23rd June 2004
"I had the great good fortune to not only have dinner with this wonderful man, but to sit under a tree and quietly enjoy a summer afternoon in his company. I met Gene in Santa Rosa, New Mexico on June 17th where he had stopped at the local grocery store. I asked him if he and his horses were traveling alone and he answered, "Just us and the Lord." I knew I had to hear more of his story. We had dinner in a local restaurant and then on Friday morning, June 18th, I saw him off as he and those beautiful, gentle horses headed west out of Santa Rosa.
Saturday morning my 14-year old daughter, Anna, and I headed west on Hwy 40 where we met up with Gene, George, Tossy, & Buddy near Millagro. My daughter is an avid rider and had often wished to ride a Mustang. Gene and Buddy offered her that opportunity, and even though there was no bridle for Buddy, Anna did get to ride him. He's such a very sweet and gentle horse, as are the other two. We enjoyed feeding apples and carrots to George, and photographed Tossy drinking from Gene's bottle of Gatorade. We left them at the McKenzie Ranch west of Millagro where they were welcomed and offered a place to stay until Monday morning when they would again hit the road, heading west to Clines Corners and then north to Santa Fe. "
Joan Garliss
1st July 2004
"Hi Gene, It was good to visit with you at Santa Fe. We will keep following your progress. My niece, Cyd Crouse, who drove to Panama and back by herself was interested in your travels. We will keep in touch and maybe we will run into you again sometime."
Dave Hebbert
6th July 2004
"I have followed Genes Travels for quite some time now and was so happy when he finally arrived in Albuquerque.
Am happy to report that Gene was in good spirits when I saw the last couple of days. I had seen him Friday for 2 hours, Saturday for 3 Hours and then Sunday for 4 hours. We have enjoyed meeting Gene and spending time with this man. We took him some hay and some other items on Saturday and Sunday to Rio Puerco for his critters and I was so happy I could help him in some way.
I learned a few things from him and his gentle and caring nature. He is a fabulous man and I look up to him for what he is doing. He is a blessing from the Lord. I have never met a man like Gene.
His horses, They are absolutely beautiful. Buddy, to me seems very very fond of Gene.
To spend time with this man is a blessing in itself. If you are along his route and you have the chance to host him for a night or two with his critters, Please do. You will love the time you spend with him as he has something to teach everyone he comes in contact with. He is a spiritual man.
We will be tracking Gene as he leaves for Grants. When he arrives in Arizona we are hoping to drive to Arizona to go meet up with him again to visit with him and buy him dinner so my friend can meet him.
We took lots of pics of Gene and the horses also while in his company. We have them hanging on our walls already.
Please let Gene know he is in our thoughts and prayers every single day and that I will never forget the conversation we had while we had breakfast together on Sunday morning. Gene, May all your travels be safe ones and that you and the horses remain in the lords hands.
We will miss your company"
Valerie and James
I hope this finds you well.
I have been watching the website and its
nice to know you are doing ok.
we think of you often and during your trip, often asked
the lord to watch over you and the horses and make sure
you were safe and that no harm go to you.
those prayers worked as you completed your ride safely.
James and I enlarged the images we took of you, and we
have you and your horses hanging on our wall here at
home. We see you everyday.
Here are a couple of images I had taken
when you were here in NM. One is of your sign we made
you to help you cross cattleguards and ask for help when
needed & the other is of your horses there in Rio Puerco
at the fueling station.
I still remember that Great Breakfast we had at the
Casino across the highway. :)
When you go to Paraguay, I wish you the best of luck
with those children. They are very lucky to have you on
their sides. You are a awesome man Gene and the lord
will bless you for all you have done and all you do in
the future.
When your book comes out, I will be getting a copy for
James and I.
Gene, if you are ever in the Albuquerque area, Please do
Call us as we would love to see you again. You take
care of yourself Gene and those children you worked so
hard for. Watch over your health please. Your a good
man! Click on the link below to see all the images I
have while you were here in Albuquerque.
Lots of hugs to you Gene
Valerie and James
