Ever since my departure from the Calgary Stampede I have met hundreds of people. Some have welcomed me into their homes, others have simply stopped on the side of the road to chat. But one thing never seems to fail, everyone I meet wants to give me something to take along.

This can become a challenge when your home is a pack saddle that your horse must carry everyday.

Here is a list of the most interesting and peculiar things we have been given along the way:

• Horse – Texas was given to me by a rancher in Wyoming.

• Naomi’s ashes – Peter Lisker, who hosted me in Craig, Colorado asked if I would take his sister’s ashes on the journey. Naomi loved horses and this is her last ride.
• Feather – A Navajo family blessed the horses and tied a feather on Bruiser’s mane to keep us safe on the road.

• Snacks – Boiled eggs, fried chicken, cookies, donuts, carrots, a cake, a case of beer, horse treats, grain, hay… the list goes on – Snacks and treats are constantly given to us on the road.

• Books – Many of the families we get to know give us a book before we part ways. Karen Hardy and Jim Hollmann gave us books they have written. So cool 🙂
• Good luck charm – A woman in New Mexico gave me a saint’s statue for good luck.

• Long Underwear – While staying with the photographer, Karen Kuehn, she gave Emma and I long underwear to stay warm. Karen also gave us an array of amazing images!
• Atlas – Several families have given me maps and atlases. They have also helped plan my route south! This knowledge and wisdom is worth gold.
• Gold Dollars – John Senna gave us a 25 dollar pack of Gold American Dollar coins. He said they will come in handy in Mexico. I am putting those coins in my socks.
• Money – I have been stopped dozens of times on the side of the road for donations.
• Tack – Many people have donated horse blankets and other tack along the way.