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Shadows of Mules and a Covered Wagon: Sneak Peek

Published December 16, 2024

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

I got an idea while I was putting the new cover on my covered wagon this weekend.

While I was dinking around on the wagon (“dinking” was one of my dad’s favorite words, along with “piddling” when it came to describing just messing around with something), I thought of a new art project. I don’t want to say much more about it at this point, but I wanted to let you have a glimpse because it’s so beautiful. Enjoy!

Covered wagon parked in the barn with a kerosene lantern hanging nearby — The wagon parked in the barn. Note the kerosene lantern, a key player in this project.

Shadow of Bernie Harberts riding mule Cracker and leading mule Brick — This is my riding my mule Cracker and leading my mule Brick. These are the two mules I rode from North Carolina to Idaho in my new book *Two Mules to Triumph* (which you can buy here)

Shadow of Julia riding her pony Pie — My wife Julia riding her pony Pie

Shadow of a raised hand against the ground — Gimme Five

If you’ve followed some of the recent posts here on RiverEarth.com, you’ll probably see where this is going.

Buy my new book Two Mules to Triumph

Looking for a good gift? If you or anyone on your gift list loves true stories about adventure, travel, horses and mules, Two Mules to Triumph makes the perfect gift.

Cover of Two Mules to Triumph by Bernie Harberts

Two Mules to Triumph is my new book about riding my imperfect mules, Brick and Cracker, 2,300 miles from North Carolina to visit my brother-in-law in Idaho. Cracker’s steering is so bad that I ran over my wife Julia two weeks before I set off on my journey, and Brick ran away with all my gear the day I set off on my journey. And me? I’m not over-endowed in the planning department. I planned my route with a piece of dental floss stretched across a globe and called that good enough for route planning.

Two Mules to Triumph includes over 140 photos, maps and sketches, as well as a section containing gear photos and a comprehensive packing list for anyone interested in embarking on a saddle voyage, whether it’s an overnight trail ride or a Long Ride covering thousands of miles.

Two Mules to Triumph is a message of encouragement that things don’t have to be perfect to set off on your dreams. It is a testament to the beauty of imperfect journeys.

Order now to give the gift of adventure!

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