Sir Walter injured

Walter got hurt. Caught leg in barbed wire trying to jump fence.

We had been offered a wonderful stay on 60 acres with a clean creek running through the property.

Nobody knows what happened... the owners and I watched Walter and their horse for several hours, all were fine; I walked the fence line; went to go rest under trees; got a call from owners that they were coming to get me, they had just driven by the far corner and Walter was hurt. They had found him frozen with three legs on one side of the fence and the other wrapped in barbed wire on the opposite side. He stood stock still while they cut him loose. I had heard an extremely loud boom nearby shortly before, we speculated that something scared him... but truth is, we'll never know.

Vet tech says 2-4 week lay up, dont move (transport) him for 5 days at least.

Back at Linda A.'s for now. She and her parents being wonderful.

Dont know how this will work out... just glad Walter didnt cut a tendon or artery.

Very grateful so many people rallied to help (including vet's tech Caroline, as vet was out
of town).

on the road again

Took county road paralling hwy 81 to a bit south of Duncan. Stopped at
gas station/store where Sir Walter the Red was greatly admired by a
mule man and where the manager called the local paper, so a very nice
young woman caught up with us and interviewed.

Tonite given shelter by Linda A. and her parents Ms Ruth and Mr Hugh, after a tiring few hours
of riding up driveways asking permission to camp and put up mule. So grateful;
Walter in pasture, me in camper trailer. All's right with the world.

New tent coming!

Oh! And forgot to mention... the tent crisis is over. Sea - remember Sea G. Rhydr, the Long Rider friend I started with way back in March, in Louisiana? She's riding from California to Maine? (Yup...!) Sea read my post about the deteriorating tent, and arranged to have her parents ship her old tent to me. Thank you Sea!!!

 Funny, she had just recently posted about "Long Rider Tack" with a section on the importance of a good tent... see her blog at freerangerodeo.com . Good stuff. Sea and her two ponies have made it to Tennessee so far.

creating a home

To continue...

Over the years Debbie has taken a plot of raw land, put a house on it, worked it and expanded it, and created a beautiful little slice of heaven amid her acres.

 

 

 

Steve, AKA Rooster, meanwhile fenced and roofed and expanded and built gates and nice pens, one of which Walter has been enjoying.

 

 

 

About time for Walter to say goodbye to his nice pen and me to bid my new friends farewell... although we are watching tomorrow's weather since Walter's little back scrape is still too raw to ride, meaning if we leave Friday I'll likely be walking again.

 

Debbie and Steve

 





The good long walk

So yesterday morning, I look Walter over and see he's got barely a scratch except... a small scrape right in the middle of his back, where I sit when riding. It's just deep enough to have oozed during the night. I'll have to lead him to Comanche.

I had already decided to take a back-road detour from Hwy 81 that would add 5 miles, but keep us off a dangerous overpass with a blind hill and no shoulder that I'd been warned about. 13 miles to Comanche on the back route. With doctoring, dealing with the horse next door, and other matters, we got off to a very late start - around 11 am and about 95 degrees.

I am learning there are few things that dont have a positive angle. Yup, it was hot & humid. Yes, I worried about keeping us both hydrated. The roads were very, very rural - didnt see a vehicle for the first couple hours, no help if either of us keeled over (yeah, I did think about it!).

And you know what? It turned out to be a time of bonding with Walter. And a sort of walking meditation. Walter has been getting balky and difficult about being led. After a couple hours, we fell into a deep rhythm, our steps in perfect time... Walter picking his own best path in the gravel/dirt road, next to or behind me but always with the same amount of slack in his lead, and if he was behind and I gave the slightest bump he quietly stepped up next to me again. I was having to stop every 15 minutes or so for a gulp of water. We stopped at a creek and a house for Walter's water. By the end of the walk I felt such a deep peace, and Walter was softly touching me with his nose about every 20 minutes if I hadn't stopped to drink yet.

 

 

 

We didn't make it to Comanche. Halfway there, after 7 miles, there was a group of houses by the road with a barn and empty pens and a huge yard and garden. A man was out mowing the yard. I tied Walter to a post and waved at the man, pointing to Walter and making drinking motions with a question in my face. The man's eyebrows shot up in surprise, he shut off the mower and next thing I knew, we were invited to stay not one, but three nights! To give Walter time to recuperate and put on some extra weight, and to wait out a 3-day heat wave.

 

More about Steve and Debbie, and pics of Debbies beautiful garden-of-eden landscaping, in the next post... 

Bad post! Bad, bad!

Well my gosh, that last post sure was a dip into the pity pot, wasnt it? LOL

So there ya have it, folks - nope Im not cheerful ALL the time and
even have my whiney moments, sorry to say.

But as always, if you just wait a bit things look up. Tonite we're in
a wonderful place with great folks and comfort for human and beast.
More about the day in next post.

one of those days...

Having second thoughts about going to Kansas City... second thoughts
about using Walter as a solo mule... doubts about my tent, tether rope
and other things...

Walter busted through a pipe-fence gate scraping his back (yes, through! He leapt between the rails, lifted it off its hinges with his back, whipped around and kicked it off his hind end), then gave 

The gate, unhinged
 

himself his 3rd rope burn in as many weeks, then had to be restrained on a short line for the night all because he was separated from a horse about 50 yards away.


unhappy Sir Walter, mentally unhinged

I have to stay out in the tent all night watching Walter instead of in the nice
cool quiet empty house. Grrrr.

My tent is threatening to shred in the wind.

Maybe we should just head home after all.

Sigh...

Waurika, OK

Nice early start, made for leisurely ride with lots of "chow down" &
water stops (when water could be found) for Walter.

Only 10 miles to Waurika. Hwy 81 quiet on a Sunday, huge wide flat
grassy shoulders.

There.s a vet clinic in Waurika and Walter needs a current health
certificate to travel (we snuck in over the bridge). Decided to cut
the day short; have lunch at a real sit-down cafe and find the night's
mule lodgings.

At cafe, found seat by window, ran back out to unpack Walter & loosen
his cinch, came in, sat down & ordered. There were a few other follks
at tables who barely looked up when I came in.

Turns out one of those couples had anonymously paid for my lunch...
its always hard being a stranger in a strange town, and that sure
heartened my day! I didnt feel so alone.

The workers/owners at the cafe got on the phone and found me and
Walter a good camp tonite. Me in tent in RV park and Walter next to me
with horse for company in 2-acre pasture.

Peaceful evening, off to Sonic for a chocolate milkshake now...

tent is little red dot to left of tree
Walter's pasture is right behind it

Red River repeat

After reality check conversation this morning
with last nite's host the county fire warden re extreme drought and
scarce population along route I planned, headed north again into OK.

Once again considering my original plan - ride to Kansas City, MO.
Tonight am in Ryan, OK at home of Blue, man who befriended us along Hwy
81. Walter in round pen with plenty of hay.

As of tomorrow both options still open. AZ will take about 4 more
months, MO about 2 plus figuring how to get us home from there or to
winter over...

ringgold tx

long day started with donkey with cap stuck on foot, ended with
unwanted dog groupie.

made good time, camped next to Walter. too tired to post more.

goodbye boots, hello shoes

Walter got his mule pedicure and new shoes courtesy of farrier Joe
Tom Hancock, who very generously donated his services. Thank you Joe
Tom!!

Walter was in the kind and expert hands of racing royalty... Joe Tom
is an ex-jockey and the grandson of Joe Hancock, breeder, trainer and owner of Joe Hancock the
legendary racehorse. As Walter was shod, Mr Corkey and Joe Tom swapped
stories about their years racing the small, not sure if they were legal? (I wasn't sure)
races on the Oklahoma circuit.

The Easyboot Epics were not working out well and gaiters weren't
holding up. Too much gravel for bare feet.

Corkey and Allie B took me on a preview of the next 3 days' route.
Hopefully early start tomorrow.

Allie B and Corkey B.

on again off again

Felt great to be back on road today! Walter in fine form.

Saw lots of wagons in a barnyard and figured might be mule folks - landed at home of venerable Mr Corkey and friend Ms Allie B. just as rain blew in. I'm invited in,Walter in pen.

Staying over tomorrow so farrier can come put shoes on him in pm.

Father's Day

If you're reading this Dad, Happy Father's Day! I miss you. Wish you could have been with us.

The whole N./S. clan went to Oklahoma today for a fabulous catfish dinner and took me along. The Judge and Ms Laney gave me a tour of the genuine Chisholm Trail.

Mr. and Mrs. S. next to a Chisholm Trail historical marker

This area is where they would drive the cattle over the Red River. The line of "woods" in the photos is actually the edge of a deep and wide ravine. It was formed by the thousands of cattle being driven over a bluff.  At the river, the herds fording the water would be packed so thick that cowboys could walk across their backs to get to the other side.

Close view of the ravine

long view

Hoping to be back on the road tomorrow. Route and timing depend on a few factors I'm still working out. Available graze, water, funds/months left, better tent, etc. Whenever we leave, I plan to come back here in the future to visit new lifelong friends... big-hearted people, beautiful country.

A day in St. Jo





Feeling a bit better Friday, so Kristal took me on a tour of Saint Jo, and later showed me the country from there north into Oklahoma. Husband Brent was working so grandma Laney watched the kids for the afternoon while grandpa Tommy was at meetings. It's been quite an experience being embraced by this whole loving family. Just feel blessed is all I can say.

 

Kristal & Bailie

Brent & Brandon

 

Saint Jo has preserved its old town square and has a couple galleries, hotel, bootmaker shop, café, etc. One of the highlights was the newsroom of the Saint Jo Tribune. The Tribune is run by Sonny Cole, editor, and his wife Dee. Having worked in publishing since the days when articles were actually laid out and hand-pasted on stiff boards in prep for printing, I have a soft spot for old-style newsrooms.

posing with Sonny and Dee Cole

Mr. Sonny took us in back and showed me some of the old printing presses they have. For you aficionados out there, the Coles even have a couple old working letterpresses, complete with lead!

 

Mr. Sonny demoing the letterpress while Ms Dee helps explain

 

Can't remember what kind this was

 

Mr. Sonny showing how they still use the Heidelberg to cut stencils

 Afterwards Kristal showed me an incredibly beautiful valley between St Jo and the Red River. It has all been in her family in one branch or another for generations. I wish I had taken photos - sorry folks! Take my word for it... its a good thing this fruitful land has not been subdivided.

 

Walter's new digs

Walter loves his new temporary home. Lush pasture, trees, covered shelter, fresh water, within close sight of the trailer housing his human, and best of all, a Shetland and a quarter horse to visit with. Both mares. Mule heaven.

 

Walter's digs
 

Katie's digs



 We are here until he's healed enough to travel, and I know I won't puke en route (had a touch of the stomach flu). It's beautiful and peaceful. Thank you Mr. and Mrs. S. !!

The loneliness of the long-distance mule

Woke up Wednesday morning to this:

 

BEFORE

 

There was a lone horse living on the 50-some acre pasture outside the pens. He would come visit once or twice a day. Walter became increasingly frantic about being separated from the horse, and took to pacing, trotting and galloping the fence line compulsively 24/7, scraping his neck along the top pole while holding his head over it.

 

He would slide to a stop at the corners, and had piled heavy mud up over both gates. 

AFTER

 



Oh, my aching back...

 

 

Walter's next night - tied to the post while I prepare a highline

 In a desperate attempt to get Walter to calm down, eat and drink, I high-lined him inside the stall area that night (high-lining is tying an animal by its lead rope to a strong overhead rope, with just enough slack so it can eat, drink and lay down without getting tangled). I pitched my tent next to him, on the concrete floor by the tractor. It worked. It was a long night. Then Walter began pawing madly and fussing at the first glimmer of dawn.

 

My mule was self-destructing and I felt terrible about it... Kristal's parents, Laney and Tommy S., offered to put Walter up at their farm near St Jo, where he'd be on pasture and could either be just over the fence from their 2 horses or turned out with them. With enormous relief and gratitude, I accepted.

smorgasbord

The big barn I'm staying in was recently the site of a huge garage sale. The brothers both told me to take anything I wanted. I don't need much but - what fun!

I found a super lightweight waterproof (I tested it) rain jacket to replace the heavy winter one I've been using. And a shirt to replace the tattered, stained one I've been wearing. I'm one happy camper.

Now if only there was a tent... few days ago discovered my tent is NOT weatherproof in a windy rainstorm. Awoke to a pool under the saddlepads, bags soaked, yikes! With no computer or sports store might be a while before I can get a good new one. Any ideas of how to make the best of it on the meantime most welcome...

But for now, as if the clothing smorgasbord wasn't gift enough, there was a pillowtop mattress in among the goods. I dragged it out last night, and what a great night's sleep. Then today Kristal brought me to her folks' house for spaghetti ( mmm, her sister's cooking) and shower and laundry, and her sister is taking me back with errands on the way. All our needs being cared for, thanks to so many good people. Another one to file in the "pass-it-on" folder for my own future.

Life is sweet!

settled in

Camped at big barn with good pen and donated feed for Walter, generously offered/arranged by Tony F., friend of Kristal's hubby Brent, and Tony's brother Donny.

Rare luxury of a weeks solitude in comfort with water and electric, to
relax and get some private work done.
And vet to call if need advice on treating Walter.

Walter enjoys grazing on tether more than being in the pen...

hoof absess

Yesterday very hard time finding place to stop for the night but turned out
okay at last minute. In tent, Walter in hosts' empty cow pen.

Today Walter had hoof absess erupt as we rode. He was never lame,
didnt know he'd been hurting, poor guy. So lead him on foot most of
the way to St Jo. Its the weekend, no vet, all horse people at rodeo
in next town.

But Kristal N., wonderful woman who came out to show her daughter Bailey
a mule, is friends with vet's entire extended family. She made some
calls and here we are camped out behind the closed clinic.
Plus vet at Cactus Clinic was nice enough to advise me over the phone... No riding
Walter for about a week.

So we'll be looking for somewhere else to lay over come Monday when
the clinic opens. But for now- with shelter, donated hay and even a
milkshake - I'm very grateful and relieved!

kindness

Huge thunderstorm hit at 4am. If Ashlyn had not offered shelter, Walter
and I might have been caught out in it with tent and tether, like we are set up
tonight.

Big surprise this morning - new mare in pasture they didnt know was
due had foal with her! Wobbly little tiny colt. Wouldnt nurse. A. was
afraid it had "dummy foal syndrome." She spent hours patiently working
with the baby until finally - joy! it suckled.

She hauled us back to our last stopping point (Walmart-a whole post in
itself) and a bit beyond to next crossroads.

Ashlyn saying 'bye to Walter

Tonight camped in yard of folks who lease rest of land to dairy
farmer. They went out and returned with dinner...

I came back from around side of barn, to find Linda had set an old
rocking chair next to my tent. Facing where Walter is grazing.
Sometimes such a small gesture is such a deep kindness...