| Make a Donation Note: Lee does not ask for help. People often offer to help because Lee is doing something many people wish they could do, and helping Lee is their way of joining his quest and becoming involved. If you would like to make a donation, you can click on the button below to do so. |
| T-SHIRTS are $20.00 plus $7.50 S&H At this time there are TWO ways to get a t-shirt: They will be available for purchase from Lee (he has a supply in his wagon) OR You can order them using PayPal. |
| Be sure to give your complete mailing address. Please specify size LARGE or EXTRA LARGE. These are great shirts--Jerzees, High Cotton, pre-shrunk. The design is applied using a new chemical process, not screen printing. |
| T-SHIRTS ARE AVAILABLE |
Lee the Horselogger: His Story
Wow-Where to start?
"I was born in a hospital...", wait--that's not important. How about "I am a horse logger..."
Logging, horses, a simple way of life...That sounds more like it because it is what I am.
My earliest memories include cutting firewood with my family in upstate New York, riding
critters, driving ponies, being in the woods, running chainsaws (dad bought me my first
saw when I was 13), cutting firewood by myself, planting trees, gardening, wandering in
the woods, cross country skiing, learning to run heavy equipment, high school, then
college.
Along the college route, I learned a couple of things...The main thing being that life can
either be lived or it will live you until you learn your lessons. College introduced me to a
large conglomeration of clowns, tenured faculty. I left degreeless, but educated, and
began the process of undoing the damage of the first 22 years of my life's formal
education, and began my true learning in real education...poverty...which I call a blessing...
backbreaking labor, working horses, running sawmills, caring for the ranch in Montana,
living without electricity, running water, or a vehicle half the time. Living life as an
adventure day to day.
Receiving my gift of cancer, continuing the path of learning, letting the ranch go, falling in
love with my first, and only, childhood sweetheart, beginning the journey to see her in New
England, and loving life...My story... (By Lee the Horselogger)
Live NOW!
By Sally Colby
(Reprinted from February 25, 2008 Mid-Atlantic Country Folks Farm Chronicle)
It’s tough to miss a team of draft horses pulling a wagon equipped with blinking lights and
sporting a huge American flag. The horses’ hoof-fall is steady and measured as their
driver guides them through rural areas, small towns and cities. Some who see the team
do a double take, thinking they’ve traveled back in time. Others stop to take pictures,
while a few follow the anachronistic vehicle just long enough to copy the hand-lettered sign
on the back of the wagon: LEEHORSELOGGER.COM 2006 Montana to Boston 2008.
From the rear, the most noticeable thing about the wagon moving at about 2.5 mph are
the hay bales, a hand truck and water barrel lashed to the back, but real attention-grabber
is the power in front of the wagon – Suffolk Punch horses. The wagon, horses and two
Great Pyrenees along for the ride belong to Lee the Horselogger, who left Montana in
August 2006 to see the country and visit friends.
In Montana, where Lee worked as a horse logger, he used Max, a 14-year old stallion and
Tom, a 14-year old gelding to pull dead and diseased trees out of wooded areas. After
the family ranch in Montana was sold, Lee was left with no job and no home. He wanted to
see the country, but he was broke and there was no way he’d leave his animals behind.
His solution? Build a wagon, hitch his team to it and head east. Lee gathered some
basic supplies, his two Great Pyrenees, Kerrmutt and Katie, then hitched Tom and Max to
the wagon and began what has become the journey of a lifetime. That was in August of
2006. Today, having reached Boston by way of New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Wisconsin and Minnesota, Lee is in Pennsylvania and is headed for San Francisco.
“I’m visiting my way across America,” says Lee to one of questions he’s asked most
frequently. If pressed, he’ll give the reason: “For grins and giggles.” That response is met
with everything from easy smiles of complete acceptance to faces clearly dotted with
invisible question marks. And to allay what seems to be on the minds of many, his next
sentence is often, “I’m not here to raise your social awareness, I’m not here to convert you
to my religion, I’m not here to raise money. I’m doing this because I want to.”
Lee’s priority throughout the trip is the horses. He monitors their health closely, and every
month he locates a veterinarian to renew the health papers he keeps for each horse. Lee
has blankets for the horses but reserves them for extreme conditions. “I use them when
the horses are tied here and can’t move,” said Lee, “mostly during ice storms and heavy
rain.” He won’t allow his team to drink from streams - he’d rather haul potable water.
What amazes many people is the fact that the horses are barefoot, with perfectly honed
and healthy hooves. “Isn’t it amazing that we’ve done about 3,400 miles and they don’t
need shoes,” said Lee. “When the terrain is steep, or I see a bit more wear than I’m
comfortable with, I use Easyboots.” Why Suffolk Punch? Lee likes the breed because
they are intelligent and were developed specifically as farm horses. He carefully avoids
assigning human traits to his team, but he firmly believes that his horses are ‘happy’ when
they have a job to do.
As they travel, Lee might pop the plexiglass window on the front of the wagon and remind
Tom to slow down, or urge Max to keep up. Lee added a third horse, a four-year old
Suffolk Punch mare named Fey, this past summer. Lee considers her a baby, but she has
been working along with ‘the boys’ just fine. On most days, Lee travels 12 to 15 miles,
depending on weather conditions and terrain. “I’m driving three abreast, which means I’m
on the shoulder,” said Lee. “I’m not about to put them on the ice, and I can’t put them on
the shoulder.” Before dusk, he stops for the night. Small-town fire stations are an ideal
stopping place but Lee is satisfied with a safe spot near a grocery store or restaurant.
Once harnesses and bridles are removed, the horses are given oats, hay and water. Lee
explains that when the horses are in harness, they’re working, and when they are finished
working for the day, they are off duty – no petting, no treats. His horses are for work,
period. However, Max, Tom and Fey perk up in the morning when Lee pulls out a couple
of basic grooming tools in preparation for harnessing. They know it’s time to work.
Lee doesn’t claim to be a horse person, but anyone who understands the depth of caring
for three large animals through every kind of weather and travel conditions imaginable
might disagree. “I’m not a horse trainer,” said Lee. “I don’t even think I’m a particularly
good teamster. I’m adequate – I can get my horses down the road and do what I need to
do.” And although the concept seems like the ideal way to pursue the simplistic lifestyle,
what Lee is doing is anything but simple. “One of the things I quickly learned,” said Lee,
“is that I’m doing something that nobody knows anything else about. I’m a horse logger – I
hitch up every day - but this is a very different thing.” Those who are curious enough to
seek out Lee when he stops for the night and after the horses are cared for are rewarded
with a memorable experience as they talk and share with Lee. “There is an amazing
number of good people out there,” said Lee. “You can’t believe it until you do something
like this.
Lee doesn’t want to be viewed as someone who is doing something that no one else can
do. His biggest goal is to share what he has learned on his journey. “I’m just a person,” he
says. “I’m just a pony driver. Life is short. You’d better do things now because you don’t
get a second chance.”
Right now, Lee is in traveling on route 30 toward Pittsburgh, then he’ll head northward into
Ohio and continue westward to California. He urges people to visit his website, www.
leehorselogger.com <http://www.leehorselogger.com> , which was set up by a friend so
that people can track Lee’s progress across the United Sates. Lee hopes that people will
take the time to find him and exchange conversation as he continues his journey.
Wow-Where to start?
"I was born in a hospital...", wait--that's not important. How about "I am a horse logger..."
Logging, horses, a simple way of life...That sounds more like it because it is what I am.
My earliest memories include cutting firewood with my family in upstate New York, riding
critters, driving ponies, being in the woods, running chainsaws (dad bought me my first
saw when I was 13), cutting firewood by myself, planting trees, gardening, wandering in
the woods, cross country skiing, learning to run heavy equipment, high school, then
college.
Along the college route, I learned a couple of things...The main thing being that life can
either be lived or it will live you until you learn your lessons. College introduced me to a
large conglomeration of clowns, tenured faculty. I left degreeless, but educated, and
began the process of undoing the damage of the first 22 years of my life's formal
education, and began my true learning in real education...poverty...which I call a blessing...
backbreaking labor, working horses, running sawmills, caring for the ranch in Montana,
living without electricity, running water, or a vehicle half the time. Living life as an
adventure day to day.
Receiving my gift of cancer, continuing the path of learning, letting the ranch go, falling in
love with my first, and only, childhood sweetheart, beginning the journey to see her in New
England, and loving life...My story... (By Lee the Horselogger)
Live NOW!
By Sally Colby
(Reprinted from February 25, 2008 Mid-Atlantic Country Folks Farm Chronicle)
It’s tough to miss a team of draft horses pulling a wagon equipped with blinking lights and
sporting a huge American flag. The horses’ hoof-fall is steady and measured as their
driver guides them through rural areas, small towns and cities. Some who see the team
do a double take, thinking they’ve traveled back in time. Others stop to take pictures,
while a few follow the anachronistic vehicle just long enough to copy the hand-lettered sign
on the back of the wagon: LEEHORSELOGGER.COM 2006 Montana to Boston 2008.
From the rear, the most noticeable thing about the wagon moving at about 2.5 mph are
the hay bales, a hand truck and water barrel lashed to the back, but real attention-grabber
is the power in front of the wagon – Suffolk Punch horses. The wagon, horses and two
Great Pyrenees along for the ride belong to Lee the Horselogger, who left Montana in
August 2006 to see the country and visit friends.
In Montana, where Lee worked as a horse logger, he used Max, a 14-year old stallion and
Tom, a 14-year old gelding to pull dead and diseased trees out of wooded areas. After
the family ranch in Montana was sold, Lee was left with no job and no home. He wanted to
see the country, but he was broke and there was no way he’d leave his animals behind.
His solution? Build a wagon, hitch his team to it and head east. Lee gathered some
basic supplies, his two Great Pyrenees, Kerrmutt and Katie, then hitched Tom and Max to
the wagon and began what has become the journey of a lifetime. That was in August of
2006. Today, having reached Boston by way of New York, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois,
Wisconsin and Minnesota, Lee is in Pennsylvania and is headed for San Francisco.
“I’m visiting my way across America,” says Lee to one of questions he’s asked most
frequently. If pressed, he’ll give the reason: “For grins and giggles.” That response is met
with everything from easy smiles of complete acceptance to faces clearly dotted with
invisible question marks. And to allay what seems to be on the minds of many, his next
sentence is often, “I’m not here to raise your social awareness, I’m not here to convert you
to my religion, I’m not here to raise money. I’m doing this because I want to.”
Lee’s priority throughout the trip is the horses. He monitors their health closely, and every
month he locates a veterinarian to renew the health papers he keeps for each horse. Lee
has blankets for the horses but reserves them for extreme conditions. “I use them when
the horses are tied here and can’t move,” said Lee, “mostly during ice storms and heavy
rain.” He won’t allow his team to drink from streams - he’d rather haul potable water.
What amazes many people is the fact that the horses are barefoot, with perfectly honed
and healthy hooves. “Isn’t it amazing that we’ve done about 3,400 miles and they don’t
need shoes,” said Lee. “When the terrain is steep, or I see a bit more wear than I’m
comfortable with, I use Easyboots.” Why Suffolk Punch? Lee likes the breed because
they are intelligent and were developed specifically as farm horses. He carefully avoids
assigning human traits to his team, but he firmly believes that his horses are ‘happy’ when
they have a job to do.
As they travel, Lee might pop the plexiglass window on the front of the wagon and remind
Tom to slow down, or urge Max to keep up. Lee added a third horse, a four-year old
Suffolk Punch mare named Fey, this past summer. Lee considers her a baby, but she has
been working along with ‘the boys’ just fine. On most days, Lee travels 12 to 15 miles,
depending on weather conditions and terrain. “I’m driving three abreast, which means I’m
on the shoulder,” said Lee. “I’m not about to put them on the ice, and I can’t put them on
the shoulder.” Before dusk, he stops for the night. Small-town fire stations are an ideal
stopping place but Lee is satisfied with a safe spot near a grocery store or restaurant.
Once harnesses and bridles are removed, the horses are given oats, hay and water. Lee
explains that when the horses are in harness, they’re working, and when they are finished
working for the day, they are off duty – no petting, no treats. His horses are for work,
period. However, Max, Tom and Fey perk up in the morning when Lee pulls out a couple
of basic grooming tools in preparation for harnessing. They know it’s time to work.
Lee doesn’t claim to be a horse person, but anyone who understands the depth of caring
for three large animals through every kind of weather and travel conditions imaginable
might disagree. “I’m not a horse trainer,” said Lee. “I don’t even think I’m a particularly
good teamster. I’m adequate – I can get my horses down the road and do what I need to
do.” And although the concept seems like the ideal way to pursue the simplistic lifestyle,
what Lee is doing is anything but simple. “One of the things I quickly learned,” said Lee,
“is that I’m doing something that nobody knows anything else about. I’m a horse logger – I
hitch up every day - but this is a very different thing.” Those who are curious enough to
seek out Lee when he stops for the night and after the horses are cared for are rewarded
with a memorable experience as they talk and share with Lee. “There is an amazing
number of good people out there,” said Lee. “You can’t believe it until you do something
like this.
Lee doesn’t want to be viewed as someone who is doing something that no one else can
do. His biggest goal is to share what he has learned on his journey. “I’m just a person,” he
says. “I’m just a pony driver. Life is short. You’d better do things now because you don’t
get a second chance.”
Right now, Lee is in traveling on route 30 toward Pittsburgh, then he’ll head northward into
Ohio and continue westward to California. He urges people to visit his website, www.
leehorselogger.com <http://www.leehorselogger.com> , which was set up by a friend so
that people can track Lee’s progress across the United Sates. Lee hopes that people will
take the time to find him and exchange conversation as he continues his journey.
| Note to the PUBLIC: When you see Lee in your area, PLEASE call your local newspaper and/or radio station and alert them. Many people are interested in Lee's story, and interest grows as Lee travels further. And please tell them about this website so they can be informed. Your help is appreciated! |
| VISITORS SINCE 12 April 2007 |
| Please sign my Guestbook |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Volunteer Webmaster is Patty Goff Onarga, IL Co-Publisher of the Lone Tree Leader |
Answers to
Frequently
Asked
Questions:
1. 12-25 miles
per day,
depending on
many factors
2. Suffolk Punch
horses
3. Horses are
barefoot (don't
need shoes)
4. Great
Pyrenees dogs
5. Grins &
giggles; for the
fun of it; just
because
6. From Montana
to California by
way of Boston
then to Alaska in
2010
7. 11,340 lbs.
(weight of
wagon, horses,
dogs and Lee
Frequently
Asked
Questions:
1. 12-25 miles
per day,
depending on
many factors
2. Suffolk Punch
horses
3. Horses are
barefoot (don't
need shoes)
4. Great
Pyrenees dogs
5. Grins &
giggles; for the
fun of it; just
because
6. From Montana
to California by
way of Boston
then to Alaska in
2010
7. 11,340 lbs.
(weight of
wagon, horses,
dogs and Lee
| VERY cool stuff from: Joe Bevilacqua You can read the Ellenville Journal article about Lee the Horselogger (with photo) at: http://www.ellenvillejournal.com/2008/01/03/news/2.html and see more photos of Lee at:http://www.joebev.com/horselogger-web/index.htm You can HEAR the NPR story Joe produced at: http://www.prx.org/pieces/23079 |
| VIDEO of an interview with Lee |
| VIDEO of an interview with Lee Jan. 28, 2008: Chris Cekot, and Erik Meltzer |
| VIDEO clip was filmed by Don Polec for the ABC affiliate WPVI-TV channel 6 in Philadelphia on Jan. 26, 2008: |
| Gettin' a New Do! At Fantastic Sam's in Latrobe, PA on Feb. 23, 2008. |
| Scroll down to read articles by and about Lee! |
Max, Lee’s 14-year
old Suffolk Punch
stallion, is one of only
a few left in the world.
old Suffolk Punch
stallion, is one of only
a few left in the world.
Max (left) and Tom were
Lee’s logging horses in
Montana, and are now
two of the three horses
that pull Lee’s wagon.
Lee’s logging horses in
Montana, and are now
two of the three horses
that pull Lee’s wagon.
Living life in the slow lane
"Lee the Horselogger" is a man to be admired--and envied by some. He is living his life
the way many of us wish we could.
His home is a one-of-a-kind, homemade wagon. Lee calls it his "barn on wheels," packed
with necessities for himself, the two horses and two dogs. The horses are rare Suffolk
Punch draft horses and the dogs are friendly, loveable Great Pyrenees. The draft horses,
"Max" and "Tom," were previously used to haul logs. The Pyrenees dogs, "Katie" and
"Kerr-Mutt," are great company along the way.
Lee wants to be known only as "Lee the Horselogger" and requests that his last name not
be used. "Life is all about being human," he said. "Names are only labels. People
shouldn't be grouped according to their title, religion, vocation, size, color or race. People
should just be human."
Lee has no agenda, is not endorsing or protesting anything. He is not raising money for a
cause or selling anything. He is just living life to the fullest.
"That's basically it," he said. "Ye haw!"
Starting out from East Glacier, Montana on August 9, 2006, with only $75 and two weeks'
worth of food, his quest was to eventually visit a his childhood sweetheart, Nancy, in the
Boston, Massachusetts vicinity, living life to the fullest along the way. He is a man with a
lot of faith in himself, people and a higher power. "This is not a trip into the mind, but a trip
into the heart," he said.
He lives out of the wagon and depends a great deal on the kindness of people he
encounters along the way. He draws attention from the media everywhere he goes.
Newspapers, radio stations and television crews are always on hand when he stops for
the night. So are crowds of good Samaritans and curiosity-seekers.
"I have faith that everything will work out if I allow the creator to work it in a manner he
chooses," said Lee. He said having such faith changes a person's thought processes and
outlook on life.
Lee was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2005. After using holistic medicine and refusing
any traditional treatments, he decided to plan his big trip. He considers is cancer "a gift"
and maintains an optimistic attitude about beating it. "I have the cancer under control by
the way I handle my life, so cancer is not handling me," said Lee. He credits his careful
diet and use of herbs for reversing the growth of the tumor as part of his holistic treatment.
Lee has always lived a simple life. He was raised in upstate New York and his childhood
was spent mostly outdoors cutting firewood, planting trees, logging and tending horses.
After he graduated from high school, he went on to college, but left the institution
"degreeless but educated." He settled down in Montana, learning through life itself. He
likes the rugged life with no electricity and no running water.
Though he received a formal education, he says "life lessons don't come from books, but
through relationships and interaction with people."
His home is a mini-barn of sorts and Lee's long-bearded appearance is a little rough. But
he is certainly not a hick from the sticks. In visiting with him, it is obvious that he is an
educated, sensible, gentle and caring man. Any person lucky enough to spend any time at
all with him will be inspired--even if in only a small way. You can't spend time conversing
with him and not learn something about yourself.
Lee and his "troupe" travel about 100 miles a week, perhaps 20-25 miles a day. He is not
on a schedule, except to find a place to stop for the night. Many times, towns and cities
have heard of his coming, and are ready for him. People along the way are anxious to
help in any way they can. Lee said, "I have yet to ask for anything other than 'Do you know
somebody down the road who might have a parking lot I can camp at?'" Everything else
he has need for has just shown up. He frequently gets more groceries and supplies than
he can carry. He uses the steady supply of donated cash mainly to keep his "mobile
home" in good condition and his horses healthy.
During our visit, I asked Lee a typical "journalistic" question: What is your most
memorable event so far? He couldn't come up with a "most memorable," but said there
were so many kindnesses reaped upon him, he wouldn't want to single any of them out
anyway. He did offer a cherished memory of a little old lady giving him $2 when she
couldn't afford it. Another woman gave him a $20 bill as a way of vicariously helping her
husband, who had passed away before realizing his dream of riding a horse along North
Dakota.
"That's what this whole trip has been about. Other people having a dream that fell through;
life caught up with them, so they help me," Lee said. "I in turn encourage them to follow
their dreams."
"The main thing is that life can either be lived or it will live you until you learn your lessons,"
said Lee.
Lee gets to see America the old-fashioned way. People in a hurry just pass him by. Lee is
content with the clippety-clop of Max and Tom's hoofs on the road and enjoys the slow,
relaxing trip. Lee is not a "hustle and bustle" type of guy.
Lee eloquently sums up his quest as "living life is an adventure from day to day. Receiving
my gift of cancer, letting the ranch go, continuing the path of learning, enjoying the journey
to visit my childhood sweetheart and loving life."
During our visit, we developed a friendship. Lee and I agreed that I would create and
maintain a new website so people across the nation can see how he is doing and post
their own stories about meeting him. Please check this website often!
(By Patty Goff, Publisher, Lone Tree Leader)
Printed in the Lone Tree Leader, April 13, 2007
"Lee the Horselogger" is a man to be admired--and envied by some. He is living his life
the way many of us wish we could.
His home is a one-of-a-kind, homemade wagon. Lee calls it his "barn on wheels," packed
with necessities for himself, the two horses and two dogs. The horses are rare Suffolk
Punch draft horses and the dogs are friendly, loveable Great Pyrenees. The draft horses,
"Max" and "Tom," were previously used to haul logs. The Pyrenees dogs, "Katie" and
"Kerr-Mutt," are great company along the way.
Lee wants to be known only as "Lee the Horselogger" and requests that his last name not
be used. "Life is all about being human," he said. "Names are only labels. People
shouldn't be grouped according to their title, religion, vocation, size, color or race. People
should just be human."
Lee has no agenda, is not endorsing or protesting anything. He is not raising money for a
cause or selling anything. He is just living life to the fullest.
"That's basically it," he said. "Ye haw!"
Starting out from East Glacier, Montana on August 9, 2006, with only $75 and two weeks'
worth of food, his quest was to eventually visit a his childhood sweetheart, Nancy, in the
Boston, Massachusetts vicinity, living life to the fullest along the way. He is a man with a
lot of faith in himself, people and a higher power. "This is not a trip into the mind, but a trip
into the heart," he said.
He lives out of the wagon and depends a great deal on the kindness of people he
encounters along the way. He draws attention from the media everywhere he goes.
Newspapers, radio stations and television crews are always on hand when he stops for
the night. So are crowds of good Samaritans and curiosity-seekers.
"I have faith that everything will work out if I allow the creator to work it in a manner he
chooses," said Lee. He said having such faith changes a person's thought processes and
outlook on life.
Lee was diagnosed with lymphoma in 2005. After using holistic medicine and refusing
any traditional treatments, he decided to plan his big trip. He considers is cancer "a gift"
and maintains an optimistic attitude about beating it. "I have the cancer under control by
the way I handle my life, so cancer is not handling me," said Lee. He credits his careful
diet and use of herbs for reversing the growth of the tumor as part of his holistic treatment.
Lee has always lived a simple life. He was raised in upstate New York and his childhood
was spent mostly outdoors cutting firewood, planting trees, logging and tending horses.
After he graduated from high school, he went on to college, but left the institution
"degreeless but educated." He settled down in Montana, learning through life itself. He
likes the rugged life with no electricity and no running water.
Though he received a formal education, he says "life lessons don't come from books, but
through relationships and interaction with people."
His home is a mini-barn of sorts and Lee's long-bearded appearance is a little rough. But
he is certainly not a hick from the sticks. In visiting with him, it is obvious that he is an
educated, sensible, gentle and caring man. Any person lucky enough to spend any time at
all with him will be inspired--even if in only a small way. You can't spend time conversing
with him and not learn something about yourself.
Lee and his "troupe" travel about 100 miles a week, perhaps 20-25 miles a day. He is not
on a schedule, except to find a place to stop for the night. Many times, towns and cities
have heard of his coming, and are ready for him. People along the way are anxious to
help in any way they can. Lee said, "I have yet to ask for anything other than 'Do you know
somebody down the road who might have a parking lot I can camp at?'" Everything else
he has need for has just shown up. He frequently gets more groceries and supplies than
he can carry. He uses the steady supply of donated cash mainly to keep his "mobile
home" in good condition and his horses healthy.
During our visit, I asked Lee a typical "journalistic" question: What is your most
memorable event so far? He couldn't come up with a "most memorable," but said there
were so many kindnesses reaped upon him, he wouldn't want to single any of them out
anyway. He did offer a cherished memory of a little old lady giving him $2 when she
couldn't afford it. Another woman gave him a $20 bill as a way of vicariously helping her
husband, who had passed away before realizing his dream of riding a horse along North
Dakota.
"That's what this whole trip has been about. Other people having a dream that fell through;
life caught up with them, so they help me," Lee said. "I in turn encourage them to follow
their dreams."
"The main thing is that life can either be lived or it will live you until you learn your lessons,"
said Lee.
Lee gets to see America the old-fashioned way. People in a hurry just pass him by. Lee is
content with the clippety-clop of Max and Tom's hoofs on the road and enjoys the slow,
relaxing trip. Lee is not a "hustle and bustle" type of guy.
Lee eloquently sums up his quest as "living life is an adventure from day to day. Receiving
my gift of cancer, letting the ranch go, continuing the path of learning, enjoying the journey
to visit my childhood sweetheart and loving life."
During our visit, we developed a friendship. Lee and I agreed that I would create and
maintain a new website so people across the nation can see how he is doing and post
their own stories about meeting him. Please check this website often!
(By Patty Goff, Publisher, Lone Tree Leader)
Printed in the Lone Tree Leader, April 13, 2007
Lee bridles the
horses shortly
before leaving.
Each of the
horses works in a
snaffle bit.
horses shortly
before leaving.
Each of the
horses works in a
snaffle bit.
Katie is one of Lee’
s two Great
Pyrenees dogs
that travel with him.
s two Great
Pyrenees dogs
that travel with him.
| Find out where Lee is currently located -- read entries in the Guestbook |
| Washington, IL on May 6th, 2008. Photo by David Hardy Jr. |
Seeing America the old-fashioned way
by Joy Burnett
His name is Lee, and he's traveling across America the way our ancestors did, in a covered
wagon pulled by horses. Accompanied only by his two Great Pyrenees, Kerrmutt and Katie, Lee
left East Glacier, Montana, in August 2006 to visit his childhood sweetheart, Nancy, who lives in
Massachusetts. He arrived there in July 2007.
After about a month, Lee began his return trek. He stayed overnight in the Hartville Centre
parking lot on March 11, generating much interest the following morning. He told The Hartville
News he had spoken with more than 100 people by 10:00 A.M.
Lee is heading for California, and plans to go on to Alaska in 2010. A friend is writing a book
about his adventures.
Why is Lee making this trip? "Just for the fun of it," he says. "I live life as an adventure every
day." He is not raising money for any cause, he's not protesting anything, endorsing anything, or
selling anything. He is an educated, well-spoken man who enjoys talking with the hundreds of
people he meets every day, and is grateful for the support he receives from many of them.
Lee is a cancer survivor. He used holistic medicine and diet to overcome the disease. Now he
calls the cancer his gift.
Lee's wagon is homemade. He calls it a "barn on wheels." The Suffolk Punch horses are named
Tom, Max, and Fey.
Lee doesn't think his surname or age are important information. He does have a Web site,
though, that contains many articles that have been written about his journey
(www.leehorselogger.com).
by Joy Burnett
His name is Lee, and he's traveling across America the way our ancestors did, in a covered
wagon pulled by horses. Accompanied only by his two Great Pyrenees, Kerrmutt and Katie, Lee
left East Glacier, Montana, in August 2006 to visit his childhood sweetheart, Nancy, who lives in
Massachusetts. He arrived there in July 2007.
After about a month, Lee began his return trek. He stayed overnight in the Hartville Centre
parking lot on March 11, generating much interest the following morning. He told The Hartville
News he had spoken with more than 100 people by 10:00 A.M.
Lee is heading for California, and plans to go on to Alaska in 2010. A friend is writing a book
about his adventures.
Why is Lee making this trip? "Just for the fun of it," he says. "I live life as an adventure every
day." He is not raising money for any cause, he's not protesting anything, endorsing anything, or
selling anything. He is an educated, well-spoken man who enjoys talking with the hundreds of
people he meets every day, and is grateful for the support he receives from many of them.
Lee is a cancer survivor. He used holistic medicine and diet to overcome the disease. Now he
calls the cancer his gift.
Lee's wagon is homemade. He calls it a "barn on wheels." The Suffolk Punch horses are named
Tom, Max, and Fey.
Lee doesn't think his surname or age are important information. He does have a Web site,
though, that contains many articles that have been written about his journey
(www.leehorselogger.com).
| Since Lee would rather undergo a root canal without Novocain than write, he’s working with a professional writer and the book is progressing. |
|
| Lee will be taking about 10 days off to take care of some personal business beginning about May 12 or 13. Friends will be taking care of his family (Max, Tom, Fey, Katie and Kerr-Mutt). Lee will be back on the road soon. |