Can We Go Now???

Been waiting over a year to go on this trip and here it is, the departure date to leave Vermont and head west is less than a week away...FINALLY! Wow there is so much planning, packing and preparing to do...seems like one thing on the list gets crossed off and three more things are added at the same time!

Tom and the gang have been fantastic about posting updates and emails to help prepare the horse-back riders for this trip. Not only do we have to prepare ourselves, we also must prepare the horses and that involves so much more than just riding them and exercising them! Every state that we travel thru requires different paperwork and shots, some require brand inspections, some require weed-free hay. The horses' diets have been gradually changed to prepare their digestive systems so they don't colic on us.

Then there is the decision of what type of 'sneakers' to put on the horses' feet. Should Willy go barefoot? Should Zip use Easy Boots, etc ? The final decision was to put shoes on all four with pads in the front for Zip and just 4 shoes for Willy, since his feet are tougher. And am also bringing along an extra set of shoes for each horse already shaped to use as replacements once the current ones wear out.

And then, of course, is the financial end of the trip. As soon as it was known that this ride was going to become a reality, a real effort was made to put a certain amount of cash into the tin can next to the telephone. The amount of mileage/fuel, food, overnight stops, feed for the horses, and misc expenses was taken into consideration and added up and, thanks to the help of some very wonderful friends (you know who you are and Thank You from the bottom of our hearts), this magical adventure is going to become a reality.

Most of the winter was spent logging onto www.bestofamericabyhorseback.com checking for news and updates on the ride. As soon as the Ride Route was posted I jumped on the internet and googled every town we'd pass thru to see what would be going on at that time, things to see and do, historical markers, historical routes, museums, etc etc. I wanted to learn everything about that town. I want to bring back as much interesting history and stories as I can to share with the kids on Milton Bus 6!

Another huge consideration was Cody. He is considered 'handicapped' with his 3 legs and because of his thick fur and hot summer temps there was worry about how he'd stay cool. Dogs cannot be tied up outside the trailers while we're riding, so the purchase of a small A/C unit for the old horse trailer was being seriously considered. Then a friend was selling his 40 ft Sundowner w/living quarters and A/C so after the hassle of dealing w/the bank, Cody now will be living like a rock star during the trip. Spoiled brat!

Stay tuned.....!!