April 12th, 2013

Here is a story I must share with you, (with permission)Hello Ms Ende A mystery has been solved! A few years ago I was crossing over the old Custer Ave overpass in Helena when I saw the most amazing sight – a cowgirl and her dogs crossing over the bridge right smack dab in the middle of town. I shouldn’t admit this but since no one was near me on the road I pulled out my camera phone and snapped a fast picture as I drove by. I wondered who you were, where you were going, and how did you have such absolute courage to travel with horses and dogs thru town when I’m petrified to ride my bike down a similar road. I could tell that you were about my age and I had a moment of envy of your life as a free woman doing your own thing. Imagine my surprise, while flipping thru the AARP magazine tonight while in a hotel room in Tulsa, OK (where I’m traveling for work) to see a familiar picture! Finally, a name and a story to go with my picture! And what a great story you have. Your mother was an amazing woman to raise such an independent and adventurous daughter. On a side note, I also owned a Norwegian Fjord, tho I had to keep him with friends up at Ft. Belknap. He was the most amazing horse, tho I didn’t get to spend a lot of time with him. We recently lost him to old age and I always have hope that another Fjord will come into my life. Well, with that long winded email from a stranger, I’d like to send you the picture I took that day in Helena. I’m sure you have many similar ones, but it’s an honor to send this to you to keep as part of your travels thru Montana and the west. Safe travels, Kathy D. Helena, MT