Mules Navigating NC's Impassable Roads To Bring Supplies To Communities Cut Off By Helene

[Amaryllis]

https://www.southernliving.com/hurricane-helene-north-carolina-mules-8721273

With hundreds of roads still impassable due to storm damage and flood debris, Mount Ulla-based Mountain Mule Packer Ranch is using their “beloved” pack mules to bring supplies to areas not accessible by vehicle.

“They call them beasts of burden, we call them our beloved mules,” the company wrote on Facebook Monday. “They are capable and willing to work in many conditions most won't. They are not stubborn… they are wise, and require respect.”

Owner Mike Toberer told the Associated Press that his mules have been delivering food, water, and diapers to the western part of the state’s hard-to-reach mountainous areas. While traditional aid groups are struggling to reach these communities, his team of four-legged athletes is uniquely suited to help.

See link for photos. I couldn't figure out how to post them. If someone else can, please do. THey are heartwarming and inspiring.

[eppur_se_muova]

1. Maybe camels will be next.

They don't need to carry food or water for trips of only a few days. They can eat thorns, and just about any other vegetation. Camel drivers have been known to feed them a pint of vegetable oil a day when forage is not to be found. OTOH, they may not do so well in mud. Sand they can handle, but mud handles differently underfoot.

Also, they can carry huge loads. 600 lbs for 25 mi trips; 1000 lbs for shorter (but I would think more level terrain).

[Wounded Bear]

5. Camels are far harder to control than any mule or horse...nt

[eppur_se_muova]

6. Probably true. But if you're hauling cargo, not riders, you need trained handlers in any case. nt

[fargone]

2. Do mules deliver diapers to the TSF campaign?

It is surrounded by a lot of mud.

[Attilatheblond]

3. Sometimes, ya just gotta go 'old school'

Was a time when nurses and librarians used horses and/or mules to bring much needed services to people in remote areas.

And many airports use goats to keep weeds down. It is important to keep livestock healthy and handy. 'Infernal combustion engines' are not always a solution.

[ArkansasDemocrat1]

7. When Mrs AD-1 and I build, we want a well with a hand pump

If we find a property with one, we'll get the water checked before making an offer.

[Cheezoholic]

10. It's strongly advisable to add that to a well system up there. Ice storms will knock power out for just as long

as hurricanes. We have one attached to our well at our cabin along with a small generator that we would never run but for a few hours a day. Its so small, maybe 800 sqft with a wood stove we really don't have to rely on electricity if the power goes out while we're there.

[GreenWave]

4. What about those lazy pachyderms?

[Sneederbunk]

8. Are these Mexican mules?

I've heard that mules cross the Mexican border.

[aggiesal]

9. Image in the Article. ...

[Amaryllis]

12. Thank you!

[Warpy]

11. Mules will get through

but only if they want to.

Other critters they can use to pack in supplies are burros and llamas, the latter are extremely sure footed.

It also means that a lot of people are so remote that sending in a helicopter to drop in supplies isn't feasible.

By the time this is over, there won't be a squirrel or raccoon left in the deep woods.