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How We Made Swan Song: A Winter Mule Journey Documentary

Published July 2, 2025

I, Bernie Harberts, did not use generative AI to write or illustrate this article. Spell check and grammar check, yes. AI, no.

UPDATE: Great news! You can now stream “Swan Song” for free on PBS and YouTube.

Long Rider Bernie Harberts and mule Polly featured in the PBS NC documentary Swan Song about their winter ramble along Lake Mattamuskeet, North Carolina

Enjoy this behind the scenes look at Swan Song, the hour-long PBS NC documentary about my wintry mule ramble along Lake Mattamuskeet with my mule Polly.

Swan Song is the season finale of the PBS series My Home, NC and you can watch it Thursday night at 8pm on PBS NC.

Stream Swan Song

Stream “Swan Song” for free on PBS and YouTube.

More about:

rambling North Carolina by mule.
the Splinters pile.

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3 Responses to How We Made Swan Song: A Winter Mule Journey Documentary

Cynthia on July 4, 2025 at 4:09 pm

Simply a beautiful, simple, delightful trip with Polly and Pa!

Reply
Liz Francis on July 4, 2025 at 11:18 am

I watched Swan Song last night. What a beautiful documentary not just of our lovely NC but for the pure love you have for Polly. I too became extremely emotional knowing this was her last wagon adventure. I was touched to see the love and the bond you have for each other but after 33 years, yep a bond. I was excited to learn the history of Lake Mattamuskett and to visit with the lovely people along the way. It was my pleasure to meet you and Polly. May you continue to enjoy the adventure and stay safe. Best regards. BTW…Life is good when you’re eating a bowl of fresh collards and corn pone bread!!I’m blessed to have some freshly dug, delicious Mattamuskeet onions in my pantry now.

Reply
- Bernie on July 4, 2025 at 11:41 am
  
  Dear Liz,
  I’m thrilled you enjoyed Swan Song. PBS NC, director Morgan Potts and the film crew did an otherworldly good job capturing and sharing this experience.
  Morgan did a masterful job balancing the bond Polly and I have with the incredible scenery around Lake Mattamuskeet and the generous folks we met like Thomas. Long live fresh collards and pone bread!
  I’m jealous about the freshly dug Mattamuskeet sweets in your pantry. It makes me feel good, though, to have shared them with the world on my mule ramble.
  Happy Fourth of July, Liz!
  Bernie and mule Polly who would say hi but is out grazing down the valley with her herd
  
  Reply