Hearst, Ontario

 Hearst, Ontario  General, The Angel Express Expedition  No Responses »
May 312012
 

IMG 9374 150x150 Hearst, OntarioGuy just about crawled out the window when he spotted the Tims. He was so excited he started speaking French. As it turned out everyone spoke French. They call this place little Quebec and 90% of the town is French, the other 10% speak French. It is fun for me as I have to really listen to decipher the conversation and so far I have nothing to write about. If I ever figure out what is being said I will certainly report it. For now, the photos will have to suffice.

IMG 9354 150x150 Hearst, Ontario

We had considered driving to smooth rock but when we stumbled across the “horse hotel” we knew where we would be spending the night. Seriously, the horse hotel, what a name! Anyway, the owner closed it down in 2007 when her parents both passed away. It is really a quaint location and is now considering a grand reopening. In the meantime, Chip, Cheyenne and Zeus will get a good night’s rest.IMG 9360 150x150 Hearst, OntarioIMG 9368 150x150 Hearst, Ontario

IMG 9365 150x150 Hearst, OntarioIMG 9364 150x150 Hearst, OntarioIMG 9371 150x150 Hearst, Ontario

 

 

 

 

 

 

angel express horse1 Hearst, Ontario

Kenora, Ontario

 Kenora, Ontario  General, The Angel Express Expedition  No Responses »
May 222012
 

IMG 92571 300x200 Kenora, Ontario Kenora is a historical Ontario town quietly welcoming experienced travelers. Gone are the days when the Trans Canada meandered through down town. So it is with some hesitation that I recommend future travelers make the stop. After all, there is only so much pristine wilderness, fishing, hunting, great food and most of all hospitality to go around. So, for those of you in search of a box store pizza and a movie theater Thunder Bay is just a few more hours down the road. Continue reading »

Angel Express: Greenhorn

 Angel Express: Greenhorn  The Angel Express Expedition  1 Response »
May 182012
 

AngelExpress Randy Angel Express: GreenhornMy journey with these cowboys has come to an end but not before I got schooled in the ways of the west. It would seem that all the jeering and poking fun at these guys would finally catch up to me as I was unceremoniously perched atop Chip for the ride out of Maidstone.

Some first thoughts on Chip who is a well hung quarter horse are: “he is big, not Zeus big, but big in spirit and he has a sticky clutch. He likes his ears to be scratched just like Maggie’s. He is part of the Cheyenne/Zeus heard and gets picked on a bit but he seems to enjoy it. He wears a very uncomfortable Saddle that pinches his armpit… it is not at all like the lounge chair I had imagined it to be.” Continue reading »

Angel Express: Generosity

 Angel Express: Generosity  The Angel Express Expedition  2 Responses »
May 162012
 

Generosity comes in all sizes and shapes and is always appreciated,  and you will find that the gesture usually correlates with the source. Being a foster parent for many years now, I have seen firsthand the effects of sexual abuse and neglect. Combined with the fact that I had an opportunity to spend time with a couple old school cowboys and because I share in the vision of The Angel Express – I donate what I can to help.  Yes, I am feeling some pain because of it; my business will suffer but it will recover. My family misses me and prefers to have me around; however, I love my bus and like to have it around as well icon wink Angel Express: Generosity And I realize that my minimal hardship is minute in comparison to those who I am aiming to help; their sacrifice and suffering needs to be eased. Continue reading »

Angel Express Day 4: Kitscoty

 Angel Express Day 4: Kitscoty  The Angel Express Expedition  No Responses »
May 132012
 

So the cowboys are supposed to be dialed into the rhythm of his animals, right? Well, last night the border collies were practically sitting on Guy’s head while he slept. I could only put up with the whining for so long before I broke down and crawled out of my warm bed to let them out to pee…  OK he may have been a bit tired from the ride so I will give the benefit of the doubt.

AngelExpress horses resting4 Angel Express Day 4: KitscotyZeus and Chip were well rested and ready to hit the ditch this morning, Guy was saying the horses are pack animals and were looking forward to being  escorted out of town by a couple of lovely ladies. The truth is the cowboys were just happy that they weren’t being run out of town by the police which is the norm for these guys. (Kidding of course) I have to say it was pretty cute watching the little pony legs running to keep up with Zeus. Maddi is a competent little rider and the envy of Hannah and Harmony. Continue reading »

Angel Express Day 2

 Angel Express Day 2  The Angel Express Expedition  1 Response »
May 112012
 

Ukrainian Village Guy Alick 300x200 Angel Express Day 2The first night was without incident. We were parked on the side of the rest stop just east of the Ukrainian village entrance.  Sheila paid a visit to help with the horses and keep us company for the night, stayed the day while working on some mortgages she has on the go. Guy and Alick were up early just as any good cowboy would be. I watched through the window as they watered, fed, and brushed the horses. It is obvious they love them. I have yet to put my finger on one, as they seem like big creatures that eat lots and produce mountains. Continue reading »

Angel Express Day 1

 Angel Express Day 1  The Angel Express Expedition  1 Response »
May 102012
 

Day one would prove to be a fiasco. Spending 3 weekends in a row checking off the many items on the list to prepare the bus and what happens the morning we leave? Trailer lights not working! What is with trailer lights? I did not want to be responsible for the delay of this trip; if the kids have to endure than so do I. I sent the cowboys heading down the road in hopes the wiring Gods would consider the gesture…. Still working on the lights.

I am getting to know these cowboys a bit as we work through the various situations that evolve. What I have discovered so far is this: Continue reading »

The Angel Express Expedition

 The Angel Express Expedition  General, The Angel Express Expedition  1 Response »
May 082012
 

On May 9th, 2012 two cowboys and three horses set out from HWY 16 East in Edmonton, Alberta on a journey to Halifax, Nova Scotia. They will follow the Trans-Canada highway from the Prairies to the Atlantic in order to raise awareness for abused and exploited children.

AngelExpress Day 1 crew3 The Angel Express Expedition

Alick Brooke, Guy Bourassa, Chip, Chyenne, and Zeus

Alick Brooke, 60, and Guy Bourassa, 46, have known each other for 20 years and have been around horses for over 15 years. Their journey will span over 4,000kms and will take them approximately 16 weeks. They understand that this is a long journey for their horses and intend to let Chip, Cheyenne, and Zeus (their horses) dictate how far they ride each day, taking care to ensure proper exercise for the reprieve horse and plenty of rest for their main soldiers.

Guy Bourassa has been a foster father to 35 children, and reminds us in Edmonton Sun’s report on May 3rd, 2012 that Continue reading »