September 5, 2009 The Celebration
We were cleaned up and back in Ambrose by 5:30. A tent had been erected for us and tables set. We were glad to see Milt and Clarice return for our celebration. The locals prepared chicken; brisket; potatoes with shrimp; beets, onions, and shrimp; coleslaw, etc. Before we ate, a local lady gave her humorous version of life in this area in the 1800’s. After dinner, Janis gave a talk about the ride, followed by James Brown and his views. Stan Butts, head of the Tennessee Walker Breeders and Exhibitioners Association, also spoke. Tom gave certificates of completion to the Long Riders and had these for all participants. Kathy and Del led us singing “Best of America” followed by Del singing “Happy Trails to You”. We slowly dispersed and went back to camp. Then there was a flurry of activity as people got rigs, horses, belongings, etc ready for the drive home. A few folks left that night. Most left Monday morning. Some stayed in Ambrose another day to clean up their trailer and rest before heading home. Some folks decided to drive into Canada looking for T-shirts.
Sunday, September 6, 2009. We filled tanks with fresh water, fueled up and were on the road west by 8:00. After 15 miles heading west, we turned south on US Hwy 85. Three of us caravanned south 200 miles to I-95 crossing the Green River. We made a side trip back to Medora for our T-shirts, then parted company as I headed to Dickinson to meet Duke at the airport and the other 2 continued south. As we slowed for the small town of Watford City, 3 horses ran across the highway, followed by 2 trucks and a sheriff’s car. Guess the horses had gotten loose from somewhere….
Duke and I stayed at Don and Susie Mayer’s place. They have many paddocks and 2 arenas. Remember, Don is head of the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association and helped us so much before and after we arrived in Medora. We put the horses in an arena so they could stretch their legs, and then moved them to stalls for the night. Duke looked at Dakota and said,”He is a big horse!” We all enjoyed dinner at Sanford’s. I was tired! And very glad to see my husband again!
Monday, September 7, 2009 We headed to Rapid City and stayed at the Madison Ranch where we have been on several other trips. We visited with Mavis and Michael, and Tanner for a short while. Mavis has made many improvements to the old house. The ranch is now designated Historic! We unhooked the truck and picked up Marilyn Madison for dinner. She is a fine lady! I was in bed by 8:00! I think I have a lot of sleep to catch up on.
Tuesday, September 08, 2009 I fed the horses and Duke and I joined Marvis in the farm house for coffee and a sweet roll. We heard about the restoration projects she has completed and has planned. The Ranch will be a showcase when she is done…. Mavis is running a Bed and Breakfast at the Madison Ranch now. What a great place to stay! We loaded up and headed for Scottsbluff, NE area and the Flying Bee Ranch. Our group stayed at the Flying Bee for 4 days but Duke has not seen our friends Conrad and Louise since they were at our house in Texas in December. We had burritos for dinner.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009 This was a lazy day but I did get to ride Dakota. He was charged up as he was around the corner and couldn’t see other horses. But when I got on him, he settled down. I rode about 45 minutes with Conrad. Conrad was amazed that Dakota could walk at a quarter horse speed. He should be able to travel at any speed my companion goes. We had salmon, rice and veggies for dinner.
Thursday, September 10, 2009 We played tourists and visited the Scotts Bluff National Park and the Museum of Farm and Ranch. They were hosting school children and had 9 exhibits that showed how old-time farmers bailed hay, dug and picked up potatoes, cut and planted potatoes, harnessed and unharnessed a draft horse, a blacksmith made tools and more. I rode Dakota again with Louise this time. Then we posed for pictures with the Wildcat Hills in the background. Duke brought out my Texas flag for pictures. I think Louise was amazed that Dakota stood still as Duke brought out the flag and helped me put it in the flag holder on my saddle. Duke grilled steaks and a Mahi Mahi for me for dinner. We always eat well at Conrad and Louise’s.
Friday, September 11, 2009 Good–bye Day. After breakfast, we loaded up the 2 horses and headed east, then south and toward home. We will spend 2 nights on the road. We stopped in Hill City, KS at a Fair Grounds. There are some folks here for a family reunion tomorrow. We put the horses in a large pen and went to a Steak House for dinner. When we returned, the promised storm was fast approaching so we moved the horses to covered stalls.
Saturday, September 12, 2009 More traveling as we headed south. It started raining before we got to Dodge City and rained all the rest of the way home. We decided to stop for the night in Wichita Falls, TX but could not find a place to unload our horses. So we stopped under the roof of an old abandoned gas station. We fed and watered the horses in the trailer, had dinner and went to bed. Around midnight, the horses started moving around and shaking the trailer. We woke and decided that if we could not sleep with the rock and rolling, we might as well travel. So we drove home in the rain. The plus for this was that there was NO traffic. We got home just after 7:00am. The horses were glad to get out of the trailer and stretch their legs. I slept a little, got up and “did” for awhile, slept again – all day. Duke’s horse, Rio, is working cattle so we could turn out my 2 horses on our 15 acre horse pasture. They ran and played.
Nancy, Thanks for the final chapter of your trip. What a great experience it must have been. I know you and everyone was tired of riding but you hung in there. I know there are many great moments that you will remember for ever. Do you think Tom will have another trip anytime soon??
Thanks again
Corky