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Watch the Emmy-Winning “Mule Rider” on PBS North Carolina

Published October 3, 2013

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

Are you curios what it’s like to spend a week traveling in a mule wagon? Last winter, mule Polly and I hit the road with a film crew from PBS North Carolina. We spent the better part of a week traveling the back roads of eastern North Carolina – from Oriental to Aurora. Through the dormant potato fields, past the moored shrimp boats and giant rusting anchors. We visited with net maker Virgil Potter and guitar picker John Carawan.

Bernie Harberts and mule Polly heading up the road through Pamlico County, North Carolina — Mule Polly and I heading up the road through Pamlico County. This is the same red wagon we spent half a year traveling across Newfoundland with.

What the film crew captured that blustery week recently aired as the “Mule Rider” segment on the “Our State” TV program. It’s the most authentic look in to wagon life I’ve seen. Plus, it won an Emmy Award. Great job guys!

You can watch “Mule Rider” for free here on YouTube.com

Mule Polly and Bernie Harberts inviting readers on a mule wagon trip

Join mule Polly and me for a mighty mule wagon trip.

Map note: map shows location of Mayo’s Supplies outside Hobucken, North Carolina. Polly and I spent a windy night in the pine grove across the street from the commercial docks. In the “Mule Rider” program, this is where you see the “Sorry I missed you” note.

More adventures by horse and mule: Travel by Horse and Mule.

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