Wow - just read about the accident in Arizona. I'm so thankful that all are okay. Prayers and hugs for all creatures big and small. I look forward to seeing more on your blog in the future. Take care, enjoy life. Jeanne

Bob, glad to hear that you are all in Oregon and safe. I hope you and the lads, and Jacquie and Hershey Bar enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving. Please give a hug and a carrot (or 2 or 3) to Bill, (my fave) B.O.B.(the studly superstar) and the amazing wonder horse Doc for me. Ya'll take care!

Still checking the trip page everyday for news. Will we have to all join a 12 stepper to shake the addiction.

I am so glad that you are all OK after your accident in Havasu. I've been worried, as I am familiar with the driving habits in this area. I was a paramedic with the ambulance service in Parker for 25 yrs. I called Ken and told him the news. We both wish you well. By the way, I am the one who stopped you on your way out of Big River. We talked about North American Spotted Drafts. Enjoy your rest and give the "Lads" some extra carrots!

Hi Bob and crew! May you and your lovely horses have a most wonderful, restful and well earned joyous thankful and safe Thanksgiving. Blessings, Marciana (seeing you in Flaming Gorge Utah was awesome as it felt like home when I was a fishing widow).

To Bob, Jackie, Hershey, Bill, BOB and Doc.....have a wonderful and "safe" Thanksgiving!

Hi Everyone, Late Saturday night, we arrived back in Oregon. Thanks to Dollie and Richie, from Palmdale, CA, Jacquie, the horses and I are settled down and enjoying a more normal existance. On Wednesday, 11/28, I have a flight back to Alamosa, CO to pick up my truck and belonging. Then, I'm off to Havasu City, AZ, where I'll rent a trailer to haul the wagon up to Oregon. Everything going very well. I'll blog soon with the first or the epilogs for the trip. Take care, Bob

Thats just a darn shame I was upset wen I didn,t see your blog for 3 days , now what. I am glad all are OK what is this a gril friend ? and a dog ?? give me a call when you get st in for winter . I am going to miss you old frend.

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We have followed your adventures and fun from November 29,2008 to date. Hope you remember
traveling through Delaware,Ohio and stopping at Pinky Sheets. We will miss your blogs.
Best wishes for the future. Bob and Barbara Jones

I do hope you keep on blogging about your life and experiences even though you are not traveling with the wagon... Many of us that you have never met count you as a good friend.. Please keep us posted how things get along so we don't loose that friend completely...

Thank God that you and your traveling family weren't hurt... The wagon and equipment can be repaired, and there are a lot of other states that can be traveled other than Arizona...

Rod

Wow, what a boring coffee break this morning! Missing the posts/pics already.

Hey there Bob! Like everyone else, I praise God you and your bunch are all safe and sound. Selfishly, I'm sad to see this end. Like all of us in 'the shotgun seat' we have been living vicariously through you. Seeing parts of our country that we would otherwise not see. Living the kind of life that is not attainable to most of us for many different reasons. Most importantly, meeting the people you have met and being reminded that the majority of folks are good and kind. Most people not who we see on the nightly news they are the folks you have introduced to us.
But I'm also glad you made the decision to stop now rather than being so focused on the goal that you continued even when your desire had waned. It's only right if it's right for you.
I will miss you and your adventures, we feel likes friends even though we only met once. Please occassionally keep us updated, especially if you travel again.
If you ever need help with more proof-reading...
God bless,
Dottie

Hey Bob: Hope you still keep up some blog stuff. Have so enjoyed it ever since I got on here when you passed through Durango, Co. We live down by Navajo Lake so I know you know where that is since you stayed with some folks near Pagosa Junction. Anyway, we are very sad for what has happened and hope we will still read something from you. We have a nice place, ranch in the country near Allison, Co, so come by anytime and visit or bring the boys with you.

Hi Bob,
God was your co-teamster on the wagon. I am sorry to learn of your recent fender bender, but I thank God that you and yours were not hurt. Looking at the pictures made my blood run cold. It's a blessing the horses were not hurt. I will miss your daily post, but I think you made the right decision to stop the trip. Take care and let us hear from you. Give all the horses a big Texas hug from me. Whisper in Doc's ear that I love him and he will always be my favorite. Have a wonderful and safe Thanksgiving. Bonnie

fender bender not good first words...glad ur all ok. will most definately miss seeing/hearing about your adventures.. hope this is not a permanent shut down but understand if you do. 2 accidents would make me think a bit. on a lighter note at least we know now that there really is a jaque and hershey the mystery is finaly solved lol.. take care sweetness hope to see you on facebook at least ....

I am so disappointed that you will not be in the Phoenix area. I had planned to get my grandkids (ages 5 and 8) here from San Diego and meet up with you somewhere between Phoenix and Casa Grande. I so hoped to give them that experience. I certainly understand your desire to have time off the road, you and your horses have had a fantastic experience. I am also from NH and have followed your adventures from the beginning. I'm so sorry you had the "fender bender", thankfully no one was hurt. I hope you and your wonderful horses enjoy your time OFF the road. You're quite right....too many nutsy drivers in AZ !!!
Thank you for sharing your experinces, photos and insights!!!!! It has been my pleasure to travel along with you!
Sincerely, Sarah Jonick

I wll miss writing your log.

Hi Bob
So very glad to read that you all are okay. Thank God for that. I wonder if Doc had flashbacks of the last accident. I think your decision is the right one. There are too many crazy drivers out there. I know you met a lot of great people, and you did great things but sometimes your saftey and the saftey of your boys have to come first. Enjoy your down time.

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Happy to hear that all are o k. Best wishes on your future endeavor.I am a widow that is still working and looked forward to your postings for relaxation before retiring for the day.Hope the Lord continues to keep y'all safe.

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Happy to hear that all are o k. Best wishes on your future endeavor.I am a widow that is still working and looked forward to your postings for relaxation before retiring for the day.Hope the Lord

Sorry to hear of your misfortune. Happy to hear that all are o k. Best wishes on your future endeavor.I am a widow that is still working and looked forward to your postings for relaxation before retiring for the day.Hope the Lord

Just read your last entry regarding the fender bender - I'm so glad that no one was hurt!!
I'll miss reading about your journeys - but it's probably a good time to quit this trip (at least for the winter).

hi bob was shocked friday a m when i read your blog. but praise GOD you and the horses were safe.i have very fond memories of the times that i was privileged to ride with. i shall always cherish your friendship and the blessing to get acquainter with you.hope you have very good thanksgiving.will miss the blogs. i told my wife i can get rid of the compuer now

Hi Bob,
You did the right thing. People are always in a hurry. I am going to miss looking at your pictures with my morning coffee. The horses look good. You look like you are in good rig. You made alot of people smile young and old on your trips. People seen country they would have never seen thinks to you. Most of us never knew it was there. It was hard work but you enjoyed it and done your thing don't give up. We need more like you sharing life. Keep intouch with your following from time to time. Enjoy, Mo

We praise God that neither you nor the horses were injured during the accident. What a sad ending to a great adventure. We have enjoyed following your blog since we met you - it was like traveling along seeing new places and people with you. Thank you for a wonderful journey.
Wishing you a blessed Thanksgiving with family and friends.
Larry and Pat Hansen

Sorry about the accident cutting the trip short, but very happy no one was seriously hurt. We live in Alamosa and was looking forward to meeting you in person. Take care and have a very restful winter in a milder weathered place.

Dear Wagonteamster Bob, When I first saw "fender bender" my heart jumped into my throat. Knowing you and your traveling companions, Jacquie and Hershey Bar, and the three Amigos, Doc, Bill, B.O.B., are all safe has helped, but my nerves are still jingling. Memories flew back in time and the loss of DeeDee and Dolly, Doc and Joyce's injuries, worrying about Clemintine and praying hard for our Wagonteamster's recovery from horrible injuries. Thank the Lord that it was not dejavu all over again, as Yogi used to say. With Bernie and Mule Polly riding home, and others who "dare" finding themselves grounded through no fault of their own, you are making a wise choice in pulling the plug on this trip. The crazies on the road now days are gaining and horse drawn vehicles can't compete with the steel monstrosities. God forbid that they slow down and enjoy a disappearing part of Americana. I know you have heard it numerous times, but your treks these past few years have been a Godsend to this old lady, and I am sure many, many others. I would have never been privy to such beautiful scenery in this fabulous nation, two teams of such fantastic horses, and made to feel a real part of an extended family. The shotgun seat may be empty for now, but I am sure, even if they are mini trips, wunderlust will hit you and we will climb aboard again somewhere down the trail and follow behind the most gorgeous teams of horses going. Thanks for the glorious ride and may God bless you all.

So glad that you, Doc, B.O.B., Bill, Jacquie, and Hershey are all well and in good shape after the fender bender. Scary stuff...but all turned out okay and that is what is important. Wishing you safe travels as you get everything moved to Jacquies' and best wishes for the future. Maybe you'll have time to write some more books and stories for us to read. Thanks for the long miles, wonderful pictures and sharings, great stories and fun traveling with you and the boys vicariosly. With warmest wishes, Mary Anna

Bless ya, Bob, and yer horses. I have enjoyed your journeys every step of the way. Onto a new adventure, albeit safer for the horses and you!

When I first saw your post labeled fender bender, my heart sank.... I was so fearful that you or one of the horses had again been injured. I am glad that everyone is ok and that you are ending your journey. I will greatly miss reading your blogs, but hope you will keep your followers in your thoughts and post occasional updates. Give the boys an extra carrot from me, explain to us who hershey the dog is and have a great set of holidays!!!

Hi Bob..We have followed you everyday since we saw you near Grand Junction, Co getting ready to to go over Douglas Pass. We will miss your blog with our morning coffee...take care!

Bob, thank you for sharing your life and travels with us the past 4 years. You have enabled me to see so much of our great country and to "meet" so many of our wonderful countrymen. I will miss the Wagonteamster travels and the amigos. Good luck to you and Jacqui.

Bob, I have read your blog from the very 1st day when you left N.H.. I can't tell you how much I so enjoyed "traveling with you" on your journey. I've seen places that I never would have if not for you, your pictures and your writings. I hope you enjoyed your trips half as much as the rest of us who kept up with your blog have. So sad to hear your trip end as it did. But so glad you or the lads weren't hurt. We will all miss your writings but will check now and then just to see if you updated how you are and what you've been up to. Take care and God speed..... And again thanks for the memories...

I went up to my cousin Kathy Coverts property in Donkey Acres in Lake Havasu City Az. and saw 3 huge Clydsdales in the arena. They were owned by Bob who is a member of the Wagonteamsters. The big boys are named Doc,Bob and Billy? Kathy and her husband Lewie Covert very graciously allowed this team to stay on there property until they got the wagon repaired from a mishap on the way thru Lake Havasu. These were the biggest horses I had every seen up close, even Libby, the Clydesdale from down the road was smaller. I think Libby was honored also to see horses like her. Hope the team gets back on the road and has a safe incident free trip. Happy Trails!

Sorry to hear about the accident there in AZ. Had intended to catch up with you as soon as I could get away and begin my journey. Have had a couple financial/legal/b.s. setbacks here and have not really begun the journey. I did retire as of October 27th and am in the middle of some preparations and solving some issues so that I can take off. I now anticipate being "on the road" Jan 1st. I hope to be living in the van though by the end of this weekend. I'll just have to stay local while things work out.

Looking forward to meeting you on the road again... somewhere, somehow, sometime....

Joe

I read your blog every morning and what a shock it was to open it today and read about the accident. So glad that you are all okay. I am sure this brought back memories from the big accident. So sorry that you are ending your journey - it is so much fun to follow your trips, but I understand. Keep us all posted. I will be waiting for your next adventure! Happy vacation to you.

Bob, SO glad no one was injured! Holy Cow.! Glad you are flexible and able to change your plans.

On a technical note, are you happy you had a wood evener vs steel? Just curious if steel would have been a safety issue vs the wood that broke and allowed the horses to escape the crash? Please share with us all . Take Care.
Claire , in Mid Missouri.

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Bob, I hate to see it end due to carelessness, but like others have said, its best to end it now, while everyone is safe, and the wagon and trailer can be fixed. Enjoy your winter in Oregon, but if you get that wanderlust next spring, we will be happy to read of your new adventures. I am really looking forward to the epilogues. I truly hope that things work out with you and Jacquie (sorry, I am sure I didnt spell that right) and I would love to see pictures of her, Hershey Bar, and the lads/amigo's up in Oregon. Its beautiful country and you and the lads should enjoy some rides there for sure. Maybe next you could cross into Idaho, Wyoming, Montana and come through the Dakota's and come visit us here in Minnesota. We have lots of farms, lots of grass, water, hay, alfalfa, etc... Minnesotans have big hearts too and love draft horses. There are seven of them (percherons - like Doc, the wonder hourse) about a mile down the road from me, and lots of days, I walk down just to take them some carrots and apples, which we also have lots of! I have so much enjoyed reading about your and the amigos travels, and have cheered your courage and cried at the heartache of the first trips ending. You carry on your shoulders the American Spirit and help prove to so many that it is still alive and well. God Bless and Keep You All.

Bob, I'm glad you're stopping now. You've had a great ride and nothing more to prove. Hope you come up with another adventure next year. Would love to see pics of the dog.

Bob, First of all I glad this was not deja vu! Having been following you since central New York four years ago, I like many others have appreciated the daily adventure. For us "walter mitty types" we could only imagine, the daily rigormorow you go through hitching, unhithching, driving, feeding watering plus the daily searching for water, food, camping safely on and off the roads. The last thing I will say is, again as a long time follower, I don't remember the Jacquie "girlfriend" being mentioned before, but I do remember a couple of times the old Wagonteamster was sidetracked or bushwacked by a female who temporarily halted your journey. So maybe we will here from you again! Good luck my friend!

First off I'm so glad to hear that they are no injuries. As sad as it may be that this Trip#4 has come to an end before you planned, maybe it's a sign. A sign of a new beginning in Bob's human life and the team. You have certainly achieved a lot in travels, new friends, entertained old & young kids alike. Maybe that is something you can continue on a different level but at the same time stay closer to a home base in OR. My husband's grandmother was from OR and we have often been told what a beautiful state OR is.

Pats to Hershey, neck scratches to the boys, and GOD'S speed to you and your girlfriend in the last leg of this journey. Settle in before the winter kicks in and kick back and ENJOY!

Looking forward to reading more about the journey to your new home.

Just logged in to see your trip is ending. So glad to know that everyone is fine after the accident! God bless you. Stay strong and enjoy the OREGON downtime.

Hi Bob,

I am so glad that you and the horses are okay. It could have been a lot worse and I am so happy that you are all safe. You are doing the right thing but calling it a day. It is just not worth the risk. Have a long well earned rest.

Take Care. Big hugs to the horses.

Christine,
England.

Thank God that you and the lads are okay. Alice was very sad when I read the blog to her that you will end the trip and be in OR. She now wants to come find you in OR. We have started the school day with your blog, she is in 3rd now. Please give the lads a lot of hugs and treats from us. If you come thur Montrose on your way to OR give us a shout and we'll have coffe, or lunch. Keep safe and God bless!

Kirsten, Alice and Kevin

The irony of the day is to rise early, first on the list was to finish the last chapter of a book, (Travels with Charley in search of America) by John Steinbeck written in 1960, 52 years ago. Steinbeck and his dog travel America in a truck camper. When they were working their way across the Mojave Desert I thought of you and the Amigos. In his last chapter he realizes the trip is over, He hasn't traveled the miles he had origanaly planned, but he knew in his heart the trip was over.
Second on the list was checking in with Wagonteamster. Seems this book is ending in almost the same words. Only you have the right to chose when the time has come.
Some time when your life has slowed it's worth it to get the book from the library, it will strike a cord of familiarity to parts of life you have lived.

Hiya i am sooo relieved to hear that you and the horses are fine after the rear-ender. I am sorry to hear that your trip has to end this way. It also clears up the little stoush i started earlier about who is Hershey! Hope Butterbean and all the regulars did not fall off when the car hit. Well Bob i guess you have struggled with your public/private persona and how much of your private life you reveal to your insatiable publlic so now you have a little time to get off line and re-group. But please please dont forget your fans and those who have come to love you, your travels and horses and please give us the occassional fix. Heres hoping you get back on the road again - well there are 25 states still left in USA! or even Canada.....

To Bob and the Lads!

I am so thankful you all are ok! I have to admit that I am a little teary because I have so much enjoyed your blog and especially the pictures! Please take care of yourself and the Lads and let us all know if you start another adventure. You will be missed!

Kay Dattilo 4rkvnd@gmail.com

I am going to miss your daily writings as they have been my nightly insight in to "life" after living the rat race at work all day. It is great to read that you wagon folks, the dog and the lads are fine after the crash. Sorry the trip had to end in such a way as it must have been a terrible, unsettling flash back to the prior wreck. Good luck in your next chapter and keep on writing--you have a great gift for telling a nice story. The high country of Oregon will be a fine place for you all. Virtual pets to the boys--they are beauties!! Take Care.