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Sneak Preview of a New Book Available In a few months |
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Wagonteamster |
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WAGONTEAMSTER .COM |
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This section is to describe some of the reality and surprises that I’ve found after I’ve been on the road awhile. I plan on coming back to this page periodically and recording my thoughts. |
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After 2 Months of Travel: |
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People’s Reaction to the Horses and Wagon - It never ceases to amaze me at the wide variety of reactions. About half the people I meet (when they’re going less than 50 mph) are very enthusiastic about seeing the horses and wagon. I have noticed that when people are going fast, they seldom slow down to check it out. I think they’re in the “I’ve got to get there” mode and can’t take the time, even if they’re interested. When they’re moving slower, about half the people will smile and wave if I wave at them. If they’re standing outside, two thirds of the people will wave. About a third of the people will not even take the time to look at a wagon being pulled by four horses. I suspect the majority of these are people that are so wrapped up looking inward that they can’t see much beyond their own shadow. I always meet a large number of well wishers that are very enthusiastic about my trip. They are all ages and walks of life. People that have or have had horses are more likely to fall into this group. Nearly all younger kids enjoy seeing and petting the horses.
Horse Condition and Performance Both the condition and performance of the horses continues to improve. The previous problems that I had with a couple of the horses getting shoulder and neck sores have been solved. I made Deedee a special collar pad that took care of her neck sore. I bought some smaller collars for Joyce and Dollie that took care of the small shoulder galls they were getting. They’re all in better condition now at the end of the day and are able to run longer with less days off. The most limiting thing I have to contend with now is the shorter days. I’ll have to start getting up earlier and feed the horses in the dark. This will allow me to get out earlier and still have a full day of travel. I have to be careful about making small changes to the harnesses. When I tightened up Dollie’s overhead check line a little, she stopped pulling half the time (she likes to walk with her head lower and can’t stand the extra bit pressure.) I loosened it back up and she’s going great now.
My Time - I’m generally busy from about 5:30 am until 9 pm. With the horse care, wagon maintenance, driving, meeting with the public and writing my blog, I have very little time left over for anything else. Most of my days off are spent doing horse and wagon maintenance and getting supplies. When I’m someplace warm enough so that Father Winter isn’t threatening to snow me in, I’m going to take a least one day off a week to relax and do some writing. The Wagon - In the immediate future, I have to get some weather stripping for around the doors and a few places behind the drawers and closet. I’m losing quite a bit of heat there. I think I’ll also get a couple of clear shower curtains to box in the front driving compartment. I’ll also need another 20 pound can of LP gas for my propane heater. I could put the heater up front and keep it warm enough to drive. When I get time for a refit this winter I’m going to do the following changes - 1. I’m going to pull the solar hot water heater and put in a propane one. 2. I need to change the rear brakes over from Mechanical to Hydraulic.
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