19/03/2026
A Few Days in Good Company
We got a later start than planned last Saturday afternoon, but that didn’t slow us down much. After putting $150 worth of fuel into Clifford, we pointed ourselves toward eastern Missouri with a loose plan—spend time with good friends and learn a thing or two along the way.
What we didn’t plan on was just how well we’d be eating.
We rolled in, got settled, and were quickly treated to a great meal. The evening unfolded the way the best ones do—good food, good conversation, and a table full of bags to look over. Alongside them were woven straps, sashes, and breechcloths spread out as well—plenty to study and admire. We talked techniques, construction, and all the little details that make a difference. By the end of the night, after 204.65 miles on the road, we slept soundly in Clifford with full bellies.
Sunday morning came easy. Coffee in hand, we sat and talked about just about everything. More bags came out, along with woven work—straps, sashes, breechcloths—and more ideas were shared. We were also given a tour of their family property—a truly beautiful place with the kind of setting that sticks with you.
Later that afternoon, we were taken over to another friend’s shop. It was a bit of a whirlwind visit, but a good one. Always inspiring to see how others work and what they’re building.
That evening brought a shift in the weather. Storms rolled in—heavy wind, lightning, and even talk of tornadoes—but we rode it out with another great supper and watched it all pass by.
By Monday, we had planned to move on, but between Gayla’s client call and snow headed into the areas we were traveling toward, we decided to stay put. Our hosts graciously told us to stay as long as we needed, so we settled in through Thursday.
And that turned out to be the best decision we could’ve made.
Monday morning, Gayla handled her work, and Blake and I got after it in the shop. One bag turned into a few, and before long we were deep into learning new techniques and refining old ones. Tuesday and Wednesday followed the same rhythm—coffee, work, conversation, repeat. The kind of days that don’t feel rushed but leave you better than you were before.
Wednesday evening we were invited over to the neighbors’. Burgers and jalapeño poppers were on the menu, and they didn’t disappoint. As the evening wound down, talk turned—as it often does—to gear, and before long we were all agreeing that maybe we each needed another flashlight or two.
Thursday morning came around quicker than expected. We shared one last cup of coffee with our friends, said our “see you laters,” and were on the road by 9:06 AM.
We headed toward Cape Girardeau, crossed into Illinois, and made a quick stop in Jonesboro for fuel and a break before pushing on. By the time we reached the western side of Evansville, Indiana, we were more than ready to sit still for a bit. A late lunch at Culver’s hit the spot.
From there, we set our sights on Blackwell Horsecamp, south of Indianapolis—still about 2.5 hours out. We took the backroads the rest of the way, enjoying the slower pace and the scenery.
We rolled in around 6 PM Eastern. We’d been there once before a couple of years ago, and it was just as we remembered—plenty of space, quiet, and best of all, free.
All told, we drove 321.13 miles that day, bringing the trip total to 526.79 miles.
More than the miles, though, it was the time spent—learning, working, eating well, and being around good people—that made the trip what it was.
