This is not a perfect photo (taken from one bouncy wagon to another bouncy wagon); yet, it is priceless.

The photo has so much history.  The driver is 6 year old Lydia Mitchell (daughter of Justin & Melissa Mitchell), mom Melissa sitting behind her, first cousin Casey Mitchell Mccurry riding shot gun (also serves at times as a big sister / mom / best friend to Lydia), Corey Mccurry riding along behind.

In the center of the Mitchells and Odle's (Jeff & Cindy) 'family type' relationship is those big ole blonde girls Lydia is driving.  Sadie and Sassie, depending on the time of year, weigh between 1700 to 1900 pounds each.  They stand over 17 hands. These girls are 11 years old, have enough strength to move a mountain, especially if a 'cookie' is involved. Yet are at the hands of this little, full of engery, six year old girl.  These two families have supported each other through deaths, weddings, camping trips, accidents and everyday life since Sadie and Sassie were two years old.  

For the past nine years, Casey and Cindy, have had the agreement as long as one of them was up and kicking the mules would have a home.  Now, with the mules latest teamster, I think it is fair to say as long as Casey, Cindy or Lydia are up and moving the girls will have a home.

Kenny Rogers and Dolly Parton have a song "You Can't Make Old Friends", this is so true.   

Another proven fact, everytime a group of 'mule lovers' get together, the odds are very high they will absorb you into their world quickly.  If you need help with an animal, if you break down on the trail, if an accident happens to one - it happens to all.  They will walk off from camp and tell everyone they pass, there is a table full of food go grab a plate.  If an animal gets away, there will be an instant circle around them of friends ready to help catch them.

'Kids and Ole' People' have a forever place in the hearts of mule lovers.  If a young person has the 'want too' there will be a line of seasoned wagoners and riders ready to support and help.  More times than not, when a muleskinner gets to the point of needing a little help, there is always someone ready to harness, feed, offer a wagon seat, help at a show, etc.  

The East Fork / Dixie Longears Wagon Train was a huge success.  Some of the wooded trails were challenging.  Most bounced along laughing and sharing tales.  There were a few hic-ups, but nothing this large mule family could not overcome.  For example, the tree that saved a couple of riders, the bear on the trail and helping newcomers along who found the mud a little more than they bargained for; oh, and of course, the wasp nest in the porta potty was exciting as well. 

No more details ..... the point is as a family, no one was left behind, old'uns shared tricks of the trade while new'uns soaked up the knowledge.  Much laughter, great food, old friends, family, new friends ..... Til Next Time ....

View Photos https://dixiepix97.pixieset.com/2025dixielongearswagontraineastforkstables/