I'm here in Jena, Louisiana with Sea G Rhydr in a wonderful bunkhouse provided by the good folks at Wild Horse Ministries. Preacher Paul Daily found me a mule! Her owner was so sure I'd want her that he hauled his little molly 45 minutes from home for me to try her out. More about that in a minute.

It's a strange thing in this cyber-age to get to know someone through email and almost daily phone calls, and never have met face to face. Sea was just as I'd imagined her. I guess it was mutual. What a relief for both of us! And what a joy to meet a new friend in person.

Sea and Jesse James

We went through a whirlwind few days of mule searching, picking up mail, shopping for supplies, working out route and logistics, and a busy social calendar. Plus I went on a 4-hour trail ride with 16 other people through the beautiful woods here, trying out a young horse prospect (who promptly dumped me in protest at wearing a bit for the first time). I saw my first magnolia tree.

After going to see mules that weren't for sale, mules that couldn't be caught, kicking mules, unridable mules, and a sweet obese mule with bad feet, I was about ready to buy the young horse anyhow, when Preacher Paul summoned me during last night's roping practice to "go talk to that man over there about a mule."

He brought her this morning... had described a wonderful animal... and finally, it was true! Meet the new addition to the herd. "Ruth," for now:

Tomorrow morning is the vet check and Coggins, a test needed to get the health certificate to cross state lines.

Tomorrow afternoon we're on the road!