Canada to Mexico with Easy Boots and Bernie Harberts

UPDATE:

Hi guys!

Bernie Harberts and mule Polly here with the Lost Sea Wagon. We've been under way with our Easy Boots a month and a half now on our Canada - to - Mexico journey. Like our last 3,500-mile, coast-to-coast trek, we're traveling barefoot and without a chase vehicle or cell phone. That's right. No steel shoes - or supply vehicle hiding just a phone call away.

Unlike our last trip, this time mule Polly's towing a half-ton wagon. So far we've traveled across southern Saskatchewan and through parts of Montana and North Dakota.

The footing's been varied, running from frost-covered gravel, frozen pavement, open prairie and scoria (volcanic rock) gravel to gumbo muck and pavement hot enough to melt the tar from between the cracks. Despite the constant abuse, my Easy Boots still have about 80% tread left, a testament to just how tough these buggers are built.

I'm using the Bare and Epic boots with buckles but not garters. The tapered shims I designed to make my Easy Boots fit mule Polly's narrow feet are working exceptionally well. (I emailed Garret photos earlier.) Man I wish I'd known about these on my last trip!

Also, I'm using a new technique for putting on my Easy Boots, a way that really makes them stick. The shims I use make the boots a lot narrower - but also harder to fit. So now I hammer Polly's Easy Boots onto her feet with a three-pound hammer, tugging on the nylon heel strap for that extra bit of leverage. Boy do they stick! No, I don't need the gaiter.

So that's what's up with mule Polly, me and our Easy Boots. Life here on the road is great, largely because I don't have to worry about steel shoes anymore. Man that used to drive me crazy, trying to keep my mounts shod on my long-distance rides! Now, thanks to Easy Boots, I spend my days documenting dry lightening, dung beetles, and bum lambs, not struggling with steel horse shoes.

For updates and films of our Easy Boots and the Lost Sea Expedition, visit RiverEarth.com. Sure hope it's going well with you. Enjoy the attached photos of my Easy Boots heading across the United States - again.

Sincerely,

Bernie Harberts

RiverEarth.com

Currently in Beach, ND

Easyboot Tip:

"I discovered that a piece of discarded Gates radiator hose (#ECR21275) screwed to the inside of the Easy Boots eliminates all chafe. I also cut a mud flap off an eighteen-wheeler into hoof-sized pieces. When the boots get worn too thin, I push those things into the bottom of the boots and get a few more miles down the road. Most all those boots have at least 1000 miles on them now."

“Hi guys!

Bernie here on the road with mule Polly and the Lost Sea wagon. Just wanted to let you know we crossed from Saskatchewan, Canada into Montana - yes, in our Easy Boots.

Okay, it's off to the drive-in theater tonight with mule Polly.

Drop by RiverEarth.com to see video clips of the Expedition (also online at YouTube.com - just search "Bernie Harberts").

Fair winds!

Bernie Harberts

Plentywood, Montana

Keep up to date with Bernie: http://www.captain-bernie-hybrid-expedition.com/

See some more pictures: click here