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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.
Tuesday, 4 November 2008
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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