York: Number one would be Jesus Christ. And I'd invite George Washington, because I'd like to ask him about taking the army from New York to Virginia to whip Cornwallis. [The English general who commanded British forces during the American Revolution.] Forget crossing the Delaware, that 400-mile, cross-country trip was a real challenge! And I'd invite my great-grandfather, Pastor Gyon, a military chaplain.
TTR: What's your idea of perfect happiness?
York: When my daughter Victoria, then 17, was the Cattle Call Queen, and was interviewed at the Salinas Rodeo, she was asked what her goal in life was. She answered, "I want to go to heaven." Well, that's my idea of perfect happiness.
TTR: What image remains with you, long after your PCT ride is over?
York: As we finished the ride in Canada, Adeline snapped a photo of me sitting on a rock, jotting notes into my journal. Leverage stands with his head resting on my shoulder. A dozen years later, it still brings tears to my eyes to think that my horse didn't know where he was, or even where he'd been, but he was always ready and willing to go whenever and wherever I asked. And the mules were always close behind.
