Kelseyville >> Almost a year afterward the Van Ecks still marvel at the generosity of people across the country — total strangers who opened their homes to them on their cross country trip.
A Canadian documentary film crew joined the couple as they embarked on their 2,500 mile adventure in a horse-drawn carriage. Described by all involved as an epic journey, the film “The Caravan” follows about two dozen people as they trek from California to Florida for nearly five months.
From November to March they traveled across deserts, forests, mountains and beaches, admiring the landscape and the people they met along the way who lodged them, fed them and even did their laundry with no motive other than that’s just what they wanted to do.
Yet for months now the Van Ecks have done the same thing. And while they marvel at the generosity of others, they don’t seem to think twice about their own acts of kindness.
As fires have ravaged so much of Lake County, they’ve had up to 70 displaced horses, pigs, milking goats and other livestock stay on their property at Cole Creek Equestrian Center.
“We went out to dinner and all of a sudden 11 o’ clock at night we have 17 horses that need to be put somewhere,” John Van Eck said. “But that’s why we built this place, so we can accommodate.”
On Monday the last of the animals left their property, but they know that families will continue to need help for a long time to come. And with calls still constantly coming in, Joanna Van Eck has a legal pad full of people who want to donate and help out.
“People are very giving, all you have to do is ask them,” John Van Eck said.
Before this summer’s drama, they engaged in a journey of their own. The Caravan is set to have its official debut at the Equus Film Festival in New York City, but Lake County residents will get the chance to watch it first during a sneak preview on Nov. 7 as part of a fundriaser for Valley Fire victims at Cole Creek Equestrian Center owned by John and Joanne Van Eck.
“The whole idea behind the caravan was to connect, try to give something back to communities all through America that we traveled through, so this is just an extension of that over arching theme,” Emmy award winning documentary film producer and director Margot McMaster said. “We experienced caring and giving every step of the way.”
Money raised during the event will go to the Lake Area Rotary Clubs Association (LARCA). Consisting of Rotary clubs in Lakeport, Middletown, Kelseyville and Clearlake, LARCA’s primary focus right now is making sure families are housed as winter approaches.
“But the impacts on people are going to be around for the next three to five years,” Rotarian Gloria Flaherty said.
The organization is looking at the long term to “support rebuilding lives,” she said.
For $25, attendees will get the opportunity to watch the film and enjoy homemade gumbo prepared by John Van Eck using a recipe he picked up on the road in Louisiana during the trip. There will also be Lake County wines, gourmet popcorn and more as organizers continue to plan the benefit.
The premier will also serve as a reunion for the people involved in the movie. They will come from all parts of the United States, Canada and some as far as Holland to watch the film.
“When I finally show this at your place,” McMaster said to John, “I’ve finally stepped off the caravan.”
To reserve a seat, call (707) 279-0915.
For more on The Caravan, visit thecaravanfilm.ca or facebook.com/thecaravanfilm.
