On March 1st, 2010, my friend Walter and I set off on an adventure with my Arabian horse, Sojourner. I rode Soj across America and Walter drove our little truck (with no trailer). The trip began in Los Angeles, California and successfully ended in Bath, New Hampshire 8 months and 14 days later. It was a 3,700 mile ride.

We rode in celebration of family and as an outreach to those dealing with divorce-related depression.

This ride tells a tale of love in many forms - through the people we meet along the way, our connection with the horse, with the land, and with each other.

As this blog goes on it gets more and more in depth with tons of photos and experiences. Snuggle in with a cup of tea and read this like a book. I have switched the blog around so it reads start to finish so you don't have to read backward (except the first entry).

Here is our story...

leaving tomorrow...oh man !! !! !!

2/28/10

I have to work out some saddle stuff today that is weighing heavily on me. Basically I can't get on it, so.....that's a biggie. ;) I mean, I can because I can whip myself up, but it's not ideal. If I put any weight into it slips towards me. I have a super soft sheep wool pad under a treeless saddle and I guess the two don't mix. Maybe it's that and maybe it's my girth. I am going to go get another girth now. I don't think it will change anything though because I never mount or ride with a tight girth....this thing is like I smeared butter all over his back for kicks or something.

Anyway-I've got to work that out today. Walter is on his way here. I just talked to him. He's boarding the bus in Yosemite right now. He should be in Oakland around 5pm. We leave tomorrow morning super early...maybe around 5am and we'll stay with some of Henry's friends in L.A.

Sojourner has been a bit spunky lately. Hopefully he is cool through L.A. If Henry can, he's going to ride with me the first day through the city. That will help a ton because Soj would be cool if Cantaro was there too. Plus, I would love to have Henry with me. I have to say bye to everyone at the ranch today and it's going to kill me. I made them all some leather gifts-halters and spur holders and things. I'll give them out tonight. Hopefully I can hold myself together. I feel like when you leave somewhere it's never quite the same when you go back...and you never really go back. This part of my life is closing and it's pretty sad. I mean, I know the people are still with me, but they have been such a huge part of my life every single day for the last year and a half. Henry and I talk about buying a massive chunk of land so we can all build houses on it and all stay together. He said he could build all the houses. Someday. :)

I should go get that girth. Geez.
It's sunny today which is nice-it's been so rainy. I'll give Soj a nice bath and tack him up with everything. I went to Tall Toad Music and got my little Martin guitar to travel with so that's all set.

Yesterday I was running errands and I was at a stop light and there was this guy just going crazy mad wild with whatever song he was singing. I think he was a little crazy. I think he was rapping actually. Everyone really steered clear of him that walked by and always kept an eye on him-in case he sprung on them or something. Then there was this one kid and I could see he was kind of smirking and when he came up to the cross walk beside the wildly rapping man he started dancing with him and the rapping guy stopped and smile HUGE and then they danced and sang together all the way across the cross walk. It was so sweet-made me smile huge. I love that the kid wasn't scared of him and didn't judge him and when the rapping guy saw him dance he totally stopped. He was so thrown off guard! Then when he continued he was in super throw down mode and they had a party across the cross walk. It was cool. Then the kid just walked on forward and the rapping guy continued his song and dance on his own. Such a sweet little moment.

Alright, alright, alright....here I go. Last day. Oh man. What have I gotten myself into!!!!?????

1 comment:

  1. How exciting! I'll keep with with you, Sojourner, and Walter. I promise to send a care package along or make a donation.

    Until you get the saddle issue figured out (and always, actually), keep a very close eye on Soj's back for any signs of chafing, dry spots, etc.

    You're obviously a really good bareback rider (I saw one of your videos). You could probably ride bareback somedays.

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