Welcome to Idaho (Rhymes with Snow)
The icy flakes hit us in the Caribou National Forest where I was expecting to find the “Welcome to Idaho” sign. Except there was no sign, only sideways blasting snow and 2 mules. They looked at me wondering why the hell we were still headed up the mountain toward the flake spitting clouds.
In to the Cold Caribou
As the snow piled up on my hat and my hands froze on the reins, I, too, wondered why we were still going. The answer was simple: I was 7,000 feet up in the Caribou Mountain Range and my next destination, Blackfoot, Idaho, was 80 miles away. Forward was the only direction out of this.
This part of Idaho is not for the indecisive. Wondering was fruitless. Walking is what counted. Putting the miles behind us, one muddy boot at a time, is what would make the difference.
What followed were 5 days of manic-depressive Rocky Mountain fall weather. One moment snow flakes gaining entry to my poncho, frosting my beard and covering the saddle in 3 inches of snow. Socks sloshing washing-machine style in cracked boots that let in the muddy slush.
Then, 3 hours later, bright sunshine baking me out of my foul weather gear. I shuck off my shirt and pants in the middle of the muddy road, leaning on my mules as I peel of thermal tops and bottoms. Then the top layer goes back on until the sun drops behind the mountains and the mules’ ears grow cold to the touch.
Night falls. I crawl in to my bivy bag. The next morning, I wake to a bivy bag full of what looks like shaved ice where the condensation off my body has frozen instead of escaped through the supposedly breathable fabric.
I rise. Saddle the mules. Walk another day West toward Blackfoot.
Here are a few photos to give you a sense of our daily routine. These are photos taken of my first camp on the road between Alpine, Wyoming and Blackfoot, Idaho. It started dry. It ended cold and snowy.
My passage through the Caribou Range made for some memorable photos and tales, more of which I hope to share with you as time permits. Photos of shrimp-like creatures that live in icy streams a mile above sea level. Stories of a quinoa-snatching fox. Stories of men that boil moose hearts in creek water and heave salt bricks over fences. And yet more tales of Indian Relay Races and Shoshone – Bannock blessings.
But right now, what we need is a day off.
In Blackfoot
The mules and I arrived in Blackfoot yesterday, October 6. We found what we were looking for: a warm, dry place to take a day off. Great big thank yous to:
- The Humprey family: for hosting the mules and me, the shower, doing my laundry and the use of the smooth riding Buick LeSabre!
- The Blackfoot sheriff’s departmen:t for assisting with my Blackfoot arrival
- Bill and Linda Sailer: for opening the cattle guard gate and buying me breakfast
- Clarence and Mary Teton: for the alfalfa for the mules, the coffee, the Shoshone blessing of my mules, trip and wife Julia
- Kermit: the offer of a place to stay next time we’re on the Res.
You guys really exemplify the best of American hospitality. This week, after the cold slog through the Caribou, it was especially appreciated.
Where to Next
From Blackfoot, the mules and I head toward Atomic City, Idaho.
[…] Julia and I go on long-distance saddle trips. We’ve ridden mules out our front gate and spent six weeks riding from our home in western North Carolina to Virigina and back. A while back, I rode my mules Brick and Cracker from our home 2,300 miles to Idaho. […]
Hi Bernie! This is Bill at the Alpine Library. I met you a couple of weeks ago. Glad to see you made it safely to Blackfoot. I’m enjoying reading all of your stories on this site. I’m sure you are probably getting snow today (Oct. 9), but after that it looks like fairly decent weather — temps in the low to mid 50s this weekend for Atomic City. Safe travels!
Howdy Bill. Hey great hearing from you over at the Alpine library. Thanks for the weather heads up. The mules and I are holed up in a warm, dry spot in Blackfoot. Much appreciated since it’s snowing and forecast to drop in to the teens tonight. Then it’s off toward Atomic City. Say hi to everyone over at the library for me! Bernie
You walked right past me and I missed you. I’m on a ranch at Wayan. I spend all summer chasing cows in the Caribou’s.
Hi Scott. Oh man, so sorry I missed you. It would have been great to have heard your stories about the Caribous. You’re probably smiling at what I called “snow” in my photos! What part do you live/work in (Long Valley, McCoy Creek, etc)? Enjoy that beautiful part of the world. Bernie
Thanks so much for sharing your journey and he accompanying photos. Please you all stay safe!
Hi Geneil, So glad you enjoyed this trip. It’s not over yet so stay tuned!
Wow! You are a determined sort of man, certainly deserves respect, and you have it.
I must admit I’m envious of the relationship you undoubtedly have with your fine mules. Blessings sir🙏
Thanks for your kind words. I’ve been blessed with good mules. I’ve also been blessed with a great wife Julia and a great country. It takes all of these to pull of a journey like this! Happy Adventuring. Bernie / currently Blackfoot, Idaho
Towards Idaho you say!!! Looks like mission accomplished. It’s a bit colder than I would like but Brick and cracker look happy and healthy. Here in Quincy Illinois we still talk about the MULE MAN and his journey. I will have to update everyone. Keep posting and I will keep Q-town informed.
Hi Todd. What a wonderful surprise hearing from you. Brings back such great memories of dirt bikes, Doc and the Mississippi! It’s been unseasonably cool around here these past weeks. It’s now snowed 3 times in just over a week. Good thing my hair and beard are getting shaggy just for thermal reasons. Please tell everyone in Quincy I said hi. I’ll always remember our stay. What a wonderful visit among new friends. Give Julie a big howdy for me! Bernie
Thank you so much for sharing your Travels!! Blessings to you and your mules for a safe journey.
Thanks Deborah. Comments like yours keep me snapping photos and typing posts under less than ideal conditions. Enjoy the rest of the ramble!