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My name is Bob Skelding and I’m driving a wagon on a journey throughout the United States. My only goals are to see new places, meet plenty of nice people like yourself, and to enjoy this great country of ours like it’s meant to be enjoyed.

I’m starting this trip in Deerfield, New Hampshire. I don’t know where I’m going or where I’ll end up, but I think I’m really going to enjoy the people and the places along the way. Come and share the journey with me.

ACCIDENT

On February 10, 2009, after traveling 1800 miles, we were rear-ended by a fully loaded tanker truck at highway speed.  The first wagon, pulled by four Percheron horses (3 mares and a gelding) was completely destroyed and Dolly and Deedee were killed.  This required construction of a new wagon and a new team.

There’s new places to see and new people to meet!  So after knitting some bones, I’m off to see them.  By the middle of June, 2009 the new wagon is ready to go and a new team of two 2000 lbs Belgians are ready to pull it.

Purpose of The Trip

New Wagon (under modification) & New Team in training

The sole purpose of this trip is to travel by horse and wagon and meet people. I want them to share their experiences with me and I’ll share mine with them. I’m not supporting any cause, trying to achieve a goal, nor am I sponsored by anyone.

 The reason I’m traveling in this fashion is because it combines all the things I like best and eliminates those I like least.  Also, I can’t think of a cooler thing to do.

About half the people in the world want to be free of bills and a daily grind, I’m one of them.  My dream is to travel freely about the country, seeing new places and meeting new people.  It’s hard to take the steps necessary to live a freedom type lifestyle. It’s hard to separate yourself from your security and material belongings and move completely out of your comfort zone.  However, if you’re determined enough it can be done. Sometimes life hands you a “Do-Over” - a window in your life where you can do everything over, exactly like you want.  That’s what I’m doing.

Team #1

The motive force for the wagon is four Percheron horses: Joyce, Deedee, Dolly and Doc. Percherons are one prominent large draft horse breeds in the United States. Other large draft breeds are Belgians, Clydesdales, Suffolk Punches and Shires.

Joyce and Deedee are 15 years old, half sisters, and were bred by my grandfather Jake Sheaffer in Muir, Michigan.  I’ve had them since they were weanling fillies.  Dolly is 10 years old and was bred in Chichester, New Hampshire. I bought her just a few months before the trip began. I bought Doc at the last moment.  He’s 8 years old and has been used for wagon rides, parades and horse pulls at the fair.

Team #2

The new team consists of two Belgian geldings, Bill and Bob.  They are half brothers, 11 and 12 years old, weigh about 2000 pounds apiece and each stand about 18 hands high. The new wagon is significantly lighter than the old one so it requires a smaller team

Wagon #1

I built the wagon from scratch on a running gear, purchased from Pioneer Equipment Company. It’s 7 1/2 feet wide and 16 feet long. Since it’s my home, I designed it as one.  It contains most of the modern conveniences that we take for granted in our homes; including, a full size bed, bathroom with shower and commode, a kitchen area with stove, refrigerator and sink and a small kitchen table. It has 12 volt and 120 volt power, hot and cold water and propane for cooking and heating. It also is made to support and care for the four horses.

The biggest challenge in designing and building the wagon is to keep it light enough to pull and strong enough to last.

Wagon #1 under construction

Wagon #2

The second wagon was constructed by Bernie Harberts on a 3 ton Pioneer running gear.  Bernie had just returned to North Carolina from his latest adventure (www.riverearth.com) when he heard of my mishap. On the lookout for a good deal, Bernie sold me the wagon for the cost of a really good biscuit from the local Bojangles restaurant.

It’s significantly smaller than the old wagon but nicely designed and constructed. But, I wanted a few more amenities, so I added outside storage boxes, a rear shelf for storage, a rubber roof, a stove, refrigerator, sink and shower.  I also included 12 Volt and 120 Volt electrical systems

And sorry Bernie, but before I go I’ll be painting over the John Deere colors.

             Wagon #2