I think we can all look back on our lives and name, on one hand, people that truly amazed and impressed us. For me, one of the first names to come to my mind is that of Bernice Ende. Now I am sure almost all of you are saying... "Who is that?"
On April 25, I had done a story about Bernice, an amazing woman on a quest as a long rider. With her only company, a dog named Claire, her dedicated mount, Honor, and the spirit of hundreds of wistful daydreams from "wannabe" adventurers she met during her travels, Bernice was undertaking a 5,000 mile odyssey that would last 16 months. Leaving Trego, Mont., May 5, 2006, it would be 14 sets of horseshoes for Honor, 12 pairs of doggie booties for Claire and countless walking miles on the soles of her own boots before she would see her hometown again Sept. 22, 2007.
When I met Bernice in April at Topaz Lake, she was staying with John and Lucy Wise. She had been traveling for almost a whole year and had completed almost three-quarters of her journey. Bernice had been as far east as Waconia, Minn., to visit her sister, then heading south, she reached Las Vegas, N.M., in time to spend Thanksgiving with her other sister. Coming from New Mexico, she passed through Arizona and up the eastern face of the Sierra. She found a warm rest stop in Coleville with Jerry and Debby Vandebrake. There she met Topaz Lake residents, John and Lucy Wise, who, in turn, offered her their hospitality during a few days of late April snowy cold weather on her trek north.
The last time I saw Bernice was a few days later where she had accepted the hospitality of our assemblyman and his wife, James and Sherese Settelmeyer. There, the Settelmeyers mapped out a strategy to help Bernice run the gauntlet of congested traffic between Carson City and Reno, getting her back to wide open spaces again.
Even though my association with Bernice was very short, she made a lasting impression. I was fascinated by her calm strength. When engaged in conversation, her soft manner of speaking commanded my complete attention as her glacier blue eyes held my eyes captive. It was as if she was trying to find a spirit in me that I had chosen to put away and forget about many years ago. I couldn't help but envy her for the wonderful freedom she was able to experience. I found myself adding my own daydreams to the many she already carried with her from other people she had touched as deeply as myself. Then I found myself rather ashamed that I required so many creature comforts these days. Maybe it wouldn't be a bad thing to return to a lifestyle I had once lived that was similar to hers. In a few hours, she left an impression on me in so many ways and she will always be someone I will never forget. To read her fascinating story, go to www.endeofthetrail.com.
-- With Christmas and New Year's just around the corner, there are a lot of fun things to do. Topaz Joe's Grill and Bar will provide entertainment by Taylor Gulch and a Champagne toast at midnight. Taylor Gulch offers a variety to satisfy any musical taste including new country to old-time favorites, seasoned with a touch of rock n' roll and some blues thrown in for dessert. And, while you're at it, Buffalo Country will be on hand to help the count-down to midnight at Topaz Lodge and Casino, so make the rounds and enjoy some great entertainment.
-- Don't forget that January 1 is opening day of the Topaz Fishing Derby. Be on hand to catch the biggest and best. You could be the lucky winner of the Lodge's boat give-a-way or maybe even snag the fish with the $1,000 tag. It's a fun winter event with more cash prizes and Lodge entertainment until April.
Until next week...may all the best this holiday season can bring to you and yours just keep on keepin' on.
-- Jonni Hill can be reached through The Record-Courier at jhill@recordcourier.com or by calling 782-5121, ext. 213, or after hours at JHILL47@aol.com.
