Caution is the best word to describe how to travel through hostile country. Any hasty wrong move on your part could be your last so the old adage “Hurry ahead slowly.” comes into play as you round every corner or crest every rise.

Having a traveling companion that was sure footed, intelligent, and aware of the dangers of the trail was paramount if you wanted to avoid trouble, or at least be ready for it if it was unavoidable. Here Pete the mule spotted something in the shadows down below that didn’t feel right or smell right and he’s alerted his rider with pitched forward ears and a steady stare. Always ready to err on the side of caution this mule and its rider won’t be moving until they’re sure it’s safe.