Hailey, Idaho: Final Destination in the Snow
A mule voyage that spanned 10 states and included floods, ticks, highway melting heat and nose hair freezing cold ended in snow. Mules Brick and Cracker and I have arrived at our final destination outside Hailey, Idaho.
In to the Final 10 Miles
188 days after setting out from our North Carolina home, the mules and I tackled the final 10 miles to where my brother in-law Nick Parker and his wife Carolyn live outside Hailey, Idaho.
From the rodeo arena, where we spent the night,we made our way to the Hailey Coffee Company where the owner Santos brewed me a cup of coffee. As I drained the last gulp, the first snow flakes fell.
In to the Snow
From Hailey, the mules and I still needed to ride 3 hours toward Triumph, where Nick and Carolyn live. What started as a snow dusting at the coffee shop turned in to a mule swallowing wallop of the white stuff. Luckily, temps hovered below freezing so the snow was talcum powdery grade. The kind of snow that piles up quickly then sits there politely without melting and soaking you to your last dry shirt.
At the risk of ruining my trust camera, I snapped and filmed my way gaily across the landscape. I thought you’d enjoy this “saddle eye view” of how things looked like as the mules and I traveled those final miles.
Processing it all
So what’s next?
The mules come first. They’re hanging out in Nick and Carolyn’s back yard enjoying super-sized rations of carrots, oats and the freedom of movement. They’ve spent most of their nights for the last half year tethered by 50-foot straps. No longer. Their enclosure is stoutly fenced so they can roam around freely.
As for me, I’m just processing that my ramble is over. I’m re-adjusting to novelties like plumbing, showers and life with mirrors. I can tell I’ve been sleeping in a tent a long time. Last night I slept in a bed. This morning, I woke up and noticed the ceiling overhead was dry. There was no frost up there over my head like there’s been the last month.
I just stared at the white sheet rock taking it all in.
Follow-up Posts
In the coming days and weeks, I’ll be posting plenty of updates on things I didn’t get to tell you about on the road. Folks we met. How the saddle held up. Oh, and what it’s like to travel over 2,000 miles with hoof boots instead of steel shoes.
And of course I still need to find a ride home from Idaho to North Carolina for the mules.
But right now, the mules and I are basking in the afterglow of our marvelous arrival.
I hope things are well with you. I sure have enjoyed bringing your these posts and look forward to sharing more with you.
And to everyone that made this happen – most especially my wife Julia – a hearty THANK YOU!
’til soon.
Bernie / Hailey, ID
Congratulations Bernie! What a journey! So many interesting people and places! I enjoyed meeting them all through your writings and photos. Looking forward to seeing you back in NC and hearing some more about the adventures and challenges you, Brick and Cracker experienced and overcame. Safe voyage home.
Doug. I’m so happy you enjoyed meeting some of the folks and places I met on my journey. It’s sorta sad to be wrapping it up. The good news is we’ll be able to catch up on the farm and rehash some of the places we’ve both visited: think Greys River and the Yankee Doodle! Sure look forward to seeing you up the holler. Bernie
Bernie, I salute you in your wonderful, courageous and delightful accomplishment traveling here to our beautiful Hailey! Welcome! I’m sad though, that you had to arrive in our first snow storm! We have such delightful fall days here! Today, the snow was gone at my house and the sun was brilliant. I heard about your travels from a dear friend of mine in Ontario, Canada! I wish I had been following your journey from the beginning, but I am delighted you made it here safely and have hopefully enjoyed our quiet, cherished valley! I came 38 years ago and never left!!! I hope you find the lift you and the mules need home!
Dear Fran.
Lovely hearing from you. The mules and I have had a most warm Hailey welcome (barring the snowy arrival). Folks have been super generous with lodgings for me and the mules with plenty of hay throw in.
I’m cheered to hear you were able to get a sense of our voyage on the RiverEarth.com. Hailey and Idaho really are a beautiful part of the country so I understand how a person could show up and never leave. I certainly hope to return, hopefully next time with my wife Julia.
As to the snowy arrival, I thought it terrific. What better way to wrap up a mule voyage than ride the final miles through the whirling white stuff. Besides, it makes for great photos (even if I had to resort to plastic bags in my boots to keep my feet dry.)
Sure was nice hearing from you Fran.
Give a big howdy to your Ontario friend for me and all the best with you canine training (I checked out your site – very cool).
Thanks again for the lovely Hailey welcome.
Bernie
Thank you so much for sharing this adventure with us ! You were bathed with many prayers along the way by regular, everyday folks like myself. Your trip was also our trip. The one we wished we had made. Again- thank you and may God continue to watch over you and shower you with blessings!
Hi David.
Your words “Your trip was also our trip” mean so much to me. As a traveler, writer and film maker, I document what I see, feel and experience out there on the road. Then I feel an obligation to share those experiences with folks that dream of being out there but just can’t be, for whatever reason.
I feel that need to share because I’ve been on the “staying at home” side the fence, too.
There have been times in my life when for various reasons, I had to stay at home and got great enjoyment following others’ voyages. The marvelous trips of Bob Skelding, Angela Wood and Sven Yrvind come to mind.
So thanks. Thanks for your kind words, prayers and thoughts.
Bernie
Bill and I are so glad and thankful that you made it safely to Hailey. Bet the mules are happy not to have to go again for awhile. Wishing you well with getting the mules back home safely.
Dear Linda and Bill.
Lovely hearing from you. From Bill’s opening the gate for me to breakfast at Martha’s, I sure enjoyed our time in Blackfoot together. Yes, you’re right, the mules are happy to have a few days off. I think they’ll be super happy to back on home turf. Now we just need to get them back there. Thanks again for all you did for us during our visit.
Bernie