Sunday, October 12, 2008

A Modern Day Cowboy: John Wayne Haynes



Today I met John Wayne. John Wayne Haynes that is... This definitely goes down as one of those interesting people you meet when your lives cross paths. He was a modern-day cowboy traveling from Hudson, MI to Santa Fe, NM entirely on horseback. With him were Misty and Harley his two Appaloosa horses and his dog Shelia, an American Cattle Dog-Border Collie Mix. Only eleven days into his five to six-month journey, he said he had already met many friendly faces. He said "What better way to see the country than on horseback?" I wish him luck on his adventure and safe travels along the way.







Update: After seeing the interest people have in John's travels across the United States, I decided to post the article that our local newspaper, the Sidney Daily News, published October 13, 2008. A PDF of the article is available here http://www.erinpence.com/JohnWayneHayes_SDN.pdf


Update: Paul D. Palmer Sr. of Luther, OK shared a song that he wrote and recorded about John. I thought it was completely amazing, so I got permission to share it with all of you! :-)


Listen Here


The Long Rider

There’s a’ long rider ridin’
from up Michigan way
he’s headin’ out west
to old Santa Fe
With two spotted ponies
to carry along
this old cowboy spirit
with a head full of song

Well, he stopped for the night
at the Circle D-5
New shoes for the ponies
and a rest from the ride…
He shared of his stories
and sang us his songs
two nights worth of wonder
and then he was gone

(chorus)
So sing to us John
and tell us your tale
speak of the ice storms
and speak of the hail
and tell us of the wonders
you found on the way
on the trail of the cowboy
on to old Santa Fe

and a heeler of red
and a heeler of blue
and two appy’s called Harley
and Misty and you…
John Wayne Haynes (SPOKEN)

(repeat chorus)

© 2009, PD Palmer Sr.

63 comments:

ashley said...

Hi Erin, John is my dad. I usually google his name everyday to see if there are anymore newspaper articles of him online. I was pleasantly suprised when I saw these pics. Thank you for putting the smile on my face...I love him & miss him very much so it was so nice to see these. You are very talented! Thanks again.
Ashley

Unknown said...

awesome pictures! john is my friend and it was cool to see them....thanks

Rhonda said...

My name is Rhonda Aulbach. The minute I met this man John Wayne Haynes he reminded me of my father! You know what they say "everyone has a twin" well that would be my fathers twin! My husband, son and myself had the opportunity to come in contact with John and we opened our home to him for 2 days in his travels! He is a wonderful man, very kind, just simple! He captured a big chunk of my 17 year old's heart! Just in the 2 days that we got to enjoy John's company he stole all three of our hearts! We wish John well in his endeavors! We also hope we will cross paths with him again!

Charlie From Kentucky said...

Last Saturday, November 15, 2008, on our way home we passed John on a very busy road in a nasty cold downpour. My wife's passion is horses and she had to turn around and see what was going on. She and my children ended up meeting him again at a local Tractor Supply where he needed to get some items for his trip. They ended up having lunch at Hardees and learning all about his trip. Yesterday, he called us from Bardstown, KY which is maybe 60 miles south of Shelbyville where we reside. A generous family offered him thier guest house and a private barn with electric water feeders for his horses. He drove up to Shelbyville in a Ford Expedition and took my family to dinner at Hometown Pizza. He also bought us some ice cream that we enjoyed at our house after the pizza. Before he left he enterained us with a great rendition of Amazing Grace on my guitar. We sent him off with a travel guitar to play along his journey and he hopes he can keep it in tact with the rough conditions. A lady in Bardstown has offered him a house for the winter but I guess it depends on the weather as to where and when he will travel. We had a great time, my kids loved him and my wife does too(just kidding, maybe not). We wish him the best and were impressed by his faith in the Good Lord that guides him along with way with or without money. He said there are a lot of good people out there and he has been overwhelmed by the Kentucky hospitality. Thanks for your pics!

Charlie In Shelbyville, KY

tkmuzic said...

Great pictures! I saw him going down 31E in Bardstown Kentucky Sunday and found a squib in the Ky Standard. He is in my prayers for a safe journey. Great work Erin!

Halie said...

I googled John Wayne Haynes name today not expecting to see all the information on him! Friday, January 2, 2009 he made it to my mother-in-laws house in Holly Springs, Mississippi on Highway 4 West. I live across the street from my in-laws and I left to go to town Friday and could not believe that I saw an older man with two horses and a dog running beside him! He came to my in-laws house (Brenda and Doug Bragg)who also have a barn and horses. By suprise, he scared Mrs. Brenda because she was here by herself and did not know what to expect. His horse got sick Sunday morning and he worked with her and got her back to good health. He stayed here all weekend and has left to go towards Senatobia, Mississippi which is approximently 35 miles West from our home. They have offered him a truck and horse trailer to get him across the Helena, Arkansas bridge. They took him in and cooked meals for him and have enjoyed his company. He left this morning (January 5, 2009)and we have have done nothing but talk about him and have called the local newspapers so we can keep up with him. We have called a friend this afternoon in Senatobia, who also enjoys horses and such, to see if she can meet up with and get him a place to stay for the night. I did not have the pleasure of meeting him but I will be thinking about him through his journey. What an awesome journey! I am just amazed about it!!!

Hitched To The Cross - SWEETBRIAR FARM said...

My husband and I met John today in Senatobia, Mississippi. He was riding down Highway 4. My husband later bought him dinner after he helped him get his horses settled at our local arena. Bless his heart, he is a very nice man. I pray for him to have safe travels and find lots of awesome adventures and meet lots of wonderful people.

Hitched To The Cross - SWEETBRIAR FARM said...

My husband Big David Freeman and I met John Wayne Haynes today as he was passing through Senatobia, MS. David bought him dinner and visited at the local Huddle House after he helped him settle the horses out at the Northwest Arena. Someone had given John the key so he had a warm place to spend the night with his dog. What an awesome man, he is blessed with a wonderful nature. It was a privilege to meet him, no one thought to take any pictures, wish they had so we could put it in the local paper.

Bumpy said...

The South Reporter newspaper in Holly Springs has a front page article this week (Jan. 8) on John. The entire town enjoyed him immensely and we hope we will be able to post weekly on his progress. Ashley, another write would like to be in contact with your dad. Would you mind sending me your email address so I can discuss with you. And, I love these photos! I'm glad I didn't see them before I took mine! Linda

JD McGee said...

Ashley,
I met your dad in Marvell Arkansas yesterday(1-11-09). When he told me of his route through the state I told him that he would be within 1 mile of my home in about 1 week. We have horses and mules and will welcome him for a night or a month!"There is something about the outside of a horse...that is good for the inside of a man." ~Winston Churchill

JD McGee said...

Ashley,
I met your dad in Marvell Arkansas yesterday (1-11-09). When I ask his route through Arkansas we discovered he will be 1 mile from my house in about a week. He will be welcome in my home and barns for a night or a month! God bless and keep him and the animals safe. Dennis, Cabot,AR "There is something about the outside of a horse...that is good for the inside of a man." ~Winston Churchill

Anonymous said...

I saw John in Senatobia, MS on Jan 7, someone snapped a picture and put it in the local newspaper. Check out thedemocrat.com

AngelGeorlin said...

Hey ASH! joe told zak who told me to google your pops and I found this site.... :-) I bet you're relived.. I'm concerned bout how he is doing now with this nasty weather! email me@ angelgeorlin@gmail.com

AngelGeorlin said...

ERIN, I love the pictures,john is an amazing person, my boyfriend and I look up to him we were some of his students... :)

~Amanda~ said...

Ashley, we have an incounter with your dad 1/5/09-1/10/09, you can read about it on my blog at meredithmanor.blogspot.com

Stacy said...

John has been in good company and good food since Jan. 16 at Dennis's House. My children really enjoyed visting with him and we can say that he is one of our friends. It will be good to see him in August for the Chuck Wagon finals. Till then be safe.

Stacy,Cody,Harley and Justin

Stacy said...

oh my goodness john is absolutly amazing. We met him on highway 5 and said he could stay woth one of our friends. His horses are so sweet misty is super nice and an amazing horse. And harley or old man is super sweet also harley is my name. lol, but yeah he ate dinner with us and we went ridin he is just a great guy!

-Harley Bias

Shawn said...

I live in Conway Arkansas and saw John traveling west on Highway 64.
It was a cold blistery day (inauguration day). The sight of John quietly traveling the roadway on horseback with his dog and pack horse in tow, was a totaly different sight from the millions gathered waiving flags in our nations capital, but just as memorable.

tovah said...

Hi Ashley. I met your dad, John Wayne Haynes, a few days ago (Jan 28) in Russellville Arkansas, on Main Street, Highway 64. He was cold, it was 30 degrees and a day after 2 days of sleet and ice. He had a place to stay about a mile from where we left him. I have photos if you want me to send them.

Your Dad is a fine fellow and my brother and I really enjoyed visiting with him and gaining information about him, his journey, and his animals.

tovah said...

Hi Ashley. I met your dad last Wednesday January 28, 2009 in Russellville, AR, about 70 miles west of Conway, AR. He was on Main Street, Highway 64 West, and an hour away from where he was planning to spend the night after he crossed Lake Dardanelle. I took photos and enjoyed visiting with John Wayne Haynes. Please email me for photos if you want them.

Unknown said...

Ashley: My husband and I met your dad waaaay back in Oct. coming thru Oxford, Ohio. We have sent you the many pictures we have of him- and we enjoy keeping in touch with him every week. Yesterday ( Feb. 11th) we were concerned because of the fierce weather in Oklahoma, so we called, and sure enough we got an answer, and yes he was fine, had been in a nice home for 3 days. But, you know, cowboys get antsy, and he was ready to move on!
Jim and Dolly

Brandon said...

John is a good man. I had the Pleasure of meetin him and singing with him. He is a very talented cowboy, and he is an inspiration. A true cowboy, and It was an honor to have met him. My name is Brandon, and I met him at cook-out on February 22, 2009.

John, may God watch over you, protect you, and bless you.

your friend,
Brandon Lehr

Brandon said...

I had the pleasure of meeting and singing with John at a cook out. He is a true cowboy, and he is extremely talented. John is an inspiration, and it really was an honor to have met him.

John, may God protect you and guide you.

p.s- John if you ever read this and wonder who I am. Me and Danny watched you shoe your own horse.

Your friend,
Brandon Lehr

Paul Palmer said...

Hey Ashley...Got to meet your dad and enjoyed about four days with him as he was invited to stay at the Circle D-5 Ranch to rest up and get the horses shod and rested. Got to pick and grin with him there at the ranch and enjoyed your talented Father captivate a good percentage of Luther, Oklahoma. He got back on the road just before lunch yesterday, Feb 23, and watched him depart for Arcadia, OK, with Danny Slawson, owner of the Circle D-5, riding West on Highway 66. Danny and his wife Dean'Na had lunch with him in Arcadia and he headed on west as Danny and Dean'Na returned to the ranch. We were all blessed by John's visit and expect that we will all cross trails again in the not too distant future. He was planning to visit the cowboy town of Guthrie today then continue westward to Santa Fe probably tomorrow. Thats quite a dad you have there and he rides on a whole lot of prayers from those he has touched in his travels...We are all very proud to know your Father... Danny and Dean'na have a bunch of pictures of his visit and filmed some of his talented picking and grinning as he entertained a house full of country folk. He was in his glory and we will miss him leastwise till we see him on down the road... Your dad can give you the number to the Circle D-5. Paul and Jan Palmer, Luther, Oklahoma.

DeanNa Slawson said...

My family and I met John in Jones,Ok on Feb.19th. He came and stayed with us at our home until the 23rd. John is a modern day angel dressed in cowboy clothing. He has been a true inspiration to our entire family & friends. We had several gatherings while he stayed with us where we fellowshiped and sang. We greeted a man on Thurs. and said good bye to a friend on Mon. My husband (Danny) rode along side John to Arcadia,OK where they ate lunch together and bid each other farewell.We are looking forward to seeing our friend again in the summer,God willing. God bless you and keep you safe,John. Your Okie friends, Danny & DeanNa Slawson

Elise Friese, Guthrie, OK said...

What a day!! Hi Ashley...I woke up this morning & on the front page of my local Guthrie paper was a picture of your dad. "JOHN WAYNE RIDES THROUGH GUTHRIE"...I teach classes at the local YMCA & on my way into town I spotted him sitting with TWO dogs! I almost turned around cause I REALLY wanted to visit with him...but I had a group of women waiting for me at the YMCA. BUMMER...anyway...I go in to the gym & exclaim that I have seen the COWBOY! Of course I had to tell them what the heck I was talking about....turns out...another YMCA employee....Harriett Lerner who teaches yoga was on the phone with one of my ladies (Katt) before the class...she had met him the night before!! Long story short...after my classes at the YMCA I went to look for this "cowboy". I found him, the horses & the two dogs(puppy Rudy & Sheila) behind the YOGA room. What a sweet soul John has! Kind eyes...I just could tell immediately what a great man he was! So special!! What an adventure! I am amazed! So I asked if I could treat him to lunch so we could visit...so anyway...ends up that we join Harriett & Kat for lunch & we just had a great time for a couple of hours! I am so glad I had my camera!! We took him to the BLUE BELL SALOON where Tom Mix used to work behind the bar (we just took a picture) & then across the street to the BOOT shop. I had noticed he had duct tape on his boots. Anyway...I will let him tell you what happened at the boot shop...but what a BLESSING! Such a treat to look into the eyes of a true adventurer!! I can't wait to read more of the blogs as he goes along. Hope to maybe see him again this afternoon before he heads out again in the morning. Are WE all lucky or WHAT to have been in his company?? Take care John & I will be calling you! Elise Friese, Guthrie, OK.

Elise Friese, Guthrie, OK said...

UPDATE!!! I had my pictures developed this afternoon...so this evening I went to the yoga room where he was staying...John & Harriett were still there. I wanted to give him his pictures before he left town in the morning. I am soooo excited that he is planning to stay in Guthrie another day to take in all the museums we have here!! I guess he also was contacted by one of the OKC news stations...so maybe he will also be on the news!! EXCITING!!

Elise Friese, Guthrie, OK said...

Here's a picture of the pup!

Anonymous said...

Hi All -

I'm hope I am on John's route down here is SW Oklahoma in Lawton.. Please let him know that I would love to host him and his entourage. I support the Long Riders Guild..where he also has recognition..and am doing a journey like this myself. Anyway, I have a great route that I have tentatively mapped for a long ride toward NM. Please, if you get in touch with him, let him know that he can find my contact info at www.buffalomoonexpedition.com or at www.grayceacademy.org or if someone can let him know I would love to host him, that would be great!

THANKS ERIN FOR SUCH A GREAT BLOG!

COWGIRL UP!

Megan Carter
Buffalo Moon Expedition
Riding the Perimeter of Oklahoma
Spring 2009

Elise Friese, Guthrie, OK said...

John made it to Kingfisher, OK today. It was much colder today & he said he walked for over an hour then it warmed up. He met someone who gave him a warm place to sleep & the animals are good. He is not sure of his route past Watonga, OK.

DeanNa Slawson said...

John has made it to Watonga,OK where he will be staying for a few days before heading out. He has a warm place to stay and Harley, Misty, Shiela and lil Rudy are all doing fine. Phone reception out that way is touch and go so the calls will be few. God Bless You..
Your friends at the Circle D-5 Ranch.

Paul Palmer said...

John has made it to Watonga. OK and will be there for a day or two at the invitation of a local rancher. GO JOHN !!!

DeanNa Slawson said...

Spoke to John on March 3 he had made it to Watonga,OK where he was going to stay for a few days.Not sure which road he will travel from there yet. He is having a trip of a life time.We can all learn a lesson from John..Live everyday with no regrets and live out your dreams and make them into memories. God Bless You! Your friends at the Circle D-5

ashley said...

Hi Elise, thank you so much for letting my Dad stay in your yoga studio. He really enjoyed you & said he had the best mexican food in your town! He loves mexican so that means alot coming from him...lol. Would you happen to have the newspaper article or copies of your pictures you could send me? I really appreciate everyone's kindness towards him and I always get a smile on my face when he tells me of his new advenutres and friends he's meeting along the way. God Bless.
Ashley

Elise Friese, Guthrie, OK said...

Correction:

It was not MY yoga loft...it was Harriett Lerner's (she also works at the YMCA & owns a B&B in town) & I gave your dad copies of the pics....so he has those...it was s fun & interesting to meet him!! We DO have good mexican food in Okie!! I could send you pics via the email if you want to email me? elise_friese@yahoo.com

leighann said...

Hi All! Today my family and I met John Wayne Hayes as we were passing through Watonga, OK on our way to a Rugby game in Edmond, OK! As we pulled up to a quick stop in Watonga, we saw two horses, a very disciplined dog standing patiently next to the horses, and a little puppy sitting in a pack hanging off of one of the horses at the gas pumps.. we couldn't believe what we were seeing, it was a pretty rare sighting to see that and then an old timey looking cowboy went walking up to the horses and my husband said, "oh! I think he's the man that my friend told me about that is traveling from Michigan to New Mexico!", so i walk up to him and introduce myself, ask him how is trip is going and asked if i could take a picture of him. He was so nice, kind, and friendly, that I immediately liked him and knew that he would be someone that I would not forget. The day went on and we went on to our game, got home about 6 p.m. and my family and I couldn't quit thinking about him. We were wondering if he was cold, if he had a place to stay, how far he had made it, etc..... so i decided to look on the internet to see if i could find any information about him and I was so THRILLED to find that there have been so many people affected by him as well! This is truly a wonderful story and we are fascinated now by every article that we can find about him. If anyone has any more updates about him or information, please write about it so that my family and I can actually rest knowing that he has finally reached his destination safe and sound! I kept telling my husband all evening, gosh i wish i would have given him our address so that we could find out if he makes it to New Mexico okay...... now hopefully, if people keep posting updates on here, we will find out that he has made it! To his daughter: please tell your Dad what an impact that he is having on all of the people that he meets everyday! He is going to be very famous by the time he reaches New Mexico! they may even make a movie about him some day! If anyone sees him again, please tell him my family and I wish him the best of luck and a happy life! He'll remember me by first name probably... "Leigh Ann" that he met at Watonga. Thanks so much!

ashley said...

Hi Leigh, thanks for posting the story about my Dad. I really enjoy hearing all of the stories about the nice people he has met along the way. I'm glad you had the opportunity to meet him. I talked to him today and he's doing well. I'll keep this blog updated as he continues on his adventure and definately put out a post when he reaches Santa Fe. Thank you to you and everyone else he has encountered for your kindness towards him...God Bless!

Elise Friese, Guthrie, OK said...

Leigh Ann....if you want me to email you the pics I took of John just email me....the address is in the previous email I wrote. You kids might like to have them.

leighann said...

Ashley, do you know how far your dad has made it since he left watonga? My email addresss is lahysell@hotmail.com if you would like to keep me updated that way! thanks so much!

leighann said...

Hi Everyone! I wanted you all to know that I received the email below today from a wondeful lady that met John on Saturday! You have to read it, it will totally make your day!

-----------------------------------

Hello Leighann ~

My name is Natasha. I found your email addy on a blog you had posted on the erin pence photography web page. I hope you dont mind that I am emailing you.

I wanted to let you know that I have had the pleasure of meeting John Wayne Haynes. On Saturday March 7 he was just outside of Fay traveling west on Hwy 33. Im from Weatherford and at the time my husband and I were on our way to the Watonga Lake Fishing Derby when we came across him. I have my own photography business and thought what a great photo opp so of course we stopped and asked if we could take some pics. We had no idea what he really was doing.....we didnt have much time to be stopped because we were right on the hwy and I was affraid of other vehicles not paying attention. We got his name....we told him ours and said thankyou and have a nice day. We honestly thought he was just out for a weekend stroll. On Sunday when we got the call from Watonga Chamber of Commerce that my husband had won the boat from the fishing derby something just told me I needed to research his name (we never win any of those things and it was that day that we saw John and had registered).....Boy am I glad I did!!! What an inspiring man! I stayed up til 3am yesterday morning just kicking myself that I really didnt get the chance to chat with him. After waiting for my son to get out of school...we packed up the car with goodies for him, the horses and the puppies and headed west on Hwy 33 to see if by chance we could find him. WE DID! I was so happy!! He was just west of Hwy 183 on Hwy 33 headed towards Butler. I asked him if he had a moment to stop so I drove a little further and found a safe spot to pull over. We visited for about an hour and what an incredible man with a heart of gold! We made sure the horse got some apples and water...we brought water, bisquits and food for the dogs and of course water and a bunch of goodies for Mr. John Wayne. He was so appreciative of it all. We exchange numbers and he called me last night. He had made it to Butler and had found the arena there. They all were doing good. I was hoping that I could get a contact email or number to his daughter if you have heard from her. I would love to get ahold of her to share pics and memories. You could just tell that his kids were his life...there was just a glow! If everyone would just take one day to really see things in the way he is seeing things, and slow down for a minute.....the world would be a much happier place! I know sometimes I get ahead of what really is important....I think everyone has those moments, but just meeting him has really opened my eyes. Its wonderful! Thankyou for taking the time to read this.

Have a wonderful day,
Natasha :)

___________________________________


Ashley if you read this, please email me so that I can give you Natasha's email! She would also like to send you pics!

Have a great day everyone!

Leigh ann

Shirley said...

Hi Ashley,
My name is Shirley Clutts from Holly Springs, Ms. I didn't get to meet your Dad when he came through here but I did read about him in the South Reporter and was fasinated with his story & his journey. I just wanted you to know he is in my thoughts and prayers and hope he has a very safe and blessed journey. Glad to know he is making alot of friends that are kind to him along his way. Wish you and your family the best and praying the good Lord will see your Dad safe all the way. I always look in the paper to see where he has gotten to. Looks like he is making good time. Just wanted you to know your Dad is in my prayers. Take care, God Bless, Shirley

leighann said...

Has anyone heard from John? Natasha and I are worried, the weather had been very cold and rainy and Natasha has not been able to reach him by phone. Please post if anyone has heard from him in the last couple of days!

Anonymous said...

Good Afternoon-- I didn't actually get to meet John but I saw him on Main Street in Hammon, Ok. We are about 12 miles west of Butler (his last known stop) Not for sure what day that was but it was during last week (March 9-14th). Sorry that I do not have any more information than that. I really wish I would have known about him and his journey sooner, I would have made a point to meet him.

Paul Palmer said...

Just want to pass along that we talked to John tonight and he was in Allison, Texas and is doing great, as were the dogs and horses. He said it was in 80s today and sunshine and has had wonderful weather since saturday and all is well.

Elise Friese, Guthrie, OK said...

Just got a call this evening from John....he is in Allison, TX just across the OK/TX border about ten miles. He will be coming back thru OK in July/Aug...would be fun to have an Okie reunion in Guthrie! He & the animals are all great. Been enjoying the awesome weather. His cell phone/voice mail reception has been touch & go. He was just able to retrieve his messages.

nicky barfield said...

THIS STORY IS SO AMAZING, I SAW THIS MYSTERY MAN ( A COWBOY WHO JUMPED OUT OF SOME OLE' WESTERN) IS WHAT IT SEEMED LIKE, HEADED WEST BETWEEN CHEYENNE AND REYDON OKLAHOMA ON MARCH 16. I HAD TO TAKE A DOUBLE TAKE TO SEE WHAT I HAD JUST SAW, A COWBOY, 2 HORSES, A DOG, AND A PUP WHO WERE ALL INTERESTINGLY JUST STROLLING DOWN THE SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY! I HADN'T HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT JOHN WAYNE HAYNES UNTIL AFTER I HAD SEEN HIM THAT AFTERNOON. COME TO FIND OUT, MY HUSBANDS COUSIN HAD GIVE HIM AND HIS CREW A PLACE TO STAY AT HIS PLACE, THE CROTON CREEK GUEST RANCH. THEY EVEN TOOK HIM TO A LOCAL, WHO MADE JOHN A NEW POUCH FOR HIS PUP, WHO HAD OUTGROWN THE ONE HE WAS RIDING IN. VERY INTERESTING STORY, I WISH I COULD HAVE MET HIM. TURNS OUT WHEN I PASSED HIM, HE WAS HEADED TO REYDON TO STAY WITH A FAMILY WHOM HAD OFFERED TO LET HIM STAY. I'M NOT SURE WHERE HE WAS HEADED FROM THERE. I DECIDED TO GOOGLED HIM TODAY AND FOUND THIS SITE. I FIGURED I BETTER LET EVERYONE KNOW THAT I SAW HIM AND HE IS OK!!

I WISH HIM AND HIS FOUR COMPADRES THE BEST OF LUCK!!

scott and joni said...

My husband and I saw John on Sunday March 15th riding down the road between Cheyenne and Reydon. Intrigued, we turned around to see if there was anything that he needed and offered him a night of rest on our Guest Ranch.

We had a wonderful visit over supper. He told us some of his stories from his trip so far. We are still intrigued by his innate ability to captivate our attention so completely in such a short time. We still talk about how we would love to have him visit us again and spend more time with him.

It was all that I could do to keep my husband at home with me instead of going along with John on his journey. We wish John a safe journey and hope we have the chance to meet him again in the future.

Joni and disappointed husband (Scott)

ashley said...

Just wanted to update everyone on how my Dad and the rest of the gang is doing...I talked to him last week and he's in Texas. There was quite a bad snow storm heading his way but fortunately he found a very nice family who was going to let him stay there and wait out the bad weather. They'll be back on the trail once the snow lets up. Thanks for everyone keeping him in your thoughts and prayers...it means so much.

ashley said...
This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
penny said...

Ashley, I just wanted to let you know that my husband and I saw your Dad and his "gang" when they came through Dalhart, TX he made the front page of our little paper here. You can find it at www.thedalharttexan.com. May God keep him and the "gang" safe until they reach their destination and you as you travel to see him.

Erin Pence said...

Everyone check the bottom of the original post for an addition to the page. It's a must see! (Thanks Paul!)

Thank you everyone for sharing your stories of John. We all appreciate the updates!!! :-)

~Erin

mike@ awesomewriter said...

My name is Mike Macomber, I am a staff writer at Awesome Writer we are doing a story on John Wayne Haynes and his incredible journey from Michigan to New Mexico on horseback, the client is Trailblazer Magazine, a 30 yr. publication dedicated to equestrian pursuits. If you have any photos of John that you could send to mikemacomber@awesomewriter.com I would be forever grateful, John is an amazing man and we would like to do his legacy justice. I appreciate your help on this story and thank you in advance. Together we can share the power of John's life with others.

Sincerely,
Mike Macomber
(603) 662-9490

ashley said...

Hey everyone. Dad made it to Santa Fe last Thursday night. They are all doing very well. Just wanted to let you all know they've made it. Thanks again for all of your post, email, & pictures its so touching how all of you have kept tabs on him. You have all touched our hearts in the deepest way. God Bless!

Dee Beard Dean said...

We met John Wayne on the lonely stretch from Tucumcari, NM to Las Vegas, NM. We photographed him and I apinted his picture. It can be viewed on my website: DeeBeardDean.com. Best wishes to John, Dee Beard Dean

Unknown said...

I met John Wayne Haynes yesterday on a film set shooting a movie where we were both "extras". I was so surpised to hear his amazing story. It seems he is having a US version of a "walkabout" only it's a "rideabout". He has had quite a journey. I live in Santa Fe and hope to see him often during his stay. He was so nice and a pleasure to spend time with.

Ashley, if you talk to him, tell him Debra from the movie set said "Hi" and hopes to run into him again soon!

JD McGee said...

Has anyone spoke with John Wayne Haynes lately? He is supposed to be headed back to Arkansas for the Chuck Wagon Races on Labor Day weekend. I have tried to call him several times with no response. Help!

Anonymous said...

JD- I spoke to JWH about weeks ago. He was still in Santa Fe when we talked. Anyway, he had indicated that he also might ride on to California..but he was just thinking out loud when he said that. I'll let y'all know if I hear more! COWGIRL UP!

Winterbabie said...

wOW! I was actually looking for someone else and came across this blog! I don't kow Johm, but sounds like this is someone I would love to meet. So please John, if you ever make it up to Spokane Valley, WA., give me a hollar! I would love to meet you and your 'family' of animals and would be honored to have you stay with us!

Anonymous said...

My father saw John on Sept. 21, 2009 riding by his house in Arapaho Oklahoma.

Unknown said...

Does anyone know where he is going?

Unknown said...

I just talked to John Wayne and he is still in New Mexico. It must have been someone else that rode by on Sept. 09.

StephenG said...

I had the opportunity to meet John and photographer Joe Rogers last Saturday (4/24/10) in Santa Fe, NM. I really enjoyed conversing with them and shooting photos of John.

klm said...

My husband and i had the pleasure to meet John two days ago horseback riding. He was our guide at the Broken Saddle Ranch just outside Santa Fe.