The Lost Sea Expedition

Bernie and his mule Polly start their voyage in Canada headed for Mexico. Their first challenge is crossing the US border in a mule wagon. Evidence of the Lost Sea appears all around them. They meet people from potters to paleontologist who make a living from the old sea. Highs are excavating huge dinosaur bones. Lows are a wagon crash on the Wyoming state line.

The land is old, made of stone and water. A Lakota elder explains the buffalo stone. Bernie crosses the Badlands. Does this land get its name from the rocky terrain or the snakes? A lady champion bronco buster and a ninety year old sod house dweller explain Great Plains life. Bernie and his mule cross paths with warm hosts, cold reptiles and a plane landing on an empty road just to say hello.

The empty land, abandoned towns and incessant wind take their toll. Bernie catches prairie fever despite the companionship of mule Polly. In desperation, Bernie finds himself wrestling with, and painting, tumble weeds. After a 1000 mile walk through empty land, Bernie and Polly finally track down the man they've sought for months. Joe the creationist does not disappoint.

Bernie and mule Polly face the final challenges of their 14 month wagon voyage across America. A bridge, a bull and people's opposing religious beliefs remain as obstacles. The wall with Mexico proves less of an issue. Bernie holes up in a bone-filled desert dugout. Polly celebrates with a high speed burnout.