is getting a ski-mask tan. Dust gets in everywhere. Many have had sinus and ear problems, camera lenses are getting scratched. You have to wash your dishes after eating but then again, BEFORE you eat off of them. It's impossible to get the campers clean.

While we were at Sissy and Greg Arnold's ranch, Sissy was talking on the phone. Suddenly, she said, "Here she is" and handed the phone to me. When I said hello, I discovered that she had been talking to Ron Adams (chiropractor in Jackson). As it turns out, Sissy and Ron are cousins! Such a small world!

Soon we were on our way to Mountainair, a town of 1,100 people. Contacts with the small towns had been made before the trip began. For some reason, plans were not made in advance to stay in Mountainair so we set up camp at a fork in the road. Before long, a rider approached our group and asked if we were the riders with "Best of America". Come to find out it was the mayor of the town and that they had been expecting us that night. They were prepared to provide all of us with a dinner and a program. Kindly, they agreed to put everything on hold until the following night. We enjoyed a wonderful BBQ dinner and a man giving the history of the area. (Long ago Spaniards who were Conquistidors came to Mountainair and stayed. Today there are blue-eyed spaniards living in the area who still speak 17th Century spanish). Later, the same man who gave the history, sang songs that he had written of the history of the area.

One of my favorites parts of the trip is meeting the people. Most of our stops are in small towns or ranches. The people have been most welcoming and excited to have us stop in their area. After long hot days of riding, it's wonderful to see their enthusiasm for our visit. We have had MANY meals of beef BBQ, spanish rice, cole slaw, and beans.

Estancia had a natural spring and a rodeo ground. In town, there was a fountain with trees in the area. It was so refreshing... breathing moist air, hearing the sound of water. One lady in Estancia came out with a baking dish piled high with homemade cookies. Her idea was for us to take them with us in our saddlebags. They soon disappeared, but not to the saddlebags.

The weekend of May 15th we were in Moriarty, The Pinto Bean Capital of the World. On Saturday, we were entertained with a youth rodeo. We had to wear our coats... it was so cold! (In the 40's).

As we travel, people are often joining our ride for a time. They soon get caught up in our enthusiasm for "living a lifelong dream".

On May 19th, we may have the opportunity to be extras in a Sam Elliot movie. He is known as a friendly guy who likes to come out to greet the extras! How exciting!!!

Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame

2009-05-08T11:43:00.000-07:00

In Las Cruces we met a rodeo clown, Bob Romer, who was a 2009 inductee into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame. He was attending the Youth Rodeo Finals at the State Fairgrounds where we were staying and Tom Seay invited him and his wife to our banquet to surprise us and to interview him for the TV show.

We learned that rodeo clowns have specialties, his being bullfighter. His job was to keep bullriders safe as they rode, were caught on and thrown from bulls during their rides. Bobby came head to horn with bulls as he saved many lives and limbs of riders during his 25 year career. Of course, he had countless broken bones himself, once going back into the arena only two weeks after breaking his leg. He enjoyed his career and his wife beamed with pride as he told his story.

3 Days in the Severe Desert

2009-05-06T22:03:00.000-07:00

Mon-Wed May 4-6: Now, you don't really think we actually chose to ride out in the severe desert do you where we can't drive the trucks and trailers? Think about it. At least 95 degrees during the day, rattlesnakes and mountain lions at night, sleeping on the ground with rattlesnakes, 95 degrees, did I mention rattlesnakes?

On the other hand, we could sacrifice and stay in T or C and watch the extra horses for those going on the desert ride, go to the mineral baths, plug in to the electric and turn on the air conditioner in the heat of the day, get some ice tea or ice water. Did I mention the possibility of eating in a restaurant?

Truth or Consequences and a Wedding

2009-05-06T21:34:00.000-07:00

Friday, May 1: T or C, as it is conveniently called is another friendly town looking forward to the Best of America crowd. We are camping at the Sheriff's Posse grounds just in time for Fiesta weekend when there will be a big rodeo.

The theme of the Fiesta was from the 60s, which we were happy to find out. Otherwise, T or C would be full of old hippies, tie die would be the main theme in fashion and protesters would be wavings placards during the parade scaring the horses. But, the parade was alot of fun, none of the horses spooked and our Best of America group won the trophy for largest equine group in the parade.

During the parade the route took a detour by the local veteran's home and Tom Seay dismounted and spoke to each veteran along the driveway. As the American flag passed by one gentleman he struggled from his wheelchair and saluted the flag, which brought many observers to tears. Several riders returned to the home later that day to visit the residents in person.

Have you ever been to a real live rodeo? Several of our riders had not. It was a fun afternoon and evening as we had the opportunity to participate in the Grand Entry along with the Sheriff's Posse and the Parade of Champions at the opening to the rodeo events. There were bucking broncos along with bull riding, calf roping and barrel racing.

In the midst off all the local festivities our group had a wedding. Roy and Janice, two members of our group, decided they would be married in T or C. So, all week we have been working on the details. I made the bouquet and hairpiece, Tammy did bows for the bride's horses mane and tail, Del planned the ceremony and music. So, after the parade we unloaded our horses from the trailers and rode into the arena into a semi-circle, the bride and groom rode in on horseback into the middle of the group. They dismounted and were married in a short ceremony with Tom Seay giving the bride away and Pat Seay filming. You will probably be able to see parts of the ceremony on Best of America by Horseback on RFD-TV later this year as you watch the show and follow our trip. The bride was thrilled since she hadn't thought there would be so many people who cared about making her wedding day so special.

Hatch: Chili Capital of the World

2009-05-06T21:06:00.000-07:00

Tuesday, April 29: We arrived in Hatch, NM, which we have been hearing about for so long. They have been so excited about our arrival! Their Chili Festivalgrounds, not fairgrounds, have been upgraded with electric outlets and water hookups for our arrival.

On our rest day the mayor arranged for our riders to go to the "Old Geezers Club" as well as two elementary schools to speak to each classroom about our trip. Del Shields, our resident poet, songwriter and singer sang for everyone and signed photos for each classroom to put up as a memento of our visit. Everyone really enjoyed the kids as well as the old geezers. It was a fun day.

In the evening, the Chamber of Commerce had a fund raiser Chili dinner with wonderful entertainment. The chili was hot! The entertainment was a married couple who sang cowboy music - excellent!!! It was their last night in the area before they went to Cody, Wyoming for a 5 month "gig" to sing at a big chuck wagon. There was also an 80 yr old man who was an award winning trick roper in his day. He still had alot of fun, even doing rope tricks on a windy evening.

The small town of Hatch, New Mexico is proud to be the Chili capital of the World. In September, they attract 25,000 people from all over the world to their community for their (50th?) annual Chili Festival. They grow chilis of all kinds. Green chili has pork, Red chili has beef. Do you want red or green?

Leasburg State Park in Radium Springs

2009-05-06T20:23:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 27: One of the highlights of riding today was being welcomed at the Leasburg State Park by State Park Rangers and Friends of the Park with a wonderful meal and and an evening of entertainment. The Friends of the State Parks had advertised our arrival and a meal to the public in hopes of raising some money for the park. They served a delicious meal of barbequed brisket, beans, potato salad and more with desserts before a campfire and entertainment. I hope they were able to raise some money for their park. I met a couple of very nice people, one who went to school in the Chicago area and married a lovely lady from Radium Springs. Quite a few others mingled with the riders and stayed for the program as well. Very nice folks.

Rangers educated us on the Chihuahua desert, the history of the Apache and Navajo people, the history of the cowboy and even history of people from the 1700s. Their enthusiasm for New Mexico and the history that took place there is catching. You will see interviews of some of these people on Best of America by Horseback as you watch the shows later this year on RFD-TV.

Jim spent 3 hours going from trailer to trailer with riders and a local veterinarian giving horses health checks. We will need to do this each month as we proceed northward. It's too bad it took so long because he had to miss the entire program. It was something he would have enjoyed. So far, it has been our only campfire.

If you have time, look at the link on this blog for Ben Hoffacker's gold and silver sculpted jewelry. Ben is one of the State Park Rangers who makes beautiful jewelry on the side. He showed me some of his work, which is really lovely. You would also enjoy his website where he explains his processes in making the jewelry.

Old Mesilla Parade

2009-05-06T19:58:00.000-07:00

Sunday, April 26: The old town of Mesilla, NM has lots of history. Billy the Kid was captured there, the Gadston purchase was signed there and the Best of America by Horseback Mexico to Canada trail riders had a parade and were blessed there. It's a lovely old town with cute shops around an old plaza square. The main feature of the plaza is the Catholic Church, which has recently become a basilica.

The parade was around the small town and ended in front of the basilica where the priest blessed the ride, as did our Baptist minister, who is one of the riders. While Mexican musicians played the mayor of Mesilla was presented a proclamation by Tom Seay as the Best of America choice for Best Community and presented Tom with a proclamation as well. There was a chance for people to approach the riders, ask questions and pet the horses. It's always fun for small children to sit on the horses and parents to take their pictures. Everyone had a great time as people are intrigued by what we are doing. PBS from New York did some filming as did Fox news.

There are pictures on www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com of the parade in Mesilla. I'll get my pictures worked out one day very soon.

Chip John's Ranch

2009-05-06T16:43:00.000-07:00

Riding in the desert really isn't that much fun, but you just need to keep looking for interesting things to keep your mind off the heat. It is also difficult to take pictures while riding a horse so if I am ever able to get some pictures online you may see what I mean. Miles and miles of sand with sage, tumbleweed, yucca, greasewood and musceet with HUGE thorns - all dried up due to lack of rain since last summer. They only have 7 inches annual rainfall.

So, now we are riding toward Chip John's ranch, or rather, on his ranch. He owns 350,000 acres, or some crazy number of acres. He earned his fortune by selling beef to Arby's and Burger King. Now he owns one quarter of Dona Ana County, the largest county in New Mexico. We will be camping two nights on his ranch.

The life style of a New Mexican rancher is very different from the life any of us are familiar with. They often own thousands of acres because it takes 300 acres to feed one cow. If you own thousands of acres you do not run to town on a whim. Trips to town are planned. They live and work from home, many miles from town on miles of dusty, county roads that all look alike. Some of those roads are marked and some are not, but you must know landmarks to find your way around.

One day I was not riding because I had work to do for an upcoming dinner. They asked if I would drive a shuttle vehicle to pick up riders. I was happy to until I found out they meant I would also find my own way from the ranch into the maze of county roads to the waiting hot weary riders. They would still be waiting there today if they had relied on my navigating skills in that dry, sandy wilderness without a guide. Did I mention that it's dusty here?

I think Chip enjoyed the company and we appreciated his hospitality for our horses and ourselves.

The Border Crossing

2009-05-06T16:15:00.000-07:00

Tuesday April 21: We had to get up bright and early for the caravan to Santa Teresa border crossing where we would unload our horses and riders. While some of us waited with the horses the drivers went ahead with the trailers to the spot where the trail ride would end for the day and then got a ride back so we could start our ride.

The beginning of this great trail ride affected people in many different ways. Some people were very emotional and could barely contain their tears as they shared about this as a dream come true. Others shared their excitement as they looked forward to an adventure of a lifetime. Some looked inward as they hope to find answers for what they call their "midlife crisis." Some were just nervous and anxious.

At times I must admit that my nerves were getting the best of me that day. What was I getting myself into? But, I kept reminding myself that I did not have to ride every single mile and what I wanted to see would not always be from horseback, but in the small towns as we participated in special events and festivities and met people along the way.

So, we touched the Mexican border fence and started our journey northward toward Canada today. We rode 24 miles in 90 some degree weather. It was hot, too hot for the first day, but we did it. And now we are on our way.

Close Friends and Close Border

2009-05-06T15:42:00.000-07:00

Monday, April 20: It's amazing how close this group of friends has become in such a short time. We've been together only since Thursday or Friday and it seems as if we have known each other for years. It may be because we are all anticipating this same border crossing and have been for many months now.

You may remember the mention of the repair theme. Since today is a free day for everyone to do as they please, it seems that one of the top necessities is for trailer repairs. Well, the Giffords tore the plumbing off the bottom of their trailer getting in the driveway and now they are worried about getting out. Oops, James' refrigerator doesn't work, they think the electric shorted out. Did Gus say none of his electric works? The sisters' trailer needs some repairs. Mike needs to help Nancy from Texas with something. I guess we're not the only ones who have some repairs to our living quarters.

The Mexican border is within sight of the Sheriff's Posse headquarters. You can see the tail end of the Rocky Mountains, the Franklin Range. At the top of one peak is a white cross, which is in a no man's land. It marks where 4 states come together, 2 United States and 2 Mexican states. On Easter, people from both countries are allowed to go to the top of that mountain in peace. The Mexican border is only one mile away.

So, tonight we're out of the dust bowl, to the club house for a lovely dinner with the posse members and their wives. A lovely social hour with live music and a generous dinner is being served by the posse members. Every meal in this state is served with chilis of one kind or another. Do you want red or green? Now that doesn't mean hot or mild, that just means ripe or not. But, whatever color they are be sure to have a glass of water nearby.

El Paso Sheriff's Posse

2009-05-06T15:17:00.000-07:00

Sat Apr 18: There is never a dull moment, and as soon as we could get back to the State Fairgrounds in Las Cruces we loaded up and headed for ElPaso to the Sheriff Posse Headquarters where we would be staying until the border crossing on Tuesday. The anticipation among all the riders as that day approaches grows day by day.

The Sheriff Posse members were waiting as our caravan wound it's way into their headquarters and down into their back lot (and I mean DOWN). One of the trailers scraped the plumbing off the bottom of their trailer getting over the big hump in the driveway. This is a problem with some of these big rigs. Anyway, they had a big arena where all the horses could be tied or penned, and all the trailers could be parked around the ourside in a big circle. Sounds easy, but did anyone mention all the deep sand? Everyone had to go into 4 wheel drive to keep from getting stuck while driving down there. But, once in we were there until Tuesday. The Rio Grande River flowed alongside so there was a bit of green to be seen and lots of sand. Did I mention that they had sand?

Sunday April 19: They heard we had been served a continental breadfast that day so to outdo, they served a huge breakfast on Sunday morning of pancakes, bacon, eggs, biscuits and gravy. Afterward a trail ride to a nearby mesa to overlook the city, and even closer to the border. Their hospitality is outstanding and they have a great time together. This Sheriff's Posse if the oldest continuously operating posse in the US founded in 1936.

By the way, have you noticed any themes? Dust? Sand? Repairs?

Farm and Ranch Museum

2009-05-06T14:38:00.000-07:00

Sat April 18: By now almost everyone is here. Cindy has everyone registered, they have their horses settled in stalls and their trailers parked. We've been getting acquainted with each other and things are falling into place.

The Bureau of Tourism in Las Cruces arranged a complimentary continental breakfast and tour at the 4 year old Farm and Ranch Museum. The breakfast was served on an open air terrace with beautiful rose bushes. The brickwork in the terrace displayed prominent old New Mexico brands. Our tour guide showed us his brand as we walked past into the inside displays.

He showed us cowboy artwork donated by the family of an "eccentric" painter, whom he said shot up his paintings in drunken stupors at night. Actually the pieces he pointed out looked intentionally shot at to bring to life the battlefield in the painting. The artwork was nice, but his family wasn't interested in any of them so donated the pieces to the museum. The guide also showed us an extensive gun collection with guns of all shapes and sizes.

Outside, the museum normally would have many types of cattle to display but they were all away at other exhibitions, except 2 Longhorn steers which our guide happened to have donated from his own herd. Dairy is a very big industry in this area. Interestingly, the white Charlois, brought from France to Canada, were finally imported to New Mexico because the harsh winters caused infection in the cow's utters. They like NM much better. The two barns were Midwestern design, one hip-roof, the other single story with a porch, because of architech's choice. All in all, the guide was very proud of the museum, as well he should be, it was a beautiful museum.

Rotary Club of Mesilla Valley, Las Cruces

2009-04-24T08:44:00.000-07:00

April 16, 6:45am:
Jim and I attended the Rotary Club of Mesilla Valley breakfast meeting in Las Cruces. We were there to do a program about Best of America by Horseback, our Mexico to Canada trail ride as well as the Lingap Center International Project that our Rotary Club in Jackson MI supports. (You can click on the link from this blog to learn more about the Lingap Center.)

The Mesilla Valley club has about 40 members. Several have retired there from the Midwest and many others are native to New Mexico and proud of their state. One couple who sat with us are each professors at New Mexico State University.

This club has an active RYLA, Rotary Youth Leadership group and had two visiting high school students whom they introduced. Their happy bucks go toward a scholarship fund for these students. We exchanged club banners after a very friendly meeting.

The rest of the day was spend at the second of our RV dealership stops.

Oklahoma, Texas & New Mexico

2009-04-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

April 13, 2009: Followed old Route 66 for quite a bit of the trip in Missouri. It's a trip we would like to take some day, from beginning to end. Stayed at a horse motel in Cuba, MO, home of the St James Winery where they make delicious blackberry wine.

April 14, 2009: Oklahoma has red clay, Black Angus and blue sky, rows and rows of windmills, evidence of recent grass fires and rolling hills. We're still following old Route 66.

The Texas panhandle has big feedlots. Close your eyes and you know they are there.

We're heading for Amarillo TX to another horse motel for the night. We spent a windy night in the camper while the horses were safe and sound in a sturdy cement block barn with pipe doors. In the morning the owners of the horse motel directed us to an RV service center for some necessary repairs to the camper and the hitch.

April 15: Travelling through New Mexico, it's wide open, sparse of grass and towns. The towns are very few and far between and when we travel through small towns they appear to just be clusters of a few small businesses along the highway. One tumbleweed the size of my yellow VW beetle passed us on the highway, and we saw two lonesome antelope, each grazing by themselves. There is lots of brown grass, big shrubs and blue sky. No cell phone coverage and no internet.

Arrived in Las Cruces, NM at the State Fairgrounds, sheared the air conditioner off the top of the camper and secured the horses for the night.

Last Minute Touches

2009-04-23T09:24:00.000-07:00

We had two little helpers when it was time to pack the camper, who put up some very special artwork. In fact, every wall has Jimmy and Julia artwork proudly displayed for everyone to see on our travels. (Havings trouble uploading the pictures today, will edit the post later and add pictures.)

On the way at last!

2009-04-14T08:01:00.000-07:00

First thing we wanted to do before we left home was celebrate Easter with our entire family at the farm. Everyone came out for dinner and the best part was having everyone together. We also celebrated all the birthdays tht we would miss while we will be gone on our trip.

So, now we're on the road. We've been looking forward to this trip for so long it's hard to believe that we've heading for Las Cruces, NM at last!

It rained almost all day yesterday but I slept through it all since I was up almost all night trying to get the camper packed and the house in order for our house sitters. But, as I write the sun has just come out and the countryside gets greener as we travel southward. The redbuds are in full bloom all along the highway.

Missouri has so many intersting places to visit we will have to come back one day. There are numerous Classic Car showrooms as we parallel the old Route 66 0n I44. And if you like Russell Stover Chocolates there is no shortage of outlets. Looking into a horse "motel" for tonight in Amarillo, TX for tonight.

Meeting Fellow Riders & Staff

2009-04-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

This week we went down to Columbus, Ohio to the Equine Affaire, a big horse and trade show, where Best of America by Horseback (BOABH) had a booth. We wanted to meet some of other staff and riders who would be on the trip.

It was fun to get acquainted with Bob, the logistics manager for the trip and his wife Esther who hosted a dinner for everyone at their home in Columbus. Mark, the CEO of BOABH and his wife, Brenda, were there from Texas, y'all. Mike, assistant trail boss, and his wife, Wanda, from Alabama came up to be at the Equine Affaire, as well.

I learned how to operate the camera while Tom Seay, host and producer of BOABH, interviewed the president of the Ohio Horse Council. There was a little studio set up in their booth for short interviews that would used on the show. Hopefully, there will be more opportunities to run the camera in the future.

By the way, I forget to mention that about a month ago we met a couple who live about 4 miles from us who are going on this trip, Sandy and Wayne. They will be celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary this year by riding their horses 1800 miles from Mexico to Canada. We heard them tell someone that they have never been on a vacation before. This is quite a first vacation! They are pig farmers and never felt they could leave home before. I'm happy for them. Their kids and grandkids will be watching the farm while they're gone.

Only 9 days until we leave for New Mexico.

2009-03-16T11:47:00.000-07:00

For my public relations job I've been emailing quite a few people about advance details relating to special events along the way. One of the stops will be at Leasburg State Park in Radium Springs, NM where we will be having a nice dinner and campfire with park rangers talking about local points of interests.

The gentleman, Ben Hoffacker, also shared his website with us showing the line of sculpted jewelry he makes. Not only is the website lovely but the jewelry looks beautifully made. Be sure and look at the link we set up to his website. You'll enjoy seeing his handmade jewelry and reading about the thoughts behind his sculptures.

Getting Ready for the Ride

2009-03-10T22:06:00.000-07:00

It seems like we've been getting ready for the trail ride for a long time. But, as the final month approaches before we leave there is so much to do. The camper is getting checked out and it will be packed and ready to go before we know it.

The weather hasn't been very cooperative as far as letting us ride outside. It's either been snowing, icy or raining. Poco is laid up for a while anyway after having a small growth removed from his side. Just looking to prevent possible interference with his girth on the trip. He'll be fine by mid-April.

We're working on sending letters to our friends and relatives telling about our trip. But, all of you know that there is a link on this blog to the route and schedule so you can follow on a map as well as on the TV show.

We'll be on the road before we know it and then on the trail.