Salida - 1/2 way to Denver!

Howdy there everyone!  I'm in Salida, 250 miles from Durango and Denver.  I've had many adventures along the way, and have enjoyed every minute of the trip so far.

I'm at the Salida Library and have only a few minutes to update my blog, so this will have to be brief.

When I left Silverton, I got a ride to Molas Pass (7 miles from town) by a friendly horse trainer, Larry, and his friend Claire.  They were so willing to help me out, I really appreciate them taking time from a busy  morning to trailer me, Wiley and the horses "up the hill".

We geared up in the parking lot at the Molas Campground and headed down many steep switchbacks to the Animas River Valley.  Just as I neared the bottom of the valley, I saw the steam from the Silverton/Durango train coming puffing down the tracks, and I thought, UH OH, this can't be good.  I quickly found three sturdy aspen trees to tie each horse, and right as I secured the last tie, the train screamed that whistle as it neared Silverton, right next to the horses!  Whoa!!!  They reared and turned and in general freaked out.  Thank goodness I got them tied before the whistle blew or I doubt I could have held them all.  The tourists on the train all had their cameras out - I just stood there and waved to the paparazzi as they cheered and waved back.  I'm sure we were quite the sight.  Wiley didn't know what to make of that!

I continued on up that Valley (Elk Park Basin) and spent many days on the trail, some days without seeing a single person!

When I finally neared Salida however, I was riding one of "the most beautiful mountain bike trails in the world", according to the guide book.  I bet I passed 150 mountain bikers.  Wiley had his work cut out for him - he was up ahead alerting the bikers to stop before they crashed into us.  He did a good job.

Lots more to tell, but have to stop for now.  Will update again soon.

Photo is compliments of Katy, who took these photos near Stony Pass.

All is well - minor injuries to horses are healing well, and Wiley is doing fine, when he's not sleeping with other women in their tents!  (He likes to disappear now and then).

More to come - thanks for tuning in.

I'm staying in Salida with Sue Applegate at Granite Mountain Outfitters.  The horses are resting on beautiful pasture and I'm planning to hit the trail again on Friday Morning.

Resting and Resupply in Silverton

Hello Everyone!

A quick update from Silverton, CO, 7 miles from the Colorado Trail at Moas Pass. I've stopped here to shower and resupply, and let the horses rest a couple of days.

I spent 7 days in the wilderness with the horses and Wiley, and had rather a rough start. Pouring rain and hailstorms on Kennebec Pass prevented my departure from that camp for 2 days. I finally was able to scale to the top of Indian Trail Ridge, and the 360 views were spectacular!

Wiley and I have found some truly amazing camp spots, and the horses are adjusting to the routine of the ride.

The first night out, I had let the 2 geldings out to graze and had Maggie tied. This system has worked well for me in the past, as the geldings will not stray far from her side.  During the thunderstorms in night however, she got loose from her halter and they all disappeared for about 12 hours. I was frantic of course, and thought it was the end of everything. Just when I gave up looking for them all over the mountain side, I found them on a forest service road below the Kennebec Pass, walking back to camp, looking very surprised to see me. I've never been so thankful to see anyone!!!
I vowed to never let that happen again but just that afternoon, was letting Maggie graze while the boys were tied. Magic got loose and took off after Maggie like a mad thing. Of course that left Midnight tied alone, who was snorting and stamping! I untied him, with the intent to saddle him and go get the others. He took off with me dangling from the lead rope like a puppet on a string. I fell and hung on - doing a texas roll in the grass as he went faster and faster. I finally let go and watched him disappear over the ridge after the others, bucking with glee! I got up, and found my pants were full of dirt and grass. Huffing and puffing, I chased them down - back down that forest service road again.

Everytime I'd get close, Magic would snort and gallop off, the others in swift pursuit. Finally, I outsmarted them, and cut them off by crossing in front of them around a bend. I bent down and picked some grass, held it out and caught Maggie easily. Good grief! I believe that is when I lost my iphone, as a couple of hours later I realized it was no longer in my pocket. Grrrrr. There go 1300 photos and my only portable communication tool.  Oh well, the battery was dead and I seldom had reception anyway.
Since then, Maggie NEVER is at liberty. I keep a close eye on all of them, and my biggest fear is that I would be left alone in the wild, miles from help. I WILL NOT LET THAT HAPPEN AGAIN!

The next day, we loaded up (it was taking me hours to load - I had too much stuff!) and headed for the pass. Wiley missed the turn as he was way ahead, and went another way. I started switchbacking up a steep mountain, and couldn't see him anywhere for about an hour. Finally, I was near the top and had written him off, when I saw him far below, making his way up the mountain. I was glad to see him again.

Once we got to the top, the weather was bad again, and it was too dangerous to approach the Indian Peak Trail - exposed on a high ridge for 4 miles. In fact, I had just enough time to strip the loads from the horses, tarp the saddles, and duck under low pine boughs before the hail storm raged for 2 hours.

Later the weather cleared a bit and I was debating giving it a try, studying the storm clouds, when a couple of brothers came down from the trail. They were shell shocked, and said they thought they were going to die up there. They told me not to go that way - they said the trail was too steep and too rocky to manage with horses - that they had to crawl on hands and knees to get up the trail. They told me their father was coming to pick them up and take them home to Farmington. I begged them to take gear off my hands to lighten my load. In the end they took about half my weight with them THANK YOU!

After lightening my load, I was encouraged to try again, but one of the brothers helped me find another route down the mountain and sold me a map that was more detailed than my Colorado Trail book.

I was getting ready to load up the horses again, visiting with a nice man and his son from Missouri. While we were talking, Wiley disappeared again! This time he was really gone - for hours. I rode with the horses over to a pretty little lake for water, and still no Wiley. I figured that was the end of him when he didn't show up at dark. I called and called, but still no Wiley. I was irritated with that dang dog and disappointed at the same time, and finally just went to bed in my tent, planning to leave in the morning without him, pending better weather.

Just as I was drifting off to sleep, I heard a vehicle pull into the parking lot at the top of the pass, and honk a horn. Next I heard a man's voice calling "Trish?". I called out, "are you looking for me?" He replied, "If you're Trish and you're looking for Wiley, I have him here!"

Wow. It was Ben, from a Outlaw Tours in Durango. His driver had picked Wiley up that afternoon and taken him to Durango. By some strange coincidence, the nice man from Missouri and his family were at the tour headquarters that afternoon when Wiley came in. He told them that Wiley belonged to me, and that I was camped at the pass, and s Ben drove the 50 miles round trip to bring him back to me.
It was good to have him back in my sleeping bag again. I guess I couldn't blame him for his escapade, and I realized how much his company means to me once I had him back again.

The next day dawned with pouring rain and storms again. I was beginning to think I'd never get off that high pass, but finally the weather cleared and I loaded up again (much easier with much less weight), planning to head down on my new route through the forest. Luckily, a very nice guide from Durango, Chris, came over to visit and encouraged me to stick to the Colorado Trail, reassuring me that horses did the Indian Trail often, and that my horses certainly looked competant. I decided to go for it, and I'm so glad that I did, because it was spectacular. The weather was beautiful and the 360 view was a memory I'll never forget. The horses negotiated the trail without difficulty, Maggie leading the way with confidence- jumping up three foot high rocky ledges without batting an eye. They are such athletes!
We made good distance that day, traveling from 330 pm till 10 pm, setting up camp under a starry sky in a beautiful location overlooking a valley. Sunrise the next morning was spectacular!
I geared up and departed about 930 on day 5 of my adventure, making it about 15 miles that day.  The variety of terrain is amazing.  I see waterfalls, lakes, mountain passes, vista views, fields of wildflowers, and I wish I knew more about mushrooms, because I see tons of different kinds...Morels?  Puffballs?  little ones, big ones, wish I knew which were edible...

We had a beautiful camp spot that night by a river that night, and left early the next morning. I feel my strength getting better each day, and I get faster loading the horses every time I do it. I am so thankful to David Batzer, an outfitter friend from Fort Collins who showed me how to tie the top pack with the Arizona Hitch. It's working so well, and is so easy to tie and untie! It has eliminated the problems I used to have tying on the packs. I go all day now without having to retie.

Regarding the horses feet - an important topic! They are doing great in their EponaShoes. Thanks from the bottom of my heart to Monique and John from Pasa Robles, CA, my excellent (and only) sponsors who have provided me with shoes for all the horses, and taught me the skills I needed to maintain my horses feet. All horses were reshod just before leaving, and everyone is holding well, with great traction on all surfaces. Mostly, I travel on a lot of rock and I am so thrilled with the performance of these shoes! They have given the horses great confidence, and I have had zero lameness issues. Eponashoes rock!!! I am carrying spares and all my (very heavy) farrier tools just in case, but so far I have had NO ISSUES with hooves or stones. Happy feet means happy horses!

I crossed the "Rolling Pass" on my intended destination to Molas Pass, but made a wrong turn, or rather, missed the turn and headed south - WAY OUT OF THE WAY. Oops. I guess I didn't look at the map all day. The trail seemed so clear and I totally missed the sign to turn left. I came down a lot of switchbacks into a valley where a lot of mountain bikers were parked. I asked "where's the store?" thinking I was at Molas Pass, but alas I was 45 miles south of where I should have been. I was planning to head into Silverton for resupply, which is 7 miles from Molas Pass. I borrowed a cell phone and started making many calls. Finally, a nice lady at the Chamber of Commerce, gave me a phone number for Patty, "who has some horses". Patty didn't hesitate, and said "I have a horse trailer and I'll come and get you - but you might have to wait until I get off work." She was so wonderful - she got her husband Tommy and a friend Craig to drive the 45 miles each way to pick us up and shuttle us to the delightful town of Silverton. I was greeted with a big hug and a welcoming smile by these two friendly gents. They helped me load all my gear and Wiley got to ride up front in the cab to town. He of course takes all this in stride.

On my arrival here in Silverton, the helpful owners of the Red Mountain Motel and RV park quickly set up a panel round pen for the horses and filled a tank with fresh water. Tommy went and brought me back 3 bales of beautiful hay, and then refused to take any compensation for either the shuttle or the hay. Wow.
I love Silverton. I had a nice room with the best shower of my life, and then strolled downtown to "Handlebars" as in moustache. They served me up the best martini ever and a juicy delicious NY strip steak that I think may be the best steak of my life!

The craziest thing of all is that while I was enjoying my salad, in walks the nice fellow from Missouri and his whole family that I had met at the Kennebec Pass the fateful day when Wiley was taken to Durango by mistake. He explained to me that he had been the one to identify Wiley in Durango and encouraged Ben to bring him back to me! It was great to visit again with that lovely family and we enjoyed a meal together - updated each other on our Colorado Adventures. I'll enjoy having them following my blog - really great kids!

So today I found myself a very accomodating little place in Silverton called "the Avalanche". They served me a nice coffee and a breakfast pizza (yummy), and let me use their computer - no charge! Every so often, a stagecoach drawn by horses trots by, and I can hear the steam engine blow down the tracks as the train heads back to Durango. I wonder what the horses thought of that! I was loaned a nice cruiser bike to go the two blocks "downtown", and Wiley is laying in the shade outside, waiting for me to finish. Craig, one of the fellows who picked me up yesterday, just stopped in to get a coffee, and I'm going to head across the street to see the art gallery he runs with his partner. Then it will be time to gather my supplies, and get to bed early tonight because tomorrow, I'm back on the trail!
I figure I will be able to update my blog about weekly, depending on my progress on the trail. I'm hoping to up my mileage from here out and see if I can make better time.

Thanks for staying in touch, and please email me your phone numbers and contact info, as I lost it all with my iphone.  Know that I'm doing well, getting strong and slim, and loving every minute of this adventure of a lifetime.

Love to all! Trish

On the road to Durango

Hi and thanks for checking in. I am currently in Pagosa Springs, fresh out of the Maroon Bells Wilderness. My friend Patty and I rode the trail from Gothic, a little town north of th lovely village of Crested Butte. We packed our gear on Magic, the 9 year old gelding, and spent the first night at Copper Lake. It's a good thing we were fresh for the trip over Triangle pass.

The word "scree" has new meaning for me now. It's no surprise that scream starts with the same sound. Patty was first to get off and lead Maggie. It was scary hearing the sound of the scree falling down the mountain under the horse hooves. The view however was spectacular, and then we were treated to a fabulous wildflower display as we made our way into Conundrum basin and to the Hot Springs. Our camp spot was perfect with sweet pasture for the horses and trees to shelter us from the sun and rain. We had plenty of both.

We rode out after three nights and four days of camping. The way back was still scary but the horses did amazingly well! The eponashoes give amazing grip on all surfaces, and the scree field was accomplished without problems of any kind.

We got a hotel room in Gunnison, cause Patty was craving a hot shower. Turns out the Hells Angels had chosen Gunnison as the rendezvous spot on the way to Sturgis. While they were quite intimidating in their "colors" and with the noisy Harleys, we heard rom the locals that they were only polite, considerate, and generous. We had to park on the stret because there were so many Harleys in the parking lot, but in the end, we slept well and were only awakened a couple of times by bikes coming in. The horses spent he nIght at he fairgrounds. What a wonderful thing that is! So much more comfortable than standing in the trailer all night.

I'm almost out of battery, so will close for now. Tomorrow we head to Durango, where I will prepare to ride the Colorado Trail almost 500 miles to Denver.

Stay tuned!

A better way to follow a blog....

Greetings to you on my last day at work. Well, at least for awhile. I plan to work a few shifts between burning man and the telluride blues fest in September, but I also plan to give public talks to schools and so forth so I won't have much time for work.

My good friend and work mate Jessica Apostle (super nurse) showed me a way for you to get notifications automatic thru Google. Here's how:

on the google toolbar, select "more". From the top right, select "reader", and then click on "create account". Then click on "add subscription" and type in my blog address, which is :

trishwild.blogspot.com

you can follow multiple blogs this way, and then you will be notified whenever there is a new post! You will need a gmail free account to do this I think.

Alright! Couple hours to go, and then I'm off on my trip to conundrum!

Hasta la vista baby!

Last days of work

I worked in the ER today, and will work my last shift until September tomorrow. When I'm done, I drive back to my niece Kelly's place and then gear up for Conundrum Hot springs in the Maroon Bells Wilderness outside Aspen Colorado.

After we soak our tired selves for a few days, Patty will drop me off at the Colorado Trail trailhead in Durango and I will ride for a month to see how far I can get. At the end of a month, I head to the "burning Man" in the Nevada desert. I will be working as a greeter. If you're planning to be there - come and say hi!

Ok. Time to sleep. 5 am comes early!

Stay tuned for reports from conundrum and the Colorado trail....

Another day with Horse's feet then back to the Fort

I spent another day working with the horses feet.  Got Midnight trimmed, and discovered that his hooves have changed in size from the last time I shod him.  We're transitioning to the Eponashoes and this time his feet are a little different.  So I'll be making another trip back to the farrier supply to trade in the shoes I have for a slightly wider size.

Magic was missing a shoe, so I replaced that one - his shoes should be good for another couple of weeks I hope.  

After completing all of that and rearranging some gear, it was time to head for Fort Collins again.  I signed up to work a 6 hour shift in the ER at the McKee Medical Center in Loveland.  I'll be working a few shifts as a per diem employee here and there this summer before I leave in October.  Here's a photo of me heading north out of Denver.

I arrived at my good friend Carolina's house about 10 last night.  This morning, Wiley enjoyed a little sunshine by the lake in her backyard.  Lot's to do here to gear up for my trip  to Conundrum Hot Springs in the Maroon Bells Wilderness.

Here's Wiley in Carolina's backyard.

Horseshoing Day

Dr. Ashleigh Olds, Awesome Equine Vet

Today was spent preparing the horses for travel.  New Eponashoes and a visit to the vet.    The morning started with a trip to the Large Animal Vet, Dr. Ashleigh Olds, at her clinic in Conifer.  All three horses received Coggins tests, rabies shots, and a friendly exam. 

Maggie had her sharp teeth filed (floated) on the cheek side so she can eat better.  I learned that an electric disc is more efficient and effective than the old method of using a rasp.  I got to see inside her mouth with a light while she was sedated and opened with that crazy looking device that covers the front teeth and cranks her jaw open.  Wow - I had no idea.  That's a lot of teeth!  Anyhow, it was a very informative experience and we completed our first Vet visit "on the road".  Thanks to Dr. Olds for getting us in to the clinic with only one day notice!

When I got back to Kelly's, it was time to get started on Maggie's shoes.  4 hours later, after a lot of sweat, blood, and swearing (sorry but it's true), Maggie has a new set of Eponashoes.  These polycarbonate horse shoes are made by Monique and John of Paso Robles, CA.  They have engineered an amazing athletic shoe for horses, and I'm so thankful to have them as a sponsor of my ride.  Today, I could actually feel the new shoes while riding!  Maggie has a spring in her step, and we can gallop over gravel without problems.  Check out their website if you have an interest in these shoes.  I plan to write frequently about their performance on the road.  So far, they are the best shoes I've ever had on my horses, but my farrier skills are still under development.  I have a lot to learn - but my darling Maggie stood there for four hours without complaint.  Hopefully this will get easier as I get more practice.

Ouch.  My back!  Ouch.  My finger!

          Shoeing horses is the thirstiest work I've ever done!

I used a hoof jack device for the first time today.  See the blood?  Next photo - the new shoes. 

Once the shoes were on, Kelly and I rode 6 miles or so into town to share a dinner at the local tavern.  The photo on the left is Kelly on her sweet horse "Buttercup". 

About 3/4 of the way there, I realized that the $100 bill that was in my pocket, wrapped around my debit card, was no longer there.  ARRRRGH!  I rode back the six miles at a gallop.  Maggie was happy to head home.  She bulleted so fast, I had to slow her down at one point.  I was keeping an eye out for the bill, but no luck.  Until I got back to Kelly's and found it laying next to the road, in the ditch grass.  I couldn't believe it!  No debit card anywhere though, but that's an easier fix than losing the $$$.

I drove to the tavern, ordered a saphire gin martini, (up dry with 3 olives please), and guess what? It was "STEAK NIGHT". Kelly and I both enjoyed a fine meal, and headed home, happy with the outcome.

                 (Photos below are Buttercup, after her bath this morning and Maggie, ready to go).

Now it's time to hit the sack.  Tomorrow, it's Midnight's turn for new shoes, and I'm going to need a good night's rest!  Maybe I can cut the time to 3 hours???

First update "On the Road"

Whew.  It's been a whirlwind these past 6 weeks!  I worked my last shift as a trauma nurse after 36 years in the nursing profession on June 28.  While finishing that up, I moved all my possessions out of the Estes Park cabin into my girlfriend's garage.  Two garage sales and a shipment to the second hand store later, I now can fit all my possessions into my truck and horse trailer, including my three horses and Wiley (of course). 

I pulled out of Fort Collins yesterday, feeling excited and free.

I'm currently visiting my neice, Kelly, at her home in Indian Hills, Colorado.  A few days here, a quick trip back to Fort Collins on Tuesday, and then let the travels begin!

Here are my plans for the immediate future:

1).  July 20, depart for Aspen, CO to the Maroon Bells Wilderness area.  A couple of friends will ride with me to "Conundrum" a hot springs above treeline.  9 miles in, two or three nights soaking in the mountaintop pools, and 9 miles out.

2).  Drive with Patty, my buddy, to Pagosa Springs.  More Hot Springs seeking - plan to check out Rainbow Hot Springs.  Also the home of Pat Parelli, horse trainer extraordinaire.

3).  August 1, arrive at the trailhead for the Colorado Trail, and spend the month riding 500 miles from Durango to Denver.  By myself this time, for the first time keeping a long distance pace of 25 miles a day, 125 miles/week, 500 per month.  I will be testing gear, trying to work the blog, and updating my website - hopefully!  I'll be crossing several high mountain ranges on this trip, so it might take a little longer - I'm allowing an extra two weeks because I don't want to rush.

4).  September 17, allow the horses to rest on pasture while I attend the Telluride Blues and Brews festival with friends from work.

5). September/October, public speaking to schools and community groups, prepare for departure date.

6). 10/10/10 - Host a departure/fundraiser (place to be determined, but I'm hoping for CSU Equine Picket Center).  Ride away on the adventure of a lifetime!  Anyone who would like to see me off on horseback is welcome to ride along as far as you like.

For now, it's a great feeling to be free and on the road.  Horses are fit and ready for travel.  Well, almost.  It's time again to trim and shoe with the special Eponashoes.  A polycarbonate shoe that I first put on about 8 weeks ago.  They have worked out so well so far!  Great traction - like putting Nike's on my horses' feet!  I love these shoes!  More on this topic later.

So join the fun and come along!  I'm so happy to have you "out there" so please send your comments, questions, suggestions, etc.  I love hearing from you!

Trish Wild
The Equine Nomad

Sisco comes to play!

Sisco, a 5 year old Spotted Saddlehorse, comes to Horsedancing Ranch for training.

Are you a follower?

OK, so I'm trying to figure out this whole blog thing. If you haven't already signed up, it would be really great to see you on the sidebar as a "follower".  As of today, there are 15 people brave enough to come on board.  It's easy - just click on the link. Part of the reason I'm blogging is to stay in touch, but also, to earn money.  If my blog grabs attention for being visited frequently, google will begin to post ads that will pay per click and maybe pay for my trip!  Or at least help..Plus, I like knowing who's out there, so I can keep in touch better...So pass the link to anyone you think might like to travel along with me, and come back often! 

Brush and Bottle Class

My friends Lou and Greg invited me to their cool coffee shop in downtown Estes Park (the big one on the River).  They are hosting these cool art classes every other Friday.  I took an oil painting class called Brush and Bottle - (or was it Bottle and Brush?) and this painting was the result of drinking wine while painting on canvas.  This is actually my abstraction of a photo taken of the draft horse who pulls the carriage down Elk Horn Ave in Estes Park.  I love painting and plan to do it a lot more...Anybody want to buy this one?

What's a Remuda?

So here's a cool thing about horses.  The females rule!  (Stallions are for fighting, breeding, and protecting the herd - also important).  In a herd, the females decide where and when the herd moves.  And how about this?  They often lead together, shoulder to shoulder, in a line called a "Remuda".  Here's a cool photo of a Remuda that a friend of mine took a long time ago.

Home is: 2978 Lory Lane, Estes Park, Colorado

This is where we live in Estes Park.  On top of a beautiful mountain, in the snow at this time of year...  Notice Magic and Midnight watching me drive away to work.  Hopefully they won't have to watch me leave them for much longer.

A Morning Beach Race in Mal Pais, Costa Rica.

It's time to catch up...

It's been a month since I created my blog, and it's time now, to get going.  I just returned from Costa Rica, where I had a fabulous time on the beach and in the rain forest with my good buddy (let's just call him C) who shall remain nameless.  Sorry for the mystery, but he's just that way, and that's the way it shall be.  Thanks by the way, for all the fun! 

I was motivated and shot from the cannon to get back and get busy, for there is much to do.

Here's my current list:

1.  Make a reservation (flight) to attend Epona Research Institute Clinic on the polycarbonate shoes I would like my steeds to wear all the way to Argentina.  I have been graciously invited by Monique, the owner of the company to come and learn how to trim and shoe the Epona way.  More on that later.  That event takes place April 2-4, in Pasa Robles, California.  Can't wait.

2.  Get my financial house in order.  That means, I need to seek funding STAT.  I will write and send one hundred letters to potential supporters via Email before April 1st.  I am hoping for corporate sponsorship because I have no desire to tap my friendships for money.  In exchange for sponsorship in goods, services, or money, I will be happy to post ads on this website of various prominence.  Anyone who has suggestions of companies that may be interested in sponsoring my endeavors to bring peace, provide entertainment, and bring joy to children along the path, please send em my way!

For those of you that just HAVE TO give me money in spite of me saying right now that I don't expect and will never ask my friends to contribute, I am currently developing a way for you wonderful people to "buy a mile".  Stay tuned, but really, I don't expect it, and will never ask you to do it.  It's just that there are some people that want to help and can, so I won't say no.  But really, this only applies to those people who have extra cash laying around that they want to give away for the fun of it.  Most people I am friends with are not in that position, and this DOES NOT APPLY TO YOU.  So just read on and enjoy!   (Friends will be tapped frequently instead for moral, emotional, and spiritual support).

3.  Create a new blog written by Wiley Coyote and his 3 comrades, Midnight, Magic, and the most wonderful Maggie.  It is my hope that gradeschoolers (and others?) might like to read about our travels from the point of view of my furry family.  As I ride, I plan to stop and talk to interested parties at schools, prisons, and community gatherings along the way. 
4.  Liquidate all my possessions.  I originally thought I would hang on to some "stuff", but I now believe it will be most freeing if I let go of EVERYTHING.  So I'm making a plan to have a sale.  An auction of my worldly possessions, except for what I need to take on my trip.

5.  Create costumes for the ride.  Yes, I know, it sounds crazy, but it is my desire to entertain along the way, so I am teaming up with some talented folks who have offered to help me come up with something original (and of course wild) to ride in.  Maybe a few outfits...you know, so people will see me coming....I'm thinking on the order of Avatar like fashion (but NO I will not paint my face blue or tattoo on a costume as some of you have suggested...I saw Alice in Wonderland tonight.  She had some great outfits - oh yes, for sure I need some armor with a cute skirt!  And a great HAT!  yes yes.  And a cool sword.  To slay my own jabberwockies....OFF WITH THEIR HEADS!  And check out the outfit on the white queen's horse - I think Miss Maggie will look fabulous in one of those....

OK, so that's it for today.  There's a lot more to do, including quitting my job, but not quite yet....

Thanks for checking in, and really, pass the word!  I really am going to do this thing, and I would feel so much better to know there are people "out there" cheering me on.  Love to all, and to all a goodnight.

The Wild Nomad

UPDATE:  July 16, 2010
Good progress on all fronts!

1).  Attended the seminar in California in April - learned about Eponashoes and received instruction on how to apply them to my horses feet.  Confirmed the company as a sponsor for my trip.  Monique and John, engineers and inventors of the polycarbonate horseshoe, have made the generous offer to send me shoes for all three horses.  In exchange I will report back on their performance over varied terrain and 10,000 miles. 

2).  Funding still pending - built my website and blog, but technical difficulties have kept me from seeking the funding I had hoped for.  Still under construction.  Help?

3).  Nothing in print yet, but Wiley is getting his thoughts together.....

4).  Great progress here!  I am now free of all possessions, except what I carry in my truck and trailer.  I still need to "let go" of more things.  Too much to fit on one pack horse....

5).  Excellent progress here too!  I discovered a wonderful leathersmith in Loveland Colorado, Jennifer, who owns a little business called "Phoenix Nest".  She constructed a custom fit set of leather armor for me.  I wore it in a parade in Estes Park, and it's comfortable, protective, and super cool.

Maggie in Training

A LIFELONG DREAM

I have been horse crazy since I was a child.  My earliest memories are of desires to be with horses.  Summer trips to my Uncle Bill's farm near the Peace Gardens in North Dakota were filled with days on a big black mare's back.  I was in the woods, in the fields, anywhere I could be on horseback.  I was 7 years old.  I dreamed of having my own horse, and wished for it every time I saw the first evening star.  I rode a broomstick horse and in my mind, it was a galloping palomino, just like Roy Rogers.  Later, I inherited a bike from my brother, and it became my horse - galloping down the street - my hair and the mane of my imaginary horse blowing in the wind.  I spent all my allowance and all my time on gathering and playing with little horse statues.  All of the named - all of them with personalities.

Years later, when I was 12, I got my first horse.  My Uncle Bill helped me find her, and when my father and I went to pick her up, she was a scraggly little yellow horse, scrounging for feed all by herself in a field.  I named her Shawnee and during the next five years, we grew up together riding the fields of the Peace Gardens.  I spent long days on her back - riding alone or with friends.  I learned to ride bareback and it was heaven to me.  My father Harvey and I talked about what it would be like to ride the Grand Canyon.

From those days to these, I have never stopped imagining what it would be like to ride long distance.

I have since owned and ridden many other horses, many miles.  I've learned to pack with sawbucks, and have spent many nights alone in beautiful national forest settings - riding in after dark at times, trusting my horses and their superior night vision.  I've helped hunters carry in their camps and haul out their elk meat. I've guided tourists on trails, and taken many beginners for their first rides.

But still, in the back of my mind, I never stopped imagining what it would be like to ride long distance.

I took dressage lessons and learned to jump.  I taught my horses to drive and pull carriages and carts. I've been in parades and carried flags.

But always, my big dream was to ride long distance.  To ride away with only what I could carry with me.  To live simply in the open.  To meet people and experience cultures along the way.  But most especially, to live with my horses day in and day out.  This has always been my dream.

So finally, the time has come.  My three sons are now on their own, living their dreams and taking care of themselves.  They make me proud.  It's time for me to finally follow my dreams and make them reality.

I have decided that I will ride from my home in Colorado to Buenos Aires, Argentina.  It's a rather arbitrary choice.  It's really all about living with my horses 24/7 and letting the wind blow us in the direction of the day. I want to head south, because I've spent time in Mexico, Central, and South America, and I love the culture, the people, and have always felt welcome there.  These places are horse oriented, and have a long history of horsemanship and horse culture.  I dream of who I will meet along the way and what adventures this lifestyle might bring.  One day, I would like to ride into Buenos Aires, having ridden the 10,000 miles it takes to get there.  I have set a departure date of 10/10/10, because it seems like a good date to leave.  An auspicious date.

I'm starting this blog because I want to keep my family, friends, sponsors, and interested parties up to date on my plans, preparations, and training rides.  Eventually, I'll be using this as a way to record my adventures along the way.  I'm not sure how often I'll be able to update when I'm riding, but I plan to keep a daily log of my travels and enter them here when I find an internet cafe or a way to access the internet along the way.

My real reason for doing this is simply because I wish to live a simple life with my horses on the road. It doesn't really matter where I go, except that I'm interested in adventure and exploring cultures that are different than mine.  I'm aware of the hazards I may encounter, and I will do my best to keep my horses, my dog, and myself, healthy and safe.  I believe that good people along the way will help me and teach me, and I dream of all the new friendships and experiences I will have along the way.

My greatest hope is that by living my dream, I will inspire others to live theirs.

You are invited to comment and to offer any input, reaction, advice, or suggestions you might have.  I don't know why I've always been so obsessed with horses.  Perhaps it's a genetic defect, but I can tell you it's always been part of who I am, and I am thrilled that I now will be able to live as a nomad on horseback.

It has always been my dream.

Welcome to my blog!  I hope you'll come back to visit often, and let me know you're out there....