11th January 2005
"I talked with Gene on the phone last night. I was to meet him as he crossed the Oregon California border today but snow in our area prevented it. I will meet up and ride to the Oregon state capital building with him in a couple of weeks. He is an amazing man to talk with and I am looking forward to spending some time with him in person."

Gary Pratt

18th January 2005
"My daughters and I had a chance to spend a couple of hours the evening of January 13, 2005, with Gene at the home of friends Lyle and Diane Dishner, a few miles north of Gold Beach, Oregon. I am truly inspired by him. The bond with his horses, the love he has for the people of Paraguay, and the true devotion he has to his life on the road has shown me that we can set goals at any stage of our lives. Thanks, Gene, and stay safe! God Bless!"

Ruth Dixon

18th January 2005
"Gene is a very nice person, in fact if there were more people in the world like Gene it would be a better place. I got to ride on his horse, Buddy. When he walked, he walked really slowly so I wouldn't fall off. Gene is the second person to ride the lower 48 states raising money for a college."

Lyndsey Dixon, age 9

1st March 2005
"My husband and I hosted Gene and his four boys last night Feb. 28, 05 in Independence Oregon. He was a pleasure to talk to. His vision for his ride completion and future is just as fresh as if he just started this trip. It was hard for me to just let him ride off this morning, so I met him about half way to his next hosts home and took more photos and visited more. I vowed to pray for him often and keep track of him through the web site so I hope people write in often and keep things up to date."

Dave and Jacque Dodson

6th March 2005
"To Gene with fond memories From the Oregon coast a God bless and thank you for touching so many lives with Hopes, Dreams, Inspiration, Compassion and the unconditional trust and faith of animals and human beings."

Tim, me and the zoo

11th March 2005
"My name is Laura Forester and I live in Coos Bay, Oregon. It was my husband, Ken, and mines pleasure to invite Gene to our home for a visit. He arrived on Feb. 16, 2005 with his four wonderful horses. I was so excited I had contacted our local paper, The World and our local TV station, KCBY. They each sent representatives to interview him and I was impressed by what a wonderful job they did explaining what he does and why. I know that I was truly granted a gift by meeting Gene. He is an adventurer and a hero. He left on Thursday, Feb. 17, my birthday. His gifts were the stories I will always remember and share. His legacy is his courage."

Laura Forester

 21st January 2006

 I wanted to take a minute and tell you how much we enjoyed meeting you one evening at the home of Lyle and Diane Dishner, just north of Gold Beach, Oregon.  My daughters and I came out a spent a couple of hours talking with you.  You truly inspired me to believe that just because my life was moving past faster than I could think, I could still dream.  Thank you for that.  My youngest daughter Lyndsey, sat on your mustang, and loved it. She talks about meeting you constantly.  She misses having her horse, and hopefully some day we can once again give her that joy in life-we have our property, just need some fence-lol and the perfect horse!

Anyway, Lyle and Diane don't have computer access, so I've kept them posted on your progress, and they said to tell you hello and thank you!

Lyndsey and I will continue to keep updated on your incredible story.  Thanks again!  Ruth Dixon, Gold Beach, OR

Steve and Ruth Dixon