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...

still waiting...

6/18/2010

Thanks so much. Walter and I were just talking about how much everyone helps us with their support. It really makes you fight to keep going and figure out ways to make this all work out. I said to a reporter a few days ago that the biggest thing I've been reminded of on this trip is that you can't do anything alone. It would be an awfully lonely road if you tried to anyway.

We will see a vet later this afternoon, but I think Walter and I have concluded that Soj needs a rest no matter what the verdict. Maybe 10-14 days, we're thinking.

We will probably go to the parade ourselves tomorrow if that's fine with the parade organizers. We'll drive the truck with the banners and I can sing a couple songs....

Then we have to sort this whole thing out. We're debating where to go for this little break. We made a wonderful friend back in Plainview that we might try to get the horse back to. If we can do that we might actually go home for a week to get some TLC from my mama and Stephen and I can get back in the leather shop for a few days, but that's a bit of a drive so I don't know.....

We also thought about going home to NH to maybe work on the fence a bit for Soj and in that case get some TLC from my Dad, but then we have to buy plane tickets....so I don't know about that either....probably not. Nah, I don't think that's logical actually.

I hate to leave Soj for ten days. It's going to be very weird and make me sad, but we're a long way from home and our options are limited, or at least what we feel comfortable with is limited.

So...I'll write again later when we've come to a verdict, but these are the latest thoughts.
Thanks for all of your help...it will get figured out. I kept saying we were going to make it by the end of September, but it's looking like October has won.

Walter walked in the door and pulled his back out and a horse bit Soj's back and made a gash of three teeth marks down his lower back. Signs. Are these signs? Must be signs.

We just had a delicious lunch with the most wonderful fresh salads and homemade soup at a little restaurant in town called The Main Street Courtyard Cafe. Chelsea, the Preachers daughter, said it had a Californian flare last night at dinner and that we should come in today. She was right! Oh how nice it was.

More soon.....

7 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great plan. I think the rest for Soj is really important. We'll look forward to your next update.

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  2. Linny.. you know, you can keep Soj here (and yourselves) -- 2 weeks or 6 months if you like. You and Walter can have all the privacy you want (I promise) Air Conditioning... a bathtub and great Cache Creek Reflective Scenery with a view of the Mountains for writing (yes Oklahoma has mountains).

    You know I'm just a 45 minute drive for Walter, You and Soj (I did it in that amount of time this morning). You can trust that I would take the best care of all of you and Soj as he would have his own private pasture. Plainview is way too many miles in the opposite direction for you....

    The Oklahoma City Airport is close to me..as well as Dallas should you decide to get some TLC form your mama and Stephen. Sojourner, Walter and you would never wear out your welcome here....and I like to think that I am not a stranger to you >smile< Let me know your thoughts and I will support you on whatever you decide....but logically, I'm right on your way...

    ---Hope you liked the sticky buns..they weren't much but wanted to bring them to you both to cheer you up. Sharon is OK with you just driving the truck, too by the way.. I just spoke to her about bringing another Long Rider and Horse..

    Keep your spirits up, it will all be alright --- I promise.

    By the way I quote Howard Wooldridge here, "Stopping does not equal failed"...

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  3. lin & walter,
    don't know exactly how far i am but you are always welcome.
    love you guys,
    aunt val

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  4. Happy thoughts! Love and lots of rest! FEEL BETTER WALTER AND SOJ! Ouch! Linny, I'm here to help too if I can!
    Darcy

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  5. Ah, sweet pea,
    I've been watching the weather channel and saw all the tornadoes that have been hitting so many southern states. I was hoping that you guys wouldn't be affected but looks like it must have been quite a scary situation. Made my heart go pitter patter, just reading your blog. And people think California earthquakes are nerve racking!! I've lived here all my life and have only been in a few and they weren't anything like your experience with the twisters. Guess I vote for a little rock and roll over being sucked into the clouds.

    Sounds like you have some very generous offers from people who are willing and able to help you out. There are no rules to break or timelines that can't be adjusted. Remember that the journey is the central point of the ride. It doesn't matter how or when you get to N.H. or where ever your end of trail might be. You will finish when you are ready. There is absolutely no point in breaking down your body or Soj's. Even the wagon trains pulled over for extended periods of time to recoup and you know how tough those pioneer women were! You have accomplished so much and influenced so many, so don't get discouraged. It's even o.k. to feel a little down and out. For a little while. Then just grab those boot straps and pull up. You will be fine.

    LOVE, HUGS AND LOTS OF PRAYERS

    Nancy

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  6. Linny,
    If you can't recognize an Angel when she's pounding on your shoulder, you must still be asleep in the saddle. Sounds to me like Megan has spread her wings to encompass all three of you. Let her shelter you for a while. You bring your own gifts, so it's really mutually beneficial. Besides, Walter needs a good rest, as well.
    The wind has been blowing like a gale for days and I'm starting to get quite irritable. I just think about you and your "adventures" to snap me out of it. Puts things into perspective.

    The answer my friend, is blowing in the wind.....

    Love you,

    Nancy

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  7. While NH is too far at this moment in time, it is here waiting for you. Maybe if you need another rest further on and you are closer?
    I am working on extending the back pasture a bit more than it has ever been, right out to the property line looking towards Three Rock Field. Your mother saw that and I think she was pleased.
    To steal a line from Garrison Keillor: "Be well, do good work, and keep in touch."
    Love, Dad

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