First Day Completed

I eventually managed to contact Bob in Fortuna, but reception is very bad, so could only have a brief conversation. He had a brilliant first day's ride, and his host from the previous night, Andrew, and his wife rode with him all the way, which was a lovely way to start his first day's riding.

The horses are bedded for the night, and Bob is now waiting to entertain the neighbours who are coming to meet him this evening. His new hosts,Roger and Diana Bloom, have had to go out , but they took him out this afternoon sightseeing. He is living in comfort tonight, as apparently he has his own little house to sleep in away from the main house. Thank you Roger and Diana for all your hospitality.

We are both constantly amazed at the open heartedness of the American people who are going out of their way to help him with the journey.

Many thanks to Andrew and his family for looking after him on arrival in North Dakota. I'm only sorry that I can't e-mail them to pass on our thanks, but if anyone in Fortuna reads this please pass the message on.

We're off at last

Just a quick post to let you all know what's happening with Bob and the horses.

Bob arrived in North Montana on 8 July, and has been staying at Allen Russell's ranch where his horses were waiting for him.

Over the last few weeks Allen has been invaluable in passing on his expertise to our intrepid rider, and Bob has been out every day riding TJ and Cody through the countryside and getting to know them really well. He has also conquered the daunting pack saddles !!!

Apparently, the countryside is really stunning round there, and Allen's ranch is surrounded by mountains covered in snow, and there's loads of wildlife around. Sounds like a dream.

Anyway, today is the day that Allen,Bob and the horses are trailering up to North Dakota, a distance of 500 miles, and they should arrive this evening. The horses will be rested tomorrow, and then 30 July is D Day.

Watch this space, and I will keep you posted on the forthcoming adventure.

Many thanks to Allen for his generosity in putting up with Bob for the last few weeks, and all the work he has done to help us get this adventure off the ground.