Yeah, I had actually thought of taking along a crosscountry ski pole (I have expanding poles, but I thought the one-piece would take the mud better). I figured the basket at the end would be do better in the mud.

Next time I'll know better.

Oh, as far as the rubber boot brand, they are cheap boots from one of the horse supply catalogs. They get crudded up and beat up pretty fast working with our horses, so I tend to get inexpensive ones when I get them. If you're looking for a good brand of rubber boots I used to like Northern boots a lot.

My next purchase needs to be a set of chest waders.

Ken