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After a far too long rest and recovery period, here is the long promised blog to update you on the rest of the adventure in El Paso.
Bob and I were treated like royalty the whole time we were there, and something seemed to have been planned for us every day. Bernie and Melissa acted as our unpaid chauffeurs ......bless them....I should think they were quite relieved when we eventually boarded the plane for England. Thank you to Candy for coming to see us off, and driving us to the Airport ........ I think she wanted to make sure we left !!!!!!!!!!
As well as all the events I have mentioned previously, Bob was guest of honour at several presentations.On 8 December 2008, he was presented with a Resolution from the El Paso County Commissioner's Court acknowledging and praising his ride, and a certificate was presented to him. The press and Television were there to interview him again. Also, he was given a document to certify that the Star on the Mountain was lit in honour of him on 2 December, when he rode into El Paso. This Star is situated on the South side of the Franklin Mountains which surround El Paso, and is 459 feet in length, and is lit by 459 light bulbs. It can be seen all over the city, and was first built in 1940. It is visible from the air for 100 miles. El Paso is proud of its image as the "Star City" in the Lone Star State, and quite rightly so.
On December 9 , Bob was presented with a signed proclamation from the Mayor of El Paso, stating that December 9, 2008 will be known in El Paso as "Long Rider Bob Jones Day". He was also presented with an authenticated Texas Flag, and a certificate to confirm that the flag had originally flown over the Capitol Building in Austin, Texas. What an honour ......... I know Bob felt quite overwhelmed by all the recognition and acknowledgement of his achievement, and all the above certificates will be on display on our walls at home once we have got them framed.
We later visited the Railroad and Transportation Museum of El Paso, who also awarded Bob a Certificate of Achievement.
I cannot speak highly enough about the hospitality we received whilst in El Paso and the wonderful friends we have made there. Special thanks to the management and staff at the Holiday Inn for all the gifts and the attention you gave us....... and particularly for giving us a courtesy room for the duration of our stay. We were forced to go out and buy some more suitcases before we left for England, as we were given so many gifts by everyone.
Now to the most important part of the saga ......... our boys, Cody and Tigers. As you know from my previous blog, it had been arranged for them to be stabled at the Sheriff's Posse Arena. We went to visit with them most days, and I think they were quite enjoying the rest, as the latter part of the ride, for about the last 100 or so miles, had been tough going. I'm sure you will all be happy to know that they are going to be homed together, and we have been assured that they will live out their retirement together, which is what we wanted all along. These two horses have served Bob so well , and gave him their all .........never letting him down. Because he owed them so much, and had developed such a deep and unique bond with them, we wanted only the best for them. They are going the the ranch of Tom Moates, a well known author of horse books, who lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia ........... and you will be thrilled to know, as we were, that they will be doing another Long Ride from Virginia to the Quarter Horse Museum in Texas next year. Tom has told us that ,once the ride is completed, they will all three retire to his ranch back in Virgina. We spoke with him the other day, and he anticipates the Boys being trailered to him within the next day or so. Melissa and Bernie have been visiting the horses at the Arena, and Melissa has been bringing them home made "horse Biscuits", which she said Cody loves, but Tigers prefers carrots. They will be supervising the move for us, and I hope we can keep in contact with Tom, so we can find out how they are getting on.
I cannot tell you how emotional Bob and I felt when we had to leave them. We were so concerned that they go to the best home possible, after all they had done for Bob, and we were very happy to let Tom have them, as this is the sort of life that they enjoy, and something we could never have given them in England ........although I never gave up trying to persuade Bob to bring them back ........ he was right though, and we had to think of the Boys' welfare first , and be practical about it all. So watch the Long Rider's Guild Website, and you will no doubt see mention of Cody and Tigers again, next year, when they set off on their next adventure. As for Bob..........I think at the moment he is trying to come back down to Earth, and is struggling with that, as am I..........which explains the delay in updating the blog site.
My next task is to go through the thousands of pictures that we both took, and put some of the more interesting ones on the blog site, just to finish it off. So be patient, dear viewers, and I will be back with you as soon as possible with the photos. Thank you to everyone who sent messages of support and encouragement to us both over the last six months ......... this has been the experience of a lifetime. Roll on the next adventure !!!!!!!
Thursday, 22 January 2009
Sunday, 7 December 2008
Journey Complete
I'm not going to bore you with details of my horrendously long journey to get out here, but glad to say I've arrived safetly, albeit a bit shell shocked ! In case anyone is wondering what the Knicker mention is all about ............. In their wisdom, at Washington Airport, Customs decided I looked like the typical middle aged drugs smuggler from England, and had a good search of my suitcases..........these had to be abandoned to their mercy, as I was in danger of missing my connection. All was well that ends well, and when I arrived at El Paso....lo and behold there were my suitcases safetly on the tarmac. What a fantastic view of El Paso, as you arrive on the rickerty 40 seater plane over the snow capped mountains. Although my heart was in my mouth, I had to keep on looking......... The passenger next to me sang hymns all the way over, which speaks volumes !!!!!
I've had a fantastic welcome from Candy, Bernie,Melissa, and numerous friends who have been looking after me fantastically well, as well as taking me out and about, and were waiting to meet me at the airport. Until Bob arrived, I stayed at the beautiful home of Bernie and Melissa, and their Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy,Kinja, who is an absolute sweetie...........I want to kidnap him and take him home with me, not forgetting to mention,Peaches, the smaller than life cat. I was totally in my element, playing with animals the whole time. I cannot thank Bernie and Melissa enough for all their hospitality........ they made me feel so at home, and even though I had never met them before, I feel as though we have made friends for life.
Anyway, enough about my exploits, and on to the important bits of the blog. Bob had been steadily riding towards his final destination when we last spoke, without mishap, and as I was unable to maintain any sort of contact with him before I left, information has been very sparse. Lois and John Carroll very kindly put him up for two days, as well as all the running around they had done prior to that .......thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we would have been lost without you. They had also been keeping me informed of his whereabouts, as had Chip, so I knew he was safe. I hope I can meet up with them before we return to England, as they have done so much for Bob.
Bernie and I drove out looking for Bob on 1 Dec, late afternoon, but had no joy for a long time, and it was dark by the time I spotted Cody and Tigers tied up next to Lois and John's trailer, with Bob cosily tucked up inside, down a dirt track. As there was no room inside the trailer, and it was freezing cold outside, we had a quick ten minute hello, and then went back to our home comforts. Bob looked well, and the horses looked fantastic, and we arranged a rendevous for the next morning when Bob was doing the final ride to the city limit .............needless to say, by this time, El Paso TV was on his trail, as were inumerable reporters.
On 2 Dec, we drove out out meet Bob late morning, and spotted the boys riding up the very busy Highway on the hard shoulder, pursued by the TV cameras and reporters. He was looking remarkably cheerful, and I've got to admit I shed quite a few tears when I saw them coming towards me. As Bob had to cross from one side of the Highway to the other, the El Paso police blocked the road for a safe crossing into the Sheriff's headquarters. The next hour or so were taken up with us being interviewed by the press and TV,and people milling around wanting to congratulate Bob. As the city boundary sign was about another half mile up the road, Bob then decided he wanted to ride up to that with Cody and Tigers.........I would mention that he was unable to ride right through El Paso, because of safety and traffic conditions, and we were planning to ride to the city boundary, and then ride from the Sheriff's Posse area, the following day to the border. Friends of Bernie and Melissa had brought their trailer along, and the horses were then picked up and we drove the remaining miles to the Sheriff's Posse area, where the horses were corralled, fed and watered. They will remain here for the duration of our stay.
Can I say a heartful thanks to Bernie's friends for trailering the horses for us, and Keith at the Sheriff's Posse Arena for all his help in looking after Cody and Tigers.I have taken loads of photos, and the cam-corder has had a lot of use, so when I have free time will be doing photos on the blog.
Bob and I were then taken to the Holiday Inn near the Airport, where we were given a fantastic courtesy room for the duration, with drinks and gifts in the room. Our thanks to the management and staff of the Holiday Inn for their generosity. That evening the Hotel held a reception for us, together with a competion to make the best Margaritas......Bob didn't win. Bernie and Melissa belong to a Western re-enactment group, called Six Guns and Shady Ladies, and a lot of their members turned up that evening to meet us. A good night was had by all, and thanks to everyone for a warm and wonderful welcome.
The following day, we decided to take it easy, and do the border ride the following day, so that we could both do catch up. So , on 4 Dec Bernie, Melissa, Candy and myself drove out to the Sheriff's Posse Area, saddled up the horses, and Bob and Bernie rode to the Mexican border. Due to the unrest there, the border patrols are in high profile, and would not let him actually ride over, but we both quickly walked over to take some photos, while the patrol car was out of the way. Just for the record, I had a quick "leg up" on Tigers, and we rode around for a while, but I decided not to ride him back to the Posse arena .........what a wimp I am ! Melissa and Bob did the return trip, and I think Bob felt quite emotional as this was his last ride on the boys.
I have been taking loads of pictures, and due to the time factor of downloading them to the internet and the blog site, am leaving posting them until I return to England after 16 December. However, I would like to put some on of the final miles, and everything that has happened since.
We are now busy looking for a good home for our boys, and have several people interested, so will keep you all posted on this........our concern is that they are homed together, preferably for the rest of their lives, and that they will have the sort of life they are used to .........riding in the great outdoors. Bob and I are quite choked up at the thought of saying goodbye to them, as we know it will be very difficult, particularly for him. When we go to visit them at the Arena, they are following him and watching him the whole time, and you can see the bond that has formed between the three of them. I dread the day they go, as I think we'll all be in tears, but we must think of them first.
Anyway, enough of all this emotion.I thought I would fill you in on a few things that have happened during our stay..... most importantly of all, we visited Rosa's Cantina, and what a welcome we had. The place was filled with people and they applauded Bob when we arrived...they were all taking photos and asking for his autograph, and a customer who had come in the day before had paid for our meal. Thank you so much to Mac and Enedina Snodgrass for your generosity. We were also given sweat shirts from Rosa's Cantina (not forgetting to mention sweatshirts from the University of El Paso, Texas,which we had been given previously.)
Needless to say, Marty Robbins was playing............ El Paso City. What a lovely welcome, and what lovely people.
I shall be blogging periodically with information for the next week until we leave America, and will let you know everything that is going on.......... I'm already feeling quite sad that it is all coming to an end. Roll on the next adventure, we can't stop here !
In the meantime, my sincere thanks to everyone in El Paso who has helped us so much, particularly Candy, Bernie, Melissa, Leesy and all the other people too numerous to mention that we have met, who have given us such a warm and openhearted welcome. Thanks, everyone who has been putting messages on the blog site, and for all the support we have been given throughout this trip. I love you all !
Keep watching, and I will post again with the closing entries before I leave America........pictures to follow from England. In the meantime we are sightseeing in El Paso and enjoying ourselves.
Message to my kids.Thanks for the e-mail, Liz. Cannot e-mail you back, as the hotel computer won't let me in to send e-mails. But everything is ok this end. See you on 16 December.
I've had a fantastic welcome from Candy, Bernie,Melissa, and numerous friends who have been looking after me fantastically well, as well as taking me out and about, and were waiting to meet me at the airport. Until Bob arrived, I stayed at the beautiful home of Bernie and Melissa, and their Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy,Kinja, who is an absolute sweetie...........I want to kidnap him and take him home with me, not forgetting to mention,Peaches, the smaller than life cat. I was totally in my element, playing with animals the whole time. I cannot thank Bernie and Melissa enough for all their hospitality........ they made me feel so at home, and even though I had never met them before, I feel as though we have made friends for life.
Anyway, enough about my exploits, and on to the important bits of the blog. Bob had been steadily riding towards his final destination when we last spoke, without mishap, and as I was unable to maintain any sort of contact with him before I left, information has been very sparse. Lois and John Carroll very kindly put him up for two days, as well as all the running around they had done prior to that .......thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we would have been lost without you. They had also been keeping me informed of his whereabouts, as had Chip, so I knew he was safe. I hope I can meet up with them before we return to England, as they have done so much for Bob.
Bernie and I drove out looking for Bob on 1 Dec, late afternoon, but had no joy for a long time, and it was dark by the time I spotted Cody and Tigers tied up next to Lois and John's trailer, with Bob cosily tucked up inside, down a dirt track. As there was no room inside the trailer, and it was freezing cold outside, we had a quick ten minute hello, and then went back to our home comforts. Bob looked well, and the horses looked fantastic, and we arranged a rendevous for the next morning when Bob was doing the final ride to the city limit .............needless to say, by this time, El Paso TV was on his trail, as were inumerable reporters.
On 2 Dec, we drove out out meet Bob late morning, and spotted the boys riding up the very busy Highway on the hard shoulder, pursued by the TV cameras and reporters. He was looking remarkably cheerful, and I've got to admit I shed quite a few tears when I saw them coming towards me. As Bob had to cross from one side of the Highway to the other, the El Paso police blocked the road for a safe crossing into the Sheriff's headquarters. The next hour or so were taken up with us being interviewed by the press and TV,and people milling around wanting to congratulate Bob. As the city boundary sign was about another half mile up the road, Bob then decided he wanted to ride up to that with Cody and Tigers.........I would mention that he was unable to ride right through El Paso, because of safety and traffic conditions, and we were planning to ride to the city boundary, and then ride from the Sheriff's Posse area, the following day to the border. Friends of Bernie and Melissa had brought their trailer along, and the horses were then picked up and we drove the remaining miles to the Sheriff's Posse area, where the horses were corralled, fed and watered. They will remain here for the duration of our stay.
Can I say a heartful thanks to Bernie's friends for trailering the horses for us, and Keith at the Sheriff's Posse Arena for all his help in looking after Cody and Tigers.I have taken loads of photos, and the cam-corder has had a lot of use, so when I have free time will be doing photos on the blog.
Bob and I were then taken to the Holiday Inn near the Airport, where we were given a fantastic courtesy room for the duration, with drinks and gifts in the room. Our thanks to the management and staff of the Holiday Inn for their generosity. That evening the Hotel held a reception for us, together with a competion to make the best Margaritas......Bob didn't win. Bernie and Melissa belong to a Western re-enactment group, called Six Guns and Shady Ladies, and a lot of their members turned up that evening to meet us. A good night was had by all, and thanks to everyone for a warm and wonderful welcome.
The following day, we decided to take it easy, and do the border ride the following day, so that we could both do catch up. So , on 4 Dec Bernie, Melissa, Candy and myself drove out to the Sheriff's Posse Area, saddled up the horses, and Bob and Bernie rode to the Mexican border. Due to the unrest there, the border patrols are in high profile, and would not let him actually ride over, but we both quickly walked over to take some photos, while the patrol car was out of the way. Just for the record, I had a quick "leg up" on Tigers, and we rode around for a while, but I decided not to ride him back to the Posse arena .........what a wimp I am ! Melissa and Bob did the return trip, and I think Bob felt quite emotional as this was his last ride on the boys.
I have been taking loads of pictures, and due to the time factor of downloading them to the internet and the blog site, am leaving posting them until I return to England after 16 December. However, I would like to put some on of the final miles, and everything that has happened since.
We are now busy looking for a good home for our boys, and have several people interested, so will keep you all posted on this........our concern is that they are homed together, preferably for the rest of their lives, and that they will have the sort of life they are used to .........riding in the great outdoors. Bob and I are quite choked up at the thought of saying goodbye to them, as we know it will be very difficult, particularly for him. When we go to visit them at the Arena, they are following him and watching him the whole time, and you can see the bond that has formed between the three of them. I dread the day they go, as I think we'll all be in tears, but we must think of them first.
Anyway, enough of all this emotion.I thought I would fill you in on a few things that have happened during our stay..... most importantly of all, we visited Rosa's Cantina, and what a welcome we had. The place was filled with people and they applauded Bob when we arrived...they were all taking photos and asking for his autograph, and a customer who had come in the day before had paid for our meal. Thank you so much to Mac and Enedina Snodgrass for your generosity. We were also given sweat shirts from Rosa's Cantina (not forgetting to mention sweatshirts from the University of El Paso, Texas,which we had been given previously.)
Needless to say, Marty Robbins was playing............ El Paso City. What a lovely welcome, and what lovely people.
I shall be blogging periodically with information for the next week until we leave America, and will let you know everything that is going on.......... I'm already feeling quite sad that it is all coming to an end. Roll on the next adventure, we can't stop here !
In the meantime, my sincere thanks to everyone in El Paso who has helped us so much, particularly Candy, Bernie, Melissa, Leesy and all the other people too numerous to mention that we have met, who have given us such a warm and openhearted welcome. Thanks, everyone who has been putting messages on the blog site, and for all the support we have been given throughout this trip. I love you all !
Keep watching, and I will post again with the closing entries before I leave America........pictures to follow from England. In the meantime we are sightseeing in El Paso and enjoying ourselves.
Message to my kids.Thanks for the e-mail, Liz. Cannot e-mail you back, as the hotel computer won't let me in to send e-mails. But everything is ok this end. See you on 16 December.
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.
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