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1992 Dodge First Gen Cummins Mule Haul: Idaho to Wyoming

I, Bernie Harberts, did not use generative AI to write or illustrate this article. Spell check and grammar check, yes. AI, no.

This is Part 1 of a 3-part series about hauling mules Brick and Cracker home from Idaho to North Carolina in a 1992 First Gen Cummins Dodge. Read Part 2: Wyoming to Nebraska and Part 3: Nebraska to Missouri. Wondering what became of the old Dodge? Read Why I Sold My 1992 First Gen Cummins Dodge After 18 Years.

Today mules Brick, Cracker and I chug, chugged 500 miles closer to home in my 1992 First Gen Cummins Dodge D250. Behind us, our 1992 Brenderup trailer. From Hailey, Idaho to Rawlins, Wyoming. Here are a few photos of the day I thought you might enjoy.

Mule Brick getting attention at trailer before loading in Hailey Idaho
Brick gets a little attention for how well she loaded. I, on the other hand, need some attention from a pair of hair clippers…. (Nick Parker photo)
Google Maps route from Hailey Idaho to Rawlins Wyoming Day 1 mule haul
Today’s run: I know, it doesn’t look like much on a map. Still, I did in 10 hours of driving what it would take me 45 days to do with my mules. (Google Maps image)
Mules Cracker and Brick in pasture at Nick Parker's home in Hailey Idaho
How Cracker and Brick started their day in Hailey, Idaho. Here, in the back yard of my brother in law Nick Parker and his wife Carolyn.
Mule Cracker hesitating at Brenderup trailer ramp before loading in Hailey Idaho
Cracker remembers just how nice that pasture was. He wasn’t stalling. He was reminiscing. (Nick Parker photo)
Sage brush flats of southern Idaho viewed from windshield of 1992 First Gen Cummins Dodge
On the road. Most of my day looked like this. Here, the sage brush flats of southern Idaho.
Butte outside Green River Wyoming seen from highway
A butte outside Green River, Wyoming. Sure makes me want to come back and explore this country with my wife Julia.
Rear view mirror view of mule trailer outside Rawlins Wyoming at end of Day 1
Winding down. The view through my rear view mirror outside Rawlins, Wyoming.
1992 Dodge D250 First Gen Cummins parked at Rawlins Equine Center overnight stop
My cabin for the night: my horse trailer.
Hay mattress inside Brenderup trailer where Bernie Harberts slept during mule haul
My hay mattress. This is where Cracker stood all day. Yes, I cleaned out the manure. Well, as best I could…
Bernie Harberts bivy bag sleeping setup on Brenderup trailer ramp in Rawlins Wyoming
The complete bed. Tonight I’m sleeping in my bivy bag. Temps will only be in the 20s so it’ll be plenty warm. Now that I look at this photo, I realize I should have swept more manure off that trailer ramp. No worries. My feet go at that end.
Mules Cracker and Brick turned loose for the night at Rawlins Equine Center Wyoming
Day’s end: Cracker and Brick turned loose for the night at the Rawlins Equine Center.

I’d like to thank everyone who’s sent me well wishes for a safe journey home. It’s a long way from Idaho back to North Carolina. It means a lot to know you enjoyed watching the mule ramble and are keeping us in your thoughts as we make our way home.

Additional thanks to the Rawlins Equine Center for putting mules Brick and Cracker and me up for the night.

Now it’s off to bed trailer. Tomorrow we head toward Grand Island, Nebraska.

Continue the journey: Part 2: Wyoming to Nebraska | Part 3: Nebraska to Missouri

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2 Responses to 1992 Dodge First Gen Cummins Mule Haul: Idaho to Wyoming

  • Wishing you continued safe travels Glad you are posting re: your trip home. I’ve become used to checking in daily on your mule ramble west. I’ll miss reading your journal. I’ve appreciated seeing this countryside from your perspective atop a mule and other viewpoints. Thanks for sharing.
    Remember, there’s always a cup of coffee and some grub for you at the Whistle-Stop if you are in the area!

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