Gary and Sandy Crawley, owners of The Depot Saloon in Merrillan, got an interesting visitor Friday afternoon - a man traveling from Northwest Montana to Boston to visit his childhood sweetheart.

Visitor Lee Crafton had traveled approximately 1,400 miles with his two horses, Tom and Max, and dogs, Katie and Kerr-Mut, when he made a pit stop at the tavern. Television and newspaper reporters have been documenting his journey.

Sandy said they got a call from a former employee, now working at Cenex Gas Station in Fairchild, asking if Crafton could stay overnight in the Depot parking lot in his homemade covered wagon. Of course she'd heard of the traveling man through the news. And, it wasn't long after he arrived that others heard of his arrival too.

Crafton, 46, left Montana Aug. 9, 2006, to Boston with $75 in his pocket.

Why? Three reasons, he said.

To visit his childhood sweetheart, cancer and he was broke - so he figured "what the heck."

Crafton said he's enjoyed spending time with people and it's been a real learning experience. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma in August 2005 and after treatment decided to plan his big trip. His cancer, he said, was a gift. He enjoys living life everyday as an adventure. So began the long journey from Montana to Boston. No real major plans, just him and the road.

The Crawley's were happy to have them as a guest.

"He eats well," Sandy said, adding that he received some donations from local people, even some straw for the horses.

Saturday morning, more people came out to take pictures and hear his story. Gary sat down with him at The Depot Saloon bar to help him map out getting to the state line. At noon, Crafton began the trek to Black River Falls where he stayed Saturday and Sunday night at Falls Motel in Brockway. He left Monday on Hwy. 12 towards Millston.

"It was pretty interesting all the people that came out to see him," Sandy said. "He's quite a character."

To keep track of where Lee Crafton is heading, visit him online at www.lee-the-horselogger.com.