Bob Skelding, of Deerfield, has
left everything behind and now calls “home”
the wooden RV wagon that is being pulled by
four Percheron horses, Joyce, Deedee, Dolly
and Doll (three mares and a gelding). Late
last Wednesday afternoon, Steve Riel spotted
them trying to cross busy Rte. 28, to head
west on Loudon Road. Steve went roadside to
take pictures as they passed. Bob inquired
of Steve whether he might know of a flat
area around here where he could pull in for
the night. Of course - right out behind the
farm buildings; so - up the back driveway
they went and in jug time, Bob and his
friend, Fred Sautter of Montclair, New
Jersey, had the horses unharnessed and
tethered temporarily to the wagon while an
“easy up” electric fence was strung to form
an enclosure for overnight. Then it was
water, oats, and hay and they were all set.
Next came a table and chairs from the RV and
Bob and Fred were ready to relax. No so! We
had called several family members and
friends and soon the back yard was alive
with people chatting, pelting Bob and Fred
with questions and hearing Bob’s reasons for
giving up his job and all material things to
take to the road with his four horses and
his seventeen year old poodle, Clementine.
The trek began in Deerfield in his RV
“home.” He plans to cover about 8 miles a
day (maybe 10 after a few days at 3 mph. His
home made RV is outfitted with a solar panel
which stores energy to run everything inside
and out which includes a hot water shower,
small kitchen area and sleeping quarters.
Fred will be with him until the end of the
first week and after that Bob, his four
Percherons and his poodle will go it alone.
When asked where he was headed, he replied,
“I don’t know where I am going or where I
will end up, but I think I’m really going to
enjoy the people and places along the way.
My only goal is to see new places, meet
plenty of people (like yourselves) and to
enjoy this great country of ours along the
way.”
After everyone left, Kevin, Steven, Lisa and
Debbie put on a great barbecue feast. More
conversation and questions ensued.
To follow Bob’s journey and learn more about
him you can log on to
www.wagonteamster.com. He updates his
journal daily when satellite signals are
available.
Personal note from Bob: “The Riel Family
have been terrific hosts.”
