These were the words Jason Thomson left with me before he headed home.
For the past week, my high school roping coach and good friend joined me on one of the most visually-stunning sections of the trip. Jason arrived Tuesday afternoon and rode from outside of Rifle to Delta, Colorado. During our trek, we crossed the High River National Forest and the Grand Mesa National Forest.
“Wow, buddy, this is beautiful… I’m so glad I’m sharing this with you,” Jason said as we rode through a forest of vibrant-yellow aspens.
Everyday the scenery seemed to get prettier and prettier. As we climbed the Grand Mesa mountain on our second to last day, we came across a huge reservoir surrounded by pine trees. With the water glowing from the afternoon sun, Jason decided a dip was a must. We hadn’t showered in 3 days, which is the reality of traveling horseback.
“Man, lets leave the horses in that little meadow and take a shower in there,” Jason yelled my way.
“Jay, it’s pretty cold; that water must be freezing,” I replied.
Jason is Canadian. I am Brazilian. Cold water scares me as much as bears, which is a lot (Watch Dispatch 13).
After some convincing, we were on the shores of the reservoir stripping down. As soon as I took my boots off and felt how cold the sand was, I realized the mistake I had just made. As I walked into the piercing water, I yelled at the top of my lungs – AHHHH! It was as if someone was sticking a knife into my skin. With a small bar of soap, I washed myself as fast as humanly possible and ran out of that freezing water!
Feeling very refreshed, we continued our ride down the mountain. We found an old corral for the horses that night and set up camp. It is getting cold here in Colorado really quick! The next morning the horses water bucket had a layer of ice on top! My hands were frozen until the sun finally came up over the mountains around 8:30-9am.
“You need to get out of Colorado soon, buddy, or you are going to get stuck in snow,” Jason said as we made our way to Delta.
Aspens and Pine trees slowly transitioned into buildings as the road went from dirt to asphalt. By 3:00pm we were in the hustle and bustle of the city.
Sadly, after traveling around 1200 miles, Delta welcomed me with the first a$$hole of the trip. As Jason and I made our way down a side street, a car slowed down and a teenager put his head out the window and yelled, “get the F*&% off the road.” They went on to return a few minutes later and honk as they drove by the horses with a middle finger lingering out the window. Why? Why do some people choose to be a$$holes? The only thing I can think of is that they are unhappy. I feel sad for people like that.
For the most part, we create the reality we live in! Life is what you make of it. It can be colorful and beautiful, or it can be dark and depressing. It’s all up to you!
“Hope for the best. Plan for the worst. Take what comes.” I love these words Jason left me with because they speak of just that. During my life, a lot of things didn’t go as I had planned or wanted. This taught me to turn a bad moment into an opportunity.
“I’m proud of you, buddy, for doing what you are doing. It’s a big journey. A lot of people have dreams, but never make it happen. You are out here living yours,” Jason said after shoeing my horses.
Those words hit me so hard. I have looked up to this guy for so long! He is both an amazing cowboy and person. He is also one of the people who helped me unlock the doors of the universe. It was Jason who put me in touch with Brian Anderson from Copper Spring Ranch – JourneyAmerica’s greatest sponsor!!!!!!!!!
Once the horses feet were finished, Jason, Emma, and I headed to The Stockyards restaurant for some much needed dinner. After eating a delicious meal and having cold beers, the owner of the place, Dianne Anderson, told me she would pick up the tab. I couldn’t believe it.
“I think what you are doing is really cool, honey. Save your money for when you need it down the road,” she said to me.
So thankful for Dianne’s kindness. It made my night, especially after running into that idiot while riding into town!
The moral of the story is that in 1200 miles I have met countless angels and 1, only 1, idiot. Once again, the majority of people are AMAZING 🙂
