Reports from the Trail: Stories
By Year
By State
2013
Run Pony Run
FROM: John and Missy Harris,Sweetwater County, Wyoming
PDT
This was our twelth year riding with the Pony Express. In the weeks before the ride our mule broke my hand and I was going to be unable to ride. Disappointment was mingled with fear for my husband. His horse can be unpredictable, at best, if ridden alone. I attempted to find someone to ride my fairly head-strong mustang but that also didn’t end well. In the end it would be John and Dark Moon Rising, aka Giraffe, 15 year old breeding stock paint, with our daughter, Emily who is, Continue Reading
Wyoming/Utah border
FROM: Sherry Kilpac Utah Division Team One
PDT
We are at the Wyoming/Utah border. It’s ten oh three and we’re still waiting for the Wyoming people to show up. And moon’s out. Kinda chilly but we’re happy to be here.
Good day, windy but not hot.
FROM: Jim Swigert, President National Pony Express Association
PDT
We were doing just fine staying on schedule. We actually left yesterday morning from Casper about a half hour ahead of schedule but they lost time last night. Wyoming lost about four hours last night. No accidents, nobody’s hurt, but it was just a couple slow riders, couple riders in the wrong spot. Just a kind of a thing and had to go get him get him in the right position move horses around and they just some time. I am at Granger right now. Just talked to Les Bennington., Continue Reading
The sun shining and a light breeze
FROM: Debbie Hill, Jefferson County NE Pony Express Re-Ride
PDT
With the sun shining and a light breeze it was a beautiful morning for a ride on the 2nd day of the 2013 Pony Express Re-Ride. These pictures were taken at the Tri-County Marker on the Nebraska/Kansas border just north of Hanover, KS by Gary Heit and Dylan Au-Tegethoff. Gary 16. Jefferson County Nebraska Pony Express Riders are visiting while waiting for the Washington County Kansas Pony Express Riders at the Kansas/Nebraska border. From left to right: Nebraska Pony Express Assoc. President Lyle Gronewold, Chris Riggle, Brenda Riggle, Kenny Riggle, Kolby Garret, Continue Reading
Sweetwater County, Wyoming
FROM: Howard Schultz, Sweetwater County, Wyoming, Ride Captain
PDT
We just picked up mail at Atlantic City at seven thirty Mountain standard Time. Headed to Farson trying to make up as much time as we can. Thank you.
The Interpretive Center in Casper WY.
FROM: Ginger Swigart
PDT
As I send this WY is riding through the night. The good news is no big problems. If the mail is behind, some how it seems to work out. The opportunity to follow the re-ride has been amazing. The riders are so committed to getting the Mochilla handed off on time. The comradely in the states and between the states is evident. I have seen the riders pull together when they hear a ride captain has been in a major accident, experienced a fall, or a serious illness. The events, Continue Reading
Independence Rock
FROM: Jay Jenson, Central Wyoming Ride Captain
PDT
The rider is approximately five miles east of Independence Rock. We’re running about fifteen minutes behind time right now but everything is looking good. Got good weather everybody’s having a great day out here little bit of breeze. So it makes a little bit cooler and it’s at eight eight five ninety degrees thanks.
The Pony and mochila arrived south of Paxton, Nebraska
FROM: Mary Cone, National Pony Express Assn Insurance Coordinator/Trail Captain
PDT
The Pony and mochila arrived south of Paxton, Nebraska at 5:57pm MDT, running about a half-hour late. The weather was warm, in the 80’s and very windy, 20-30mph out of the south. A few clouds danced in the sky to offer occasional shade. President Jim Swigart and wife Ginger arrived prior to the Pony and Jim administered the NPEA oath to the riders. Angie took off, heading into the west in a cloud of dust. She, Adam, Bill, Kristy, Howard, Donna, Mary Dale, Don, Russell and Mary then took turns, Continue Reading
What a crew!
FROM: Ginger Swigart
PDT
More Trail Pictures: What a crew! This was taken in Henry just before Nebraska delivered the mail to Wyoming. 2. The exchange from Nebraska to Wyoming. 3. Future Pony Rider. 4. Pony Riders. 5. This is one of the teams in Nebraska just before being sworn in to start their ride. (Note from Mary Cone: here are the names of the riders, taken south of Paxton, Nebraska, left to right: Mary Dale, Bill, Mary, Howard, Angie, Adam)
Edward Hoover has been a historical reenactor
FROM: Edward Hoover, Special Correspondent
PDT
For many years Edward Hoover has been a historical reenactor working with many historical sites in Kansas. One of his personages is a Newspaper Correspondent. On his last visit to the Hollingberg Pony Express Station last month he suprised the curator (a friend) dressed as a reporter from the “St Joseph Gazzet”, the first newspaper carried west by the Pony Express. Edward R Hoover Correspondent for the St.Joseph Gazzet 785-456-1276 Here is his report: The morning awoke clear and cool. I was the first to arrive at the Hollenberg Pony, Continue Reading