At 82 years old, I find a profound joy in the rhythms of a bygone era, guiding a team of sturdy wagon mules. As the wheels creak and the mules' steady clip-clop, I’m transported to the 1800s, where life moved at a more deliberate pace.
Driving a wagon pulled by a team of mules, I would have been immersed in the demanding yet fulfilling life of the 1800s. As the sun sets, I’d set up camp under the expansive sky, cooking over an open fire, sleeping outside, wrapped in a blanket beneath the stars, I find solace in the rhythmic sounds of nature and the crackle of the fire. Each day will be a blend of hard work and serene moments, a testament to a rugged and self-sufficient way of life.
Imagine a vision of a fully restored Lindsey 8-wheel log wagon, a perfect replica of the iconic model from 1899, its wooden frame gleaming with historical authenticity. This impressive wagon, pulled by a team of four identical mare mules, each standing a striking 17.3 hands tall despite their young age of just 4 and 5 years, embodies the spirit of a bygone era. As these powerful mules, with their commanding stature and harmonious gait, stride proudly across the land, they effortlessly draw the meticulously crafted wagon through the countryside.
On the "Cowboys Last Ride," journeying from Plantersville to Bandera, Texas, unfolds a 350-mile adventure over 3 to 4 weeks, where the daily routine involves cooking by a campfire and sleeping beneath the stars or in the covered wagon. Having already traversed 4000 miles across four decades, with the Sam Houston Trail Ride, each mile of this final adventure is a tribute to a lifetime connection of times gone by. The steady clip-clop of the mules and the timeless beauty of the Texas landscape will make each moment a sentimental reminder of the enduring spirit of the cowboy life.
As a final tribute to an old cowboy's enduring legacy, the "Cowboys Last Ride" aims to raise $1 million for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. With each mile covered and every campfire meal prepared, this heartfelt journey not only honors a lifetime of adventure but also supports a cause close to my heart. This epic ride, spanning from Plantersville to Bandera, transforms the cowboy’s final days in the wagon seat into a powerful, lasting gift for children in need.
Children truly hold a special place in every cowboy's heart. If you feel inspired to contribute, please reach out and support this meaningful cause. Your donation will help make a significant difference in the lives of children at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.