I will be giving a slideshow presentation for the Back Country Horseman on September 13th at 7pm in the First National Bank, Libby Montana.
For more information contact Cindy Betlach – 406 295-5781
Public is welcome.
This is how I feel sometimes when I come in, just plain hard to readjust to stationary life, life without that constant change and surprise. But I am settling in. My Mountain Cabin is a respite a place to rest and find peace in stillness.
I had a wonderful time at the Fjord Horse Show in Sandpoint, Idaho last week. Not only was it a good turn out for my slide-show presentation but many folks I had met from previous rides attended. Always gets me screaming with delight. I did not ride over as I had planned. Essie Pearl had health issues (she is fine now) but I could not take her so I drove over. The show was well attended, a very friendly down to earth group of Fjord enthusiasts. I could not help but admire the show Fjords, so different from my girls who are roughed and tough looking.
Dear Sponsors, July 24th, 2016
I have completed my 8000 mile 2 ½ year international ride. I set out on this adventure in the spring of 2014 and completed the ride June 17th 2016! I write with saddle bags full of gratitude and appreciation for both the support and encouragement you have shown me on this epic journey. I must say it was by far the most successful ride I have thus far ridden. No injuries, no accidents, and the horses returned liked shinning stars. I returned filled with a sense of accomplishment, seasoned as never before. According to the International Long Riders Guild a round trip coast to coast continuous ride had never been done before. Add to that story- I rode solo, with no support vehicle what so ever, no cell phone or GPS, a 62year old woman. The east coast surprised me with their bountiful enthusiasm. I gave 32 talks thru out the New York winter. (2014/2015.) I had hoped to ride more of Canada but circumstances prevented it. But I swam the horses in 3 of the great lakes, raced on the sands of the Atlantic Ocean and touched salt water in the Strait of Juan de Fuca off the Washington coast. We crossed for the 8th time both the Rocky and Cascade Mountains and made more friends than anyone deserves. The year I embarked on my ride – 2014, marked the 100th anniversary of women’s right to vote in Montana. In collaboration with the Montana Historical society I paid homage to three of the most prominent historical suffragettes in New York State. A highlight of my ride. I continue to remind people of the freedom we enjoy in this country and the goodness I find in its people. I also sincerely hope my rides inspire and encourage female leadership. Now at the end of 12 years and 28,000 equestrian miles I do not feel “finished.” Already my head fills with plans for the 2017 ride, another east coast ride. A short 1500 mile journey from Southern Virginia north to Massachusetts or ? with talks scheduled through
out my route. I will most definitely ride a few more years. I know I have that much left in me. The rides are arduous, and never easy and of course there are many times when I ask myself, “how much longer can I do this?” Even more the reason I appreciate as I do your continued support and knowing I have someone backing me, that you are there if I need a saddle-pack replaced or a veterinary question, horseshoes or more supplements. You are there and I count on you. Besides providing me with your products and services your businesses also add credibility to my rides which leads to more speaking engagements, ie my bread and butter. I take having your support seriously. I want YOU also to shine. I want you also to benefit from sponsoring me on these lengthy equestrian journeys I make. Believe me when I say I appreciate your support each and every day I am out there making my way across the country. With sincere appreciation for all that you have done for me, I send a hearty thank you!
Your lady long rider,
www.endeofthetrail.com
Bernice Ende P.O. Box 284 Trego, Montana 59934
I begin teaching ballet classes next week at the Creative Arts Center in Eureka. I am looking forward to working with the young dancers. Last year I taught a few classes. It had been 15 years since I had set foot in a dance studio. I wondered if I would remember how! But after nearly 30 years of teaching it all came flooding back so easily.
I am busy making wood and getting in hay for the horses. Russ Barnett owner of Outfitters Supply (and long time sponsor) has been up to the cabin a few times. His business is located 50 miles south of here in Columbia Falls. He’s helped with wood and hay. Winter is not far off. The horses are thickening this is their kind of weather, northern bred girls that they are.
I have had guests from back east last month. Jane King from Sutton, New Hampshire stayed a week as did friends from Minnesota. John Adamski a professional photographer from New York, (he did a beautiful story and lay out for The Finger Lake Magazine) a friend from Vermont and another from Boulder, Montana are coming in this month. I must admit I love the company, it reminds me that I truly did do the ride as these are people I met in 2014 and 2015.
All for now,
Bernice
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!
It was not the route I had originally planned. No, I had hoped to ride more of Canada coming back. I thought I would ride south of Minneapolis not come from the north as I did. I’d planned on riding further north into Maine and I certainly did not plan on wintering in New York. Three months into the ride Cuchullaine from the Long Riders Guild informed me… “Bernice no one has ever ridden a continuous round trip coast to coast ride.” Well of course I thought, “oh put a little pressure on the ride.” I had know idea I’d be attempting a first time ever ride, alone as a single 62 year old woman. I had no idea it had not been done, nor would I have set out to prove myself. Huh, who would have thought?
We are home now, truly home at my Montana cabin for the first time in 12 years and I must say I am not entirely sure who I am right now. Already I turn and see our trail of hoof tracks disappearing with the incoming tide. It hardly seems possible I accomplished such a trek. I rode in on Wolf Creek Road one week ago, a road I left on 12 years ago in 2005 riding a nervous, dancing Tennessee Walking horse named Pride. My first ride, such a novice. How did I do it? That first ride changed me more than I think anything ever had in my life. I felt for the first time I had, “climbed into my own skin.” And now riding in on Wolf Creek 12 years later on two of the finest (in my humble opinion) long riding horses that have ever lived, I feel seasoned, accomplished as I have never felt in my life. This ride has changed me again, more than even the first ride had.
It takes years, it takes experience, trials and many, many errors. It takes pushing yourself beyond that which you thought impossible. One must stretch and reach, find humility and great gusts of appreciation before you uncover, strip off the layers of gunk to reveal what you are truly made of and where you’re going. And even then is it not an ongoing process of self discovery? That is what I feel this 8000 mile ride has done to me. It has left me feeling “seasoned.”
The horses are trimming the lawn. One week and they are restless. Spirit nearly ran me over yesterday with one of her fits of joy and delight as she rounded the cabin with bucks, farts and squeals. She is into everything, pulling on table clothes, attempting to open gates, enter the cabin and feed shed. She wants to move. Of all my horses Spirit has displayed a natural instinct to long riding. She has a natural instinct to keep moving. Essie takes a more laid back approach to life. She waits with diligence for hand outs at the cabin door, an apple will do or crackers or bread or… well it matters little just so she gets something before returning to graze at Spirits side.
Reaching my final east and west coast destinies brought tears to my eyes. “The people.” I thought, “so many people who helped in one way or another.” And my horses, my beloved horses who stood knee deep, their first time ever, in salt waters. I thought of the miles they walked, packed, tolerated with willingness as we passed thru state after state. They are the true champions of this story, my horses. I must not forget my sponsors for they provide more than equipment, they also give me credibility. Tuckers Saddle and Outfitters Supply gave generous financial contributions and I dare say the ride would most likely not have happened with out their donations. There were also many private donations that kept me going. That is all I ask, please just let me keep going.
I often times hear remarks made by observers and its funny they think my life so independent so free and it’s anything but. I could not possibly do these rides without the help, kindness and generosity of others. I am for the most part completely dependent on the people I meet who offer food, shelter, directions, a hot shower and most importantly encouragement.
How do you end an 8000 mile 2 ½ year ride? Gracefully as one can. This is by far the hardest part, the reentry. Where I must find my footing on stationary ground without the daily packing and moving without the, “Ok girls lets go,” a fresh new road sprawled out before us. I can hear my mother calling, “Bernice, come on in now, it’s getting late, put those horses away come in and get ready for bed or supper or…” I will admit I have pulled maps out already in search of a short, few hundred mile, ride this fall. Next years east coast ride is already filling my head. But right now I have much to do. I speak next month, August 26th in Sandpoint, Idaho at the International Fjord Show. And the book must be finished! I have been asked to teach a few Ballet Classes in Eureka at the Creative Arts Center, that I will do.
I shall see what it feels like to once again, live a normal life.
Bernice
Dan and Sally owners of THE CHEWUCH INN are hosting my stay once again. Heading for home this time. THANK YOU so much for the hospitality!!
I leave behind emerald green waters rushing westward to the Pacific Ocean. I will miss the short season of wild thimbleberries and blackberries. Fields of strawberries and blueberries which the Skagit Valley is known for were not quite ripe. The terrain changes dramatically from that rich, luscious, thick, colorful “Garden of Eden” land of western Washington to a much more subtle, drier, open land of eastern Washington. Divided by the magnificent Cascade Mountain Range.
I first heard about the Mazama Country Store in Chewelah, WA. I was told it was a “hoydee toydee” store. I might describe the store as an old-time mercantile look blended with an uptown Seattle look hosting a wide selection of specialty foods, deli and bakery all wrapped in wood sidewalks and a charming patio with picnic tables. A very unusual store considering it’s in the middle of no where – well its at the far west end of the Methow Valley. Missy and Dan Ledue bought the store 16 years ago when it still appeared pretty shabby. The trail system and tourist business were still in its infancy and had not been developed as it is now. So I asked Missy, “Was it not kind of risky taking on such a business venture back then?” She said she was raised in family business venture, in Seattle, she brought support and know how with her. She and her husband Dan created a jewel. I walked in and just stopped and then said to myself, “What’s this all about? How can this be here? Who did this?” It’s a family run store. I met two teenage daughters and son who appeared competent enough to take over the store. When I asked if they had plans to do so they smiled and well it was apparent they were interested. May 26th I camped across the street from the store. I got up and walked over for coffee and breakfast which was “on the house.” Pesto egg sandwich and blueberry scone…fabulous! I visited with Logan, a young music major working at the Mazama Store for the summer. His hands were full, making sandwiches. He said he would make 500 sandwiches for the weekend! Good Golly! I rode out late Friday morning. The really busy hours were still ahead but they were set, they were ready and willing with smiles…..
I have to tell you a “trail angel” story. I rode into Mazama the first time, heading west, after a night with the Burkharts who own Early Winters Ranch a mile east of Mazama and run a string of 100 horses for Outfitting and trail rides…beside running a working ranch I might add.
I really had no idea of how I would logistically ride over the pass. There’d be no grass for two days. I could have packed out feed from the Burkharts but I hated to pack so much weight on the horses for that long, I still had days to ride. I stopped at the Mazama Store not so much for supplies but rather out of curiosity how could I not? Smiles greeted me. There I met Cheryl Crosby, alias “trail angel.” We talked for sometime and then she said I am going to come out and check up on you!!! more of a telling me rather than asking voice, she was determined to see me safely over that pass. (her husband volunteers for the fire dept.- it must run in the family) So I said if you come out would you bring my grain? And she did she brought 50pds of grain form my girls. I tried to force money upon her, NO WAY! She did accept at least a DVD momentum from me. Well I just thought that was the kindest thing. I rode as far as Lone Fir Campground still a good deal of snow and NO food for the horses! OH my thank you so much from my horses, thank you so much Cheryl. I so remember her standing there saying, “You are going to have such a spectacular ride over to the coast, everything will work out great, it will be wonderful, don’t worry!” In my mind I am going, “You have know idea what I must still go through lady.” And I didn’t know, I just had her words to go on and I shoved faith and trust down my throat and into every cell in my body and rode on. But then as you already know I did indeed have one of the very best rides ever from Winthrop to Padilla Bay and back again.
We rode (memorial day weekend) with the flow of traffic not water as we came eastward over “the pass” as it is referred to by locals. Highway #20 raced with a steady stream of cars and pickup trucks pulling travel RV’s boasting names like “Adventure” “Escape 19” “Sunset” driven by people hungry for the out-of-doors seeking it in the only way they know how, with lots of stuff. But then John Muir legendary naturalist, outdoorsman and father of our National Forest Service and Park lands, would say I carry an awful lot of stuff. Muir in the 1950’s walked the Sierras with nothing more than the clothes on his back and slept covered by leaves. So it is all relative. What is not is that we have places and spaces where we can go. Where our needs and hungers for nature can be satisfied. Public Lands they are truly our national treasure well worth holding on to, a must to hold on. Something that stands out in the entire Methow Valley is the trail system of hiking, biking, riding and skiing it’s incredible as is the desire to keep the natural surrounding beauty through careful land use planning and zoning.
Four miles or so from Mazama a car stopped and two people leaped from their car waving their arms yelling, “Bernice, Bernice.” What the heck is that all about….SUPRISE! SUPRISE… Friends from Trego heading to Anacortes. Good golly miss molly!!!
I have a 8 day ride up and over several mountain passes all back roads to Republic where I have 4 talks and will up date the website. Only about 200 miles to ride. Chewelah is the end of the trail. They have promised a party, we shall see, maybe they’ve forgotten who the lady with the big hat is! smiles
