"The best that can ahppen is to fulfill the dreams of one's youth." - WIlla Cather, 1927

"Uh huh. Ever actually, like, try it?" - Kathleen Schmitt, in conversation

The idea to ride a horse from coast to coast was born over the breakfast table at the horse farm where Kathleen worked during high school - a few hours and a world way from her southside Chicago upbringing. Ten years later Kathleen put herself, her horse, Murphy, and her Box dog, Country Boy, on the road. These are the stories of events before, during and after the 'Grand Trek,' as she came to call that adventure, and a consideration of the right dream to fulfill.