In January 1994 I started my adventurous project with my horses Gaucho and Rebelde and my dog Falko in southern Patagonia, crossing America on horseback. 20 years later in September 2013 I reached the destination Alaska with my friend Sonja Endlweber:
The idea
During a multi-year motorcycle trip, I literally changed saddles. Traveling with horses - that slow way of being on the move - fascinated me. My travel experiences with the motorcycle faded next to the new experiences with horses, this kind of travel made me completely happy.
From Patagonia to Mexico - 20,000 km
I had planned about 4-5 years for the trip from Patagonia to Alaska, but that turned into 11 years for the ride to Mexico alone, because I quickly found out one thing: the beauty of traveling is the interruptions. I also realized that this journey is not a stage in my life, no, traveling has become my way of life. My journey took me through 12 countries in South and Central America, through varied and fascinating landscapes, through areas that no stranger would otherwise penetrate, where the people are still friendly and helpful.
My partner Barbara accompanied me from Ecuador to Mexico. I wasn't lonely for the first few years either - I had my animals - but it's just something wonderful to be able to share the good things about traveling. I had to interrupt my trip in Mexico because my horses were not allowed to enter the USA. Rebelde and Gaucho are enjoying their retirement with my friend Homero, a veterinarian in Mexico.
Through the Rocky Mountains
In June 2007 I started my adventure again. I had also found an adventurous partner in my new partner, Sonja, and together we continued our journey on the Mexican border. Our new team consists of four Mustangs: Rusty, Lightfoot, Azabache and Dino, and not to forget our Jack Russel puppy Leni.
In the USA we followed the Continental Divide Trail through the Rocky Mountains. We crossed the fascinating mountains of Colorado, rode through the deserts of New Mexico, the Wyoming prairies, the Yellowstone National Park and finally through the rugged mountains of Montana. In September 2009 we reached the Canadian border after 5,000 kilometers.
Through the wilderness of Canada
In spring 2010 we continued our journey through Canada. The further north we go, the wilder the land and the more isolated the areas we are traveling through. We are now in the wilderness for weeks and even months without meeting another human. Our route also takes us in Canada through the Rocky Mountains, including through the two national parks Banff and Jasper. Further north we ride through the vast wilderness area of the Muskwa-Kechika. Our journey is becoming more and more an expedition. Last year we crossed the Yukon Territory. The summer of 2012 was the most demanding ride on our journey together so far.
To Alaska
In spring 2013 we will set off for the last leg of our ride. From the Canadian border, we will ride to the highest mountain in North America, and end our ride from Argentina to Alaska at the foot of Mt. Denali.
