Other Cool Reads
Dixie Dogs
Clydesdales, Meadowbrook carts and a Russellpit dog. Friday my wife Julia and I went to the Dixie Draft sale in Troutman, North Carolina. As a couple, this is an annual chance to catch up with friends. For me, it’s a chance to remember an ear ache and a soft ball line drive from the 1970s. And then there are the dogs.
The Dixie Draft Sale
The Dixie Draft Sale is held twice a year – April and November… Continue reading
Dixie Dogs and Faces
Dogs in denim, coon skin hats and Daniel Boone beards. Today Julia and I attended the Dixie Draft Sale in Troutman, North Carolina. We didn’t come home with a pony but scored a lot of great photos. Check in mañana for the Dixie Dogs photo essay.
Coming Tomorrow: Dixie Dogs
Plenty… Continue reading
I’m Writing You
Dear Marla, Jack, Dan (x2), Carter, Iris and everyone else who sent me a letter while I was out on my latest mule ramble,
This is what my desk looks like.
Still, I wanted to let you know I got your lovely letter. As you know, my wife Julia and I… Continue reading
The Best Hoof Boot: 3 Hoof Boots, 32 Days on the Trail
What’s the best kind of hoof boot for your horse or mule? My wife Julia and I rode from North Carolina to Virginia and back with three brands of hoof boots. This hoof boot review is what we learned after 32 days on the road. The 3 boots reviewed are Cavallo hoof boots, EasyBoot hoof boots and… Continue reading
November Herd
The forecast threw us off. It was supposed to stream down sun beams but instead showered us with water.
The mules don’t care. They graze the November grass as the rain beads up on their backs and their bellies fill with fescue.
Two Year Old Potatoes
My fingers sift the fall chill soil and grub out a 2 year old treasure. Forgotten potatoes.
Two seasons ago I planted a row of potatoes in the fringe of orchard that borders the brook that flows through our homestead. The year I planted them I failed to harvest them. The following year – this year – I rode away on mules Brick and Cracker for the summer.
No Gun
Bernie Harberts riding mules Brick and Cracker
“Here comes this man with two mules, no gun, a top hat, and a large grin riding down roads with speeding cars and cell phone crazed drivers.” Not my words but rather the words of my wife Julia.
I thought you’d enjoy this Sunday post. It’s Julia’s reflection – as a spouse, bywatcher and… Continue reading
Log of Days, Names and Miles
Most evenings after the mules are staked out for the night and my tent is pitched, I dig out my journal and write down how far we’ve come.
I don’t write in a leather bound journal you might imagine Wild Bill communing with after a busy day shooting buffalo. No, my journal’s just a plastic binder filled with 50 sheets of loose leaf paper.
I think I brought 40 sheets too many.… Continue reading
Mystery Equipment ID Thanks
I recently asked you guys to help me ID a mysterious piece of equipment. You sure came through. The contraption was parked in a Nebraska field south of Berea. It looked like a cross between a gravel sorter and shrimp boat.
Thanks to all the comments from folks who ID-ed it for me. I got especially excited when Andrea wrote in saying it was a “sugar beer piler”.
Sugar beer?
Cool! Nebraska was turning out… Continue reading
Fort Robinson, Nebraska, Arrival
At one time, it housed 12,000 cavalry horses and 4,000 mules. The next two days, mules Brick and Cracker are calling it home. We have arrived at Fort Robinson, Nebraska.
Brick and Cracker have traveled 120-plus miles in the last 5 days so they’re ready for 2 days off. The folks at Fort Robinson have been super putting… Continue reading
