We Leave Tomorrow!

I was warned when planning began to be flexible, things would change around every corner.  They certainly have.  Friend Sandra Russell, who dubbed us the Tuff Enuff Gals, and who was my only riding companion for the whole trip had to shorten her time to one month, and ultimately cancel altogether due to house sitter complications.  The rider who was joining us from Walla Walla, WA, to Lewiston, ID, is only able to join us for two days.  He did provide maps for us for that whole section though,...thank you Rod Parks.  Sally, Back Country Horsemen member and Forest Service employee in Montana, is the only person who will (hopefully) be riding with me in that area.....so far.


Other things have fallen into place nicely:


     We found a 1995 Suburban (that we lovingly named TEGR--Tuff Enuff Gals Rig), 3/4 ton, to pull the horse trailer.  It's all loaded and ready to head out tomorrow (Sunday) to Wagon Train.  


     I didn't find the used light weight saddle I'd been looking for, so had to buy a new one.  Luckily I found one on sale and they gave me another $20 off to support my trip.  Love it.


     All my riding aches and pains have been fixed.  Wide endurance stirrups relieved my knee pain, swivel bracket on the stirrups relieved my ankle pain, and an inflatable seat cushion secured under the standard fleece seat cover with velcro relieved....well, you know what.  Comfy, comfy, comfy, I'm good to go.  Aaahhhhhh.


     Friends have lent me equipment that I didn't even know I needed.  Thanks Linda Martin for the sweat blanket, cinch covers and quarter blanket.  Thanks Carol & Eldy Swendsen for the collapsible bucket and better horn bag.  Thanks Cindy Hemphill for picking up the half chaps I'd been trying to get off of CraigsList in the valley and bringing them when you come to Wagon Train.  Thanks Lodgepole Dodgers Snowmobile Club for the use of your SPOT (Satellite Messenger) for Judy, and Bernie Shoemaker for the use of your personal SPOT for me on the trail.  We can now check in mornings and evenings to let the hubbys know we're ok, and feel secure knowing we can signal for help should we need any.


     Norm, has tricked out the horse trailer to resolve some issues I was concerned about.  The most important was figuring out what to do with Hank when we are camped with no trees around to high line between.  Solution--Norm built a 6' boom secured to the trailer I can tie Hank to.  He will have the same mobility as if high lined, grazing, laying down, etc.  I also have portable aluminum fence and electric fence when needed.  Norm built the rack on top of the trailer for hay, tool box, and water tank.

Friend Mike Wolfgram is out in the barn at this moment  buffing and polishing TEGR's headlights as the covers were totally dulled over.  Now we can see at night.....thanks Mikey!


I can't believe it's finally departure time.  Will load Hank for our 4 1/2 hr. drive to first camp Wagon Train.  Norm will drive our other truck and camper.  Judy and husband Bob will come last night of camp so Judy & I can take off the next day while Norm and Bob head home.  Train will actually start Monday,  but we like to get set up and settled the day before.  It's been a long time planning, a lot of work...Judy and I are looking forward to some rest once the trek actually starts.  


THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR MORAL SUPPORT, CONCERNS, GOOD WISHES AND PRAYERS ALONG THE TRAIL.  Will keep in touch as satellite service allows.