Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Cowboy continues cross-country journey

A long way from a home and a long way ahead of him is what cowboy Les Nichols had to look forward to.

Nichols passed through Gurdon last week on his way to New York, on horseback.

As reported in last week's paper Nichol's, like everyone on September 11, felt as if they were watching a movie or having a bad dream.

Like most American's, Nichols stayed glued to the television set for the next five to six days after the attacks in New York. Nichol's said as he sat there watching the news and watching the civilians coming out of the rubble he realized there weren't many, or any at all, of the police and firemen walking out.

Nichols made up his mind to do something to help the families of the lost heroes.

Nichols left from the Alamo in San Antonio, Texas during mid October.

Nichols said he chose to travel on highways since he was riding a horse and didn't want to spook his horse.

However, he also chose to ride the highways traveling along the railroad. Nichols new in the old days most towns were founded as railroad towns. Trains had to stop every 15 to 16 miles in order to load, unload and fill up with water.

Because Nichols is riding a horse he new he would have to stop regularly and rest. Choosing to travel this particular path would allow him to see the countryside and allow his horse to get the proper rest needed.

Nichols has stopped in several little towns so far as has been pleased with the positive reception he has been met with.

When Nichols stops he stays at the local fire department in each town.

Monday, January 21, the Gurdon Volunteer Fire Department met for its usual Monday night meeting. Nichols had already made it to town by the time the meeting had started at 6 p.m.

Fire Chief, Jake McBride, arrived at the fire station early to welcome Nichols and give him a ride back to Prescott so Nichols could pick up his Jeep.

Yes, not only does Nichols have a horse on the trip with him, he also has an automobile. He has to have some way to carry his horse, Sandy's, feed and hay. He also has to carry food for Posse his faithful dog, and a cowboy has to have clothes of his own, too.

As Nichols travels through each town he presents tickets for the saddle he plans to raffle off when he reaches New York.

Nichols took the time to explain the purpose of these tickets Monday night to Gurdon's Volunteer firemen. He asked them how many they thought they might want to sell. Everyone discussed how many they thought they could sell apiece.

McBride, spoke up and said, "Give us 200. I think these men can sell that many between all of them." Nichols was excited and explained to McBride what to do with the money collected and what to do with the raffle stubs.

Nichols does not carry any of the donations with him on his trip. He said, "I don't want anyone to think I am profiting from this in any way. I do everything on the up and up. The only way I am benefitting is by knowing I have helped fellow Americans."

In a way we can all benefit from Nichols' kind heart. Anyone who has thought about how they could help those unfortunate American's affected by the recent tragedies  Nichols has given you a way.

By purchasing a $5 raffle ticket from one of Gurdon's many firemen you are doing your part. These guys would be glad to sell you a ticket.

Also, each town Nichols has visited had donated something to him with the town's name on it.

Gurdon gave a camouflage hat with an embroidered buck deer and The City of Gurdon on it. They also gave Nichols an umbrella with the City of Gurdon on it. These items will be sent to New York City to be auctioned off to raise more money for a great cause.

Nichols is just a regular guy with a big heart and a lot of ambition. By following his heart he has touched so many others. He is a good example of Americana.