Press Release 2017
Buffalo Moon Expedition’s message is simple. However, the
long-distance delivery of that message has a most been most unusual and
sometimes unfathomable even for horse minded folks who trail or endurance ride.
Experienced long-rider Megan Gray
and her horse Shadow will be heading back out on expedition this week starting
from Medinah Black Horse Troop Stables in Carols Stream with hopes to complete
the ride in Burlington Iowa. They are attempting a ride across the state of Illinois on
many of the Rail beds that have been converted into trails throughout the
state.
The Rails To Trails Conservancy has
had their sights on Gray for several years now. They have sponsored a few
of her expeditions in the past. Gray is an avid conservator of horse
history and also rail trails. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (RTC) is a
nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a nationwide network of trails
from former rail lines and connecting corridors to build healthier places for
healthier people.
An experienced equestrian explorer,
Gray also is the founder of Buffalo Moon Expedition, an organization that
preserves equestrian travel.
All of her expeditions have been
inspired by Gray’s horse-loving father who wanted to travel together on a
journey like this. He passed away in 2007 before that dream of theirs came to
fruition. But this past year, Megan has experienced the death of 40
people… in various degrees of closeness and she plans on helping others as she
finds healing herself. She is riding as memorial to her mom who passed
from cancer and Burlington, Iowa is near and dear to her heart: The Gray
Family are founders. Megan even changed her last name to her mother's
maiden name a few years ago to honor her and the Gray Family.
“There are so many people out there
who are hurting emotionally and just as many who want to share and celebrate
their lives on an adventure like this,” Gray said.
Their travel style is
similar to that of the Old West. The duo travels from town to town and
less than 15 miles a day at a leisurely pace of 4 miles per hour.
“Without our horses, this ride
wouldn’t happen. They are the ones who make it everything it is,” Gray said. “ Shadow is very well road tested and have traveled through towns, over tracks and under bridges. The safety and care
of their horses always comes first! The expedition will stop if Shadow's well being are in jeopardy.
This modern day urban cowgirl relies
on help from hosts and sponsors as she ventures the trail. Hosts often transport gear to the next host, and give them a place to shower, eat and rest. "Truly, all you really need is just a toothbrush"
she chortles.
“It’s not the miles, it’s the
meaning,” Gray emphasized again. "The longest journey we take is life
itself, and as the old cliche goes, it's not the destination it's the journey.
Our modern day Don Quixote rides off
this Wednesday with their dreams in the saddle bags and a whole bunch of hope
to pass on to those they meet on the trail!
Buffalo Moon Expedition does not
accept monetary donations. Those who want to donate money to support the ride
are asked to donate to a favorite heritage charity of choice.
Support Buffalo Moon
Expedition as they make their way on their route. Megan would love to have
you join her on her Facebook age at www.facebook.com/megangray226@gmail.com
