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Thursday 27 November 2008
Bob has been spotted
Chip Clemmons who was on his way to El Paso kindly e-mailed me this morning to say he had met up with Bob. He found him near a ruined motel in the Guadaulpe Pass close to the Salt Flats, brewing a cup of tea.....and there's me thinking he's roughing it !
All three boys are fine, and Bob is looking forward to El Paso. The saddle seems to be bearing up, so let's keep our fingers crossed. It also looks as though Bob has got out of the mountains just before the bad weather hit.
Most importantly of all, Chip delivered him a supply of candy bars, so everything is fine, as long as Bob gets his chocolate buzz.
Many, many thanks to Chip for keeping our boy going. Have a good Thanksgiving, everyone we have met in America .........enjoy the Turkey.
Alos, many thanks to everyone who has helped Bob on the ride to El Paso........ I know the last part has ben quite tough for him,and he would have struggled without the likes of Lois and John....not forgetting Chip with the candy bars ! Bless you all.
All three boys are fine, and Bob is looking forward to El Paso. The saddle seems to be bearing up, so let's keep our fingers crossed. It also looks as though Bob has got out of the mountains just before the bad weather hit.
Most importantly of all, Chip delivered him a supply of candy bars, so everything is fine, as long as Bob gets his chocolate buzz.
Many, many thanks to Chip for keeping our boy going. Have a good Thanksgiving, everyone we have met in America .........enjoy the Turkey.
Alos, many thanks to everyone who has helped Bob on the ride to El Paso........ I know the last part has ben quite tough for him,and he would have struggled without the likes of Lois and John....not forgetting Chip with the candy bars ! Bless you all.
Wednesday 26 November 2008
Bob is fine
I'm unable to get contact with Bob....three days now ! Do you think he's been eaten by a big brown bear..............No, I've had an e-mail come through from Lois and John Carroll, who have been kindly driving up with their trailer every day, and also bringing water and food for the horses, to advise me that everything is ok with my boys. He will probably not be able to contact me now until after Dell City Junction, and by then I will be in El Paso.
The weather is very cold and windy, and I should imagine it felt even colder when he was in the Guadalupe Mountains. I don't know if the snow has materialized, but have been told by El Paso that an extremely cold front is moving in, so I'd better take my woollies with me. I thought I was going to get a bit of sunshine !
Chip Clemmons whom Bob met when he was in Dexter, is driving along Bob's route today, to meet with his folks for a Thanksgiving dinner and family get together in El Paso. He reckons he will be passing Bob, and after reading my blog when I said Bob had run out of candy bars, he has bought him a large stock to keep him going. He said he will also take some bad weather gear for him to wear, in case of need. We don't want my man freezing to death on the last leg.
Well, my last day.......tomorrow I drive up to London, and catch the plane out early Friday morning. So the next blog will come direct from the horse's mouth......El Paso. It's all getting very exciting now, and once I can get over the mental block of packing my suitcase (yugh, that means I'm going on a plane, which frightens me to death ), I will be ready to go.
Keep looking, as I should be able to continue with the blog soon, and hopefully catch up with Bob's news in the next few days.
The weather is very cold and windy, and I should imagine it felt even colder when he was in the Guadalupe Mountains. I don't know if the snow has materialized, but have been told by El Paso that an extremely cold front is moving in, so I'd better take my woollies with me. I thought I was going to get a bit of sunshine !
Chip Clemmons whom Bob met when he was in Dexter, is driving along Bob's route today, to meet with his folks for a Thanksgiving dinner and family get together in El Paso. He reckons he will be passing Bob, and after reading my blog when I said Bob had run out of candy bars, he has bought him a large stock to keep him going. He said he will also take some bad weather gear for him to wear, in case of need. We don't want my man freezing to death on the last leg.
Well, my last day.......tomorrow I drive up to London, and catch the plane out early Friday morning. So the next blog will come direct from the horse's mouth......El Paso. It's all getting very exciting now, and once I can get over the mental block of packing my suitcase (yugh, that means I'm going on a plane, which frightens me to death ), I will be ready to go.
Keep looking, as I should be able to continue with the blog soon, and hopefully catch up with Bob's news in the next few days.
Tuesday 25 November 2008
Pictures of Bob sent today from Wray , Colorado
No news at all from Bob as cell phone reception is dead whilst he's in the Gaudalupe Mountains. I have received an E-mail from John and Lois Carroll, who have been kindly going out every day with their trailer for him, and feed and water for the horses , when necessary. They reassured me that all three boys are fine, and they saw them last night with the Park Rangers up in the foothills . Apparently the weather is very cold and windy now, and when I checked on the forecast, it looks like snow is on its way.
Plans are going apace in El Paso for Bob's arrival and Bernie and the gang there are currently trying to work a route for him through the city, with the help of the Border Patrol, Police and Sheriff's department. We have worked out which part of the border he is going to cross on, that will be away from the busiest parts .........trouble is, Bob doesn't know this, as we can't contact him !!!!!! Let's hope we can resume contact or we could be in one part of El Paso, and Bob in another.
Susie Bruggerman from Holyoke kindly sent me some photos that her mother,Dorothy took when she met him in Wray,Colorado, which are shown below. Thank you Dorothy and Susie.
I'm hoping that when I get to El Paso, I will be able to download some of the photos we take there onto the blog site straight away, so you can all join in the celebrations. I think Bob is getting really tired now, and he's having trouble with his back again, which makes it all a lot harder.
Plans are going apace in El Paso for Bob's arrival and Bernie and the gang there are currently trying to work a route for him through the city, with the help of the Border Patrol, Police and Sheriff's department. We have worked out which part of the border he is going to cross on, that will be away from the busiest parts .........trouble is, Bob doesn't know this, as we can't contact him !!!!!! Let's hope we can resume contact or we could be in one part of El Paso, and Bob in another.
Susie Bruggerman from Holyoke kindly sent me some photos that her mother,Dorothy took when she met him in Wray,Colorado, which are shown below. Thank you Dorothy and Susie.
I'm hoping that when I get to El Paso, I will be able to download some of the photos we take there onto the blog site straight away, so you can all join in the celebrations. I think Bob is getting really tired now, and he's having trouble with his back again, which makes it all a lot harder.
Last blog in England tomorrow.........El Paso here I come !
Monday 24 November 2008
About 15 miles after Whites City
The weather was quite hot today (23 Nov), and by midday Bob was down to a T shirt, after wrapping in several layers this morning to keep the frost at bay.
The roads are pretty quiet now, so the journey from Whites City was uneventful, except Bob's back is giving him trouble again. The horses will have to be tethered tonight as there is no corral or fenced in areas. Bob has stopped near the entrance to some sort of oil place, that has a permanent guard there, who lives in a trailer there, and opens the gate to let the traffic in.
John and Lois Carroll arrived with their horse trailer, which has a bed in it, kitchenette, shower and toilet, which will be lovely for Bob, as he will be able to get out of the cold, and make himself hot drinks. Lois told me that it can get quite cold and windy there. They put the trailer in a wide ditch , so that it's off the road, and the horses were tied to the trailer. The man at the entrance to the oil place also gave Bob some chocolate cakes,books to read, and mango squash, which was very kind of him. Thank you very much. John and Lois are proving a godsend to out traveller, as they are making his journey so much easier. I notice on the weather tonight that snow may fall in the Guadalupe mountains.
Bob has now left New Mexico and is back in Texas. On the 24 November he starts riding into the Gaudalupe mountains, and will be in there for 2/3 days. It is possible I will not be able to contact him, but will find out tonight. When we spoke last night, we lost a signal 5 times, and I had to keep ringing him back.
Only three more days, and I will start my journey to El Paso to meet Bob at the end of his Long Ride.
The roads are pretty quiet now, so the journey from Whites City was uneventful, except Bob's back is giving him trouble again. The horses will have to be tethered tonight as there is no corral or fenced in areas. Bob has stopped near the entrance to some sort of oil place, that has a permanent guard there, who lives in a trailer there, and opens the gate to let the traffic in.
John and Lois Carroll arrived with their horse trailer, which has a bed in it, kitchenette, shower and toilet, which will be lovely for Bob, as he will be able to get out of the cold, and make himself hot drinks. Lois told me that it can get quite cold and windy there. They put the trailer in a wide ditch , so that it's off the road, and the horses were tied to the trailer. The man at the entrance to the oil place also gave Bob some chocolate cakes,books to read, and mango squash, which was very kind of him. Thank you very much. John and Lois are proving a godsend to out traveller, as they are making his journey so much easier. I notice on the weather tonight that snow may fall in the Guadalupe mountains.
Bob has now left New Mexico and is back in Texas. On the 24 November he starts riding into the Gaudalupe mountains, and will be in there for 2/3 days. It is possible I will not be able to contact him, but will find out tonight. When we spoke last night, we lost a signal 5 times, and I had to keep ringing him back.
Only three more days, and I will start my journey to El Paso to meet Bob at the end of his Long Ride.
Sunday 23 November 2008
Whites City, New Mexico
An early start as Bob had 22.5 miles to cover this day (22 November). Surprisingly, he was riding alongside a new 4 lane Highway, with very clean ditches, and not much traffic, so the journey was quite easy. The landscape along the way is very barren, the ground covered in praire grass, and not much else. There doesn't even seem to be much wildlife, as Bob has not reported seeing anything to me. The Guadalupe Mountains that he will be riding into in the next few days are now showing on the horizon, and I think he's looking forward to getting there.
Jim Ballard turned up during the ride with water for the horses, which was very kind of him. What would Bob do without these guardian angels ?
Later that day, Lois and John Carroll found him on the road. He is staying with them in Cornudas on 29 November, and they had been out looking for him the previous day, but where unable to find him. They are willing to drive out as and when it's necessary to ensure he has food and water for the horses, and have offered the loan of their trailer for Bob to sleep in when he's out in the open. People this way are so generous.
When I spoke to Bob in the early hours of this morning (my morning , not his)he had arrived at an empty house that Jim Ballard had arranged for him to sleep in. There was a cafe and small shop down the road, but unfortunately by the time Bob had seen to the horses, the shop had closed. He's now got withdrawal symptoms, as he' s got no candy bars left !!!!!!!!! Luckily for him, there is heating and electricity in the house, so at least he'll be warm tonight. As we spoke he was ordering some food in the cafe, as that was on the verge of closing for the day.
The Guadalupe Mountains are the highest point in Texas. As from tomorrow, Bob will be riding back into Texas, the last State on his ride.
My thanks to the person who sent the copy of the Dalhart Texan, with the article on Bob's long ride. I keep them all for him to read when he gets back.
Mine and Bob's heartfelt thanks to the wonderful people of New Mexico who have helped our Long Rider along the way. What would we have done without you.
Jim Ballard turned up during the ride with water for the horses, which was very kind of him. What would Bob do without these guardian angels ?
Later that day, Lois and John Carroll found him on the road. He is staying with them in Cornudas on 29 November, and they had been out looking for him the previous day, but where unable to find him. They are willing to drive out as and when it's necessary to ensure he has food and water for the horses, and have offered the loan of their trailer for Bob to sleep in when he's out in the open. People this way are so generous.
When I spoke to Bob in the early hours of this morning (my morning , not his)he had arrived at an empty house that Jim Ballard had arranged for him to sleep in. There was a cafe and small shop down the road, but unfortunately by the time Bob had seen to the horses, the shop had closed. He's now got withdrawal symptoms, as he' s got no candy bars left !!!!!!!!! Luckily for him, there is heating and electricity in the house, so at least he'll be warm tonight. As we spoke he was ordering some food in the cafe, as that was on the verge of closing for the day.
The Guadalupe Mountains are the highest point in Texas. As from tomorrow, Bob will be riding back into Texas, the last State on his ride.
My thanks to the person who sent the copy of the Dalhart Texan, with the article on Bob's long ride. I keep them all for him to read when he gets back.
Mine and Bob's heartfelt thanks to the wonderful people of New Mexico who have helped our Long Rider along the way. What would we have done without you.
CuChullaine from the Longrider's Guild had kindly forward a couple of photos, which link to Bob's long ride. The photo above is of Gary Davies and his horse Dandi, who has been an incredible help to Bob especially when he was setting up his long ride, in passing on his knowledge and expertise. Gary is a fellow Welshman, who had done extensive long rides around England and Wales in the 70's. He in turn was helped by another Welsh Long Rider Thurlow Craig, who spent his youth riding in Latin America, where he herded cattle, and took part in several mounted revolutions. A photo of him is below. Maybe there is another up and coming Welsh Long Rider in the making, who we will be able to help in turn.
I must say we both owe Gary, Allen Russell, and CuChullaine and Basha O'Reilly from the Longrider's Guild a deep debt of gratitude for all the help they have given us, not only at the beginning, but throughout the ride ...........without them we would have had trouble getting it off the ground, especially with our lack of expertise. Thanks fellow Long Riders. Also thanks to Sue, our friend in Tennessee, who pointed us in the direction of The Longrider's Guild
Here is Thurlow Craig on his Criollo horse , Bobby, in Patagonia.
Last Rest Day In Carlsbad
Bob went out with Harley and Debby Ballard for a steak last night, and then was offered a bed at their house for the night.
The following morning, 21 November, Bob went with Harley to his Bus depot at 6.30........... he runs school buses, had a cup of coffee, and then borrowed his pickup to go and grain the horses. Jim Ballard came round about 8.30and took Bob to see the Carlsbad Caverns, which are actually in Whites City. The Caverns are spectacular and really massive, with stalactites and stalagmites and stretch for over 100 miles.........well worth a visit. They are situated up in the mountains. The boys had a bite to eat, and then Jim took him for a drive to recce his way over the next few days. They drove all the way to the Frijole Camp site, which was good, as it's very barren along this way, not many people living there, and water is in very short supply. Bob made a few adjustments to his plans.
That evening they had steak done on the B'que, and Bob again slept at Harley's house. I think he's glad of a bed when he can get them now, as the nights are so cold.
When Bob was riding from Artesia to Carlsbad, he couldn't find any water for the horses, and eventually stopped a water truck along the way, and they kindly let him have a couple of buckets. It's a good job he wasn't down this way in the Summer, else he would have really struggled.
Harley,Jim and your family...you have done a really great job of helping Bob, and we would both like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you so much.
The following morning, 21 November, Bob went with Harley to his Bus depot at 6.30........... he runs school buses, had a cup of coffee, and then borrowed his pickup to go and grain the horses. Jim Ballard came round about 8.30and took Bob to see the Carlsbad Caverns, which are actually in Whites City. The Caverns are spectacular and really massive, with stalactites and stalagmites and stretch for over 100 miles.........well worth a visit. They are situated up in the mountains. The boys had a bite to eat, and then Jim took him for a drive to recce his way over the next few days. They drove all the way to the Frijole Camp site, which was good, as it's very barren along this way, not many people living there, and water is in very short supply. Bob made a few adjustments to his plans.
That evening they had steak done on the B'que, and Bob again slept at Harley's house. I think he's glad of a bed when he can get them now, as the nights are so cold.
When Bob was riding from Artesia to Carlsbad, he couldn't find any water for the horses, and eventually stopped a water truck along the way, and they kindly let him have a couple of buckets. It's a good job he wasn't down this way in the Summer, else he would have really struggled.
Harley,Jim and your family...you have done a really great job of helping Bob, and we would both like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Thank you so much.
Friday 21 November 2008
Hooray we have Pictures !
Thank you Debbie for kindly sending me pictures of Bob arriving at the Fairground, and also of the evening gathering.
The second lots of pictures are from Bernie in El Paso, who is trying to impress me, by showing me what a marvellous rider he is.........don't know what happened to the pony!
Here is Debbie Bell, who kindly arranged Bob's stay at the Fairground, when he arrived in Artesia . I don't know who the dog is !
Our intrepid Long Rider arriving at the Fairground.
Winner of the most glamorous grandmother award, Debbie with two of her grandkids. She doesn't look old enough !
Bob with Debbie's family and friends at the Country Club.
This is Jole, Debbie's daughter, who runs the Country Club.
Bob entertaining the ladies. I don't believe for a minute that he's had a hard time on this long ride, with all the socialising he's been doing.
Thank you Debbie,Joel, Jole, friends and family for looking after Bob.
And this can only be Bernie from El Paso, doing his death defying horse riding trick. Bernie, please put the horse down !
And here is Melissa, who I think is Bernie's wife (correct me if I'm wrong, Bernie) attempting the same feat.
On a different note. This is Sue Ballard from Tenessee, a friend of Bob and mine, with her horse, Jazz
And here are her two dogs, modelling the latest in Doggy fashion.
This is "Bob the Dog". This is the stray that followed Bob on 14 October when he arrived at Sally and Mel Depra's at Big Bend, Wiley. Sally has been unable to trace his owner, and is looking for a home for him...........I want him !!!!!! She sent the photo, and said they had to call him Bob........I think he's better looking than our Bob, don't you ?
I bet you're wondering what this picture is all about. When Bob was riding to Sally and Mel's at Big Bend, he got soaked to the skin, because it rained so heavily. Sally said they haven't had a drop of rain since, and to prove it, here are the horses' hoofprints still in the dust.
Well, I think that's given you a surfeit of Pictures, so will continue with the blog when lord and master phones me later.
Thursday 20 November 2008
Carlsbad South , New Mexico
In a few more days, Bob will be heading back into Texas, and the last stretch of his long ride.
A very pleasant evening was had last night with Jim and his wife, together with Mr Ballard senior and his wife. As Bob didn't have so far to travel that day, he left a bit later. He was trailered back to were he was picked up last night.........we won't have any cheating on this long ride, and rode the 15 miles to Carlsbad, arriving at about 2.00pm. The weather has been freezing cold all day, and the ride was slow, as he was in the ditches and they are pretty rough. He tries not to ride on the shoulder of the road, as it wears the horses' shoes down very quickly.Bob was staying at the Sheriff's Posse Arena, and guess who was waiting for him as he rode up , but Mr Ballard, with a trailer full of Alfalfa for the horses. He is trying to persuade Bob to come back to his house tonight and tomorrow to sleep...........he might well be advised to, as it's freezing there tonight. mind you, it's not much warmer here in England ! He was going to come back later to pick Bob up and take him for a steak.
Bob is having a rest day there tomorrow, and will then be heading for Whites City. He has now done in excess of 1700 miles.
A very pleasant evening was had last night with Jim and his wife, together with Mr Ballard senior and his wife. As Bob didn't have so far to travel that day, he left a bit later. He was trailered back to were he was picked up last night.........we won't have any cheating on this long ride, and rode the 15 miles to Carlsbad, arriving at about 2.00pm. The weather has been freezing cold all day, and the ride was slow, as he was in the ditches and they are pretty rough. He tries not to ride on the shoulder of the road, as it wears the horses' shoes down very quickly.Bob was staying at the Sheriff's Posse Arena, and guess who was waiting for him as he rode up , but Mr Ballard, with a trailer full of Alfalfa for the horses. He is trying to persuade Bob to come back to his house tonight and tomorrow to sleep...........he might well be advised to, as it's freezing there tonight. mind you, it's not much warmer here in England ! He was going to come back later to pick Bob up and take him for a steak.
Bob is having a rest day there tomorrow, and will then be heading for Whites City. He has now done in excess of 1700 miles.
Artesia, & Brantley Lake St Park, New Mexico
As Bob had a long ride of 25 miles on 18 November, he was up at 5.00a.m., brushing down the horses and getting them saddled and packed for the journey.He has now got this down to a fine art........ remember when he started this long ride, it was taking him hours to get ready in the morning. He reckons he can do it in 20 minutes now !
He left about 6.30, and the morning was very cold. In fact he said most mornings there's a frost on the ground when he gets up. It gets warmer as the day goes along, and most days the temperature is in the 70's........but very cold at night.
When he had been riding for about 15 miles, he stopped at a house and they gave him water for the horses, and they chatted about his journey.
As Bob was riding through Artesia, he had a brush with the law. A Police car stopped him and told him he was riding on the wrong side of the road. However, they got chatting and he let Bob off without a citation. Not long after that an animal Inspector stopped his van to check out the horses, but our boys were fine.
When he got to the Fairground, Joel Bell husband of Debbie Bell who had arranged for him to stay there, arrived with a bale of hay for the horses, and later Debbie arrivedwith oats for Cody and Tigers. That evening Debbie had arranged a get together at the local country club, and when she took Bob there, he reckons there were about 30 people waiting. While he was chatting to people, one guy came up to him and said "You stopped at my Bosse's house to water your horses on the way here."
They must have had a good evening, as Bob didn't get to bed until 11.30.Debbie kindly e-mailed me beforehand to tell me what she was planning, and to say Bob had got off ok.
The next morning Debbie drove him back to the Fairground, which was about 10 miles from her house. Some friends of hers live next to the Fairground, and they supplied Bob with hot coffee and took loads of photos of him.......... I hope some will come my way to put on the blog site.
My sincere thanks to Joel and Debbie for your very kind hospitality, and Debbie I hope we can get together in El Paso for breakfast.
Bob reckons this ride was the toughest he has encountered so far. He left at about 6am, and the ride was 23 miles long. The ditches are very rocky, and the riding is slow, and he needs to be on the look out for Rattlers. He can't ride on the road shoulder as the road is too narrow and busy.
There were about 5 bridges to cross that day, which were a bit hair raising at times, as the cars make a lot of noise when they drive across. The road was called the Seven River's Highway, so that tells you a lot. Several times, Bob rode down into the river beds, as they were dry, as it was safer than trying to cross the bridge with the traffic. Obviously, this made the trip a lot slower though.
About 11am Jim Ballard, who was arranging a stopover for Bob, met him on the Highway to let him know a bed had been sorted for the night. He arranged to come back with a trailer at 4.00pm, and would pick Bob up wherever he had ridden to, and trailer him back to the house, which was some miles off the road.
Bob was taken to Jim's father's house (sorry I don't yet know your name), and was made very welcome. As usual, everything had been laid on for the horses, and they were corralled and fed, as was Bob..........although he had a proper bed for the night. Thank you so much Mr Ballard senior and Jim for looking after my special boys. Bob said quote "they're great people".
He left about 6.30, and the morning was very cold. In fact he said most mornings there's a frost on the ground when he gets up. It gets warmer as the day goes along, and most days the temperature is in the 70's........but very cold at night.
When he had been riding for about 15 miles, he stopped at a house and they gave him water for the horses, and they chatted about his journey.
As Bob was riding through Artesia, he had a brush with the law. A Police car stopped him and told him he was riding on the wrong side of the road. However, they got chatting and he let Bob off without a citation. Not long after that an animal Inspector stopped his van to check out the horses, but our boys were fine.
When he got to the Fairground, Joel Bell husband of Debbie Bell who had arranged for him to stay there, arrived with a bale of hay for the horses, and later Debbie arrivedwith oats for Cody and Tigers. That evening Debbie had arranged a get together at the local country club, and when she took Bob there, he reckons there were about 30 people waiting. While he was chatting to people, one guy came up to him and said "You stopped at my Bosse's house to water your horses on the way here."
They must have had a good evening, as Bob didn't get to bed until 11.30.Debbie kindly e-mailed me beforehand to tell me what she was planning, and to say Bob had got off ok.
The next morning Debbie drove him back to the Fairground, which was about 10 miles from her house. Some friends of hers live next to the Fairground, and they supplied Bob with hot coffee and took loads of photos of him.......... I hope some will come my way to put on the blog site.
My sincere thanks to Joel and Debbie for your very kind hospitality, and Debbie I hope we can get together in El Paso for breakfast.
Bob reckons this ride was the toughest he has encountered so far. He left at about 6am, and the ride was 23 miles long. The ditches are very rocky, and the riding is slow, and he needs to be on the look out for Rattlers. He can't ride on the road shoulder as the road is too narrow and busy.
There were about 5 bridges to cross that day, which were a bit hair raising at times, as the cars make a lot of noise when they drive across. The road was called the Seven River's Highway, so that tells you a lot. Several times, Bob rode down into the river beds, as they were dry, as it was safer than trying to cross the bridge with the traffic. Obviously, this made the trip a lot slower though.
About 11am Jim Ballard, who was arranging a stopover for Bob, met him on the Highway to let him know a bed had been sorted for the night. He arranged to come back with a trailer at 4.00pm, and would pick Bob up wherever he had ridden to, and trailer him back to the house, which was some miles off the road.
Bob was taken to Jim's father's house (sorry I don't yet know your name), and was made very welcome. As usual, everything had been laid on for the horses, and they were corralled and fed, as was Bob..........although he had a proper bed for the night. Thank you so much Mr Ballard senior and Jim for looking after my special boys. Bob said quote "they're great people".
Hagerman,New Mexico
On 17 November Bob had a ride of over 23 miles to Hagerman. The weather that day was very hot, hitting 80 degrees, and there was no wind. There is no Alfalfa growing in the ditches now, and what grass there is , is very dry and yellow. About 8 miles out of Hagerman, Bob spotted an irrigation ditch and stopped so the horses could drink their fill. He rode through Dexter to get to Hagerman.
Bob was stopping at the farm of Gary and Vi Babcock, and when he arrived they were waiting with some friends. A corral was ready for the horses, together with hay and grain, and once they had been settled , they drove to Dexter for a meal and a few drinks. From what Bob told me, he had a very enjoyable evening. Thanks to Vi, Gary and friends for a great time, and for putting Bob up for the night.He said what a great crowd you all were.
Bob was stopping at the farm of Gary and Vi Babcock, and when he arrived they were waiting with some friends. A corral was ready for the horses, together with hay and grain, and once they had been settled , they drove to Dexter for a meal and a few drinks. From what Bob told me, he had a very enjoyable evening. Thanks to Vi, Gary and friends for a great time, and for putting Bob up for the night.He said what a great crowd you all were.
Wednesday 19 November 2008
Last Rest Day in Roswell
Bob's last rest day in Roswell before he hits the road again, and he's been having a great time with Rick and his friends, Mark ,Paul, and Ruby. They have all been taking it in turns to take him out and about ...........what great people.
I've had my hand slapped for something I had put previously on the blog site.When Bob stayed with Rick and Connie at Elkins, I had thanked Connie for doing Bob's washing. Rick was very insulted (I'm sure), as he'd done it. So grovel grovel to Rick , a man after my own heart, who will pitch in and help.............take note, Bob !!!!!!!!! Thanks, Rick, you've been an absolute treasure whilst Bob was in Elkins and again at Roswell , together with the Roswell gang.
That morning Rick and Mark took Bob to the UFO Museum, and later the horses had their shoes done. Bob is planning to bring the horseshoes back.......... he reckons he's going to hang them in the lounge. We'll see about that ! Later that afternoon, Paul and Ruby turned up and took him sightseeing round Roswell for a couple of hours. And finally that evening he went out for a meal with Rick, Connie, their daughter, and grand daughter.
My man has been treated like royalty while he's been there, and I can only thank Rick,Connie, and the gang from the bottom of my heart. If you ever come to England, there will be a bed at our house for you.
As a postscript. Bob forgot the horseshoes he was was taking back with him, and Rick drove out to give them to him, so he wouldn't leave without them.
I've had my hand slapped for something I had put previously on the blog site.When Bob stayed with Rick and Connie at Elkins, I had thanked Connie for doing Bob's washing. Rick was very insulted (I'm sure), as he'd done it. So grovel grovel to Rick , a man after my own heart, who will pitch in and help.............take note, Bob !!!!!!!!! Thanks, Rick, you've been an absolute treasure whilst Bob was in Elkins and again at Roswell , together with the Roswell gang.
That morning Rick and Mark took Bob to the UFO Museum, and later the horses had their shoes done. Bob is planning to bring the horseshoes back.......... he reckons he's going to hang them in the lounge. We'll see about that ! Later that afternoon, Paul and Ruby turned up and took him sightseeing round Roswell for a couple of hours. And finally that evening he went out for a meal with Rick, Connie, their daughter, and grand daughter.
My man has been treated like royalty while he's been there, and I can only thank Rick,Connie, and the gang from the bottom of my heart. If you ever come to England, there will be a bed at our house for you.
As a postscript. Bob forgot the horseshoes he was was taking back with him, and Rick drove out to give them to him, so he wouldn't leave without them.
Saturday 15 November 2008
Rest Days at Roswell
Bob is so used now to getting up at the crack of dawn, that he finds it hard to lie in, even on a rest day. So, he was up and raring to go at 7.00 am. His first jobs of the day are naturally to see to the horses, and then he updated his diary. He also seized the opportunity to clean the pack saddle and his riding saddle.
Later that morning, two of Rick's friends dropped in to see if he needed anything, and took him to the supermarket and Bank. The freeze dried meals have all but gone now, so he stocked up on "pot noodles" to keep him going, together with cookies, crisps and fruit. When I spoke to him earlier this evening he was chilling out, but was looking forward to meeting up with the guys and gal later that evening for another meal out and a few drinks.
Tomorrow, is another rest day, and he is being taken to the Roswell UFO Museum. Apparently, sometime in the past an Alien space craft is supposed to have crash landed near Roswell. He is also hoping to go on the computer tomorrow afternoon.
I shall be away from tomorrow until Tuesday, so will say my thanks to Rick and all his friends for helping Bob out so much. He has certainly been enjoying his stay in Roswell thanks to yourselves.
Happy riding, cowboy........the end is in sight.
Later that morning, two of Rick's friends dropped in to see if he needed anything, and took him to the supermarket and Bank. The freeze dried meals have all but gone now, so he stocked up on "pot noodles" to keep him going, together with cookies, crisps and fruit. When I spoke to him earlier this evening he was chilling out, but was looking forward to meeting up with the guys and gal later that evening for another meal out and a few drinks.
Tomorrow, is another rest day, and he is being taken to the Roswell UFO Museum. Apparently, sometime in the past an Alien space craft is supposed to have crash landed near Roswell. He is also hoping to go on the computer tomorrow afternoon.
I shall be away from tomorrow until Tuesday, so will say my thanks to Rick and all his friends for helping Bob out so much. He has certainly been enjoying his stay in Roswell thanks to yourselves.
Happy riding, cowboy........the end is in sight.
Roswell, New Mexico
Our boys left at 7.30am for the 18 mile ride to Roswell on 14 November. As mentioned the previous night Bob had camped under the Bob Crosby Bridge, and that morning had to walk the horses across it to start off towards Roswell. Unfortunately, another mishap occurred with Cody as he was leading him across........ yet again, it concerned the expansion joint on the bridge which was metal ..... Cody slipped on it, skidded into Bob and knocked him flying, and while Bob was on the ground, stomped on his foot. He said the pain was excruciating, and although he can walk, the foot is swollen, but no broken bones( he thinks !!!!!).
Apart from that he had a very pleaseant ride, as he was on a side road which was very quiet, and the weather was good. Whilst he was riding along there a trucker stopped for a chat. He told Bob he had passed him quite a few times in the last few weeks, when Bob had been riding the main roads, and, as usual, was quite impressed with what Bob was doing. When he left he gave Bob some cakes and biscuits.
Bob arrived at the Fairground at Roswell at about 3.00 pm, and said it is a massive place. Rick had arranged for him to stay over in a trailer he had there, so, once again, our traveller is staying in the lap of luxury, with all mod cons. Rick wasn't there, but had sent along a welcoming committee of three of his friends, who all helped Bob settle the horses, and showed him where the trailer was. Everything was there for the horses....grain, hay and water, and around the trailer was fenced in, so the horses were allowed to roam free in there.
A little later Rick turned up with another friend, Mark, and they all went out for a sociable evening of steak and a few beers. Bob had a really good time........he's having a better social life than I am !!!!!...........and later he went back to the trailer and spent the rest of the evening listening to Country and Western on the radio.
Thanks everybody for helping him out, and giving him a great evening.
Apart from that he had a very pleaseant ride, as he was on a side road which was very quiet, and the weather was good. Whilst he was riding along there a trucker stopped for a chat. He told Bob he had passed him quite a few times in the last few weeks, when Bob had been riding the main roads, and, as usual, was quite impressed with what Bob was doing. When he left he gave Bob some cakes and biscuits.
Bob arrived at the Fairground at Roswell at about 3.00 pm, and said it is a massive place. Rick had arranged for him to stay over in a trailer he had there, so, once again, our traveller is staying in the lap of luxury, with all mod cons. Rick wasn't there, but had sent along a welcoming committee of three of his friends, who all helped Bob settle the horses, and showed him where the trailer was. Everything was there for the horses....grain, hay and water, and around the trailer was fenced in, so the horses were allowed to roam free in there.
A little later Rick turned up with another friend, Mark, and they all went out for a sociable evening of steak and a few beers. Bob had a really good time........he's having a better social life than I am !!!!!...........and later he went back to the trailer and spent the rest of the evening listening to Country and Western on the radio.
Thanks everybody for helping him out, and giving him a great evening.
Friday 14 November 2008
In the Middle of Nowhere
After a restless night, Bob was glad to be" back on the road again", and had a pleasant ride. whereas previously, he had been stopping after an hour's riding to let the horses graze, he is now doing about 6 miles before he stops. He says that everyone comments how well the horses are looking, and they are certainly performing well.
Bob arrived at his destination.......a distance of 21.5 miles, and he was sleeping next to the Bob Crosby Bridge. Apparently, Bob Crosby crashed his car into a draw ( I hope I got the spelling right, someone put me right if I didn't), which is a big dip in the road about a mile from where Bob was camping, and was killed. Rick had kindly dropped off a bale of hay at Bob's campsite, which was great of him, but Bob had plenty of water, as he was camped next to a river. There were trees there, so the horses were tied to them for the night, and out came the trusty yellow tent.
The only eventful thing that happened that day, was that Cody narrowly missed treading on a Rattlesnake in the ditch. He spotted it and sidestepped, at the same time as Bob heard it hissing. I think Bob will be keeping more of a lookout now for them.
Bob arrived at his destination.......a distance of 21.5 miles, and he was sleeping next to the Bob Crosby Bridge. Apparently, Bob Crosby crashed his car into a draw ( I hope I got the spelling right, someone put me right if I didn't), which is a big dip in the road about a mile from where Bob was camping, and was killed. Rick had kindly dropped off a bale of hay at Bob's campsite, which was great of him, but Bob had plenty of water, as he was camped next to a river. There were trees there, so the horses were tied to them for the night, and out came the trusty yellow tent.
The only eventful thing that happened that day, was that Cody narrowly missed treading on a Rattlesnake in the ditch. He spotted it and sidestepped, at the same time as Bob heard it hissing. I think Bob will be keeping more of a lookout now for them.
On the Way to Elkins
Bob had originally planned to ride the 30 miles to Elkins in one go, but changed his mind , and split it into two days ride.
Lonny picked him up at 7 am and took him back to the Town Hall, where he had coffee with about six people, including Melvin. He had a great talk with them, putting the world to rights, and then set off again.
The countryside is very sparse now, just about enough grass for grazing, but very dry. There is hardly any traffic, but the road is very wide, which makes an easy ride. When he was talking in the Town Hall, he was told about a deserted bar at the end of his ride, where he could sleep under cover for the night. Sure enough there was his "des res", but not an ounce of booze in sight ! Later Lonny arrived with hay and 50 galls of water for the boys, and wouldn't take any payment for it. Lonny you have been a blessing .......thank you so much.
The horses were fed and watered and tied up to a billboard for the night, and Bob adjourned to his home on the concrete floor..........and yet another yummy freeze dried meal. He didn't have a good night's sleep, as the weather was freezing, and he got up at daybreak to discover the rats had been busy, and pinched all his fruit, as well as his bar of soap !
After he had sorted the horses and had coffee, he set off for the remainder of the ride to Elkins. The weather was quite pleasant that day, and as he rode towards the home of Rick and Connie Ford where he was staying for the night, Rick turned up in his pickup. Connie works as a school teacher, and Rick works at the Fairground at Roswell, where Bob is staying later.
Bob had a very pleaseant evening, and had dinner and chatted. Connie kindly did his washing for him, and when he told them about the rats the night before, produced another bar of soap for him. Thank God for that, or we would have had one smelly rider ! The horses were corralled for the night, with grain and hay, which Rick wouldn't take payment for. People are so kind in this great country. Thank you very much, Rick and Connie, for all your kindness. Bob slept in Rick's den for the night.
Lonny picked him up at 7 am and took him back to the Town Hall, where he had coffee with about six people, including Melvin. He had a great talk with them, putting the world to rights, and then set off again.
The countryside is very sparse now, just about enough grass for grazing, but very dry. There is hardly any traffic, but the road is very wide, which makes an easy ride. When he was talking in the Town Hall, he was told about a deserted bar at the end of his ride, where he could sleep under cover for the night. Sure enough there was his "des res", but not an ounce of booze in sight ! Later Lonny arrived with hay and 50 galls of water for the boys, and wouldn't take any payment for it. Lonny you have been a blessing .......thank you so much.
The horses were fed and watered and tied up to a billboard for the night, and Bob adjourned to his home on the concrete floor..........and yet another yummy freeze dried meal. He didn't have a good night's sleep, as the weather was freezing, and he got up at daybreak to discover the rats had been busy, and pinched all his fruit, as well as his bar of soap !
After he had sorted the horses and had coffee, he set off for the remainder of the ride to Elkins. The weather was quite pleasant that day, and as he rode towards the home of Rick and Connie Ford where he was staying for the night, Rick turned up in his pickup. Connie works as a school teacher, and Rick works at the Fairground at Roswell, where Bob is staying later.
Bob had a very pleaseant evening, and had dinner and chatted. Connie kindly did his washing for him, and when he told them about the rats the night before, produced another bar of soap for him. Thank God for that, or we would have had one smelly rider ! The horses were corralled for the night, with grain and hay, which Rick wouldn't take payment for. People are so kind in this great country. Thank you very much, Rick and Connie, for all your kindness. Bob slept in Rick's den for the night.
Elida,New Mexico
Bob was up at the crack of dawn, and left at 6 am as he had a ride of 26 miles to Elida. He rode through the back streets of Elida, which were very quiet at that time of the morning, and then out onto the main road. The ditches are a lot worse now, very uneven, and practically unrideable, so once again he rides on the side of the road. The weather is typical of this time of the year......cloudy,cold and windy..........sounds like England.
When he was about 9 miles from Elida, who should pull up in a car, but Lonny, who'd arranged to look after him there. As there is no water anywhere now on the ride, Lonny arranged for some to be brought out for the horses...........and who should turn up half an hour later, but Melvin from the local police to water our trusty steeds !
As Bob rode into town at about 3.30, there was Melvin again, waiting to show him the corral for the horses, which had been loaned from someone. There was hay and water for Cody and Tigers, and they were settled for the night. Our friendly policeman then took Bob to the Town Hall where he met Sandra Monks, his original contact for the town, who had brought in the hay for the hoeses........and, needless to say, would not take payment for it. Thank you very much, Sandra, for arranging everything.
Bob had a bed for the night with a couple who were related to Bob Crosby, the 7 times world Rodeo champion, and he slept in an Adobe Cottage, which he said was really great ........had everything he needed. Later, Lonny brought him over a home cooked Steak dinner (from Lonny's own cattle), and he had a Peach tart made by Lonny's wife. Thank you to the couple who put Bob up for the night, and special thanks to Lonny and Melvin, who really put themselves out for him. It was much appreciated.
I know Bob really enjoyed his stay with the people of Elida, who he said were really great. Thank you for looking after my boys again.
When he was about 9 miles from Elida, who should pull up in a car, but Lonny, who'd arranged to look after him there. As there is no water anywhere now on the ride, Lonny arranged for some to be brought out for the horses...........and who should turn up half an hour later, but Melvin from the local police to water our trusty steeds !
As Bob rode into town at about 3.30, there was Melvin again, waiting to show him the corral for the horses, which had been loaned from someone. There was hay and water for Cody and Tigers, and they were settled for the night. Our friendly policeman then took Bob to the Town Hall where he met Sandra Monks, his original contact for the town, who had brought in the hay for the hoeses........and, needless to say, would not take payment for it. Thank you very much, Sandra, for arranging everything.
Bob had a bed for the night with a couple who were related to Bob Crosby, the 7 times world Rodeo champion, and he slept in an Adobe Cottage, which he said was really great ........had everything he needed. Later, Lonny brought him over a home cooked Steak dinner (from Lonny's own cattle), and he had a Peach tart made by Lonny's wife. Thank you to the couple who put Bob up for the night, and special thanks to Lonny and Melvin, who really put themselves out for him. It was much appreciated.
I know Bob really enjoyed his stay with the people of Elida, who he said were really great. Thank you for looking after my boys again.
Sunday 9 November 2008
Portales, New Mexico
Another early start, and up at the crack of dawn to get the horses fed, cleaned and packed. Today, Cody was the ride horse, and Bob left Clovis at 7.00am. The journey today was just over 18 miles, and the weather was sunny with not much wind in the morning, but picking up as the day went on.
The ditches were pretty well unrideable, and the road was very busy, so the journey was a lot slower , although both horses are rock solid in traffic, which is brilliant.
He arrived at the Portales Fairground about 2pm, and the horses were stalled, with hay. The man who opened the Fairground up for him, kindly went and got more hay, as Bob was staying for a further night, and there were only two bales there. He refused to take payment for the hay, and would not take the money Bob offered him as a tip and for his petrol. Thank you so much for helping Bob out. Our rider has got the luxury of a heated barn for the night, and is sleeping on a table again !!!!!!!
Whilst Bob was riding there, a car stopped and three very excited ladies got out, and were jumping up and down. One of them ran up to him and said "Are you Bob Jones from England?" When Bob said he was, she said "We can't believe we've bumped into you, as we saw you on television."...........They then took masses of photos with each lady in turn posing with Bob and the horses.
A bit further on, another car stopped, and two men got out to talk with him. It turned out one of them was Gordon Morgan, who was the candidate for the House of Representatives in the Elections that have just finished. He was heading off to Las Vegas with his friend for a holiday. He was thrilled to find out what Bob was doing, and when they finished talking, gave Bob his card (he lives in Florida), and said, "when you are next in Florida, come and stay with me."
When we spoke last night (8 Nov), Bob was slumming it in a Pizza Restaurant........don't tell me you're getting sick of steak ! He's resting over in Portales for 9 November, and will be back on the road to Elida on 10 November.
Thank you to Charlene Hardin, at the Fairground for organising Bob's stopover there.
The ditches were pretty well unrideable, and the road was very busy, so the journey was a lot slower , although both horses are rock solid in traffic, which is brilliant.
He arrived at the Portales Fairground about 2pm, and the horses were stalled, with hay. The man who opened the Fairground up for him, kindly went and got more hay, as Bob was staying for a further night, and there were only two bales there. He refused to take payment for the hay, and would not take the money Bob offered him as a tip and for his petrol. Thank you so much for helping Bob out. Our rider has got the luxury of a heated barn for the night, and is sleeping on a table again !!!!!!!
Whilst Bob was riding there, a car stopped and three very excited ladies got out, and were jumping up and down. One of them ran up to him and said "Are you Bob Jones from England?" When Bob said he was, she said "We can't believe we've bumped into you, as we saw you on television."...........They then took masses of photos with each lady in turn posing with Bob and the horses.
A bit further on, another car stopped, and two men got out to talk with him. It turned out one of them was Gordon Morgan, who was the candidate for the House of Representatives in the Elections that have just finished. He was heading off to Las Vegas with his friend for a holiday. He was thrilled to find out what Bob was doing, and when they finished talking, gave Bob his card (he lives in Florida), and said, "when you are next in Florida, come and stay with me."
When we spoke last night (8 Nov), Bob was slumming it in a Pizza Restaurant........don't tell me you're getting sick of steak ! He's resting over in Portales for 9 November, and will be back on the road to Elida on 10 November.
Thank you to Charlene Hardin, at the Fairground for organising Bob's stopover there.
Clovis, New Mexico
South of the Border, down Mexico Way.......... Well, not quite, but will New Mexico do ! Another State, but we're coming to the end.
Bob had a wonderful evening with Earl on 6 November, and set off for Clovis early morning, as usual . He reckoned the ride was ok, but weather very cold first thing in the morning, and windy, which seems to be the norm for this time of the year. The ditches were not good for riding, so most of the trip was alongside the road, on the hard shoulder. For a lot of the journey, the road ran alongside the railway line, and Bob reckoned that must have been the busiest track going, as there were constant trains passing through, all blowing their horns at the crossings. He said it was driving him mad, and he didn't know how the people who live near the rail tracks put up with the non stop noise. The journey was about 20.5 miles, and he arrived in Clovis late afternoon.
Bob was staying at the Fairground there, and the horses were fed and corralled. Bob slept under the grandstand in the little yellow tent, and when I spoke to him, was at K-Bob's Steak House........I guess having a steak for a change !
Thanks to Sue Ferrell at the Fairground for organising his stay, and getting hay in for the horses.
Bob had a wonderful evening with Earl on 6 November, and set off for Clovis early morning, as usual . He reckoned the ride was ok, but weather very cold first thing in the morning, and windy, which seems to be the norm for this time of the year. The ditches were not good for riding, so most of the trip was alongside the road, on the hard shoulder. For a lot of the journey, the road ran alongside the railway line, and Bob reckoned that must have been the busiest track going, as there were constant trains passing through, all blowing their horns at the crossings. He said it was driving him mad, and he didn't know how the people who live near the rail tracks put up with the non stop noise. The journey was about 20.5 miles, and he arrived in Clovis late afternoon.
Bob was staying at the Fairground there, and the horses were fed and corralled. Bob slept under the grandstand in the little yellow tent, and when I spoke to him, was at K-Bob's Steak House........I guess having a steak for a change !
Thanks to Sue Ferrell at the Fairground for organising his stay, and getting hay in for the horses.
Saturday 8 November 2008
On Another Subject
Just back fleetingly in Bristol
My father passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon, with my brother and me by his side. Just want to say thank you to all the people who have been e-mailing me with their prayers and messages of support.
I will be away most of next week sorting things out, but keep watching the blog, as I will do catch up asap.
My father passed away peacefully yesterday afternoon, with my brother and me by his side. Just want to say thank you to all the people who have been e-mailing me with their prayers and messages of support.
I will be away most of next week sorting things out, but keep watching the blog, as I will do catch up asap.
Thursday 6 November 2008
Bovina, Texas
Bob's last day in Texas for a while, and he had a very pleasant day's riding.......the weather was cool, in the 60's but very sunny. In fact he had to take his jacket off at one stage. Tigers was number one horse today, and the journey was 14 miles long.
Bob arrived at the Town and Country Vet Clinic at about 3 in the afternoon. Unfortunately, Brett Whitten the vet is away until Monday, but his father, Earl, kindly came over to show Bob where the hay and grain was for the horses, and also the corral. He opened up the barn , which has heating and a bathroom, so Bob will be fine for the night. He refused payment for the horses' feed, and offered to take Bob if he needed any shopping doing. Earl is coming back over later to take Bob back to his home for a meal.
Thank you for all your generosity and help, Earl, and also Brett for allowing Bob to stay over at the Vet's Clinic.
New Mexico here we come!
Bob arrived at the Town and Country Vet Clinic at about 3 in the afternoon. Unfortunately, Brett Whitten the vet is away until Monday, but his father, Earl, kindly came over to show Bob where the hay and grain was for the horses, and also the corral. He opened up the barn , which has heating and a bathroom, so Bob will be fine for the night. He refused payment for the horses' feed, and offered to take Bob if he needed any shopping doing. Earl is coming back over later to take Bob back to his home for a meal.
Thank you for all your generosity and help, Earl, and also Brett for allowing Bob to stay over at the Vet's Clinic.
New Mexico here we come!
Heading for Friona and Bovina, Texas
Cody seems to have recovered well from his latest mishap, and is all for heading out for adventure again. The person who sorted him out at The Boy's Ranch was called John David Vaughan, and he doctored Cody's wounds, and also provided grain for them, when Bob had to turn back that day. We do appreciate everything you did, John, and it was nice to know that Cody was fit enough to carry on with the ride.
On 5 November, our rider had a journey of 24 miles to Friona. He rode through the streets of Hereford (pronounced Herford), as he set off very early, and it was quiet. A snippet of history......... some of the streets in this town are paved with bricks, and this was done after the Great Depression, in order to give people work. However, they are not very easy to ride on , and Bob said the horses were skidding all over the place on them. He was riding Cody, and his lameness has totally disappeared. The weather was very cold first thing, but warmed up as the day went on. However, he was again riding into a brisk south-west wind, which was quite unpleaseant. He arrived at the Friona Vet's Clinic by early evening, which was just outside of town. The horses were stabled at the clinic, and food was waiting for them. Gary Cash the Vet, took Bob into town for a meal which he insisted on paying for, and picked him up later and brought him back to the Clinic. Unfortunately, he had to go out of town the following morning so was unable to spend any more time with Bob. Bob slept in the Clinic, so he was warm and dry. Our thanks to Gary for looking after him and the boys.
On 6 November, Bob will be spending his last day in Texas for the time being, and will be riding into New Mexico when he hits Clovis.
As usual, we have been thrilled with the kindness and help he has received from everyone. Thank you to the good people of Texas. We'll be riding back into your State on 24 November, all being well.
Happy riding, and keep safe,Bob and the "boys".
On 5 November, our rider had a journey of 24 miles to Friona. He rode through the streets of Hereford (pronounced Herford), as he set off very early, and it was quiet. A snippet of history......... some of the streets in this town are paved with bricks, and this was done after the Great Depression, in order to give people work. However, they are not very easy to ride on , and Bob said the horses were skidding all over the place on them. He was riding Cody, and his lameness has totally disappeared. The weather was very cold first thing, but warmed up as the day went on. However, he was again riding into a brisk south-west wind, which was quite unpleaseant. He arrived at the Friona Vet's Clinic by early evening, which was just outside of town. The horses were stabled at the clinic, and food was waiting for them. Gary Cash the Vet, took Bob into town for a meal which he insisted on paying for, and picked him up later and brought him back to the Clinic. Unfortunately, he had to go out of town the following morning so was unable to spend any more time with Bob. Bob slept in the Clinic, so he was warm and dry. Our thanks to Gary for looking after him and the boys.
On 6 November, Bob will be spending his last day in Texas for the time being, and will be riding into New Mexico when he hits Clovis.
As usual, we have been thrilled with the kindness and help he has received from everyone. Thank you to the good people of Texas. We'll be riding back into your State on 24 November, all being well.
Happy riding, and keep safe,Bob and the "boys".
Tuesday 4 November 2008
Vega and Hereford, Texas
After yesterday's incident, Bob again dosed Cody with Bute before they left, and packed him that day (3 Nov). They left at 7.15 ...... Bob has to get up later now as it gets light later, and a lot of the time he hasn't got electricity to sort the horses out by.
The ditches are pretty bad now and can't be used for riding in, so he uses the shoulder of the road. There are a lot of trucks this way which are very big and noisy, but don't seem to faze the horses at all. The weather was fine and the ride uneventful, and Cody coped well ..... that is one good horse ! Bob arrived at the County Arena at Vega early evening, and Sheriff David Medlin met him there. Both horses were corralled for the night, and David had got in feed for them. He took Bob to a wonderful Western Cafe called Boot Hill , that had recently opened, and they ate together.
Thank you for all your help, David.........much appreciated.
The following morning, (4 Nov) Bob again checked over Cody, who needless to say was raring to go, and Bob decided to ride him for the journey of 29 miles to Hereford. The weather that day was pleasantly warm with a temp of 75 degrees, but a Westerly wind of up to 40 mph that Bob had to ride into all day. He did say it kept him cool, but I should imagine he got a bit of windburn. Whilst he was on the road, another reporter came up to him and took photos, but Bob couldn't stop as he had such a long journey, and would be in the middle of nowhere when he arived at Hereford. I was pre-warned that coming into Hereford can be pretty smelly, because there are so many feed lots there, with thousands of cattle.
Bob had arived at J & K Stables, which is on the outskirts of town, and had been met by the owner, Jimmy Payne. He had provided a lovely corral for our boys, as well as hay and feed, and wouldn't take anything for it. Bob said he has a lovely set up there, and apparently, he does leather work as well. Thank you very much, Jimmy, for helping the three boys on their way.
When I spoke to Bob, he was suffering a bit, as he hurt his ribs when he threw himself off Cody, and he's also developed blisters where he's walked so much, in order to make it easier for Cody. He was bathing his poor feet when we spoke, and was looking forward to a freeze dried meal and bed, as he was up at 5.00 that morning.
There's no gain without pain ! Keep going, my three boys .......... I'm proud of you all.
In a few more days, Bob will be in New Mexico.
The ditches are pretty bad now and can't be used for riding in, so he uses the shoulder of the road. There are a lot of trucks this way which are very big and noisy, but don't seem to faze the horses at all. The weather was fine and the ride uneventful, and Cody coped well ..... that is one good horse ! Bob arrived at the County Arena at Vega early evening, and Sheriff David Medlin met him there. Both horses were corralled for the night, and David had got in feed for them. He took Bob to a wonderful Western Cafe called Boot Hill , that had recently opened, and they ate together.
Thank you for all your help, David.........much appreciated.
The following morning, (4 Nov) Bob again checked over Cody, who needless to say was raring to go, and Bob decided to ride him for the journey of 29 miles to Hereford. The weather that day was pleasantly warm with a temp of 75 degrees, but a Westerly wind of up to 40 mph that Bob had to ride into all day. He did say it kept him cool, but I should imagine he got a bit of windburn. Whilst he was on the road, another reporter came up to him and took photos, but Bob couldn't stop as he had such a long journey, and would be in the middle of nowhere when he arived at Hereford. I was pre-warned that coming into Hereford can be pretty smelly, because there are so many feed lots there, with thousands of cattle.
Bob had arived at J & K Stables, which is on the outskirts of town, and had been met by the owner, Jimmy Payne. He had provided a lovely corral for our boys, as well as hay and feed, and wouldn't take anything for it. Bob said he has a lovely set up there, and apparently, he does leather work as well. Thank you very much, Jimmy, for helping the three boys on their way.
When I spoke to Bob, he was suffering a bit, as he hurt his ribs when he threw himself off Cody, and he's also developed blisters where he's walked so much, in order to make it easier for Cody. He was bathing his poor feet when we spoke, and was looking forward to a freeze dried meal and bed, as he was up at 5.00 that morning.
There's no gain without pain ! Keep going, my three boys .......... I'm proud of you all.
In a few more days, Bob will be in New Mexico.
Disaster again leaving Tascosa
Bob left the Boy's Ranch early that morning of 2 November with a ride of 24 miles towards Vega. He had ridden a few miles down the road and had to cross a concrete bridge, with an expansion joint in the middle. Stupidly, the expansion joint was only covered in a rubber strip, and when Cody crossed over it ......... Bob was riding him that day, with Tigers packing, his back leg went through it, and he buckled to the floor, with Bob still on his back. Bob threw himself off and bruised his ribs, and fortunately, poor Cody managed to get to his legs. Yet again, the poor horse is grazed and bruised, and Bob had to walk him back to the boy's Ranch.
The stable manager at the Ranch checked him over, and although he's sore, pronounced him ok, but Bob decided to rest him for the day, and ride Tigers the next day. His wounds were dressed and he was dosed with Bute. When I spoke to Bob, he was quite upset about the incident, as he's so fond of Cody, and he's such a willing horse, with a lovely temperment.
Unfortunately, this has happened at a bad time, as for the next few days, Bob has got long distances to travel.
The stable manager at the Ranch checked him over, and although he's sore, pronounced him ok, but Bob decided to rest him for the day, and ride Tigers the next day. His wounds were dressed and he was dosed with Bute. When I spoke to Bob, he was quite upset about the incident, as he's so fond of Cody, and he's such a willing horse, with a lovely temperment.
Unfortunately, this has happened at a bad time, as for the next few days, Bob has got long distances to travel.
Saturday 1 November 2008
Tascosa,Texas
Thank God Bob stayed for rest days here, as it's given me a chance to catch up on the site! Last blog of the night and then we're up to date again.
Bob has a very short ride on 30 October of only 12 miles........hardly worth the effort,Bob! Yet again as he left town, another dog followed him.......they must be passing the word along ..... follow this man, you might get a free meal! On the way, a guy stopped to talk to him, and yet again the dog was transported back from where it came. This dog had a real suicide wish, as Bob said a huge truck had to brake to avoid it and skidded across the road.
The land is becoming hillier, as through Colorado and Oklahoma it was extremely flat, but very desolate, and Bob is just about managing to find grazing for the horses when he stops on the way.
Whilst he was riding along a young guy of about 19 stopped to talk with him, and told him he was driving around looking for "cowboying" work. He had travelled from Wyoming, and said he would probably have to find work in the Feed Lots, although I don't think he wanted to. When he found out what Bob was doing, he was really envious, and said he would love to do the same one day. He told Bob he had a load of provisions in his pickup, and if there was anything he wanted he could take his pick. What generosity, when he didn't even have a job to go to. It speaks volumes about people, doesn't it ?
Bob was staying at The Boy's Ranch, and I will start by telling you about the history of this place. It was set up about 40/50 years ago as an orphanage, and is on the site of the old town of Tascosa. It is like a town in itself with a school, shops, cattle, horses, stables and housing, and was the brainchild of Cal Farley who built it in the 1930's. He was originally a World Welter Weight Wrestling champion, and then went on to play professional American Football. After that he became a business man, but was always interested in the welfare of children. He was given 110 acres to start the project off, and the Museum there is on the site of the old Court house. In its time Tascosa was the County seat, and the Court House would have served all the surrounding towns. Originally, Tascosa was a cattle centre, and therefore a cowboy town. Billy the Kid, Bat Masterton and Pat Garrett were all there at one time, and Bob went to see the big Boot Hill that is there. The town eventually became a ghost town as the Railroad never went through it. Bob spent quite a while in the museum finding out the history for me.
When Bob arrived a load of the kids came to see him, and the horses were stabled for him. David Hanzlick who's in charge of the stables, drove him round to show him everything,and was quite sad that he was away for the next few days, as I think he would have liked to have caught up on Bob's ride. He gave him a pocket knife as a souvenir.
Whilst he's been there, he has people coming up to him all the time saying "Are you the cowboy riding across America?" He's been issued with a visitor's pass, which means he can eat in the dining hall , and has been given a room of his own to sleep in . After he spoke to me Mike Pacino, who I think is the manager of the Ranch was going to pick him up and take him for a drive round the ranch. And guess what..... there's a BIG American Football game on tonight, which he's going to watch. I said "You don't know anything about American Football", and he informed me he's picking up the rules,and quite enjoys watching it.
Thank you very much everyone at The Boy's Ranch .........Bob had a great stay with you, and loved the history of the place.
Tomorrow he's heading for Vega, a longer ride of 24 miles. At least he's missing all the miserable weather we're having here.........freezing cold, gales and driving rain. What fun !!!!!!!!
Here are some photos that were kindly sent to me by C.F. David from the Boise City News, as Bob was getting ready to leave there.
Bob always tries to weigh his saddle packs to ensure they are as light as possible for the pack horse. He says he has spent a lot of time discarding things as he goes along. Always travel light.
Cleaning the horse's hooves before they set off. A job that's done every morning.
All bundled up and ready to go as Dawn breaks. Don't the boys look wonderful ( I'm talking about the horses!)
Bob has a very short ride on 30 October of only 12 miles........hardly worth the effort,Bob! Yet again as he left town, another dog followed him.......they must be passing the word along ..... follow this man, you might get a free meal! On the way, a guy stopped to talk to him, and yet again the dog was transported back from where it came. This dog had a real suicide wish, as Bob said a huge truck had to brake to avoid it and skidded across the road.
The land is becoming hillier, as through Colorado and Oklahoma it was extremely flat, but very desolate, and Bob is just about managing to find grazing for the horses when he stops on the way.
Whilst he was riding along a young guy of about 19 stopped to talk with him, and told him he was driving around looking for "cowboying" work. He had travelled from Wyoming, and said he would probably have to find work in the Feed Lots, although I don't think he wanted to. When he found out what Bob was doing, he was really envious, and said he would love to do the same one day. He told Bob he had a load of provisions in his pickup, and if there was anything he wanted he could take his pick. What generosity, when he didn't even have a job to go to. It speaks volumes about people, doesn't it ?
Bob was staying at The Boy's Ranch, and I will start by telling you about the history of this place. It was set up about 40/50 years ago as an orphanage, and is on the site of the old town of Tascosa. It is like a town in itself with a school, shops, cattle, horses, stables and housing, and was the brainchild of Cal Farley who built it in the 1930's. He was originally a World Welter Weight Wrestling champion, and then went on to play professional American Football. After that he became a business man, but was always interested in the welfare of children. He was given 110 acres to start the project off, and the Museum there is on the site of the old Court house. In its time Tascosa was the County seat, and the Court House would have served all the surrounding towns. Originally, Tascosa was a cattle centre, and therefore a cowboy town. Billy the Kid, Bat Masterton and Pat Garrett were all there at one time, and Bob went to see the big Boot Hill that is there. The town eventually became a ghost town as the Railroad never went through it. Bob spent quite a while in the museum finding out the history for me.
When Bob arrived a load of the kids came to see him, and the horses were stabled for him. David Hanzlick who's in charge of the stables, drove him round to show him everything,and was quite sad that he was away for the next few days, as I think he would have liked to have caught up on Bob's ride. He gave him a pocket knife as a souvenir.
Whilst he's been there, he has people coming up to him all the time saying "Are you the cowboy riding across America?" He's been issued with a visitor's pass, which means he can eat in the dining hall , and has been given a room of his own to sleep in . After he spoke to me Mike Pacino, who I think is the manager of the Ranch was going to pick him up and take him for a drive round the ranch. And guess what..... there's a BIG American Football game on tonight, which he's going to watch. I said "You don't know anything about American Football", and he informed me he's picking up the rules,and quite enjoys watching it.
Thank you very much everyone at The Boy's Ranch .........Bob had a great stay with you, and loved the history of the place.
Tomorrow he's heading for Vega, a longer ride of 24 miles. At least he's missing all the miserable weather we're having here.........freezing cold, gales and driving rain. What fun !!!!!!!!
Here are some photos that were kindly sent to me by C.F. David from the Boise City News, as Bob was getting ready to leave there.
Bob always tries to weigh his saddle packs to ensure they are as light as possible for the pack horse. He says he has spent a lot of time discarding things as he goes along. Always travel light.
Cleaning the horse's hooves before they set off. A job that's done every morning.All bundled up and ready to go as Dawn breaks. Don't the boys look wonderful ( I'm talking about the horses!)
Channing, Texas
Today on 29 October, Bob was heading for Channing, again riding Tigers.... I bet Cody's getting fed up being pack horse all the time.
The weather is now very cold in the mornings and evenings, but around midday it hits the middle 70's. I can remember it being like that when we were in Texas about 6 years ago. As he was riding into town he was met by Sheriff Franky Scott.......He came to tell Bob he couldn't stay at his original venue, so had arranged an alternative for him. This was at the home of Frank and Moselle Shepherd. The horses were staying at a small arena on the edge of town, and as he was unpacking there, a man came by the name of Melvin Jameson came up and started talking to him. He offered Bob a bed for the night, which he had to decline. and then said he was off to play a hand of Poker, and Did Bob want to come along........Bob again declined.
Bob had a very interesting evening with Frank and Moselle. Frank used to do a lot of Rodeo riding, and he had a tack room full of gear from his rodeo days, which included at least 10 saddles. I think they had a good time chatting about his exploits in the saddle. Also Moselle gave him a Raccoon memento, which I won't say what it is, as we want to surprise someone with it when he gets back to England ! A big thank you to Frank and Moselle for their hospitality.
Keep them horses heading West, cowboy
The weather is now very cold in the mornings and evenings, but around midday it hits the middle 70's. I can remember it being like that when we were in Texas about 6 years ago. As he was riding into town he was met by Sheriff Franky Scott.......He came to tell Bob he couldn't stay at his original venue, so had arranged an alternative for him. This was at the home of Frank and Moselle Shepherd. The horses were staying at a small arena on the edge of town, and as he was unpacking there, a man came by the name of Melvin Jameson came up and started talking to him. He offered Bob a bed for the night, which he had to decline. and then said he was off to play a hand of Poker, and Did Bob want to come along........Bob again declined.
Bob had a very interesting evening with Frank and Moselle. Frank used to do a lot of Rodeo riding, and he had a tack room full of gear from his rodeo days, which included at least 10 saddles. I think they had a good time chatting about his exploits in the saddle. Also Moselle gave him a Raccoon memento, which I won't say what it is, as we want to surprise someone with it when he gets back to England ! A big thank you to Frank and Moselle for their hospitality.
Keep them horses heading West, cowboy
Hartley,Texas
Another short ride of only 16 miles on 28 October, again riding Tigers. Bob said the ditches are not so good for riding in now, so he tends to ride on the shoulder of the road. But, unfortunately, it's taking its toll on the horses shoes, and they will need re-shoeing by the time he reaches Dalhart.
As he was riding out of town, two dogs followed him, one wearing a collar. They followed him for miles, and he was getting quite worried about them as they seemed to have no road sense. When he was a few miles out from Hartley, Deputy Chanze Fowler came out to meet him, and took the dog with the collar back home. When Bob reached Hartley, the other dog just went off. He said there are a lot of dogs around that seem to live on their luck, and will follow you given the slightest encouragement. I would be adopting them all !
Chanze Fowler had arranged for Bob to stay with Ed and Nan Webber, who kindly gave him a bed for the night, as well as a shower and meal. The horses were corralled just out of town. Thank you so much Ed and Nan for helping Bob out.
As he was riding out of town, two dogs followed him, one wearing a collar. They followed him for miles, and he was getting quite worried about them as they seemed to have no road sense. When he was a few miles out from Hartley, Deputy Chanze Fowler came out to meet him, and took the dog with the collar back home. When Bob reached Hartley, the other dog just went off. He said there are a lot of dogs around that seem to live on their luck, and will follow you given the slightest encouragement. I would be adopting them all !
Chanze Fowler had arranged for Bob to stay with Ed and Nan Webber, who kindly gave him a bed for the night, as well as a shower and meal. The horses were corralled just out of town. Thank you so much Ed and Nan for helping Bob out.
Dalhart,Texas
On 27 October Bob had a short ride of 14 miles to Dalhart. On all of these short trips he rides Tigers as he's more of a plodder than Cody. He left at 9.30, and said the morning was very cold, with 1/2 inch of ice on the water and a cold wind blowing . He rode into the wind for the whole trip and it didn't let up until he reached Dalhart.
He was staying at the Dalhart XIT Rangers, and as he was riding through Dalhart en route, a man stopped his pickup to talk with him, and when he learnt what Bob was doing insisted on giving him a good pocket knife as a memento. As he was riding by the Feed Lot (where they fatten up the cattle, prior to slaughter) a cowboy, Joey Esquilzel stopped to talk with him, and gave him a present of gloves and a scarf. I can't believe how generous people are.
Upon arrival at the XIT Rangers, he was met by Peggy Minnick, who I think helps run the stables, and the horses were given a really nice corral for the night. Bob slept in a building on a table........I asked him why he doesn't sleep on the floor, and he said there's a bit more give on the table ! Don't quite follow that. Peggy kindly made him breakfast the following morning before he set off again. Thank you kindly, Peggy, for all your help.
Bob was telling me some of the history of the XIT Rangers. The original Dalhart Ranch that was there before, was the biggest ranch in the world, with 3 million acres. Sometime in the past the ranch owner had made a deal with the State, and the ranch owner paid for the building of the State Capitol building in Austin at a cost of 5 million dollars, ( I've seen it) and in turn they were given a vast amount of land by the State.
Here's a nice quote for you......
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."
He was staying at the Dalhart XIT Rangers, and as he was riding through Dalhart en route, a man stopped his pickup to talk with him, and when he learnt what Bob was doing insisted on giving him a good pocket knife as a memento. As he was riding by the Feed Lot (where they fatten up the cattle, prior to slaughter) a cowboy, Joey Esquilzel stopped to talk with him, and gave him a present of gloves and a scarf. I can't believe how generous people are.
Upon arrival at the XIT Rangers, he was met by Peggy Minnick, who I think helps run the stables, and the horses were given a really nice corral for the night. Bob slept in a building on a table........I asked him why he doesn't sleep on the floor, and he said there's a bit more give on the table ! Don't quite follow that. Peggy kindly made him breakfast the following morning before he set off again. Thank you kindly, Peggy, for all your help.
Bob was telling me some of the history of the XIT Rangers. The original Dalhart Ranch that was there before, was the biggest ranch in the world, with 3 million acres. Sometime in the past the ranch owner had made a deal with the State, and the ranch owner paid for the building of the State Capitol building in Austin at a cost of 5 million dollars, ( I've seen it) and in turn they were given a vast amount of land by the State.
Here's a nice quote for you......
"Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power."
State Line, Texas and 20 miles on
Here we are again, reporting for duty, and bringing the blog site up to date. Sorry for the breaks, but it's unavoidable at the moment.
First of all I would like to say a big thank you to the people of Boise City, Oklahoma, for giving Bob such a good welcome.............apologies for putting Boise City in Colorado.......have now rectified that on the blog site. Woops !
Once Bob left Boise City he was riding along the State Line between Oklahoma and Texas for a journey of 19 miles. The trip was pretty uneventful, but grazing is getting more difficult for Cody and Tigers, as it is far drier now. He arrived at about 3.00pm at the home of Tom and Debra James, and had a comfortable bed for the night as well as a lovely meal. When he left next day, Debra provided him with sandwiches, home made cookies and cake for his lunch. Thank you so much Tom and Debra for all your kindness, and for fattening my man up........he's getting far too skinny !
Tom was telling Bob that they have been doing their family tree. Their relatives originally came from England and Ireland, and they are distantly related to the outlaw Jesse James.........isn't that great !
The following morning Bob had a ride of 20 miles to Richard Avila's Dairy. Bob said it is a fantastic set up there, and when he arrived there was grain and hay waiting for the boys, as well as a corral. So once they had been put to bed, the manager of the Dairy, Victoria Deleon, showed him where he was staying. Richard was away for the day. He slept in the Dairy Office, where he was able to have a shower, and Victoria had kindly provided him with a mattress,blankets and
pillows, as well as a meal that evening. The following morning Richard Avila came by to visit with him before he left.
Thank you very much, Richard for allowing him to camp in your office, and grateful thanks to Victoria for sorting everything for him.
Bob is now in Texas, and has done about 1400 miles.
First of all I would like to say a big thank you to the people of Boise City, Oklahoma, for giving Bob such a good welcome.............apologies for putting Boise City in Colorado.......have now rectified that on the blog site. Woops !
Once Bob left Boise City he was riding along the State Line between Oklahoma and Texas for a journey of 19 miles. The trip was pretty uneventful, but grazing is getting more difficult for Cody and Tigers, as it is far drier now. He arrived at about 3.00pm at the home of Tom and Debra James, and had a comfortable bed for the night as well as a lovely meal. When he left next day, Debra provided him with sandwiches, home made cookies and cake for his lunch. Thank you so much Tom and Debra for all your kindness, and for fattening my man up........he's getting far too skinny !
Tom was telling Bob that they have been doing their family tree. Their relatives originally came from England and Ireland, and they are distantly related to the outlaw Jesse James.........isn't that great !
The following morning Bob had a ride of 20 miles to Richard Avila's Dairy. Bob said it is a fantastic set up there, and when he arrived there was grain and hay waiting for the boys, as well as a corral. So once they had been put to bed, the manager of the Dairy, Victoria Deleon, showed him where he was staying. Richard was away for the day. He slept in the Dairy Office, where he was able to have a shower, and Victoria had kindly provided him with a mattress,blankets and
pillows, as well as a meal that evening. The following morning Richard Avila came by to visit with him before he left.
Thank you very much, Richard for allowing him to camp in your office, and grateful thanks to Victoria for sorting everything for him.
Bob is now in Texas, and has done about 1400 miles.
Do you remember Taylor Hendrick, the little girl who was doing her first trail ride with Bob on 3 October as he was heading for Wauneta. Her mum , Patty kindly sent some photos of them on the ride together.
Obviously, this is Taylor, and I guess she's wearing one of the belt buckles she won in her horse competitions. Isn't she cute ?
Bob and Taylor on the road to Wauneta, Colorado.
Apparently, Taylor's ambition is to ride in the rodeos. We wish her luck. She has won quite a few competions already....not bad going for 81/2 is it ?
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