Bronze's Expedition Log

Expedition Log

Treat Power

February 14th, 2009

I had a successful go-round with Bootsie this morning, possibly thanks in part to the awesome power of treats. I can’t believe I didn’t think of this sooner, but it appears that Bootsie is willing to overlook certain concerns she might have about the scariness of an area if it seems there are treats to be had. Read the rest of this entry »

Packing Rig

February 11th, 2009

I’m finding it somewhat difficult to locate a packing rig to purchase in Southern California. Of course there are plenty of setups to be found online, but I can’t quite bring my self to throw down $800+ on something so crucial, sight unseen. I need to play with it in person–feel it in my hands, visualize how my supplies will fit in it. Read the rest of this entry »

Provisioning Update

February 8th, 2009

I made 8 days worth of hardtack today, bringing my total rations to 43 days worth. To reach my goal of 140 rations I’ll need to make 6.4 cups of the stuff per week from now until June 1. Read the rest of this entry »

Packing Advisor

February 7th, 2009

I got out to Western Feed & Livestock Supplies in Yucaipa and spoke with the very affable and knowledgeable owner, Ken Winnefeld. He could not have been more helpful and friendly and I feel lucky to have crossed his path. He’s been doing some pretty extensive packing trips for the last 4 years or so and had an answer for any question I could muster. Read the rest of this entry »

Mule Whispering

February 2nd, 2009

Today I enlisted the aid of a horse whisperer named Dee Howe. Given my utter lack of equine skills, I have up until now restricted my visits with Bootsie to simple grooming and walking around the yard. The one time I took her out for a walk down the road nearly ended in disaster, and since then I have been hesitant to act without some guidance. Mules, from my understanding, remember all your mistakes; I have no interest in giving her any further reasons to believe that I am a clueless fool.

Bears and Hardtack pt II

February 1st, 2009

The week ends with moderate successes in the Mule Department. I returned Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday and have been able to execute the bodywork without any real difficulty. Bootsie is very responsive in our walks around the property, navigating with ease the various obstacles I arrange for her. Read the rest of this entry »

Bears and Hardtack

January 31st, 2009

Researched permit requirements and bear canister requirements in my Wilderness Press guidebooks and on the PCTA site. For a nominal fee the PCTA will issue a blanket permit for any thru-hiker going more then 500 miles on the trail. I will need to get California Campfire Permit too, but these are free from any ranger station. Read the rest of this entry »

Muddy Mule, Skittish Mule

January 30th, 2009

We experienced heavy downpours throughout Thursday and Friday, turning Bootsie’s pen into a sloppy morass. Before the rains on Thursday, I’d ventured out of the property to begin nudging her outside of her comfort zone. We did a couple passes up and down the street, staying within a 20 yard radius of the front gate. I was hoping to build on this until we could walk back to the place she lost her cool on our initial walk. Read the rest of this entry »

Mornings with Bootsie

January 29th, 2009

I rose at 6:30 this morning and headed out to work with Bootsie. It’s pleasant to see the sun come up in the morning, especially lately when there are such billowy clouds in the sky. There was a layer of hoar frost on the grass by her corral, and my hands were numb and taut as I brushed her down and picked the caked mud and manure out of her hoofs. It will be nice when the rains are done and her corral dries out. As soon as the sun was out we warmed up quickly.

Welcome

January 27th, 2009

Hello all, Bronze here–thanks for stopping by ManAndMule.com! I will be posting my progress in outfitting this expedition here. Check back for any updates and photos pertaining to my preparations: buying or making gear, preparing food, crafting clothes, mule training, etc… Feel free to leave comments or questions.

Many people have expressed intrigue at my idea so hopefully this site will serve to answer any questions and keep my friends and family up to date on my progress. For anyone contemplating a similar journey, hopefully this site will save you some time in your planning and research.

Once the expedition is underway I will post journals from the trail as frequently as possible under the Expedition Log, but until then keep coming back here for the latest news on Bronze’s PCT Expedition!

–Bronze

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