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.

August 30, 2009 This was a Rest Day so we went to Del’s Cowboy Church. We stocked upon fuel and food. We took Janis to the Airport Motel as she leaves at 6:00 am tomorrow.

September 1, 2009 Another Rest Day

September 2-4, 2009 We rode along the highway – in the wide ditches. There is a lot of alfalfa growing in the ditches. I felt terrible – thought I was just exhausted. I took a nap as soon as we got in, woke up for dinner, and went back to bed. Then I realized I had a bladder infection and started on antibiotics – thank you, Kathy! By Saturday, I was starting to feel better. The end of the ride was near. As we rode, we paired off and rode next to one another and said how great it had been to ride together and hope we meet again. I rode Dakota and was glad to be on a smooth horse. At a water stop, Tom asked 5 guys their opinion of whether it was safer to be in the ditch with holes or along the road with fast moving heavy traffic. All opted for the ditch. I spoke up and told Tom he was missing out on valuable input by not asking any of the women. Nancy J spoke up and said Tom had taken only men on the scouting expeditions. He is missing out on the women’s talents! After this, he made sure to include the women.

Happy Trails,

Nancy

What a day! It started with a pancake breakfast severed by the people of Crosby, ND. This was actually juice, coffee, several types of eggs, fruit cup, and several kinds of muffins. Thank you Crosby folks!!! This was a treat!

We saddled up and were trailered back to Ambrose, ND where we left off yesterday. We rode 3 miles to the border. Janis, our water lady, brought our flags and distributed them about ½ miles from the border. We were led by Native Americans – this IS their country and we are their guests. We gathered and Del said a prayer and the Native American remaindered us of Crazy Horse before he almost made it into Canada said a prayer in his native language.  We lined up across an imaginary line and all walked across to CANADA!!!! We made it! Yeah!!!! We took lots of pictures – of groups – like the 7 of us who have ridden every step of the way from Mexico to Canada, the ladies, the gaited horses and their riders, small groups with a Canadian Monty, friends, some of us near the pedestal that says United States on one side and Canada on the other, photos of us by the “End of the Chisholm Trail” sign, etc. There were some folks from Canada who wished us well. Then the horses were loaded up and transported back to our camp in Crosby. We will get dressed up and go back to Ambrose for a celebration dinner tonight.

I will catch up with the last few days but just wanted to let y’all know that WE MADE IT!

First, let me correct any misunderstandings. Only 2 horses have been ridden the complete way from the Mexican border. I have 2 horses and alternate riding them. So neither of my horses have been ridden the complete way. Other people don’t ride every day. There are 8-10 of us riders that have ridden the complete way – on one horse or another.  Most of the original horses are still with us. A few have been left in a pasture or boarded – due to injuries or stress of travel. I am glad I brought 2 horses. They have held up well. I sold 2-Bits to Tammy and he is still on the ride. I bought Dakota and have ridden him some. He is young and not in condition for 20 miles day after day.

Most of the orginal riders are still with us. A few have gone home for health, financial or personal reasons.

Our trailers vary in size and ammenities. Some are high end rigs and others are basic – like Cadillacs vs. Chevrolets

Sunday, August 23, 2009 We loaded horses and were shuttled out to the Wannagon Campground where we had left the trail Saturday. We climbed out of the campground on steep trail that was narrow. Oh, Brother! I was scared! But I never let my fear of heights stop me from doing an activity. So Cisco and I made it to the top. Then I took several deep breaths. We continued on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. We climbed ridges, rode on the crest, and then descended – over and over again. Cisco goes slowly downhill, and then trots to catch up. I’m glad that he is surefooted!  There was an area near the top of a ridge where we saw petrified cypress stumps. This area is 2-3000 feet in altitude and must have been the edge of a swamp. There was one petrified tree that had fallen near the trail. When we were on the top of a ridge, we had great views on both sides. So much space! Down in a canyon we saw a small cabin. This is supposed to be the most remote cabin in the US. I believe it!  We stopped at mile Marker 31 where two stock trailers waited. But they had no trucks attached. So we waited in the shade of the trailer. Eventually, Tom arrived. The rigs passed by on the way to our overnight camp place. After they arrived, a truck came back and took some of the horses forward. Then other trucks took us riders back to Medora for our rigs. Bobby, Wayne, and Jim stayed with the horses that were left for the next trailer load. They were snoozing on the ground when the truck and trailer turned into the area. All the horses took off – even the ones that were hobbled. It sounded like a stampede! The guys jumped up form their relaxing, covered their heads and were relieved when they saw that the horses had bolted away from them and had stopped 100 yards away. Whew! They picked up water bottles, cameras, etc that had bounced out of saddle bags. Back at camp in Medora, we had to fill campers and horse water tanks with water as we will be a remote area for the next 4-5 days. We caravanned to the camping place 50 miles away as the route would be nearly impossible to follow. We arrived at the Badlands plateau about 6:30. Fortunately, Candy and Tom had snacks waiting for a few of us. We considered these our dinner. Besides we were too tired to cook dinner.

Monday, August 24, 2009  Once again we rode backward. We rode out of camp and headed for mile Marker 31 on the Maah Daah Hey Trail. We were on the dirt road for ½ mile, and then picked up the trail. We went up, down, across, around and up and down again. The views of the North Dakota Badlands were spectacular! I have changed my opinion of North Dakota. I lived in Finley, ND for 2 years in the 60’s – compliments of the Air Force. That area is mostly flat wheat and grass. There were a few small hills that just gave you a look of the vast nothingness of the area. Occasionally there were trees that had been planted near a house or along a windrow. But this Badlands is something else! The shapes and colors are endless. The trail wound around and along plateaus. Sometimes we went through a small forest with bear berries and other underbrush. Other times we were riding along a ridge looking out over a huge valley. I don’t like that part. Cisco seemed to prefer the outside edge of the narrow trail and, of course, I want to be as close to the upside as possible. Yesterday we saw petrified cypress stumps. Today we saw petrified mud rolls. Mud started rolling down the hill and gathered more mud as it rolled, creating a roll 4-6 feet in diameter and sometimes as long as a tree – and petrified over eons…

 We rode by the Elkhorn Ranch that Teddy Roosevelt owned from 1884 to 1898. It is now part of the Theodore Roosevelt National Park.

 We had a lunch break beside a canyon. As we ate our lunch and relaxed, Tammy, our resident nurse, took our blood pressures. She said we all had lower numbers than when we are in camp. She takes blood pressure and weight every few weeks. Thank you, Tammy!

 Don and Susan from the Maah Daah Hey Trail Association are leaving us after today. They have done so much for us – from telling the history and geography of the area, to using their stock trailers to transport our horses, to bringing us cold watermelon and cantaloupe on a hot day when we were riding. Many thanks Don and Susie!!!!

Tuesday, August 25, 2009 We were transported out to the Wannagon Campground that had been our trail end earlier. Bonnie, a local rancher, was our leader as we rode cross country. I rode Dakota as we crossed the Little Missouri River twice. He waded through the thigh high water easily. The Little Missouri River flows north while most of our rivers flow south. We had an early lunch break at a ranch that will be auctioned off in 2 days. The land, house, equipment will all go. It is sad to see a ranch that just has not made it financially. Tom brought Cisco to me at lunch. I had started the day on Dakota thinking it would be a 12 mile ride. The length got changed to 24 miles when we gathered for announcements that morning. I did not want to ride Dakota that far as I had not had him on the trail for a week, letting his sore muscles heal. So I changed horses and was glad to have Cisco for the afternoon ride. Bonnie led us up steep ridges, across plateaus, and we sort of lost the trail going down. She found a place for us to descend that was almost straight down! I got off and walked, or slide down that section. The horses had to go under a low hanging branch that tall Dakota would not have been able to get under. Cisco made it. We later got to a canyon and had to search for a crossing place. Nancy J. kept saying she saw a 4-wheeler track on the other side that must be the trail/road. Sure enough, when Bobby and Wayne checked it out, it was a place to cross the canyon. I ran out of water, got another bottle from the Sherriff, drank it and was still thirsty. Usually the water truck has water to refill our bottles but we did not see the water truck all day. I could have had 4 more bottles of water that day. We eventually got to a ranch headquarters with a tank to water our horses. After the horses were all watered, we wanted to refill our water bottles. But the water went through a long black hose that was on the ground and the sun had heated the water. After 10 minutes, the water finally cooled off and we started on our water bottles. Bobby sat on the edge of the tank and I sat next to him. Jim, the Sherriff, filled his bottle, and then I invited him to sit next to me. He did but soon I got up to refill my bottles. Tammy took advantage of this opportunity for paybacks from July 4^th when the Sherriff had dumped a huge bucket of water on her – and on a very cool day. She snuck up, then charged and hit Jim with her shoulder like a fullback and dumped him in the tank! Jim grabbed Tammy and she went in too. Then she took his hat, filled it with water and stuffed it on his head! I think the revenges are settled now….

 I took a nap in the shade while waiting for trucks and trailers to take us and our horses back to the plateau camp. Then we still needed to move rigs. We caravanned with 11 trailers. The road was very dusty; no wind to blow it off and the setting sun was in my eyes. I focused on the weeds on the left side of the road but soon realized that there were weeds on the right side of the truck too. I was off the road!!!! Gads!!!! And where was the road???? I saw it on my right and got the rig back on the road. The guy behind me said he though my trailer was going to roll over! After this, when I couldn’t see the road, I stopped and hoped no one would run into my rear. The driving was treacherous on the dirt road. We stopped for all to catch up before turning on a hard road. Then, just before mile marker 19, we turned onto another dirt road. We only had a mile or so of this before we came to the Madison Ranch where we would be staying. I was following Nancy J as she turned into the field. I could not see either side of the “driveway” but followed in her tracks and prayed that I would not fall into the ditch. Made it! Then she turned and crossed what looked to me like ditches. I can’t go through there – I’ll tear all the plumbing out of my trailer! But soon realized what looked like ditches were rows of weeds Milt had cut before we arrived. It was 9:00. We stopped but it was hard to walk through the piles of weeds at least a foot high and 4 feet across – especially when lugging a bucket of horse water. Then I found out I had a flat tier on the horse trailer. Not just a flat tire, but the tread was wrapped around, and the rest of the tire was in small pieces. I’ve never seen a tire come apart like this. Apparently, the tire was okay when I turned onto the hard road but was flat when I turned onto the dirt road. Fortunately, the rim was still in good condition. I was tired and stressed! I made a quick dinner and went to bed.

 Wednesday, August 26, 2009  We were supposed to ride today but Tom changed it to a Rest Day. I was glad to have relaxation time. We went to Williston, got feed, found a Laundromat for the future, had lunch; got a new tire for my trailer, put it on. Milt hooked up his 53 foot long cattle trailer that we will be using to transport horses. The horses have to go up a metal ramp to the main floor. It is steep and noisy. We took 3 horses and Jeff brought his mule so we could practice and see if our animals would even get in this trailer. They all did well and we loaded and unloaded twice. If these 4 animals would load we figured all would. Milt and Clarissa fixed hamburgers for dinner for us and Del gave us a concert. Thanks Milt and Clarissa! Jeff and I brought veggie burgers for us vegetarians. Tom announced that we are now on Central Time so we have lost an hour. Nancy J got a kitten from the Madison Ranch. She has been wanting one. Add one to our Pet List!

 Thursday, August 27, 2009 Nancy Marcus said she would pick up Janis in Williston when her plane lands at 3:15. Funny thing though. Williston is on Central Time but we have been on Mountain Time for this whole ride. Dickinson, where Duke will fly into is on Mountain Time and is the stop just before Williston. We were up and saddled in the dark and everyone was bleary eyed from lack of sleep. It is just like going off daylight savings time.

 I rode Dakota as we rode out of camp. We went cross country so we could spread out, and then got to some hills. Dakota was feeling good, started jumping around, going sideways or backwards down the hills. I knew I should whack him with the reins to tell him to behave, but I was holding on! Soon Bobby and I changed horses. Dakota got a good lesson in behaving and was well mannered when we went up a steep narrow trail. I was glad to be on Vegas. We changed horses again when we were on flatter ground and I had fun riding Dakota again. Now I know to discipline him when he does the smallest out-of-line thing so he doesn’t proceed to a larger thing. I’m learning about my horse. Julie taught me to give Dakota something else to do and to think about before he whinnies or jumps around. This is like diverting a child’s attention away from something he wants. Today was our last cross country ride as we will be on dirt roads or roadsides the rest of the way to Canada. Milt met us with his 53 foot long trailer. We loaded horses in this and returned to the Madison Ranch. Janis was not at my trailer so I drove to Michael’s trailer to see if he knew where Nancy Marcus was. He said she was not back yet. So I drove toward Williston. I got to talk briefly to Janis who was in Dickinson. The plane had problems and was not leaving Dickinson and they were looking for a bus to bus the passengers to Williston. I called Nancy M. but cell service was almost non existent. We each knew the other was calling but that was all. Then I saw her on the side of the highway! What a fluke! I stopped, backed up and got in her truck so we could talk – finally. She knew Janis was being bussed to Williston. I told her to go back to camp and I would get Janis. So I continued to Williston, got propane at Wal-Mart, fueled up the truck and met Janis at the airport. The terminal actually closed at 6:00 but the cleaning ladies let Janis is to use the restroom. We loaded up her suitcase and headed back to camp. I missed a turn but soon knew we had gone too far. Turned around and found camp. Our little group had dinner mostly made so I cooked my salmon and we had a late dinner. It does not get dark until after 9:00 Central Time. I like Mountain Time better….

 Friday, August 28, 2009

 We got Cisco brushed and saddled using one of Nancy J’s saddles. I helped Janis adjust the stirrups. Then I got Dakota ready for me to ride. Milt and Clarissa, owners of the Madison Ranch where we were staying hitched up a team of horses to a wagon. They led the ride out of camp and along dirt roads. The scenery was not spectacular but rolling hills and occasionally an antelope, mountain lion, coyote, or owl showed up. We stopped for a water break and Janis decided to give up horseback riding for the day and climbed into the wagon. I could tell that Milt was proud to lead this group of riders into the town of Alexander. We had lunch in the City Park. We were delighted to have picnic tables to eat on, public restrooms, and a City artesian well to fill water bottles. After lunch Janis, the Water Lady, joined my friend Janis in the wagon as we continued but this time we were riding along the highway. Milt’s big trailer was waiting for us some 6 miles out of town. The horses were loaded and we were taken back to Madison Ranch. Janis had fun in the wagon, talking to Milt and Clarissa.

 I needed water for the trailer so I drove up to the main house where the water is found. Now Janis and I have water for showers and coffee in the morning. I also got the flat  tire off as I was afraid it would cause damage if left on.

 Saturday, August 29, 2009 Today we moved rigs first, dropping off our saddled horses at the place where we stopped yesterday. Then we drove into the town of Williston and found the Fair Grounds. We were trucked back to our horses and rode along the highway for 19+ miles. I rode Dakota again. He is settling down more and more – and I am learning how to control him. We had our lunch break at the Panger Roadside Park. Years ago, the Panger family helped wagons get up the steep embankments of the Missouri River by hitching several fresh teams together for the pull. They went out of business with the introduction of railroads and automobiles.

 The mosquitoes were terrible when we were in the marshland by the river. They got into our mouth if we talked our noses and ears! Yuck! We had a police escort when we crossed the Missouri River. You know, the Missouri River is the northernmost river in the lower 48 states. It flows west to east until it empties into the Mississippi River. We rode off a service road until we were met by Milt’s big trailer. We trucked the horses across town to the Fair Grounds. Freda did not ride and reserved pens for our horses. Pens with water are a treat. It was 5:00 by the time we got horses fed and watered and were ready to sit down and relax. The ??? Casino had sloppy Joes and corn on the cob dinner at 5:30 for us but we decided to go to the Mexican Restaurant instead. Janis did not ride as we were told that the ride would be 24+ miles and there would be no lunchtime pickup for those wanting to ride a shorter distance. Janis cleaned up our trailer and went to Wal-Mart and lunch with the girls. I think she had a good time visiting with other ride members.

 Tuesday, August 18, 2009  We moved trailers first and left a saddled horse at the point where we ended the ride on Monday. Bob’s horse, one of the three horses that have ridden every step of the way has muscle and nerve damage in a shoulder and can’t be ridden. I am sure Bob is disappointed! He can ride other horses and still be a long rider. Now we have 2 horses that have gone every step of the way from Mexico to here: James Brown’s Paint, Rocker Man, and Bobby Horton’s Vegas who was bred by the previous owner Johnny Warmbrod of Belvedere, TN. Johnny has a reputation of breeding and promoting the old style of Tennessee Walking Horses prior to the “big lick” show horses. Vegas ha a short back and is a “short lick” TWH. So we continued on to the Logging Camp Resort.  We parked our trailers in a huge field and were taken in trucks back to our horses. We finally got started on our ride about 11:00. Then we had our 50 minutes lunch break after an hour of riding. This left the rest of the 22 miles…. Dakota let me know he was hurting when he had to go up and down into the ditch and out. I decided not to ride him farther. But what to do? I didn’t want to end my record of riding every step of the way. We worked out that Terry – who joined us late – would go with Janis back to camp in the water truck and get my trailer and Cisco. Jim had the bright plan to stay with Dakota who was left tied to a pole. Bobby rode Jim’s horse and I rode Vegas, Bobby’s horse. When Terry returned, he passed us, picked up Dakota and Jim and met us again. He parked at the top of a hill where Jennifer, a local rancher and our guide, was waiting to take us across pastures. Jim had the saddle off of Dakota and on Cisco before we got there. Thank you, Jim – and Terry, Bobby, Janis and Dale who drove my trailer back to camp with Dakota. Jim rode with us back into camp.

Dakota probably has a sore muscle in his left hip. I rubbed Absorbine on all legs and up to his backbone on that sore leg. I will give him a few days off.

Our camp is full! Bud has returned! And he brought Bonnie, his wife, with him. Welcome back! Candy and John have returned bringing another horse for Candy to ride. Nate and Chris returned yesterday. And David returned after being gone a few days. It is great to see old friends again. And we have more puppies. Tammy’s pup is really growing, Paula got a puppy, and David showed up with a puppy from the Stearns ranch. We may end up with more dogs than horses!

 Wednesday, August 19, 2009  Dakota walks straight okay but is gimpy when I turn him. So I gave him some Butte – horse aspirin – and more Absorbine. I got Cisco saddled just before Tom drove around telling us that the ride will start at 8:30 to let the drizzle move out. So I put Cisco in the horse trailer to keep my saddle dry.

 The rain quit and we left the Logging Camp Ranch on dirt roads. The scenery was spectacular! Deep canyons, steep hills/mountains, nice valleys. The tops of most cliffs are pink/orange/red. Apparently eons ago there was a layer of coal under the top and this coal caught fire and burned for many, many years. The heat caused the top layer to turn colors and baked it so it is like ceramic and called scorbia. It is the material of choice for road building.. Very interesting….

 We got to a point about 11 or 12 miles from Medora and were met by the horse trailers. All but 2 of the horses fit on the trailers. Tammy had missed about 10 miles a few days before and was planning on riding extra miles to make this up. So she and Bobby rode into town. They ended up riding almost 30 miles that day! Jim, Wayne, and James drove out to the Logging Camp and brought the 2 riders’ rigs into Medora. See, we take care of each other. We are staying in a field near the City Park and swimming pool.

 I am ending this so I can post it. More on Medora next time.

 Happy Trails,

Nancy

Tuesday, August 11, 2009 We put our horses on a stock trailer and Terry’s trailer and they were transported back to where we left off the ride on Sunday. There were only 13 of us and we rode faster than we could other times. I was riding Dakota and he floats along. He is a pleasure to ride! The land is not fertile but farmers are bailing hay. They leave the round bales in the pasture wherever the bailer spits them out. We always pick up the round bales and store them in straight lines 18 inches or so apart. We leave the space between rows so the rain water can drip off the bales and not soak in and rot the hay. There are some fields of oats. The landscape is valleys and swells. Then there are some cliffs across the way. One had interesting shapes on top – a spire, then a pyramid, then a rounded hump. We only rode 15 miles but did take a lunch break. We sat on the side of the road and ate our lunch in the sun. It was in the low 90’s. They brought the trailers back and we and horses returned to camp in Camp Crook.

I took my pc to the community center and was able to use their Wi-Fi and updated my blog. I didn’t have time to add photos. We had dinner in THE restaurant, and then returned to the Community Center in time to hear Del Shields play for the locals. I enjoyed talking to several in the community. Most have roots in this area that go back into the 1800’s.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009 We still have not ridden into Camp Crook so we trailered horses again. I rode Cisco and carried my rope. Shortly after the ride started, I dropped the rope except for the end so I could recoil it better. Well, Cisco, my cow horse that I have roped off of, forgot his role and started jumping around, trying to get away from the dreaded rope that was following him. I finally dropped the rope. Later, I got Cisco used to the rope again and threw a few loops. This bothered some riders so I put up the rope. Later, Nancy J. wanted to drag something. She does completive trail rides and is sometimes asked to drag an object. She found a piece of wood 24 inches or so long that had a small branch jutting out. This was perfect! Bobby started dragging and got his horse used to it. Then I had a turn. Before Nancy J had a turn, we were informed that this was bothering some and was “very dangerous”. So we had to let our wood go. I know we need to be safe but also I want to train my horse when it fits in.  We passed a ranch that raises buffalo. They have several hundred of the beasts and sell 2 a month. I think they should be looking for more land….The miles flew by and soon we were back at camp.

Dakota has a cough so we started him on sulphur. Hope he gets better soon so I can ride him again. We break up pills, dissolve them in hot water, and pour the solution down his throat. We have a syringe – no needle – and stick this to the side of his teeth with his head up and squirt, then hold his head up until we think he has swallowed. Then he puts his head down and dribbles what is left in his mouth. Oh, well….

Thursday, August 13, 2009 I declared that my arm was healed and I could lift heavy things again – and get into my saddle myself. This day we rode out of camp. We headed across a pasture and were in pastures most of the day. This is MUCH BETTER riding than along the road – even if it is a dirt road. After the first pasture, we crossed a hard road. I got off of Cisco to take off some cactus spines he had on his legs. I got him in a ditch to facilitate my getting back on. I had him stretched out but he took a step down into the ditch as I got a foot in the stirrup. The end result was that I fell on my right shoulder when I slipped in the grass and down into the ditch. Now the rotator cuff hurts! Darn! I finished the ride but needed help getting back on my horse and getting up after sitting on the ground for lunch.

We saw several herds of sheep and cattle. The cows are mostly Black Angus but occasionally there is a herd of Red Angus. And there was a corn field! We have not seen corn for miles and miles. It is probably silage corn. The farmers take their used hay/manure and spread it on the fields. This is good fertilizer. Some farmers calve in the barn and use hay for bedding. Guess it is too cold to calve outdoors – and what would you do with the bales and bales of hay if you had not used them????? Anyway, the terrain is rolling – some sage and cacti – therefore antelope – and some grass and weeds. Gerald rode with us and we had lunch at his place. After lunch we were on the road and saw a herd for 40 or so horses running to keep up with us.  Gerald said these horses belong to his brother and would be sold at the weanling auction soon. Some were good looking horses! This was exciting to see free horses running in a pack! We got to the ending place, tied our horses or loaded them in stock trailers and were transported back to our trailers. I loaded Dakota and we went to town to fill up on water. We had 40 miles of road, then over a one-way bridge (this is the border of North Dakota but no sign), turn right at the oil well and Quonset hit, another right in 4.5 miles and who knows how much farther. I didn’t think we would ever get there but just when I was about to give up, we came up over a hill and saw the trailers! I pulled in and swung around so I’d be facing out and north (remember, north/south gives you shade in the afternoons.). Nancy J was behind me and made a wider turn and promptly got stuck! After a while, Kelly came and pulled her out with his tractor. Whew! Freda had gotten stuck earlier. Kelly and Susie served us a roast beef meal and provided entertainment by the Sons of the Wagoneers. Del took the microphone for a bit and sang. I left at this point as I was tired and my shoulder hurt. I didn’t sleep well as I groaned every time I turned over.

Friday, August 14, 2009 This was not a good morning for me. I was generally tired, my shoulder hurt, and my eyes itched from allergies. I even considered not riding! But after all this way – every step of the way – I was not about to give up! I can be miserable on a horse or off so what is the choice?  So with the help of Ibuprofen and Benadryl Allergy I was ready. I rode Nancy J’s horse Clover since Cisco had sore kidneys and Dakota was still coughing and had a snotty nose. Today we rode south – yes this is Mexico to Canada Trail Ride but we had some miles we had not ridden and it was easier to ride south and get trailered back. The first part of our ride was through some interesting property. There were draws and canyons and ups and downs. At the top of a ridge, we were “on top of the world”! Sometimes the dirt was white – either sand or clay. Other times there were black rocks that looked like lava rocks. Then we got to some pastures with weeds as high as the horses’ bellies. Eventually we got to the road and rode along side it back to where we ended the ride the day before. The trucks and trailers returned so we could load horses. I rode with Susie, the ranch wife. I was taking my afternoon nap when – POW!!! – I thought we had had a blow out. But come to find out, the whole tire/wheel had escaped, leaving just the part to screw the tire into. 2 bolts had sheared off completely and 3 did not have their nuts on. We found some parts and the tire on the road. Luckily, another of our trucks was behind us and stopped. We climbed into the truck and rear bed and were taken back to the ranch. Kelly went out to check on the car, put on the spare using the spare’s nuts and drove it back home.

There was a dinner for us in town and Del played at a restored old theater for the locals. I opted to stay at my trailer. I needed the number for Exiss – the maker of my horse trailer – to order some parts since the handle closing the horse compartment had come off. Kelly and Russ came over and looked at my trailer problem. Russ took the entire hinges part off and returned soon with it fixed! Thank you Russ and Kelly! I showered, fed and watered my horses and was in bed by 7:00. I knew I was tired.

Saturday, August 15, 2009 A Rest Day  My shoulder/rotator cuff is better. I only have a little pain when I raise my arm. I can probably mount my horse tomorrow by myself again. I thought I would sleep in but was wide awake by 5 and tired of being in bed. We went to Bowman to the nearest Laundromat – a mere 35 miles away. We started south on a road that went in all directions except west and ended up at our target – northeast of the Stearns Ranch where we are staying. After laundry, a Western store, fuel, lunch, and the grocery store and we headed home. This land is interesting – swells and low “mountains” off in the distance. These “mountains” are buttes (flat on top), pointy or rounded on top, some with straight cliffs down, others with gentle slopes, some with black dirt – coal or lava? – some with white sand or clay, some with grass, some with brown dirt. Then there are canyons that go down, down. I think you’d have to see it to believe it. We are back in oil well territory – some pumps operate VERY slowly. We looked over in a field and saw antlers standing up. On a closer look we saw the antlers were attached to elk lying in the grass! There were hundreds of them!

I took a nap then cleaned up my trailer. It sprinkled/rained off and on all afternoon so I put Dakota in the horse trailer to keep him dry. He still coughs some but does not have a snooty nose. I made bulghar to take to the pot luck dinner.

At dinner, Tom told about his afternoon adventure. He went with a local guy to a canyon where the local has discovered a whole dinosaur! Tom picked up a rock that he showed us that is skin on the outsides and bone marrow inside! Another “rock” is the lower tibia. There is a museum with more finds that I will have to go to.

Red sky sunset tonight. I hope this means “Sailors delight”. Bed time – I don’t want to stay up late as tomorrow is a long ride day.

Sunday, August 16, 2009  We rode out of Stearn Ranch with Russ leading us. We went over hill and dale. Ii was a cool morning and the horses had had a day off and they were fresh. Cisco danced and pranced. Michael came up beside me to grab my knee. Cisco spun around and would not let me get anyway near Michael to grab his knee. We went over a hill and down into a ravine, then into a canyon. Then up, up, up. This was another “on top of the world” place with 365 views! Wow!  I was glad Freda had not ridden with us as she would have been scared with these ups and downs. This was like going across the peat fields in Ireland. We cut across the pasture and eventually ended up at the road. From then on, the ride turned into a gaited horse ride with the gaited horses setting the pace. I pushed Cisco the rest of the way. The wind started when we left the Stearns’ yard and blew in gusts over 50 mph and sustained winds of 45 mph. I did not have a hat that covered my ears. Mu cowboy hat just tried to blow off. Tom took my hat and exchanged it for a cap. How did he know I needed a cap? Tom Seay is the “world’s greatest outfitter and trail master!”

Monday, August 17, 2009 We rode out of camp and along dirt roads the entire day. I was on Dakota and had a smile on my face – or both cheeks as they say about gaited horses. We rode through canyons and buttes and along the Little Missouri River that flows to the north. It was cold and windy but I was more prepared for the wind with a cap that ties under my chin, a jacket and my slicker with a hood. The land has huge swells so the road goes up and down. I put Dakota in his running walk and covered miles. Then there was a herd of horses in a pasture down the road. Dakota wanted to get close to them and he went from his running walk to his rack! Wow! I had not gotten him to go this fast before. Cool! Now I know what he can do! A little later, Bobby and I traded horses and he got Dakota racking up and down the road. Then it was my turn. He flies! But my saddle bag that hangs over the saddle horn came unstitched and half of it fell off. It was lunch time so after I ate my lunch, I could put the broken half in Tom’s truck. A trailer was parked at our lunch spot and took 7 horses back to camp. The rest of us had a fast paced afternoon – doing a running walk or trot. We were picked up by Don who is head of the trail association where we will be riding and taken back to our rigs. We moved to Medina Rodeo Grounds. Tomorrow we will start the ride at this point.

Happy Trails,

Nancy

Friday August 7, 2009     Several Adventure Riders left today – Josie, Juanita, Dorita, and Tina Mae. We will miss them. We also heard that Candy’s horse got hit by lightning in her pasture and died. Candy and John joined us several weeks ago in northern Nebraska. They left to prepare for winter in Sheridan, WY and plan to join us later. Also Pat Seay went home today to be with a dying relative. Our prayers are with you, Pat. David L. is leaving Sunday for a few weeks. He may go to Virginia Beach and call my sister Helen.

We are down to the original group plus Sandy and Suzanne who have been with us for 5 weeks or so. They are like old-timers. We rode out of Belle Fourche and along Hwy 85 on very wide shoulders. The landscape has changed! We were in the Black Hills, then after Spearfish we got rolling hills with grass and tree covered peaks. Now it is grassland with gentle swells. It looks like the valleys are 10 miles or so wide. We have been told that this area has been brown during the last 8 years of drought. This year has had more rain so it is somewhat green.

After 11 miles, we turned onto a gravel road that will take us into North Dakota. We stopped for our lunch break, looked up and saw a herd of cattle coming toward us! Do we mount up and scatter? Or what? Well, the cattle were being herded across our road by “cowboys” on 4-wheelers, not horses. The cattle went behind a long snow fence and were in a pasture, not on the road. We are back in sagebrush and antelope country. We are camped at the Box K Davis Ranch. They even fixed hamburgers and hot dogs for us for dinner! Chocolate cake, lemon bars, and homemade sweet rolls were our dessert! Del sang after dinner.

An interesting thing happened today. We got out maps and were plotting our route home while relaxing before dinner. At dinner, several other people were taking about the same thing. Which way are you going? How far will you drive each day? How many days will it take you to get home? None of this discussion has happened before tonight. I think Duke will fly up to Williston, ND and drive home with me. We will then stop at the Flying Bee Ranch and see our friends Conrad and Louise.

The pens at Belle Fourche were muddy since it had rained several inches while we were there. Dakota was dirty with clumps of mud in his mane. So I gave him a bath before we left to move up to the Box K Ranch. He has been bathed before as he stood almost still. I will ride him tomorrow.

Saturday, August 8, 2009 My alarm went off at 5:00 and it was pouring rain outside. I turned off the alarm and went back to sleep. Woke again at 6:30 – ooops, can I get ready by 7:30? I was putting on my jeans when Julie knocked on my door to say the ride had been postponed until further notice. Whew! Now I could take my time getting ready. The rain had slowed to a drizzle as I was feeding my horses. I have been using ground feeders but realized both horses were dumping them and leaving feed on the ground. So now I give Cisco a feed bag and Dakota a hanging bucket. Later we heard the ride had been cancelled for the day due to more thunderstorms forecast for the afternoon. We decide to go back to Belle Fourche to the saddle maker and Kings Inn for Wi-Fi internet. I had 2 emails I needed to read – one from my sister Helen and one from a person ordering vitamins. (I run a small mail order vitamin business – GNLD.) I filled the order and responded to Helen’s email. We had lunch at a sports bar that serves veggie burgers and came back to camp for a nap.

Sunday, August 9, 2009 This was a ride day and we were ready at 7:30. After announcements and Del’s prayer, we went over to say good-bye to Rich who was leaving today. We will miss you Rich. I dressed in a turtleneck and shirt but changed to a tank top and shirt before we left. I soon regretted the change as the wind came up and the sun went behind clouds. I dug out on my rain slicker before the rain started. It sprinkled on us the rest of the ride. There were herds of sheep along this road. A Great Pyrenees decided to trot along side us for 6-8 miles. To get through a fence, he put his paws on the next to top wire pulling it down, and then launched himself through the gap. A lady drove by at lunch asking if we had seen a large dog. Guess the GP was hers. I thought this breed tended sheep but today he was traveling. Tom started shuttling horses back to camp at noon. But he could only take 3 horses in his trailer at a time. By the time of his 3^rd trip, he ended the ride and all but a few riders came back. Some stayed to take care of horses that were left. I went back as I was cold and wet. Tom drove slowly on the dirt/gravel road but fishtailed often in the mud and muck. I later found out the riders that stayed found a horse shoe, a flag and a beer can and were soon playing horseshoe in the bottom of the ditch. Others took turns napping in the water truck out of the wind. We are staying at the same place – Square K Ranch. We could not get all our trailers down this road today. Terry hooked up his trailer that will hold 6 horses and they left for the next load. I have my heater running to warm me up and to dry my boots, vest, slicker, sox and jeans. I have made Chai tea and will have this ready for my friends when they arrive.

We had food fantasies as we were riding along – chili with cheese and Texas cornbread or ice cream with blueberries or hot chocolate – yum!!!

Monday, August 10, 2009  This is a travel day. We go back the 8 miles to the hard road, turn left to Buffalo, get diesel, and turn left on Hwy 20 to Camp Crook where we will stay at the rodeo grounds. In truth, a few of us went back to Belle Fourche, got water for our rigs. Nancy J and I went to the Wal-Mart in Spearfish – I needed a new coffee pot and veggie burgers, plus some incidentals. I drove on the Interstate at 70 mph. It has been a long time since I have driven this fast and it felt like I was sailing! You just don’t go that fast on bumpy dirt roads! The ride to Camp Crook had swells – it was a mile from the top of one to the top of the next. So up and down we went. The rodeo grounds are covered with sagebrush and cacti. I thought we had left this way back in southern New Mexico but we have come full circle. I hear that we will be shuttled out and ride tomorrow. Dakota got new shoes today so he will be ready to ride tomorrow.

Dakota Gold

Sunday, July 26, 2009 We rode out of Plenty Star Ranch on the Michelson Trail. The Trail is along the highway by Plenty Star Ranch so it was easy to get to. It has twists and turns and was soon off the highway. The huge rock cliffs and evergreen trees make beautiful scenery. I rode Arnold, Nancy J.’s horse and Diane rode Cisco. Diane rode horses in high school – many years ago – but did not forget how to sit a horse. She and Cisco got along just fine. Janis drives the water truck and found a way to bring us water for our horses at noon. Janis does a superb job of taking care of us. She likes to keep us in sight but this is not possible

Dakota Gold

 on the Michelson trail. She is there for us in case of an emergency. Diane had planned to stop riding at the lunch break but decided she did not want to miss anything. She said, “What the heck – I may be sore tomorrow but I am enjoying riding today!” The scenery was great and we soon made it to Crazy Horse Monument. We were taken back to our rigs and moved to the rodeo arena. At night, there was a laser light show at the top of the mountain. We piled into a pickup and headed upward and found a parking spot – parking backward. It was chilly so we got a horse blanket to cover the tool box. There were some folks from

Dakota Gold

 Canada that we invited to sit on our tailgate. The laser light show was good and reminded us of going to the drive-in as teenagers.

Monday, July 27, 2009 This was a rest day so we ran errands. It rained/sprinkled all day. It was kind of nice to have a relaxing day. We turned the horses loose and let them graze most of the day. We continually checked on them to make sure they did not wander too far away.

Tuesday, July 28, 2009 We start our ride days at 7:30 with Tom gathering us for announcements and a description of the day’s ride. Del offers a prayer and I holler “Ahroara-Har!” and we are off. We rode out of Crazy Horse and

Dakota Gold

 through Hill City. Again, I was on Arnold and Diane on Cisco. The Sturgis Harley Davidson Rally is going on now so motorcycles filled the tiny city of Hill City. We had our lunch break near the railroad station in town. We had more riding to do to get to our campground. We were camped in a lovely meadow with high lush grass. We left the lead ropes on but turned the horses loose. They enjoyed grazing and did not roam far. Diane’s husband, Jay, arrived in their motor home and found us at the Crazy Horse Rodeo Grounds before we moved our rigs. He got here a day early – guess he missed Diane…. I keep thinking that my new horse will arrive soon. Around noon I found out that David was on the road! I was getting excited! They were not here by bedtime. I heard a rumor that David was to arrive at 3:00 am. Can I sleep???

Wednesday, July 29, 2009 I quickly dressed and looked around for a new rig nearby – but no, David had not arrived. So I ate breakfast, fed Cisco, and got ready for the day’s ride. I had Cisco saddled and ready when David drove in! He parked nearby and soon unloaded horses. You should have seen the look on my face when he unloaded my horse! Wow! He is a drop-down gorgeous! Palomino with a flaxen (white) flowing mane and tail, 3 white stockings, a star, blaze, and snip! He has long legs – meaning that he is tall. Anyway, I led him over to my rig, took the saddle off Cisco and put it on the new horse. Bobby rode him first – guess he didn’t trust that I wouldn’t fall off if he buggered. The horse looks great – gaiting across the pasture! I rode him around a few minutes, and then the ride started. Actually, we gathered up and Tom decided to wait 30 minutes to let the rain

Mike Shaw

pass by and to give us time to put on our rain gear. It drizzled on us the entire ride. We rode out the Michelson Trail for 8 or 9 miles, took a break just after a tunnel, and then rode back to our camp. How did my new horse do? He is a dream! He is smooth gaiting and will drop down to a flat walk and not be charged up. I gaited backwards on the trail, turned around and came back to the group several times so I could go faster than a normal walk. He went over bridges and through tunnels with no problem. He did look sideways at some cows nearby. I am very pleased with my new horse. He doesn’t have a name yet…. Diane did not ride so she and Jay could go to the Badlands sightseeing. They arrived back at camp in time to fix our little group fish tacos. They were delicious! Thanks!

Thursday, July 30, 2009 Today is my friend Wray’s birthday. Happy Birthday, Wray! We trailered our horses to the last tunnel, tied our mounts (Cisco) for the day, and then drove to the Dumont Trailhead where we left the trailers. This drive was up and down and around – many hairpin curves and steep grades up and down. This was stressful for me. We were on our way back to our horses when we saw 2 of our rigs pulled over and a motorcycle in the ditch! It turned out that our rigs had stopped to offer assistance. The cycle rider probably broke his leg. Later the ambulance arrived and took him to the hospital. This delayed the start of our ride, but …. The Mich Trail was interesting but not as hairy as yesterdays ride. The ride from Mystic to Rochford is my favorite ride on the trail. There are deep gorges that you pass over via bridges and tunnels through the rocky mountainside. Spectacular! After the ride, we loaded our horses in our rigs parked at the Dumont Trailhead and drove in to Deadwood. We stayed at the Rodeo Grounds. Several of us parked inside the rodeo arena. Friday, July 31, 2009 I get to ride my new horse again! I saddled him up early so I could ride him in the arena. He is a showoff – he is beautiful and seems to know it and struts his stuff! We trailered back to Dumont Trail Head and rode from there into Deadwood. There was a street 20 yards from us with motorcycles screaming by. My new horse took this all in stride and didn’t flinch. He is a keeper! We had a police escort through Deadwood and went through many back alleys to avoid the rumble of motorcycles on the main streets. This is the end of the 114 miles of the Michelson Trail. Someone told us we would get a certificate or something from the governor for completing the entire trail. This last part of the trail was scenic but not spectacular like the Mystic to Rochford segment is.

Saturday, August 1, 2009 Rest Day We have traded the train whistles for the roar of Harleys in Deadwood. Some friends went with me today to Rapid City for hay, feed, and to visit my friend Marilyn Madison. Duke and I met her and her late husband Stanley several years ago when we were traveling with horses and stayed at the Madison Ranch. The Ranch is a treasure. The barn and outhouse are on the Historic Register – whoever heard of an outhouse on the Historic Register? The farm house is a museum. Mavis, Marilyn’s daughter has a Bed and Breakfast in the old farm house now. The downstairs contains saddles, photos, old ranch utensils, etc. We tried to identify the uses for these utensils. The barn contains 3 carriages that were pristine in times gone by. Houlan, owner of Platinum Trailers and the local Platinum dealer cooked hamburgers for all of us tonight. What a treat! Houlan is providing prime rib roast dinner tomorrow night for us. Bobby has volunteered to cook the roast and potatoes for all. Nancy J and I helped him get the marinade ready. Since Bobby was unsure of the recipe, he called his friend Gerald Jacks who reportedly knows everything including the exact marinade recipe. This was like Who Wants to be a Millionaire when someone calls his expert. Anyway, the roasts were put in bags with the marinade to tenderize overnight. Sunday, August 2, 2009 We have ridden over 1500 miles! We have 3-400 more to go. I can’t believe this ride is coming to an end! I don’t want it to end. The riders are like family. I treasure them and their friendship. What will we do after the ride? That question looms for all of us. Just to go home and take up life where we left off does not seem possible or probable. There is no easy solution. There has been some talk of a reunion ride next year. But what to do in the meantime???? This is another rest day so Nancy J and I did laundry and I cleaned stalls. We need to leave the rodeo arena in clean condition when we leave tomorrow. Bobby got the meat cooking early as he will need 2 shifts to get it all done. Today is Bobby’s birthday and he is cooking his birthday dinner. Is this fair? He really enjoys it so…. In the afternoon, Gus, Mike S, and David went to Deadwood to acknowledge the anniversary of Wild Bill Hickock’s shooting on this day many years ago. They met some re-enactors who were having the funeral for Wild Bill. They asked the 3 cowboys to be pall bearers. After the funeral, there was a wake with many shot glasses of bourbon. At some point in this escapade, the Harley babes showed up to have their photos taken with the cowboys. Then the Jagermeister babes insisted that they each have a bandana to wear. About then, the cameras came out to shoot a commercial and I think the cowboys were included in it too. The long and short of it was that the 3 guys had a great time. We cleaned and cooked over 50 potatoes and Carol, Houlan’s wife, made wilted salad and fruit salad. Houlan even had salmon and trout for us veggie folks. The dinner was delicious – the roasts were certainly welcomed by all. I talked to Greg a local police officer and long time resident. He showed Tom how we can get out of town easily on a beautiful trail. He is a tough cop but has another side. He and his wife are in the process of adopting an 8 year old girl who has been abused. She will get a loving home with Greg. Thank you, Greg After dinner several truckloads of us went back to Deadwood to celebrate Bobby’s birthday, the passing of Mike’s brother-in-law, Wild Bill’s demise, and several other events. We went to 2 of the 3 Number 10 Saloons in Deadwood, had toasts in each and danced awhile. I was asked to take off my spurs in one place as it is against their policy. Never had this happen before….. But I complied. We all had fun but I was ready to get home and to bed. I don’t frequent bars very often.

Monday, August 3, 2009 Our route was to go behind a motel and up a steep mountain. Tom – “The World’s Greatest Outfitter and Trail Master” – cautioned us to check girths before we started up the incline. This is sort of a dirt road – Tom’s truck would not make it up in 2-wheel drive – he needed 4-wheel drive to get to the top. There is a subdivision being built at the top. We were passed by many construction trucks. We were on top of a ridge and could see great views from each side. We descended and soon found ourselves in the woods. The trail was a “road” – really 2 tracks. It was overcast and very pleasant riding. We took one trail, decided it was the wrong one, turned back and took the one that ran along the creek. We crossed the creek at least 15 times and beat back bushes that covered the trail. We got to a clearing with a sign that read “Camp Polo 1997” and found the trail ended here. So back across the creek and through the bushes and up the other trail again. This time it looked better. We weren’t lost – just didn’t know which way to go. But we enjoyed the riding and the weather. Tom eventually found us as we were late arriving at our destination. The sun came out in the afternoon and it warmed up to the mid-80’s. There was one catastrophe – a passing motorcycle spooked Cindy’s horse and she fell off and landed on the gravel road. She was taken to the hospital. She is skinned up some, will be sore for a few days and she has 6 staples in her head. We stayed at the 7-Down Arenas near Spearfish that are very nice. I put my new horse in a stall as he was pacing and seemed to want to lie down. He still paced in the stall for some time.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009 Belle Fourche Roundup Arena is our destination today. We were on dirt roads the entire day except a short time on the side of a hard road. Still the ride was enjoyable as the scenery was wonderful. There were open pastures with gently rolling hills, then higher slopes with trees. All was green and lush. The ranchetts were neat with beautiful flower gardens. Some local ranchers had heard that we were in the area. When they saw us ride by, they quickly saddled their horses and joined us. Christy told me of a clinician Larry Lighthouse who teaches natural gaited horse dressage. I may have to check him out…. We stopped at Besler’s Cadillac Ranch for lunch. They have great facilities and do Weddings and Events, Camping, Horse Boarding, Arenas, and a Party Barn with Full Bar. Lunch consisted of pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, pasta salad, carrots, potato chips and brownies for dessert. It was 6:00 by the time we got our rigs moved and our horses settled at the Belle Fourche Rodeo Arena… Dinner was put on by the South Dakota Tourism Dept and the City of Belle Fourche.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009 This is a rest day so we ran errands in the morning, and then got our horses ready for a parade into town. I draped a flag over my new horse until he got used to it. I rode him around with the flag before we left. He did okay and certainly looked like a million dollars! We paraded into town to the Geographic Center of the Nation. There is a park around the monument. Bob carried the American flag, followed by Bobby (Mississippi flag) and Wayne (Kentucky flag). Nancy J and I were next with our Texas flags. Tammy (Virginia flag) and Mike S. were behind us, then the rest of our riders. Jim and Cindy (I was glad to see her riding again!) rode but did not carry flags. Jim assisted in stopping traffic for us There were ceremonies and short speeches by the Lt Governor of South Dakota who rode a horse in the parade, the Mayor of Belle Fourche, and Tom Seay.

Thursday, August 6, 2009 Tom changed this riding day to a rest day due to storms this morning and forecast for more this afternoon. We used the time to do laundry, stock up on more feed, hay, etc as supplies will be sparse for the next several weeks. And I have a name for my new horse – Dakota Gold! Do you like it?

 Happy Trails,

Nancy

Okay, all y’all – that is southern for you guys -  I haven’t updated my blog because we have been out of cell phone – therefore internet – range forever! I have been writing on my PC so now you get an update. I am putting this on my memory stick and taking it to whomever on this ride an internet connection has. I am getting desperate – as I am sure you are. Here it is!!!!!

Sunday July 19, 2009       Bobby led the ride today. We were on a hard packed dirt road that paralleled the railroad tracks. Even on Sunday, trains go west empty and east loaded with coal. They blow the whistle – 2 longs and a short – at road crossings and this is loud at our close proximity. We were soon out of the alkaline white sands of the Nebraska Badlands and were back to grassy fields. There were a few herds of cattle but mostly empty pastures. There were some cottonwood trees that provided shade while we waited for the last of the group to catch up. Also the cottonwoods are giving off their wispy cotton free- floating thinglings.  We were riding only 15 miles so we elected to skip a lunch break and keep riding. About noon Wayne and Sandy Gifford led us into South Dakota. We took turns taking pictures of each other in front of the Welcome to South Dakota sign. Soon Ardmore was in sight. This is a ghost town. It used to be a watering spot for the railroad but the water dried up and everyone left. It is spooky how they left – leaving cars, trucks, etc just where they were parked. There are maybe 2 houses with occupants. We tied our horses to trees and were taken back to our rigs. I am ready to travel faster now that I have only one horse. People ask me when my new horse will be here. I don’t know. I don’t have any say about the time schedule. I know that David Howell is going to look at my horse and ride him sometime soon. If he is what Rick says he is, I will send money and David will bring him when he comes to ride with us – the sooner the better as far as I am concerned. But David is a busy man and will make his own time schedule.

We have been camped very near the railroad tracks for several nights now. I usually hear one train as I go to sleep, but many people show up in the morning bleary-eyed from lack of sleep. We like the dirt road near the tracks better than by the highway but the trains at night are a bit much.

Some of us went back to Crawford to fill up with water as we didn’t like the alkaline water available. Nancy J had a slow leak in her truck’s back tire. Del noticed it as she was leaving and Tom chased her down. Tom has an air compressor to reinflate the tire and put a plug in it. Soon Nancy J was back on the road.

So far, it has cooled down in the afternoon. Not so today. There usually is a thunderstorm in the area which cools the area. So we gathered around my dinette with the A/C on for dinner. Today is Del’s birthday so a bunch of us wandered over and sang Happy Birthday to him.

We have lost some friends. Mary left when Duke was here. Bud left came back and left again. Nate Brown was here for about 6 weeks, and then went back to Wyoming. Ray and Meg took turns helping him and have gone to Arizona and Wyoming. Josie has come and gone several times and is currently here. Neil and Chayne have gone back to Virginia. Today Mike P. and Wanda left for health reasons. And tragically, Bud and Bonnie were on their way back here when a random drive-by shooting claimed the life of their daughter – and their granddaughter is suffering with glass in her eyes. These people are like family to us. One this trip, within our group we have lost 2 dads, 1 mom, a daughter, and a brother.

I have traded horses for part of the daily ride and many have ridden another horse for the day. You need a scorecard to keep track. An example: Mike rides Pat’s horse. Del is on Freda’s horse. DJ, Del’s son is on Del’s horse, Naked. Julie rides Ester’s horse. Ester rides one of Julie’s horses. Wayne rides Tammy’s new horse 2-Bits.  And so it goes…..

Monday, July 20, 2009 Today we ride to Provo, the site of ammo storage. We could see the towers where bullets are made. Drops of molten steel are dropped and become sphere shaped, cooled, and hardened before hitting the bottom. As we rode, I was amazed at all the colors of green and yellow in the landscape. There were also small cliffs that had black faces. This is coal. The residents nearby may get some of this coal for heating. We camped in vacant lots in Provo again near the railroad tracks.. My area had tall grass. I tied Cisco to one side of the trailer, let him eat grass. Then I moved him to the other side so he could eat that grass

Tuesday, July 21, 2009    We rode out of Provo with the owner of 1/3 of the 20,000 acres that was an ammunitions storage site for WW2, Korea, and Vietnam, closing in the 1960’s. She told us the history that the Fort Igloo was a thriving community in its day. We rode out to the storage site. There are igloos – in the ground concrete bunkers 30x90x13 tall with a solid concrete door and with a Quonset hut top covered with dirt that stored the ammo.  Beside each one is a horseshoe shaped mound of dirt some 6 feet or more high. This was used for temporary storage so trucks could quickly unload. She said one of the bunkers had once exploded and killed 2 men. As they dug through the rubble, they actually found a man that survived the explosion!

We stopped at a water tank. As we were coming up to the tank, Wayne, who was riding in the back, saw a huge cat that had been crouched down in the grass, get up and run to some wood rubble and disappear! Wayne figured this is a cougar about 4 feet high, 5 feet long and weighing about 100 lbs! We were lucky that this cat did not run through the main bunch of riders. We would have had horses shying and probably, riders thrown!

After I watered my horse, I did a stupid thing. I had my reins tied so they would not fall while I was taking a picture of one of the igloos. Cisco took advantage of my no-hands on the reins condition to drop his head and eat. Well, the reins fell down to his head. After I took the picture, I kicked him to get him to take a step and lift his head so I could get the reins. But – he stepped through the reins which then pulled back on the bit. He did what he has been taught to do – he backed up and backed up and backed up. I had no control of him. Then my hat fell down over my face – held on by the stampede string – so I was blinded. At this point, I lost my balance and the saddle slipped to the side. By the time it slipped to his belly, I fell off. Thump! It knocked the wind out of me. Some one got Cisco stopped and unhooked from the reins. It took me a few minutes to get my breath back. Then Tammy, the nurse, and I walked around a bit. I was okay but will probably have a bruise on my back side – not where I sit, thank goodness! Freda had fallen off her horse last month and we told her to make up a good story – that her horse had bucked 8 times and reared, etc. So she made up a story about my fall – that was just 3 or 4 feet off the ground. She said Cisco had bucked; I spurred him and was yelling “Ya-Hoo!” while the saddle came off and I was still on Cisco’s back – bareback now. After more spurring and bucking and yelling ”Yaw Hoo!’’, I finally slipped off. What a story that was! Then Michael started his version. I had fallen off and couldn’t ride so they built a travois for me like the Indians used and drug me on the travois down the trail so I could still say I had ridden every step of the way! What imaginations we have! In reality, I got back on Cisco and shortly after loped up a long hill. I was fine. At the top of this bluff we could see in all directions. We could see the 850 igloos!!! That our tax dollars built and are now abandoned…. Seeing such a wide expanse of land reminds me of the size of our country. All this land that I see is only a dot – or less – on a map. We rode through the perimeter fence and along in the no-mans land between the 2 perimeter fences a mile apart. This is National Grasslands area now. We stopped for lunch and some of our group decided to ride back to our trailer in Provo. The rest of us continued sometimes on the Cheyenne to Deadwood Stagecoach trail.

Wednesday, July 22, 2009      John, the Deputy Sherriff, brought his stock trailer out and in 2 trips, carried the horses of the group that ride the whole way. We started back in Edgemont where we left off the day before. Just out of town, we started on the Michelson Trail. This is a Rails to Trails that Gov Michelson sponsored 10 or 12 years ago. It goes all the way to Deadwood – some 114 miles. It is a multi-use tail – horse, bicycles, and hikers. It is wide enough for 2 or 3 horses to ride side by side. Three miles and we were back at our camp. We had a short break, and then left with the rest of the riders. The Trail went through canyons and the scenery was great! Some places we could see out across valleys – and there are trees. We have not seen many trees on this ride. We got off the trail and had our lunch break in a pasture. Three of us sat in the shade of a round bale of hay and had a back rest while eating. Several people took pictures of us. We had the only shade there. We ended the ride in another pasture and were taken back to our vehicles. We all moved rigs to the pasture. Nancy J and I moved on ahead to Plenty Star Ranch – tomorrow’s stop. This is a lovely place with green grass, flowers, and trees. Our horses are in a large pasture. This is by far the best place we have stayed. Duke and I stayed here 3 years ago. I remember a Spanish horse that was just being trained. Duke said I had no business with a 3 year old horse – he was right – so I did not buy the horse. Well. I told Isa, the owner, this story and she said the horse was still there. She called her horses in from their pasture and we looked at them. She has several for sale. They are all fat and round and nice looking horses. They have distinct characteristics including a Roman nose – although in this breed the hump starts high on the forehead so it is not a true Romans nose. These smooth gaited horses have long manes and tails and develop a crested neck as they get older. Now, I am glad I didn’t get the 3 year old.

Kim, from Vermont pulled in Plenty Star and came over to talk to us. She will be joining the ride for a week. She has been in the area and has been riding and sightseeing.

Thursday, July 23, 2009   We left out just after 4:00am to get to Cheyenne by 9 for my dermatology appointment. My surgery was outpatient with a local and I was done within 2 hours. Bobby had broken the back window in his truck and has not been able to find a replacement glass in the small towns we have been in. He had an appointment in Cheyenne today to get his back window replace so he went with Nancy J and me. We picked up feed and had a quick trip to Wal-Mart before going back. Diane, my friend flew into Rapid City today as did Juli, Wayne’s wife. Juli rented a car so she can do some sightseeing while Wayne is riding so she brought Diane to Plenty Star.

I survived the surgery and have an ace bandage around my arm. When this wears out I will use vet wrap like we use on horses. We got back to Plenty Star around 5. Diane was there, as were all the riders and rigs. So much for our peace and quiet last night. The stars are bright out here away from towns. But we have not had cell phone service for several days.

While in Cheyenne, I did talk to David about my new horse and made arrangements for him to bring the horse out here. He will arrive around 8 Sunday evening. I’m excited! I now need to come up with a name for him. He is a dark palomino with flaxen mane and tail and 3 white stockings. Do you have any suggestions?

Friday, July 24, 2009      The three of us had to make up yesterday’s ride that we missed so we left out at 6:30. Jim drove us to the point where we left off so we could ride back to Plenty Star Ranch. With only 3 riders, we were able to click out the miles. Sometimes Bobby would put his horse in a running walk and Nancy J and I would trot to keep up. We all loped a good ways too. There was water for the horses on the trail. Nancy J brought a collapsible water bucket – yes, Diane, you said I should have one – that was filled at a hand pump. We saw 8 or 10 wild turkeys, some goats, and deer. We got back to camp by noon. There are supposed to be “W” signs that told the engineer of the train to blow his whistle before getting to a trestle, bridge or tunnel to get the animals off before the train came by. Maybe we will see these signs another day….

Diane rode Cisco for about half an hour. I think she is comfortable riding him now. She had read this blog and knows he bucked one day and I fell off him (remember, that was my fault) and was a little leery.

We all washed our horses to get them ready for the parade Saturday. This is the first time on this trip that any of our horses have had a bath, except for Julie’s horses.

Bobby’s son Brad, his wife Marcia, and their 3 adorable girls – Ashley (12), Susan (7), and Kelly (5) – came to visit. They will be in this area for several days. Welcome Horton family!

Saturday, July 25, 2009 We all got ready for the parade in Custer. We transported our horses in several stock trailers. We had to wait until all the rest of the parade started as they always put the horses in the rear. We tried to carry flags from all 50 states. This is the first time that any one knows that all 50 flags have been in a parade! I rode Clover, Nancy J’s second horse and Diane rode Cisco. We rode 3 abreast with Diane in the middle. Tom put us up front behind the American flag. It was fun waving and talking to the large crowd.

After the parade we came back to Plenty Star and I did my “project” with Bobby’s grand daughters. We borrowed 2 oven racks from Jim’s trailer and got the shoe laces from Brad and Bobby’s shoes. Now try this at home before you knock this!!! We tied 2 shoelaces to the top of each rack. One twists the laces a few times around each index finger and puts his fingers in his ears. He leans over so the oven rack is suspended in air. Then another person takes a spoon or knife and plays the oven rack with whoosh across the bars, some dings on the sides, and maybe some quick back and forth between bars – really use your imagination. I’m not telling what the person with his fingers in his ears hears – you just have to try it! Anyway, we had all the kids try both racks and then all the adults too. Then the girls and I went around our camp and had everyone we found try it. The kids were calling “Free Music”. I felt like the Pied Piper. I was having fun!

Then it was time to put our musical instruments away and head to Mount Rushmore. I drove and Nancy J navigated. We went on 16A – a very windy road through Custer Park. This was a beautiful drive. There were wild donkeys that stopped traffic as they were in the middle of the road – and were happy to eat bread or carrots that tourists fed them. There were bridges – some called Pig Tail Bridges as they curved around like a pig’s tail or curly stairs – and tunnels. There were some one way bridges and one way tunnels. One tunnel opened at the end and the faces of Mount Rushmore were perfectly framed with the tunnel walls! Wow! This was amazing! Some engineer really did a great job! We got to the National Monument, parked, and decided to first go to the Artist’s Workshop. A park ranger told us how the faces were made. She gave an informative and interesting talk. Then we went up to the Viewing Terrace. I am impressed with the detail in the faces. We took another route back home that was considerable shorter but not as scenic. Thank you, Nancy J, for taking Diane and I on the scenic route!

Happy Trails,

Nancy

To Fort Robinson

Sunday, July 12, 2009:

Kathy was our ride leader today. We trailered out to where we had left off, left a saddled horse and moved our trailers up to a feed lot that would be our destination for the day. We had had rain the evening before and long sections of the dirt road were muddy. Those of us that had 4-wheel drive used it. Somehow we all got through the mud. Now our trailers are muddy and yucky again. Oh, well…. We were shuttled back to our horses and started the ride north. We rode through fields of wheat and corn and occasionally beans. Since we were wondering what kind of beans were growing, Bobby went into the field to get a closer look and told us it was red beans growing – he had found a red bean that had not gotten planted. Smarty pants! There were sections covered with wild flowers. They smelled so good!!!! I traded horses with Tammy. She wanted to ride 2-Bits and I got to ride Rocky – her Rocky Mountain Horse. Rocky has a natural gait that is SMOOTH! After lunch, I rode Vegas and Bobby rode Rocky. He rode beside me as I tried to keep Vegas in a running walk. If he changed to pacing, I would slow him down and get him in his running walk again. This was fun for me as I am learning about the gaits of these horses. At this point, I don’t know where my new gaited horse will come from or what breed he will be – but I know he will show up soon. Bolivar, Nancy J’s husband will bring me the horse if I can get him to Childress or Amarillo, TX. We clocked out the miles and arrived at the feed lot. It is smelly and has many flies – but it is a place to stay for the evening. The Shiffs own the feed lot and all the land we have been riding on – over 17,000 acres!

Monday, July 13, 2009:   We left with Richard leading the ride today. The terrain was rolling hills – mostly native grasses (CRP?) with occasional fields of wheat or corn. All the cropland is irrigated with pivots. Water is the life blood of farming here. Many fields have stripes of wheat and fallow land. The farmer needs to plant only ½ his land to qualify for the farm bill subsidy so he plants in stripes. The next year he will plant the fallow land and let this year’s wheat lay fallow. This was pleasant. We had fields on both sides but were on a dirt road with good footing and we did not have to worry about snakes in tall grass.

Mike is a long rider but did not ride today. He wasn’t feeling good and was taken to the hospital. He didn’t want to go as it would inconvenience others. I can relate to this feeling! We think he is dehydrated or has some heart problem. We are all like family and this is like your brother having problems. We did not hear results of the doctor visit until the next day – dehydration and fatigue.

The Long Riders stayed in a field and the others continued to a ranch. Dinner was served at the ranch. We were treated by Maggie to cold water, tea and homemade cookies! We are the biggest thing that has happened to this community in years! Our hosts will have bragging rights for some time.

We don’t have time to watch TV – if we could even get reception – and have no newspapers so we are out of touch with the outside world. This is refreshing and calming and less stressful. All we have to worry about is taking care of our horses and being ready at 7:30 to ride or move our rigs or both. We don’t really care where we are going daily – we just ride until someone says, “This is it!” We can tell we are riding north by the sun. This is a simpler existence. We are easily entertained. We laughed and said, “Ride him!” today when Roy’s horse lay down in a huge puddle.

Sandy and Suzanne joined us at Flying Bee ranch. They will be riding with us for 6 weeks. I’m sure it was hard at first for them to feel part of this group as we have been riding together since April 21 and are like family. But today, I felt like they were treated as part of the group. Welcome Sandy and Suzanne!

We are all looking forward to Custer, SD. We will have many family members visiting us here. My high school friend, Diane, will arrive and will be staying with me for a week. I’m excited that she will be coming. We have been communicating about what to bring, what to expect, etc. Diane is an excited as I am. I can borrow 2-Bits while she is here. But I expect my new horse will be here by then.

Roy has a new horse. He and his wife Janis left here, drove to Missouri, picked up his horse and returned late last night or this morning – a 1700 mile journey.

A reporter was here today and interviewed a few of us. When asked about this ride, I said something like, “This is an adventure, a challenge, and a horseback ride of a lifetime.”

Our horses keep changing shape. 2-Bits has always been round with no withers. Now he has a withers and his rump shows his backbone. I am not riding him so a spot near his withers that has no hair heals. I have increased his feed and hope he gains some weight. Cisco has gained muscle. He has big muscles in his neck, chest and rump. He is just the age to be filling out. The lump on his forehead has all but gone away. I’ll ride him daily until the new horse gets here.

Tuesday, July 14, 2009:   The Long Riders rode the 8-9 miles to the ranch where the rest of our group was located. Some of our folks moved our rigs up to the ranch while we rode. Wow! We could easily get used to this service! Thank you drivers!

Nancy J and I drove to Ft Robinson after the short ride. This was a Calvary recharge center. They had over 200 mares housed here that were bred to thoroughbreds. The Veterinary Hospital is huge with stall for 50-75 horses. There were over 2000 horses here. There are 4 large horse barns each with 50 stalls. The floors are brick/cobblestone. I could almost feel the ghost of horses stalled here in earlier times. The Calvary rounded up Indians including Crazy Horse. He was killed or committed suicide here. A Museum had bones of prehistoric animals, including a huge display of a monolith.

We drove out of the State Park to some cattle pens. I thought this might be a place we could camp but the road is narrow, goes through a creek, and is not large enough for even half of our rigs. Duke and I had camped here with our horses several years ago. As we were leaving, we saw James, Mike Shaw, Barbara, Mark, Brenda, Julie entering the park with horses. They enjoyed their ride. But the main topic of conversation was the couple they saw in the bushes!

After lunch in Crawford, we went to Chadron and the Museum of the Fur Traders. This was an interesting museum with lots of guns, Indian wears, pots, arrow heads, and tools of the times. Outside was an old trading post – mostly in the ground with grass and flowers growing on the roof. The inside looked much as it must have during its useful days.

We all had dinner provided by the ranch. A lady that has been riding alone with her dog told about her adventures. She is out for a month and will ride more next year. She rides about 10 miles a day and her horse grazes on the lush grass of the Sand Hills. She has a tent and carries about 40 lbs of supplies on her horse. This is different travel than we are doing. Her advice is to “Follow your dreams!”

It has gotten cooler and the nights are cold – 45 or so. We are glad for a reprieve from the 90 degree heat. This is still much cooler than the 100+ days back home.

Wednesday, July 15, 2009:    Matt led us out and across pastures. The rolling hills here are not as high or as steep as the ones back home. I guess “rolling hills” covers a large range of hills. We had lunch at the ranch headquarters. This was another soft grass and shade lunch. Some of us took a short nap after eating. Then we were back on our horses. We rode across another “Sound of Music” hills. Then we could see South Dakota off in the distance. We went along a stream with large cottonwoods. We were joined by most of the folks left in camp. It was great to have so many riders. Josie is back! She rode with us when we were at the border of Mexico. Glad to have you back, Josie! Our destination was Fisher’s Ash Creek Ranch.

Our hosts on this ride have been very gracious! We have been served dinner, homemade cookies, ice cream, etc. People are anxious to talk to us, to hear where we come from, why we are on this ride, how it all works, etc. This is the Best of America. I really like the small towns, the rural lifestyle.

Thursday, July 16, 2009 This is a rest day. We did laundry, grocery shopping, fuel stop, found a saddle repair shop, etc. Cisco got loose in some tall grass – up to his belly – and was having fun running and bucking. He did not want to be caught!

Friday, July 17, 2009  Today we rode to Norman/Kolling Guest Ranch north of Fort Robinson. We saw buffalo in a pasture, went up on a ridge, and down into a draw. Lunch was at Tony Johnson’s Arena. Wayne rode 2-Bits today and liked 2-Bits’s fast walk. We were in the Sand Hills until Wednesday when we got into the Pine Ridge section of Nebraska. And today we changed completely again when we got to the alkaline white cliffs. It looks like the land was mostly level, then there was great erosion to make the cliffs. There is even a section called Toadstool Canyon where the erosion has created mushroom shaped formations with a narrow stem and large top. John and Candy from Wyoming have joined us for dinner before and today was the first time they rode with us. Candy’s horse was excited about being with so many new horses that he jogged most of the day. This can be exhausting. Welcome, John and Candy! We were served dinner at Norman Ranch – they even had tempeh for us vegetarians. Thanks!

Saturday, July 18, 2009 Donna’s Birthday – Happy Birthday, Donna!!!! And a Rest Day. Back to Chadron to the Wal-Mart, feed store, food coop, lunch at a restaurant on Main Street. We had “domestics” to do here at camp – change the oil in generators, replace the bug shield on my truck after getting new “screws”, replace the air filter, look for the water leak in my trailer – did not find it. I thought I might be filling the camper’s water tank too full but tonight after my shower, the floor is wetter than it was before. Maybe it leaks from the shower’s drain. I’ll keep checking. Get ready to ride into South Dakota tomorrow!

Happy Trails,

Nancy