Gene telephoned The Long Riders' Guild with some amazing news. In West Virginia a local man, Jimmy Fisher, guided Gene through the Sand Hill mountains. "We were riding over timber, the trails were really hard to find - I would have bypassed them," Gene told us. "What makes Jimmy's skill all the more remarkable is that he is legally blind!"

 

29th March, West Virginia
"Would just like to let you know that my Husband and I were very fortunate to meet Gene last evening while visiting a cousin in W.Va. We had traveled there from Kentucky to pick up a horse and upon arrival were told of his impending arrival. Shortly after we arrived as we visited in the barn in rode the Long Rider leading his pack horse. What a great sight and we sure enjoyed the following hours of great conversation and swapping of horse stories and information.
We regret that we did not get to be a part of his Kentucky visit. And want to wish him the very best in his travels. Please tell him the couple that were visiting Mr & Mrs Ed Prichard on Friday night say Hello and wish him the very best. We will be following his travels on this site...
Happy Trails"

Steve and E.J. Fetty

1st April, St. Albans, West Virginia
"Just to let everyone know Gene left my house here in St. Albans, WV this morning to go get his companions and head towards Charleston. What a remarkable person !!! My family & I were amazed by this man. He told us lots of stories of his journey. We are so glad we got to meet him & learn of his quest. Meeting him came about kind of odd. Actually my friend Steve (who happens to watch the western channel 24 / 7 & would love to live in that era) met him at a local restaurant & gave him directions to a stable. Gene gave Steve a card with web address on it. So while I was on reading page thought I would offer Gene a place to stay. I will definitely keep my eye on his guest book to keep track of Gene. God Bless & Happy Trails My Friend"

Trish & family

3rd April, Milton, West Virginia
"On Saturday, March 29, 2003, my husband and I saw a trail rider with a pack horse. We knew he was going somewhere, so we stopped to talk to him. Eddie recognized the name from Janine Wilder's newsletter. We made arrangements with a friend to stay at Gene Dotson's Lee Creek stables near Milton, West Virginia. We took him to dinner Saturday night and breakfast Sunday morning. We drove him to St. Albans where we made arrangements for him to keep his horses Monday and Tuesday with Shirley Browning, and her son, Ethan.
We drove Gene to the State Capitol in Charleston so he could be familiar with his destination.
Gene rode into the Capitol on Wednesday and on to stay the night at the farm of Jimmy Fisher near Pinch, WV, on his way to Harrisburg, Pa.
It was a surprise to have the pleasure of his company. He has had an interesting life and his determination is to be admired.
We trail ride and we are also in our 60's. I'll write the story of our meeting with the Long Rider passing through West Virginia."

Melanie and Eddie Adkins

6th April, Elkview, West Virginia
"Gene Glasscock visited the capital of West Virginia, Charleston, on Wednesday, April 2, 2003. He then rode from Charleston fifteen miles north to Elkview. He arrived at our home about 4:30 pm. After taking care of the horses and dinner, Gene went with us to church. After church we had a good visit with him listening to his adventures. Gene shared his faith in God with us and also shared his burden for the students of Paraguay. He was a blessing to have at our home. The next morning my husband, Jimmy, rode with Gene on some trails towards his next stop. Gene stayed the next night with Joe Good at Frame, WV. He rode on to Gandeeville, WV and stayed with George Harper on April 4. We pray for Gene's safe travels and for the students of Paraguay. We will keep checking on Gene through your web page."

Betty Fisher