Category: Current Info

Sault Saint Marie, Ontario Canada – May18th, 2015

I can see the horses standing in the shade, fly masks on, standing head to tail with wind enough to keep them free of bugs. Resting comfortably.
New York, the New England states, winter, snow and cold all seems like a dream, it all seems impossible that I truly rode all the way to the Atlantic Ocean last year from my home in Northwest Montana with these two remarkable horses!
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Recount of ride through Ontario April 25th to May 19th, 2015
Judy Boyer and her sister Joan Carlisle trailered me and my girls across the St.Lawrence River and dropped us off in Domesville, Ontario.
First night out we camped in Nico and Maki Hiferink’s pasture in “Land O’ Nod Farm.” Both retired dancers still working with the National Ballet of Canada. Nico shared stories, many stories as he encountered the great dancers of the world, Baryshnikov, Fontaine, Nureyev. Such stories, when would I ever meet someone – who to me,had enthralling recounts of a world I had only read about.
There are to many night s to recall each and every one.What follows is a list with a heartfelt thank you to ALL of you who so kindly hosted a night or two.
Kathy Porter
Dianne and Mark Czerwinski
David Trumbel
Karen and Darren Gillingham
Glen Burkholder
Steve and Barb Barker
Shirley and Bruce Davidson
Jack and Peggy Hurely
Marjory and Glen Goodwin
Kimberley Cousin and Jeff Hastings
Dan and Danika Gravelle
Debbie and Curtis Kirby
Jason Kolvisto and Kit Purnis
last but not least the least the Lemieux’s, Kathy and Phil (of Mantracker) who hauled me across the Sault Saint Marie Bridge..
and then there was…
Pat Wolf from the Canadian Fjord Association who drove out from Ottawa to haul the horses and I around Sudbury because it was in my opinion and others….un-rideable.
And the folks that delivered food on the road or maple syrup fresh from their trees or the town of Bancroft that set the streets with smiles and waves as the short parade of 2 horses rode thru town. And although I did feel rushed trying to beat the black fly season. Still there was plenty of time to enjoy the beautiful Province of Ontario. Thank you so much ….to each and everyone whose path I crossed thank you for the support, encouragement and interest I could not have done it without you. You just can’t go wrong, the world loves the Canadians. I came back into the states once again thinking..”I am so glad these Canadians are our northern neighbors.”
Sincerely, Bernice Ende your lady long rider

 

Commanda, Ontario May 11th, 2015

One never knows, its just that simple, one never knows what is ahead, the people, the smells the sounds that make up a community. You can look at a picture of course but now until you’re actually there – actually clip clopping down the hard pavement in-front of homes and business building, the yards, tidy and groomed, shaking hands, receiving smiles, explaining yourself, do you actually get to know what you have ridden into.
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You can go anywhere in the world and people will love the Canadians. They have a casual, easy way about them, generous, hospitable, welcoming.  Commanda is yet another village on the list of my Ontario stop overs. The community has been kind enough to let me camp in their fenced in area next to their community owned, Commanda Community Center. I attended a wonderful Yoga class this morning. I must admit it reminds me of home!!!! Wood stoves, home cooked meals, a community of earthy, warm, loving people sharing lives together. It’s nice to be here, nice to feel welcomed and at home. thank you
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Hard rains have us stopped for a couple of days. Pat Wolf, member of the Canadian Fjord Association is coming on Wednesday to haul me up the expressway to Sudbury AND to do an interview for the Fjord Magazine.

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Ontario has been tricky in some areas as the roads are limited, but for the most part I have made my way zig zagging a path thru Ontario’s back country roads, its been lovely.
I know it must seem I am forever riding off into the sunset well now I truly am doing just that.
When I reach Michigan and have access to my computer I will fill in my Ontario stretch, there’s simply to much to post while I am stopped at a private home. I feel it a bit inconsiderate to be on the computer when I should be visiting. 
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Until later, thank you so much Ontario, “I could not have done it with-out your help.” Sincerely,  Bernice – Thank you

Brancroft, Ontario Canada May 2nd, 2015

We have been in Canada one week, crossing at Ogdensburg, New York and thru customs with papers all in order all went easy.
The weather has been perfect and as usual the Canadians are so very friendly. The last time I rode in Canada in 2012 I went home and said, ” I am so glad that these Canadians are our northern neighbors.”
This is a short posting as I am at the private home of the Glen Burkholder family.  Glen stopped in his car when he saw me and the horses resting by an empty building in Hartwood Lake. He invited me but he and his family lived 30 miles down the road.
Well as I pressed on two ladies from the town council of Bancroft stopped as Mark Williamson has called them to let them know I was riding into town.They took my heavy saddle packs which let us pick up the speed, we rode into the Burkholder home just past 7pm, Mark came out from his home as I rode by earlier in the day. He brought out fresh maple syrup, carrots, and apples.
THEN stopped again to make sure I was doing ok and  brought water more carrots and apples. Oh my… this is Canadian hospitably!!!
I am having a wonderful ride. The horses are in good health, moving well and this is just a shout out…Hello and thank you so much all of you that are helping me to make my way across Ontario, Canada.
Happy Trails Bernice
 

April 23rd, 2015 The Boyer Residence – Lisbon, New York

Laura Foster Director and Curator of the Remington Museum
Laura Foster Director and Curator of the Remington Museum

1-photo 1(1)  It has been a very busy stop in Ogdensburg but to leave with out visiting the Frederick Remington Museum  would have been a shame.
Both Judy Boyer and her Sister Joan Carlisle (Mr.&Mrs. Preston Carlisle are benefactors)joined me on a tour given by Laura Foster director and curator of the museum….a very informative tour of the historic home. Frederick Remington was one of the most famous artists of his time. The museum which to me felt like a sanctuary for his spectacular bronze figures, alive with action. It also shares Remingtons look at Northern New York with oils and sketches depicting  his beloved northern wilderness which I had never seen. An almost impressionist quality to them.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
from L to R: Judy Boyer, me, Laura Foster and Judy's sister Joan Carlisle
from L to R:
Judy Boyer, me, Laura Foster and Judy’s sister Joan Carlisle

 
Last night I gave a talk at the Cornell Cooperative Extension Service. We had a great turn out for such short notice which Judy had quickly organized. Judy Boyer is an active 4-H leader and the entire week I have spent at her home,children have been coming in to practice their public presentation, Part of the 4-h curriculum. The competition ends at Cornell University in Ithaca,  N.Y.next month!

4-H played an important role in my childhood.  It was really ALL we did once school was out for the summer months. As farm children each of us took an animal to the fair but we also learned to sew, cook and do public presentations that would be exhibited at the county fair.  I learned for the first time the application of knowledge, the importance of presentation  and how to prepare for an event.  I’ve done many slide-show presentations for 4-H groups and have been an advocate for the organization for years.  It’s good to see after 100  years that 4-H is still alive and well!
Riley having a hard time with Montana Spirit
Riley- and Judy’s “right hand gal” member of Raindrop Roundup Club…no easy task moving Montana Spirit

                          Town and Country Veterinary Clinic
                           904 country route 4, Ogdensburg, NY.  315-393-7338

Town and Country Vets came out to take care of Vaccinations and health certificates
Town and Country Vets came out to take care of vaccinations and health certificates

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Raindrop Roundup 4-H members hard at work….

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Well I guess this is where I must say…”GOODBYE NEW YORK”.  On Saturday, Judy will haul (in a horse trailer) Essie, Spirit and I across the St. Lawrence River into Ontario, Canada.  With all of our necessary paper work in order, tack clean, horses rested we shall continue on with the adventure, the journey home.

I could say thank you a 1000 times and it would not be enough. My ride thur the Northeast has been heartwarming, educational, surprising and diverse. As compared to other rides it has been an easy go of it. Plenty of grass and water, plenty of places to camp. Roads were a bit tricky at times, had to haul a couple of time because of the risk some roads offered, simply not worth riding, to dangerous.  BUT TO have made it ALL THE WAY TO THE ATLANTIC OCEAN! goodness it brings me to tears when I think about it. TO turn around and look behind at the 1000 of miles my two girls and I walked, traveled, endured together.

I’ll be packed light when we leave Saturday and will travel quickly across Ontario to avoid the bugs which are bound to appear anytime soon, presenting miserable riding conditions. The horses are fit, still plenty of steel on their shoes. My new heel cleats that Dick Manel made for me look like tiny horse shoes on my heels…for walking. Its good to be back out. Its good to leave feeling  hundreds of smiles, handshakes and encouragement shining on my back.

Happy Trails  Bernice

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Lisbon, New York – Judy Boyer residence (east of Ogdensburg) April 19th,2016

Judy Boyer right her sister Joan Carlisle to my left
Judy Boyer right
sister Joan Carlisle

 I rode into Judy Boyers home late Saturday afternoon. Judy came out with one of her young 4-H students to make sure I was on the correct trail.  Both Judy and Joan are well respected horsewomen in the area. Joan just celebrated her 80th birthday and Judy her 76th and as soon as I met both of them I knew I was among two outstanding time honored horsewomen who have devoted their entire lives to educating thru the equine spirit.
Rob, Judy's son greets me as I ride in
Rob, Judy’s son greets me as I ride in

 

Hi Bernice,                                                       March 7,2015
This poem reminds me of you…
 
Do You Fear the Wind?    By Hamlin Garland  1860-1940
 
Do you fear the force of the wind?  The slash of the rain?
Go face them and fight them, be savage again.
Grow hungry and cold like the wolf,
Go wade like the crane.
The palms of your hands will thicken, the skin of your cheeks will tan.
You’ll grow ragged and weary and swarthy, but
You’ll walk like a man.a woman.
a much needed rest
a much needed rest
from Fort Edward to Ogdensburg, NY appr miles 200 great ride
from Fort Edward to Ogdensburg, NY appr miles 200 great ride